Horse riding holidays in Mexico are the perfect way to connect with the locals and explore the more remote and spectacular areas of the country. These adventures allow you to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and picturesque landscapes that make Mexico so unique. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stay in traditional haciendas, try authentic Mexican cuisine, and discover a side of Mexico that most tourists never get to see, venturing off the beaten path into places inaccessible by car or bus.
Mexico is bordered by the United States to the north and Belize and Guatemala to the south. The Gulf of Mexico lies on one side of this distinctive shaped country, and the North Pacific Ocean on the other. It has a corresponding geographical diversity, from high mountains, through deserts, long beaches and dense jungle, mirrored by the many varied and vibrant cultures of the country. From the colorful colonial towns rich in history and ancient Mayan ruins, to bustling cities and quaint rural villages, Mexico has something for everyone.
Escape the ordinary and experience Mexico in a way few travelers ever do on a horseback riding trip from Unicorn Trails.
A Brief History of Mexico
Mexico’s history dates back to the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, Mayans, and many others that thrived long before Spanish colonization. When the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, they brought horses and riding traditions, which gradually merged with local customs. These equestrian practices became an integral part of Mexican culture, especially in rural areas where horses remain essential for cattle work and travelling through difficult terrain. After gaining independence from Spain in the 1820s, Mexico retained many Spanish influences, including the Spanish language, which evolved into what is now known as Mexican Spanish. Despite these influences, Mexico's culture is a vibrant blend of its indigenous roots and colonial heritage.
The Azteca: The National Horse of Mexico
The Mexicans have always loved their horses. The original and oldest Mexican breed is the small Galiceño horse descended from the original Spanish horses left in Mexico.
The Azteca breed was created in 1972 from a combination of the Andalusian horse, American Quarter Horse, and Mexican Criollo. It is known as the national horse of Mexico and is a great source of pride for Mexicans. It is used in many competitive disciplines such as Charreadas (Mexican rodeos).
Another popular horse is the Appendix, a first generation cross of Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred, which produces a larger yet very athletic horse.
The Mexican Charro saddle, an essential part of these traditions, is different from Western saddles. It features wider horns and dual back grips, specifically designed to provide stability and support for the demanding activities of Charreadas and cattle work of the Charros.
Our Horseback Riding Vacations in Mexico
At Unicorn Trails, we offer a fantastic range of horseback riding vacations in Mexico, designed to cater to a variety of riding abilities, interests, and preferences. Some of our rides include:
The Ajusco National Park Ride is centered around a historic farmhouse at 2,700m above sea level, with spectacular views of the valley around Mexico City, the Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl and the Nevado de Toluca volcanoes. The ranch is home to various horse breeds, including Friesians, Quarter Horses, Canadian Warmbloods and Tennessee-Arabian mixes. Accommodation includes classic rooms that have private bathrooms and balconies overlooking the stables, suites with private patios and a master suite with a private jacuzzi and terrace dining option. The ranch maintains an authentic Mexican atmosphere while also providing modern amenities such as WiFi, heating and plenty of recreational facilities. A perfect place to start a trip and recover from the journey.
The Central Highlands Adventure covers Guanajuato's most bio-diverse regions. On this trip, riders get to spend nights in three-star hotels, camps and a mountain retreat in the former mining village of Santa Rosa. The camps have spacious tents with awnings, dining gazebos and LED lighting. The trail covers 25-35km daily over 6-8 hours, and you will need to be a confident rider who is comfortable with all paces. The responsive Quarter horses and Mexican Criollos, range from 15hh to 16.2hh, and they are well-suited to the varied terrain.
The Hacienda to Hacienda Trail gives riders an immersive experience of real Mexico with stays in family-run working cattle haciendas. Riders get to spend 4-6 hours daily in the saddle and cover diverse landscapes on Mexican Criollo and Quarter Horses. The trail also gives visitors the opportunity to interact with hacienda owners which can give genuine insights into Mexican rural life. Breakfast is always an important occasion and guests are invited to help prepare traditional dishes like Chilaquiles or Molletas, accompanied by fresh tropical fruit juices.
The Silver Mines Expedition follows the historic Silver Route through Guanajuato's highlands and visits UNESCO World Heritage sites, including San Miguel de Allende and Atotonilco. Riders travel through landscapes that range from semi-desert to oak forests and wetlands and stay in high-standard hotels with en-suite rooms. Three of the accommodations provided are 4/5-star properties with spa facilities and swimming pools. The trail covers around 25-35km daily, which is around 5-7 hours of riding through terrain that includes narrow mountain paths and open valleys.
Each of our horse riding holidays in Mexico requires varying levels of experience, but most demand at least intermediate riding ability and good physical fitness. The treks use primarily Mexican or Western tack, although some locations offer English saddles upon request.
Getting to Mexico
Traveling to Mexico from the UK and USA is straightforward, with regular direct flights operating from major cities such as London, New York, and Los Angeles to Mexico City (MEX) and Cancun (CUN). For those heading to more remote areas or smaller cities, indirect flights with convenient connections are widely available. For specific details on meeting points and transfer options, please check the travel information provided on each ride page. If you need further assistance, we’re here to help you plan your trip and can provide additional tips to ensure your journey is smooth and hassle-free.
The Best Time to Travel to Mexico for Horseback Riding
The climate in Mexico is divided into two main seasons: the dry season, which lasts from December to May, and the rainy season from June to November. With sunny, pleasant weather year-round, horseback riding is enjoyable in any season. The hottest months are typically March through May, as temperatures rise ahead of the rainy season. June, July, and August and generally the wettest months, though rainfall is still moderate and typically occurs in short bursts. The cooler months from November to February offer comfortable temperatures for riding, with occasional cooler nights.
Other Attractions and Activities on Offer in Mexico
Mexico has such a wide range of attractions and activities on offer. There are luxurious modern resorts with stunning beaches, natural reserves, colonial architecture, lively festivities and cultural traditions, not to mention a huge selection of incredible ancient sites.
Our riding centers also provide a variety of additional activities. At the Ajusco ranch, for example, guests can enjoy squash, basketball, volleyball, and football, as well as relax in a heated swimming pool and steam room. Many other accommodations feature swimming pools, spa facilities, and opportunities to savor traditional Mexican cuisine. The natural environment in Mexico also gives visitors plenty of opportunities for wildlife observation.
Learn More About Our Horseback Riding Trails in Mexico
For more information about any of our Mexico horseback riding trails, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable Unicorn Trails team. We are experts in horseback riding holidays and can provide you with independent advice tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for the best time to travel, want to learn more about the trails themselves, or are interested in unique add-ons to enhance your trip, we’re here to help.
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