Trail Ride of the Living Dead
—
8 Nights: From USD $5,769 pp sharing
Experience Mexico's Day of the Dead on Horseback
Ride through Mexico’s historic heartlands, where cactus valleys, mountain forests and rural villages lead you into the vibrant traditions of the Day of the Dead.
The Trail Ride of the Living Dead is one of Mexico’s most unusual horse riding holidays, combining several days of riding through historic landscapes with an immersive experience of Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions. The journey takes you from Atotonilco and Dolores Hidalgo through rural communities, cactus valleys and the forested mountains of the Sierra Central before finishing in Guanajuato, one of the country’s most important cultural destinations.
The riding route follows sections of the historic Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, passing through landscapes shaped by Indigenous heritage, colonial history and Mexico’s War of Independence. You will ride through small communities and the so-called mystery villages, cross semi-desert valleys filled with cacti and acacias, and continue into oak and pine forests in the highlands. One of the highlights is spending two nights at a traditional Mexican ranch, where you and the horses can be dressed as Catrinas for a themed parade, photography session and dinner.
This horse riding holiday in Mexico is best suited to confident intermediate and above riders who enjoy multi-day trail riding and varied terrain. The programme includes long riding days with a mixture of walking, trotting and faster riding where the terrain allows. Horses are carefully matched to riders according to experience, weight, height and temperament, with trained Mexican Quarter Horses selected for their suitability to the terrain and the demands of the expedition.
The Trail Ride of the Living Dead is a wonderful choice for riders looking to experience Mexico from a different perspective, combining time in the saddle with the country’s fascinating history, rural communities and deeply rooted cultural traditions. From riding along historic routes and through remote mountain villages to dressing as Catrinas alongside your horse, this is a journey where the riding and the cultural experience are closely intertwined.
Quick Facts
Location:
Guanajuato, Mexico
Airport:
Del Bajío International Airport (León)
Month:
October – November
Duration:
8 Nights
Group Size:
Max 12 / Min 6
Riding Level:
Intermediate to Advanced
Weight Limit:
110kg / 242lbs
Accommodation:
Boutique Hotels, Mountain House & Glamping Camp
Solo Traveller Friendly:
Great for solo travellers who are willing to share
AN IDEA ON WHAT TO EXPECT
This itinerary is subject to change and should be considered an example rather than an exact timetable. Rides may vary depending on weather, location, accommodation and the difficulty of the terrain, while the exact programme of Day of the Dead events may differ slightly from year to year. Any changes will be made by your guides with your comfort, safety and overall experience in mind. This is a sporty and adventurous holiday, so flexibility and a sense of celebration are all part of the journey.
Arrive at Rancho Las Palmas after 5pm, where you will be welcomed by the hosts and introduced to the guides and fellow riders. After checking in, you will meet your horse and receive your welcome kit before enjoying a relaxed welcome cocktail and an introduction to the journey ahead.
Your first day in the saddle begins at the Sanctuary of Jesus of Nazareno in Atotonilco, a remarkable 18th-century church known for its extraordinary Mexican Baroque murals. From here, ride into the countryside along sections of the historic Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, following a route shaped by Indigenous heritage, colonial history and Mexico’s War of Independence.
The ride passes through historic landscapes before stopping for a picnic lunch at a property with connections to the Independence War. Continue towards Dolores Hidalgo, where the evening offers the chance to experience the town’s unique Day of the Dead traditions.
The morning begins with time to explore Dolores Hidalgo, one of Mexico’s most historically important towns and the birthplace of the country’s independence movement. From here, the ride heads into the surrounding countryside and through a striking valley filled with cacti, acacias and small rural communities.
After a picnic lunch among the semi-desert landscapes, continue on horseback towards the day’s destination, a remote setting with the atmosphere of an old Western film. A transfer then returns you to Dolores Hidalgo for another evening immersed in the town’s Day of the Dead traditions.
After breakfast, return to the horses and continue into the mountains of the Sierra Central. The landscape changes as the cactus valleys give way to oak and pine forests, high mountain scenery and small communities scattered among the hills.
A picnic lunch is enjoyed along the way before continuing towards Santa Rosa, a small mountain village nestled in the highlands. This is a day of varied riding through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the journey.
Today’s ride continues through the remote communities known as the Mystery Villages, where Chichimec heritage, mining history and the traditions of the Cristero region come together. Legends and stories from the surrounding communities add to the atmosphere as the route winds through the mountains.
The day’s destination is Colomitos Ranch, a traditional Mexican ranch set within a small rural community. The evening brings a relaxed night beneath the stars, with time to enjoy the atmosphere of the ranch and the company of fellow riders.
Today brings one of the most memorable experiences of the journey. After breakfast, riders and horses are transformed into Catrinas, one of the most recognisable symbols of Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations.
Once everyone is ready, take part in a short horse parade around the ranch followed by a photography and video session. The rest of the day is spent enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Colomitos Ranch before a special themed dinner brings the celebrations to a close.
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Guanajuato, one of Mexico’s most atmospheric colonial cities and a wonderful place to experience the Day of the Dead. A guided walk through the historic centre introduces the city’s traditional offerings and decorations, with time afterwards to explore independently and discover the local restaurants and atmosphere.
Depending on the annual programme, theatrical performances connected to the Day of the Dead may also take place in the main square, adding to the lively atmosphere of the city. Lunch and dinner are not included on this day and are for your own account.
After breakfast, visit the Mummy Museum before continuing on foot through Guanajuato’s historic centre. The city’s narrow alleys, colonial buildings, plazas and gardens provide a fascinating setting for the Day of the Dead celebrations.
The day includes visits to the monumental offering, El Tapete de la Muerte and the La Catrina Vive Festival, with live mariachi music adding to the atmosphere. There is also free time to continue exploring the city and enjoy its restaurants and cafés. Lunch and dinner are not included on this day and are for your own account.
Enjoy a final breakfast in Guanajuato before saying goodbye to the city and beginning your onward journey.
ACTIVITIES ON THE TRAIL RIDE OF THE LIVING DEAD
Here are some of the unforgettable activities you can do while on The Riders of the Ancient Desert Expedition in Mexico.
HORSES & TACK ON THE RIDERS OF THE ANCIENT DESERT EXPEDITION
THE HORSES
The Trail of the Living Dead is ridden on a dependable herd of Mexican Charro horses, selected for their calm temperaments, stamina, and confidence across the varied landscapes of central Mexico. Surefooted and responsive, they are well suited to mountain trails, forest tracks, and open countryside, making them reliable partners throughout the journey.
THE TACK
You will ride in traditional Mexican Charro and Vaquero saddles, designed to provide comfort and stability during long days in the saddle. Their secure construction is well suited to the varied terrain, allowing you to ride confidently across mountain trails, forests, and remote countryside while enjoying the changing scenery. Every saddle, saddle pad, girth, bridle, and piece of equipment is individually fitted to each horse and regularly inspected throughout the ride. This careful attention helps prevent pressure points and rubbing while keeping both horse and rider comfortable from the first day to the last. Combined with regular tack checks during rest stops, the equipment is thoughtfully managed to support a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
GET INSPIRED FOR THE TRAIL RIDE OF THE LIVING DEAD
DATES & RATES
Open each year over the Day of the Dead celebrations, with one set departure from late October to early November. Please enquire for exact dates and availability.
2027 SEASON:
26 October – 03 November 2027
31 October – 08 November 2027 (SAHS Exclusive Ride)
8 Nights From:
USD $5,769
per person sharing
Note: Prices are linked to the Mexican Peso – in the case of strong exchange rate fluctuations, the price can be adjusted up to 3 weeks before departure.
2028 SEASON:
Not yet released, please enquire for details.
EXTRAS (Subject to Change)
Single Supplement available on request
TRANSFERS (subject to change)
Airport transfers to and from Del Bajío International Airport (León) are not included and can be arranged locally at an affordable rate.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY ON THE TRAIL RIDE OF THE LIVING DEAD
ATOTONILCO, 4 STAR HOTEL
This peaceful 4-star hotel provides a comfortable start to the journey in the culturally significant region around Atotonilco. Accommodation is in twin-sharing rooms, with single occupancy available on request and subject to availability. All rooms have private en suite bathrooms. The property has a rustic character and is set among mesquite trees and native cacti, providing a peaceful introduction to the landscapes and traditions of central Mexico.
DOLORES HIDALGO, 3 STAR HOTEL
Located in the historic centre of Dolores Hidalgo, this hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring one of Mexico's most historically significant towns. Accommodation is in twin-sharing rooms, with single occupancy available on request and subject to availability, and all rooms have private en suite bathrooms. Its central location allows guests to explore the town on foot and experience its colonial architecture, local atmosphere and Day of the Dead traditions.
MOUNTAIN HOUSE, SIERRA CENTRAL
This mountain house is a private retreat nestled in the Central Highlands of Mexico, surrounded by forests, mountain landscapes and one of the region's important biodiversity areas. The accommodation is in shared rooms, with single occupancy available on request and subject to availability. Bathrooms are shared, with separate facilities for men and women. Its colonial-style architecture and peaceful mountain setting provide a simple and atmospheric overnight stay in the heart of the Sierra Central.
COLOMITOS RANCH, GLAMPING CAMP
At Colomitos Ranch, guests spend two nights in twin-sharing glamping tents, with single occupancy available on request and subject to availability. Shared bathroom facilities are provided, with separate facilities for men and women. Set at an authentic Mexican ranch in a small rural community, the camp offers a more informal and outdoors-focused experience. Evenings are spent together around the ranch, with open-bar evenings, a themed dinner and the atmosphere of rural Mexico.
GUANAJUATO, 4 STAR HOTEL
This 4-star hotel provides a comfortable base in the heart of Guanajuato, one of Mexico's most important destinations for Day of the Dead celebrations. Accommodation is in twin-sharing rooms, with single occupancy available on request and subject to availability, and all rooms have private en suite bathrooms. Its location allows guests to explore the historic centre on foot, with the city's narrow streets, plazas, historic buildings and colourful Day of the Dead displays close by.
THE DESTINATION
Atotonilco, Dolores Hidalgo & the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
The central highlands of Mexico are a region of historic towns, semi-desert valleys and rural communities shaped by Indigenous, Spanish and colonial influences. The route follows sections of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a historic road that once connected Mexico City with the northern territories of New Spain and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The area is also closely associated with Mexico’s War of Independence, with Dolores Hidalgo recognised as the birthplace of the movement.
Guanajuato
Guanajuato is a historic city in the central highlands of Mexico, built among steep hills and narrow valleys. Founded as a mining settlement, its historic centre contains colourful colonial buildings, plazas, churches and winding alleyways that reflect the city’s Spanish and Indigenous heritage. The Historic City of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Today, Guanajuato is also one of Mexico’s most important centres for traditional Day of the Dead celebrations.
HOW WE CARE FOR OUR HORSES
Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses on the Trail Ride of the Living Dead are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. The horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care::
- The horses are carefully inspected before and after every riding day, with checks covering their overall health, body condition, hydration, hooves, horseshoes, tack fit, signs of fatigue, lameness or discomfort
- The horses are matched to riders according to factors including the rider’s weight, height and riding experience, as well as each horse’s temperament
- Regular breaks are built into each riding day to allow the horses to rest, rehydrate and have their tack checked
- Reserve horses are available to help reduce individual workloads whenever necessary
- The horses can drink from clean mountain streams and natural ponds along the route and, whenever conditions allow, graze freely during rest stops and at the end of the riding day
- Their diet is supplemented with hay and concentrate feed whenever necessary to maintain good body condition and energy levels
- When not working, the horses live in open spaces where they can move freely, graze and interact socially with other horses
- Mexican Charro and Vaquero saddles are used, with saddles, saddle pads, girths, bridles and other equipment regularly inspected and individually fitted to help prevent pressure points, rubbing and discomfort
- The horses receive regular veterinary care, deworming, equine dentistry and routine hoof care and shoeing when required by the terrain and working conditions
- The horses are handled with patience and respect, with guides continuously monitoring their physical condition and behaviour throughout the expedition
- Any horse showing signs of an issue that could compromise its well-being receives appropriate care and, when necessary, is replaced by another horse
Please chat to us if you have any more questions about this.
Related Safaris
The Central Colombia Trail
Journey from hacienda to hacienda through Colombia's Andean highlands, colonial villages and the La Candelaria Desert.
Estancia Rio Quillen Riding Holiday
Wake up to horses on your doorstep and experience authentic estancia life beneath Patagonia's magnificent Lanín Volcano.
Estancia Los Potreros Riding Holiday
Trade the everyday for a week of riding, asados and authentic gaucho life on one of Argentina’s most welcoming estancias.
Lanin Volcano Trail
Horse riding in Patagonia at its wildest, following historic gaucho trails through the heart of the Andes.
Colombia Beyond Trail
Embark on an untamed expedition across Colombia, riding from historic Barichara into the wild Sierra Nevada.
The Coffee Trail Ride
Ride through Brazil's rolling coffee country, staying on traditional fazendas and experiencing authentic rural life.