Take part in one of the most important equestrian festivals in Mexico, a tradition of more than half a century, which gathers approximately 4000 Mexican horseback riders from all parts of the country, who meet each January on Cristo Rey Mountain, considered the Geographical center of Mexico.

After completing the pilgrimage, continue the horseback route as a private group and explore the historical "Mystery Villages”. Ride through, and camp in the valley of the blue birds, while following ancient springs to the community of Santa Rosa. This is a horseback riding vacation for fit intermediate riders and above due to the long hours in the saddle. While there are opportunities to canter, much of the ride is at walk due to the mountainous terrain.

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Day 1 Arrival
Arrive at the meeting point in the city of León Guanajuato for 12:30pm. From there, stop at a local saddlery shop with traditional clothing and equipment of the Mexican equestrian culture. This is the perfect opportunity for those who wish to dress up in the Mexican horseman style clothing to make a few purchases. Then transfer by car (about 2-hour drive) to a former Jesuit Hacienda located between the mountainous area of Sierra de Lobos, it is currently composed of 2,650 hectares of beautiful landscapes and more than 3 million native oak trees. Here, enjoy a rich welcome dinner and stay for the night.

Day 2
After a delicious breakfast transfer to the community of "El Salto del Ahogado" where the horses await. Here, join the group of riders coming from “El Torreon”, and join the contingent of pilgrims. Depart on horseback in the direction of Nuevo Valle de Moreno and take a horseback ride through ancient roads in the mountainous area of Santa Barbara, until reaching the community of Nuevo Valle de Moreno. Overnight stay with a local family and enjoy some home cooked food before setting up camp for the evening.

Day 3
After an early breakfast at the campsite, (before 5 o´clock am), set off in the saddle by 6am to ride out together with hundreds of Mexican riders. Ride by starlight until the sun rises. Continue until reaching “Tuna Mansa” on the slopes of the Cubilete mountain, considered the geographical center of Mexico. Stop for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon set off for a 657m climb to reach the Cubilete mountain top where the monument to Cristo Rey is located. Gather with the melee of hundreds of horseman and horses, greeting the groups of riders who travel from different parts of Mexico each year for several decades on the top of the mountain. Most of local riders will remain there the whole night before the big celebration. Transfer to comfortable accommodation just few kilometers from there.

Day 4
After breakfast at the Parador riders can attend Holy Mass with the presence of the Archbishop and with more than 3,500 horses and riders. This is an experience difficult to describe. Today will mainly be spent witnessing the equestrian tradition and faith of Mexican culture. Lunch is the typical food of the region. After lunch, transfer to Hacienda Jesus Maria, a charming hotel located in a historic place and part of a sustainable tourist complex of the Sangre de Cristo community along with the “Caminos D’vinos” vineyard. The perfect place to relax after long days on horseback.

Day 5
After breakfast at the hacienda, the group leave the pilgrimage and continue on their own on a round-trip through the "Mystery Villages”, three old communities where the historical aspects of the Chichimeca indigenous people, the Cristero región that inspired Hollywood, and Silver mining. At the end of the 19th century, these three villages were at the heart of a prosperous mining enclave, but became ghost towns, however this was one of the most prosperous mining enclaves in the region. In 1929 this territory was reincorporated to the municipality of Guanajuato and what use to be a thriving community numbering thousands, only only totals about 300 inhabitants. In the evening head back to the "Hacienda Jesús María" - or similar

Day 6
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to continue the journey and ride in the direction of "El Varal", a nature reserve that is located in the north of the state of Guanajuato; adjoins the rural communities of Joya de Lobos, Santa Rosa, La Concepción and Los Mexicans. Today´s horse journey leads to the valley of the bluebirds, to set up our camp and enjoy a night  in this magnificent natural setting. Enjoy a BBQ dinner, campfire and music.

Day 7
After breakfast in the camp continue on our last day on horseback to the rural community of Santa Rosa. Ride along the springs ancient path that borders a mountainous area and passes through a cavern that houses a spring of crystalline water that filters through the Santa Rosa mountains. Continue ascending and descending through natural landscapes, though the forest, home to hundreds of animal species such as the puma, the coyote, raccoons, armadillos and many others, until reaching Santa Rosa to enjoy lunch and end our adventure on horseback. Overnight in the Hotel Posada – Guanajuato

Day 8
After breakfast, take a walking tour to the unique city of Guanajuato. The first known inhabitants of the area were the pre-hispanic indigenous groups Otomi, who were then displaced by the Chichimeca. Mining had been done in this area long before the Spanish arrived and some stories from this time state that the area was so rich in minerals that nuggets of gold could be picked up from the ground. Currently, the city of Guanajuato is a colonial city with beautiful buildings that contain the elements from the two main cultures that created the city, indigenous and Hispanic. Protected by its inhabitants and government, Guanajuato was declared by UNESCO as the “Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines” in December 1988 and is today considered "the most beautiful colonial city of Mexico”. In the evening, enjoy a farewell Dinner in the traditional restaurant.

Day 9
After breakfast at the hotel depart for the airport and start your journey home.

Out of respect for the client's time and logistics, all programs must start on the date and time scheduled.The hosts cannot wait for customers that are coming late on their flights. It is strongly recommend arriving at least 24 hours prior day 1 of the program. In case of late arrival, the customer will pay a $199.00 'Service Transfer' to the next meeting point with the group

*Special food requests (vegetarian, etc.) must be requested on the day of booking the trip.   

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Horses & Riding

The horses used on this trail are mainly Quarter horses and Mexican Criollo, they are fit, responsive and willing, ranging from 15hh - 16.2hh. The tack utilised is Mexican or Western as standard, although 2 English saddles are available on request.


Rider requirements

This trail requires a confident rider secure with all three paces. (walk, trot and canter), riders will be covering 25-35km/day over 5-7 hours so a reasonable fitness level is necessary.

Depending on the group, gallops in open spaces may be proposed by the guide. There will be some narrow paths to navigate both descending and climbing.

Riders can, if they want, saddle and unsaddle their horse but this is optional and the guide is happy to do this.
The minimum age for this ride is 14 years. Riders aged 14-18 must be accompanied by an adult and a signed letter of consent from the parent/guardian must be submitted.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation includes a mix of guesthouses, hotels and camping. Meals are based on regional Mexican food and include: beef, pork, chicken, eggs, fruits, vegetables, cereals, rice, milk, coffee, natural fruit juices, purified bottled water.



During the trail, most of the food is prepared by the rural communities we visit, made with fresh ingredients and hygienically prepared. In many cases with pre-hispanic ancestral recipes, showcasing some unique flavours and textures.


Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. If Visa’s are required the requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate on request. General information: At the time of going to print visas are not required for UK passport holders, check www.fco.gov.uk or call on 0207 008 0232/0233 for up to date travel advice. In Mexico City the UK high commission is at Rio Lerma 71, Col Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico City, Rio Lerma 71,Col Cuauhtémoc ,06500 México City. Tel: (52) (55) 5242 8500 Fax: (52) (55) 5242 8517. The Mexican Embassy in the U.K is at 16 St George Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 1LX. Tel: 020 7499 8586 Fax: 020 7495 4035 Email: mexuk@easynet.co.uk.

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions


Climate Summary

In January the area experiences cooler weather. Mornings feel fresh, average temperatures in the day: 17 to 23 ° C - night: 8 to 12 ° C), Rain (unlikely).


Climate Chart

Health

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Health authorities have classified Mexico as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.

On arrival in Mexico City and other high altitude areas, you may feel a lack of energy, shortness of breath or headaches.

Drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Mexico and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.

Health (ride specific)

There are no specific health requirements in the area of the ride although do remember sun block - the ride takes place at some altitude and the sun is always stringer the higher you are. Please see your doctor for the most up to date information.
At the time of going to print visas are not required for most European and US/Canadaian citizens but do check with the Mexican embassy before travelling.

Electricity

In Mexico the supply voltage is 127V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 127V).

Mobile, WiFi and charging

Digital camera's and phones can be charged at the hotels overnight with suitable adaptors (US style). Recommend taking battery charging packs for camp nights. Wifi/internet charges are not included and may apply.

Packing List

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot).
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Hat
- Summer shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Waterproof jacket in case of rain (0.26 cm prec. prom)
- Light jacket for warm weather
- Sweater
- Sleeping bag
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Chafing cream
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding

Provided by hosts
- Saddlebags
- Picnic Mat
- Camping equipment (Except sleeping bag, personal flashlight and canteen)
- Luggage Support Vehicle

Programmes

This is a 9 day /8 night program with 6 days riding on one set date.

Departure Dates

2025: 3 - 11 January (Full)
2026: 3 - 11 Jan

Pricing
No single rooms available (on some or all nights). Riders must be prepared to share with someone of the same sex.
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description £
20259d/8n6double pp3,475
20259d/8n6Small group supplement 2 - 5 pp619
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description
20259d/8n6double pp4,175
20259d/8n6Small group supplement 2 - 5 pp745
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description US $
20259d/8n6double pp4,479
20259d/8n6Small group supplement 2 - 5 pp769
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description SEK
20259d/8n6double pp48,859
20259d/8n6Small group supplement 2 - 5 pp8,499
Recommended Reading

Sons of the Shaking Earth - Eric Wolf. A wonderfully readable introduction to Mexican history.

The Maya (Ancient Peoples and Places) - Michael D Coe

Aztecs: An Interpretation - Inga Clendinnen. A fascinating, thought-provoking and vividly dramatic look into the heart of Aztec society.

Distant Neighbors: A Portrait of the Mexicans - Alan Riding, is an excellent guide to understanding modern Mexico and its love-hate relationship with the United States.

So Far So God: A Journey to Central America - Patrick Marnham. A vivid account of a trip from California, through Mexico to the badlands of Central America. The title comes from the saying 'Poor Mexico! So far from God, so close to the United States.'

Like Water For Chocolate - Laura Esquivel. This book created a huge interest in things Mexican when it was published in 1989. Set in rural Mexico at the time of the revolution, the novel manages to combine fantasy with recipes.

All the Pretty Horses - Cormac McCarthy. A poetic tale of three young latter-day cowboys riding south of the border.

European novelists have long been attracted by Mexico. Graham Greene's 1930s travelogue The Lawless Roads and his great novel The Power and the Glory; Aldous Huxley's Beyond the Mexique Bay and DH Lawrence's burdensome The Plumed Serpent, which is intent on asking all the big questions about Mexican life.

The Mango Orchard: The extraordinary true story of a family lost and found A young Englishman who travelled in Columbia, Guatemala and Mexico, in part to trace the fascinating story of his great grandfather's adventures in Central America a century ago. There is a great twist at the end, which we won't spoil.



Of course a mandatory copy of Lonely Plant Guide is invaluable.


Other Activities

Reading, playing cards, listening to Mexican music.

Wildlife

The predominant type of vegetation is the Encino Forest, combined with native species such as Madroño and Pinguica.  It is also natural habitat for mammalian species such as the white-tailed deer, wildcat, cacomixtle (ring tailed cat),  listed skunk and long-nosed bat, also reporting more than 170 species of birds, pointing to Cooper's hawk, the peregrine falcon and the cuckold owl, among many more. Type of vegetation you can observe: Semi-desertic area, Valles of cactus, oak and madrone, forest, wetlands.

Other animals you may observe on your journey: Cougars, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, foxes, ringtails, Hare, Armadillos, opossums, deer, snakes, pumas and more than 100 bird species.

Other Country Information

Mexico is a vast country. The Sierra Madre and Rocky Mountains run south from the border with the US. The interior consists of an elevated plateau. Northern Mexico is dry and desert-like, while the south is mountainous jungle containing the ruins of ancient Mayan and Aztec city complexes. These indigenous civilizations are credited with many inventions including: building pyramid-temples, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, highly-accurate calendars, fine arts, intensive agriculture, engineering, an abacus calculation, a complex theology, and the wheel. Without any draft animals the wheel was used only as a toy. The only metals they apparently knew how to use were native copper and gold. The people of Mexico today are a mixture of descendants from Spanish and other immigrants, mainly Europeans, who settled in Mexico from the sixteenth century onwards, and mestizos - mixed European and indigenous ancestry, as well as the many indigenous groups. It is a nation where affluence, poverty, natural splendour and urban blight rub shoulders. It is also one of the worlds most bio-diverse countries with an incredible and colourful array of fauna and flora. Mexico is six to eight hours behind GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code is +52.


Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
In the lobby of Hotsson Hotel Blvd, city of León Guanajuato.
Transfer:
2025: Return group transfers can be arranged for US$150 (up to 8 pax, payable on site)
Taxi to meeting place (1-4 pax) +/- $85 return. Private transfers are available on enquiry and payable on site)
Flight Guide:
2025: London to Guanajuato International Airport - Silao (BJX) return from £865pp
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