Price
2026
7 nights – $3,551 per person, sharing
Dates & Prices
MEXICO
Silver Route Trail
Overview
Saddle-up for an exhilarating horseback expedition through Mexico’s diverse landscapes, where every stride unveils a tapestry of natural wonders and rich historical legacies. Traverse a terrain that transitions from semi-desert vistas to lush oak forests and tranquil wetlands, offering a captivating glimpse into the country’s varied ecosystems.
Journey through rugged mountains and sprawling valleys adorned with towering cacti, encountering remnants of ghost towns, ancient Indian chapels, and sites steeped in profound historical significance. Explore the hidden gems of Mexico as you ride through UNESCO World Heritage colonial cities, enchanting magical towns, and majestic shrines, all interconnected by the storied Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, known as the 'Silver Route'. Guanajuato, nestled in the heart of Mexico, serves as the perfect starting point, surrounded by iconic destinations such as San Miguel de Allende, Atotonilco, and Guanajuato itself, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Mexico’s cultural heritage.
Trace the footsteps of ancient Aztec messengers and nomadic tribes along this historic path, revived by Spanish conquistadors who sought riches of gold and silver. Feel the pulse of the earth beneath you as you traverse landscapes once trodden by the armies of independence in 1810 and the revolutionary forces led by Pancho Villa in 1900. This unforgettable journey unveils the treasures of Mexico’s 500-year history.
Location
Guanajuato region, Central Highlands of Mexico
Airport
Guanajuato, Mexico
Duration
7 nights
When to go
All year
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Weight
110kg / 17.3 stone / 243 lbs
Group size
12 max
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses
Included
All riding, accommodation, 3 meals per day, 2 nights open bar.
Extras
Single supplement – $550
Excluded
Flights, transfers and tips.
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book with us and will refund the difference should you find the same riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Exchange rate
Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Transfers
At the airport, a taxi rank/office is situated outside the arriving hall, with registered taxis available to take you to your hotel. Uber is also readily available via their app. Alternatively, private transfers can be arranged in advance and payable on-site.
Approximate prices for transfers
Taxi (up to 4 people):
From the airport to the meeting point: $65 USD
From the ending place to the airport: $120 USD
Private transfer (up to 6 people):
From the airport to the meeting point: $95 USD
From the ending place to the airport: $160 USD
These options ensure a hassle-free journey to and from your destination, tailored to your preferences and group size.
Departure dates
2026
19 – 26 August
6 – 13 September
3 – 10 October
2 – 9 December
Riding & Itinerary
Day 1
Riders will be greeted at 5pm at the meeting point in Guanajuato city area agreed previously, and then we will be transferred to Rancho Colomitos, traditional Mexican ranch. Upon arrival to the ranch the riders will be wolcomed with a cocktail, meet the rest of the staff and will be briefed for the ride and week ahead. A welcome barbecue will be prepared by the cooks and enjoyed with a soft Mexican music playing in the background. Tonight’s accommodation is a camp at the ranch.
Day 2
After a delicious breakfast at the ranch, horses are waiting for us and we will start our adventure from Colomitos to Peñafiel, riding through rural communities in the area until reaching the foothills of the Montecillo mountains. We start ascending from 1,900 miles above sea level towards the old Cardones hacienda at 2,236 miles above sea level, witnessing the majesty of the central mountain range with its semi-desert landscape. It is these landscapes that people of then associate with Mexico and that remind us of the western films of Clint Eastwood, John Wayne and Gary Cooper.
We will see several ancient ruins of mines and over hundred years old haciendas from the Spanish Colonial times nestled in the mountains. We will cross the Cardo River and we can swim in the water coming from the sacred mountain spring, a small natural pool in the middle of the desert. Up the mountains, we reach the ancient remains of the Cardones Hacienda and its Lienzo Charro (Mexican horse Arena) at Peñafiel.
Our horses will stay there for the night and we will be transferred to the hotel located in the heart of Guanajuato’s historic centre, having the chance to see La Presa de la Olla, an ancient dam which is accessible through a beautiful passage built from the viceregal era. Guanajuato, a colonial city considered the most beautiful colonial city of Mexico, was created by two main cultures, Indian and Hispanic, marking the source of the Mexican nation. Protected by its inhabitants and government, state and municipal, Guanajuato was declared by UNESCO as the “Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines” in December 1988.
Dinner will be in a nice restaurant in one of the town plazas, where every night, regional music groups like Mariachis, bands or trios delight walkers with rancheras era songs. The dim light and music revokes us the past time and creates a magical atmosphere.
Day 3
After a delicious breakfast, we will be transferred back to our horses and start our adventure from the old silver mine towards the village of Santa Rosa, located in the heart of the central highlands at 2,850 meters height. We will follow the old royal road used 500 years ago during the Spanish colonial times to transport minerals, mainly gold and silver. We will pass by old gold and silver mines, as well as the beautiful rural communities Peñafiel, Monte San Nicolas, Peregrina, and Santa Rosa. We will see the Christ of the Cubilete, which is located on Cubilete Mountain, and is considered as the geographic centre of Mexico.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a tequila tasting at the mountain retreat saloon, and accompanied by soft Mexican music. By the evening, we will enjoy a delicious typical Mexican dinner, which for its originality and various flavours, colours, smells, and textures, is proudly recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage of humanity.
Day 4
After breakfast we will ride in the mountainous central highlands of Mexico with breathtaking landscapes, as rugged trails wind through the picturesque terrain. Towering peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant flora create a stunning backdrop for the journey. The ride offers a unique blend of tranquillity and exhilaration, with each turn revealing new panoramas. This is the most bio-diverse area of the state, with oak, pine, and arbutus forests. We will be surrounded by majestic nature and birds singing. There's an opportunity to see some coyote, puma and raccoon footprints on the path. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail, and will return to the mountain retreat for another night.
Day 5
After breakfast at the mountain retreat, we get ourselves ready for another ride in the heart of central highlands. As the trail progresses, we will see the environment change, with amazing views of the area with the huge mountains one side, and the semi-desert on the other. We will have the opportunity to do some canters on sandy paths and cactus forests until we get to our next destination, the old hacienda stables. Our horses will stay there for the night, and we will be transferred to the hotel located in the heart of the historical city of Dolores Hidalgo.
Day 6
Today we will explore Dolores Hidalgo, one of the most important historical cities of Mexico and known as the “Cradle of Mexican Independence”. It was here where the famous cry for freedom (Grito de Libertad) took place, which was the initial call to take up arms against the colonial regime and the Spanish crown. It was initiated by Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, at daybreak, on September 16th, 1810. We will make a brief tour of the historic centre on our horses, visiting some of the most emblematic buildings from the Independence War of Mexico.
In the evening, we will have the opportunity to visit the Wine Museum, enter to a “Real Mexican Cantina”, or just walk around and visit stores with a great variety of local handicrafts, and later that day we will enjoy dinner in a typical and unique garden restaurant. It is an old house dating back from the 18th century and known for serving delicious traditional dishes, and for the fireflies and wonderfully scented flowers in the gardens. In the evening, we will enjoy a fun farewell cocktail.
Day 7
After a delicious breakfast accompanied by a typical Mexican coffee called “café de la olla”, we will continue our journey riding from Dolores Hidalgo to Atotonilco through sandy roads winding through the arid landscape and dotted with various species of cacti, offering a unique and picturesque experience. This is true Mexican countryside.
As we approach Atotonilco, the sandy paths will give way to more solid ground. We will enjoy picnic lunch by an old chapel in the outskirts of the Barron community. After lunch we continue approaching Atotonilco and admire the imposing walls of the 18th-century church with its living altarpiece, where religious practices still take place. This invaluable architectural treasure is known as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico and is composed of a nave, sacristy, and over 6 adjoining chapels, along with several dressing rooms. The place is adorned with murals, oil paintings, altars, and sculptures. This majestic sanctuary is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in a hotel in town.
Day 8
After breakfast and maybe a refreshing dip in the pool, it's time to check out and the ride comes to an end. As always, our journey has been filled with laughter, discoveries, and a genuine sense of camaraderie, where each participating rider has brought something unique, contributing to an experience. Together we embraced Mexican equestrian culture and a part of its history.
Horses
Azteca, Quarter horse and Mexican Criollo
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Type of riding
Western style neck reining
Tack
Mexican, very similar to Western
Weight limit
110kg / 17.3 stone / 243 lbs
Group size
12 max
Accommodation & Meals
Most nights are spent in comfortable and authentic local hotels along the trail route, in double/twin rooms. Single rooms may be available on request and at an extra cost, but cannot be guaranteed.
The culinary offerings revolve around authentic regional Mexican cuisine, featuring a diverse array of ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, eggs, fruits, vegetables, cereals, rice, milk, coffee, natural fruit juices, and purified bottled water.
Throughout the horse trail, the majority of our meals are expertly prepared by the rural communities we visit. These dishes, often crafted using Prehispanic ancestral recipes, boast unique flavours and textures, providing an unparalleled dining experience.
Some lunches are enjoyed as picnics amidst the picturesque landscapes, while others are savored at charming small restaurants along the way. Additionally, meals are served at our accommodations, which include ranches, mountain retreats, and hotels, ensuring a variety of culinary experiences throughout your journey.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses
Single Supplement
Single room available on request, single supplement applies
Meals
Inform us about food allergies and intolerances
Drinks
Soft drinks and mentioned two nights open bar included. Other alcoholic drinks payable.
The Destination
The Central Highlands of Mexico, also known as the Mexican Altiplano, is a vast, high-altitude plateau region that spans much of northern and central Mexico. It's characterized by arid-to-semiarid conditions, vast open spaces, and is bordered by the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges. The region is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, with diverse landscapes ranging from deserts to forests.
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