Mexican Hospitality on the Route of the Sierras

The host’s ranch is approximately 50km North-East of Mexico City gets five stars for both hospitality and horses. From the moment we met owner, Alejandro Villasenor and his friend and business partner Gustavo Saavedra, we knew we were in good hands.  They welcomed us into their family ranch and treated us like royalty.  The exquisite traditional Mexican meals cooked by Alejandro’s daughter, Margarita, were followed with horse stories, reminiscing of the day, and humour provided by the very hospitable Jorge, Margarita’s husband.

Every day brought us closer to the ranch’s community, and even though we were only there for four days to assess the proposed Route of the Sierras holiday package for Unicorn Trails, we left feeling like part of the family. The moment we sat in the comfy western saddles and felt the horses instant response to light leg pressure and very little tension on the reins, we relaxed into the saddle and enjoyed the rides knowing we would be well looked after. My travel companions Ewa, Carrie and I are all eager to return.

Each morning the sun rose over the valley, lighting up the small riding ring with a warm glow before hitting the guest house perched above. The ranch encompasses five hectares and borders the Cumbres de Sierra Nevada National Park, offering trails of diverse terrain, ideal for the Route of the Sierras. From steep climbs that rewarded us with views over the valleys, to plateaus boasting small lakes that we cantered our horses in, each day was a different adventure. Riding through an old-growth forest to a traditional Mexican restaurant, tying the horses outside, and having lunch with the ranch hands felt like reliving an old Mexican western movie.

Alejandro, at the age of 76 is still holding his own in the saddle, and Gustavo, with his Sombrero-styled 10-gallon hat, were both a treat to ride with. On the first day, we were gifted small cups called “ cantaritos” which we kept tucked in our saddle bags ready for a tequila shot at any given moment to celebrate a nice long gallop or making it to the lunch stop in time.

Lunches on the Route of the Sierras were enjoyed at picnic tables in some of the most beautiful locations, in pristine valleys or beside winding rivers. Tortillas were served hot, warmed on a small fire, with a variety of traditional delicacies to fill them.

The sure-footed horses carried us to heights of 3,200m allowing us gorgeous views of the valleys below. Even on the narrow slippery path downhill, I had full confidence in my mount. They knew their job and knew it well. Canters were long and comfortable and to slow down I merely had to sink my seat into the saddle and my mare, Granada, would slow her pace.

Owner Alejandro is well known in the area for his breeding of quality Quarter horses and has a very well-stocked trophy room to prove it.  One can tell that the care of the horses is his first priority on the trails, stopping often to give the horses a break while climbing the steep terrain and the day’s ride always encompassing places for them to drink.

Some of the scenery, a small dam, a waterfall, the old-growth forests, and the Jewel, where crisp blue mountain waters are bordered by pillar-shaped rocks, are places I would have never imagined in Mexico, let alone so close to the city.

Sitting in front of the bonfire learning traditional Mexican cowboy songs, I looked around to see how happy everyone was, from Alejandro and Gustavo who were overjoyed to share their piece of paradise with us, to Ewa, Carrie, and I, having the times of our lives. I couldn’t think of a better place to be.

We chatted about the possibilities of the rides, taking in the traditional rodeos, called Charreadas, a day trip to the city for shopping, the spring flower festival and Gustavo even mentioned another ranch they owned that offered different terrain and sights.

Alejandro is part owner of another ranch in Lagos de Moreno in the state of Jalisco where guests can enjoy a 1200-hectare cattle ranch in the high Sierra. “We could ride there, eat with the cowboy’s families, and sleep and have breakfast in a fine small hacienda hotel where we are treated like family”. Alejandro tells me.  “The country is dry, broken, with ravines, creeks, hills, and astonishing views. There are cattle as well as fine stallions, mares, and colts” he continued.

It was with heavy hearts that we said our goodbyes so soon but are grateful for the time we spent. It will not be the last time we visit, I would like to think of it as the first of many. Hasta Luego….until next time.  If you do decide to venture on the Route of the Sierras, please give all at the ranch a warm hug for me

Unicorn Trails specializes in creating the perfect horse riding holiday for all levels of rider. Whether you are interested in the Route of the Sierras, or have something else in mind, we have over 300 rides across 58 counties, ensuring that there is a perfect match to your needs.

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