Day of the Dead, Mexico
This immersive experience invites you to discover the magic of this cultural treasure while riding horseback through breathtaking landscapes.More than just a journey, this program allows you to actively engage with the tradition, discovering firsthand why it has captured the hearts of people worldwide and inspired countless artistic expressions, from fashion to international films.Beyond exploring the profound cultural significance of the Day of the Dead, participants will be embraced by the warmth and hospitality that Mexico is known for.
On this travel plan, we will begin our horseback journey from the historic town of Atotonilco, following the historcial royal road Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, during the first days you will cross through small rural communities and mystery villages where we will witness their traditions displays and decorations related to the Day of the Dead festivities.And during the last three days, we will dedicate ourselves to discover and live from this tradition, in one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, Guanajuato also recognised for preserving the oldest traditions of our culture.Expect to ride through valleys of cacti, oak forests, pine trees and small communities full of history, nestled in the middle of big and highmountains, and surrounded by majestic natural landscapes.You will cover on average 30kms per day whilst in the saddle.
You’ll savor the diverse flavors of Mexico’s ancestral gastronomy, sample exquisite tequilas, and enjoy the sounds of mariachi music. You’ll ride through historic sites, UNESCO heritage cities, magical towns, and legendary villages, all while taking part in Day of the Dead festivities. Highlights include tasting traditional drinks, dressing up as catrinas, and staying in luxurious accommodations tailored to the charm of this remarkable journey.This horseback adventure will immerse you in the soul of Mexican culture, providing an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the country’s most treasured and internationally celebrated traditions, recognized on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Experience Día de los Muertos from the saddle
- Ride along the historic Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
- Immersive cultural festival experiences in Guanajuato
- Catrina-themed celebrations with horses and riders
- Visit UNESCO-listed and historic colonial towns
- Ride through diverse and striking landscapes
- Experience authentic Mexican food, music, and hospitality
- Combine riding with cultural immersion days
itinerary
Day 1
Check-in At hotel Rancho Las Palmas. 5pm official welcome by the host, with horse assignment and welcome cocktail & kit. Dinner & presentation of the program.
Day 2
To start this magnificent horse trip, what a better way to do it, than in the Sanctuary of Jesus of Nazarene. Today you will live a journey on horseback travelling back in time, riding our horses through the historic road to freedom, used for the liberators in the war of independence, back in 1816c.This old royal road known as Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a historically significant route spanning more than 2,500 kilometers, passes through ancient communities where very important historical aspects such as: Indigenous Chichimec, Independence war, and Indian Chapels.Lunch Picnic - Accommodation Hotel in Dolores
Day 3
Today takes you on a journey to discover Dolores Hidalgo which has great historical and cultural significance in Mexico. Then you will continue riding through the valley of cacti and small communities in this valley. You will enjoy your lunch in the middle of this exotic valley surrounded by cacti, acacias, and stunning semi-desertic landscape. Accommodation Hotel in Dolores
Day 4
Today, after breakfast you will be transferred by car back to place where horses areready. One of the greatest biodiversity areas in the region, through oak forests, pine treesand small communities full of history, nestled in the middle of big and high mountains, and surrounded by majestic natural landscapes. , until we reach ourdestination Santa Rosa. A small village in the middle of the mountains SIERRA CENTRALLunch picnic - Accommodation with open bar
Day 5
Today the journey continues through mystery villages. The magic and splendour of various communities in whichthe Chichimec culture, mining and a Cristero region converge, were unified in what as called- "Mystery villages". Accommodation - Rancho Colomitos, a small typical Mexican ranch, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a Glamping Camp
Day 6
After breakfast, at 10:00 am - our horses wait for us, so we can find the proper Alebrije form for them, and to be characterised in the form of catrinas.THE CATRINA IS CURRENTLY THE ICON OF THE DAY OF THE DEAD IN MEXICOYou will be able to characterise yourselves and our horses, to later make a short rodeo tour in the ranch with our horses, and enjoy a photo and video session.Themed dinner from 5:00 pm -Open Bar for everyone at the Colomitos Ranch
Day 7
After Breakfast, you will be transferred by car to the city of Guanajuato. During this day, you will be able to live with intensity the tradition of the day of thedead, in a town full of magic and mysticism, we will take a walking tour, guided through the route of “offerings” allusive to the day of the dead, you will visit the historic center, where we can see and live this unique tradition, later at 13:00 wewill take a break, so everyone can walk around and discover by yourself the magic and mysticism of this celebration.Meanwhile in this free time, you can enjoy your lunch in one of the many restaurants in the historic center. Accommodation Hotel in Guanajuato
Day 8
After Breakfast you will visit the Museum of the Mummies. Here you will appreciate the mummified remains of our ancestors, some of whichdate from an antiquity that goes back to 1870. It is considered the current largest collection of natural mummies in the world, a cultural heritage of the Municipality of Guanajuato, which today can be seen in this enclosure 57 items.Accommodation Hotel in Guanajuato
Day 9
Breakfast will be at the hotel and transfers should be organised after 11:30 am.
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Day of the Dead, Mexico
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
You’ll need to be a confident rider secure in walk, trot and canter, and with a reasonable level of fitness to enable you to spend most of the day in the saddle. There are some narrow, steep paths to navigate so you should be comfortable with this. Th weight limit is 110kg.
You’ll be guided by Angel, a highly experienced tour operator and guide who has created this trail with a focus on creating authentic, equestrian and cultural experiences. Angel has built a network of friends and contacts across the trail route so you will receive a warm welcome when passing through the remote villages and hamlets dotted along the trail.
The group size is 6-14
You’ll be riding Quarter horses or Mexican Criollo horses. All the horses at this destination are fit, responsive and willing, ranging from 15hh – 16.2hh. The horses are extremely fit and are able to cover the long distances with ease. You can tack up your horse each day if you like or this can be done for you by one of the guides. The tack used on the trail is either Mexican or Western although 2 English saddles can be used if requested.
Price includes
- Private local transfers
- Welcome kit
- Specialised guides & support staff
- Support vehicle for luggage transfer
- Meals, as indicated in the program.
- 8 nights of accommodation in hotels and Glamping as described in shared occupancy
- Cocktails and tequilas tasting
- Guided route of “offerings” in Guanajuato
- Visit the historic cemetery
- Attendance at the theatrical performances of the municipality of Guanajuato
- Private transfer to the city of Guanajuato
- Guided tour of the historic center of Guanajuato
- Visit of the “monumental offering” of Guanajuato
- Visit of the “Tapete de la muerte”
- Visit to the Festival “la Catrina Vive”
- Guided Visit to the mummies museum
- Body Painting workshop of catrinas and catrines.
- Painting and equipment necessary for characterization of catrinas for horses and riders.
- Photo session characterized as catrinas.
- Day of the Dead “themed dinner”.
- 3 nights of Open Bar (October the 29, 30 &
- 31st)
- Certificate
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Transfer in & out from the airport (due to local government regulations)
- Additional attractions entrances fees
- Bar service (except by those 2 mentioned on the program)
- Spa Services
- Travel insurance
- Single room
Accommodation
On the first day, you’ll be warmly welcomed at Rancho Las Palmas with a refreshing welcome cocktail to kick off your adventure. For the remainder of the trip, accommodations will include charming hotels and luxurious glamping sites, with shared room arrangements to enhance the communal experience.
Meals are based on regional Mexican food and include: beef, pork, chicken, eggs, fruit, vegetables, cereals, rice, milk, coffee, natural fruit juices and purified bottled water. During the trail most of the food is prepared by the rural communities you visit, and in many cases traditional, prehispanic, ancestral recipes are used so the flavors and textures are unique and can be very different from what many may think of as classic Mexican food. Lunch is eaten at picturesque spots on the trail and set up with tables, chairs and a canopy. The food could be a tasty hot stew, peppers stuffed with cheese and quesadillas alongside a generous helping of beer and wine. After these meals you’ll usually take a siesta on the grass, where you can doze in the sun before continuing in the afternoon.
On select evenings at the hotels, you’ll have the option to enjoy an open bar, providing the perfect opportunity to relax, share stories, and reflect on the day's adventures with your fellow riders.
Day of the Dead, Mexico
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Flight and transfer information
Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.
- Arrival airport: Bajio (BJX)
- Arrival time: Meet your hosts at the meeting point (Rancho Las Palmas – Atotonilco Gto.) at 5pm on Day 1
- Departure time: After 14h00
- Transfer arrangements: Private transfers from Bajio BJX Airport to Rancho Las Palmas - Atotonilco Village are approximately $100 USD each way per group (1-4). Alternatively you can take a taxi from the airport which costs between 65-85 USD
- We strongly recommend arriving in Mexico 24 hours prior to the start of the ride to allow for any flight delays.
Single room supplement: on demand based & limited availability
In the unlikely event that the minimum number of 6 participants is not reached, we can still guarantee the trip. In this case, an additional small group supplement cost of £640, is asked from each participant, in order to organise the program.