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Dude Ranch Vacation
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At a Glance
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| HIGHLIGHTS | |
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| Famous For: | Unlimited horseback riding, excellent food, wide open spaces, personalized service |
| Capacity: | 18 |
| Open: | All Year |
| Altitude: | 7500 ft |
| Location: | 1 hour 15 minutes north of Mexico City International Airport |
| Reservations: | ++ 52 155 1070 2080 or .. ++ 52 155 21373259 |
| Rates: |
Adults: 1050 for 8 days 7 nights
Children: Age 6 - 16 in the same room with 2 full paying adults... 50% discount |
| Minimum Stay: | Any number of nights |
| Deposit: | 20% |
| Payment: | Visa, MC, Amex, Discover, Paypal, Money Transfer |
| Closest Airports: | Mexico City International Airport |
| Transportation: | Safe airport pickup with our own driver included at fixed times |
| Travel Agents: | YES |
| FEATURED AMENITIES | |||
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 Adults OrientedBig/Heavy Riders200-250 lbs. 250-300 lbs. BirdingChildren's ProgramsModerate - Half Day Children's Trail Riding7 yrs old and over Cigar FriendlyComputer/Email ServicesConference ServicesComputer/Email Services Corporate Groups, MeetingsSmall (under 50) CuisineGourmet International Ranch/Western Vegetarian Culinary Trained Chefs |
Dude/Guest RanchesEmail AccessEuropean PlanHelicopter Service Extra Historic - National Historic SiteHoliday ProgramsChristmas New Years Thanksgiving Valentine's Day Honeymoon PackagesHorseback RidingHorsesQuarter Thoroughbred Hot SpringsNearby (within 30 miles) International Riding |
Languages Spoken English French German Spanish Laundry ServiceLiquorAvailable MassageMountain BikingRide on Your OwnSometimes Available Room ServiceShort Stays (1-4 days)Smoking PermittedWomen | |
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| LODGING |
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| Our lodging is first class, but I think it is more important to talk first about the RIDING: At our place we attend to any type of rider. Even complete beginners are normally cantering on the second or third day and right from the beginning there is assisted riding in open space avoiding boring trails or closed paddocks. The advanced and expert rider can find everything they are looking for. Nice canters, fast gallops, wide open spaces, no trails no nose to tail. Groups are split into smaller groups depending on experience. Even people travelling together of different riding abilities will have fun, as they may join the group of their like, but still be able to enjoy a picnic or part of the trip together. Now about the LODGING: Our guest houses and rooms are built of handcrafted stones. All the rooms are decorated in Mexican country style, bright and comfortable, with lots of attention to detail... Every room has its own shower, toilet, hot and cold running water, drinking water, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, towels, hairdryer, heater and safety deposit box. Rooms are made up daily. All 7 rooms have private toilets and showers with hot and cold running water, towels, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. In every room there is purified drinking water. Hairdryers are also at your disposition. Patio Classic Rooms Open to the courtyard and fountain. Patio Deluxe Rooms Also open to the courtyard, are a little bit bigger and include a sitting area. Casa Luna & Casa Sol Are two free standing cabins for maximum privacy and additional space with their own shaded porch. All rooms are available with either one king size or two generous twin beds.Rooms are made up daily. We also offer laundry services. |
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| RECREATION |
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| Activities Mexico has a lot to offer and being here means participating whenever possible. Just having a drink in a local store let's you have a glimpse at how the locals live. Local Fiestas Every village holds fiestas periodically. There are many Saints to be celebrated, many Mexican holidays and often also the unexpected illegal horse race in the middle of nowhere or a Charro or Peales event in one of the small villages in the region. We will check dates and plan to attend if you are interested in experiencing this part of the rich Mexican culture... Evening Entertainment Every evening we have an enjoyable four course dinner with occasional live Mexican or International music. Colorful folkloric events may also be presented on special occasions here at the ranch including traditional dance and music. You may even be invited for an impromptu Salsa lesson... Do you play an instrument? Why don't you bring it along? Relax If you don't feel like riding just relax in one of our hammocks, play billiard, dart or one of the many games we offer. Take a drink at the bar and learn to prepare a Margarita or Piña Colada on your own. Use the hot tub, read one of the books from our library, take a massage (optional) or take a stroll along the river and visit the surrounding 'Cascadas' (waterfalls). Hot Tub Nothing better then to chill out in the whirlpool, enjoying a drink from the bar and listening to the relaxing sound of music in the background. Massages Give yourself the luxury of a relaxing massage and experience a renewal of energies. Relaxation Massage (60 minutes) US$ 30 Relaxation Massage (30 minutes) US$ 20 Foot Reflex Massage (20 minutes) US$ 15 Riding Lessons Private riding lessons (50 minutes) US$ 40 If you booked as a 'Non Rider' you may join one of the outings on a horse (per hour) US$ 20 OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS We offer half and full day sightseeing excursions (optional) during your stay, so the non rider*, beginner, novice rider or even the expert rider may enjoy a day off, getting to know more of the cultural Mexico. These trips can be booked during your stay at the ranch. |
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| FOOD/LIQUOR |
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| Wine with dinner included 3 gourmet meals (International & Mexican Cuisine)with table service in our dinginroom or outside under the big oak tree. If you have special dietary requests (i.e. vegetarian, diabetic, Atkins) just tell us in advance and we will accommodate your needs. |
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| BUSINESS/MEETINGS |
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| Small groups on request |
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| REGION/CUSTOMS |
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| Our ranch is open and operating year round. Guests often ask... "which is the best time of the year to visit?" The only way to answer that question is... EVERY SEASON HAS IT'S HIGHLIGHTS SPRING - March - May Changes take place. The local farmers start to prepare their fields for the corn crops. The plough makes it's way through the acres drawn by oxen or horses. Imagine passing by farmers working the fields in the way they have done for generations. Go back in time to a glorious past. SUMMER - June - August The 'rainy season'. Yes, it rains often but normally only for an hour or two in the late afternoon or, even more often, during the night. In the morning a bright sunny blue sky awaits you for another ride. The rain allows all of the usually dormant plants to bloom, creating spectacular vistas of vibrant color. Imagine cantering through millions of cosmos flowers, like floating through a sea of blossoms, the horses almost hidden in the fields covered with pink. AUTUMN - September - November Until the dry season begins at the end of October there are still flowers everywhere. Now harvest arrives... The local farmers usually let the corn dry until the end of November and then take it in, using it primarily to feed their animals during winter. They grind part of the crop to make the meal for the famous tortilla. Imagine listening to the wind whispering through the dry, high standing golden corn fields, while you cross between them into the sunset. WINTER - December - February The driest season with practically no rain at all. This means that the fields are very dry, painted a golden color against a brilliant blue sky, spotted with green cactus and mesquite bushes the exception. Imagine late afternoon, as you ride through fields set afire by the setting sun. A spectacular image you will never forget. |
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| HISTORY/HOSTS |
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| RANCHO LAS CASCADAS is true to its name… this equestrian ranch, located at 7,500 ft. near the base of the mountains just 50 miles North of Mexico City, is surrounded by three waterfalls! Built in 2003 by Swiss owner and operator Ursula, the amenities sport a European flare. |
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| ITINERARY |
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| The following itineraries are written down to give you an idea of what you can do while staying with us. There are no fixed schedules, so trips as well as riding levels will be adapted to your likes. We have only small groups and we adapt to any type of riding you like. We do have special rides for the more than average weighed riders. Please contact us for more information. As previously mentioned the following timetable is only there to give you an idea. You may book any length of stay. Even if you decide to stay more then 11 days... there is always something new to discover... Arrival day: Morning arrivals will be able, after a short introduction, to ride in the afternoon on this very first day. Explore the countryside close to the ranch at an easy pace. Riding through the village of ‘El Colorado’ enjoy to observe how the locals live. Across the wide, open country to the ‘Bordo de San Bartolo’ a little lake in the middle of nowhere! Back to the ranch in the sunset crossing the river ‘Rio Rosas’. Enjoy your first good Mexican Tequila from horseback! Late arrivals will be attended at any time. Mostly these arrivals are able to go for an extra morning ride on the day of departure. Day 2: After a rich Mexican breakfast we will head to the old Hacienda of Tandeje. Built in 1685 the walls still try to tell us of the past. A cobbled stone path takes us to the enchanted forest of old oak trees heavy with Spanish moss, roots growing between the rocks overflowed by a river at the base of the waterfall are a few of the sights along the route. After lunch we will pass by ‘El Huizachal’ of the old part of San Agustin Buenavista, the old lienzo charro ‘charro ring’ a place where they have festivities with horses. Behind the lienzo we have a beautiful view of two of the three Cascadas (waterfalls) which are located next to the ranch. Relax in the Patio with a refreshing ‘Cerveza’ (beer) or a tasty Margarita before trying a nice gourmet dinner. Day 3: Friday is market day in the town of Jilotepec. Approximately a 30 minute drive from the ranch you will have the possibility to discover the biggest weekly market in the region where all the people from the surrounding villages bring their goods to sell. All types of live animals, colorful vegetables, tasty fruits, fashionable sombreros, fine leather boots, tack for horse and rider and great mounds of chili peppers are everywhere. Back to the ranch for lunch and a let’s “saddle up” for the afternoon ride. The horses will cross the flowing ‘Rio Rosas’, pick up an easy canter along the old water channel to then climb sunset hill. A breathtaking view of the town of Tula and the ranch from above. Then amble back to the ranch with another easy canter or walk, just in time for dinner with today’s special Romantic Mexican night… ‘Noche Mexico Romantico’… which will bring back memories of times long gone. Day 4: Today’s morning ride will take us along the hill. We pass by the local graveyard where always at the beginning of November big celebrations del ‘Dia de los Muertos’ day of the dead, are going on. We follow then the river into our village center of San Agustin Buenavista. Our church was built in 1701…We cross then the village and we will again join the river on our way back to ranch. A barbeque will await you at the ranch... In the afternoon we will drive to the archeological site of the Atlantes of Tula. This site was built around … and you will be able to admire the giant stone figures once you climbed the steep stairs to the temple. After the Atlantes we will visit the town center of Tula From our favorite spot we can overlook the colorful Zocalo (main square) which is everybody’s meeting place where we will also be able to mix with the locals. Day 5 : After crossing the ‘Rio Rosas’ we take an easy canter between the corn or flower fields. Pass by the race track where once a month there are held some ‘illegal’ horse races. From there we follow the the old Spanish plastered stone road towards el ‘Bordo Viejo’ and cross some Mexican countryside as you know it from the movies. Back to the ranch we will cross some rocky terrain which the horses manage without any problems. The afternoon ride with the new arrivals takes us along the canyon to the village of ‘Xochitlan’. Sunday is a leisurely way of living in the village and a visit takes to their beautiful old church. A canter or gallop will take us back into the sunset. Horse and rider both will enjoy the sun’s glorious display as it slips silently behind the mountain range. Day 6: After a tasty breakfast we ride north through the village of Vista Hermosa which translates into ‘beautiful view’ from there a steep climb takes us up the Cerro del Ahorcado ‘the hanged mans hill’, with a 360º view of the pink church of Heroes de Carranza and the Lake District. A canter beneath the eucalyptus tree rows takes us down to the lake where the horses love to splash along the shore. Taste the rich ‘Arrachera’ beef prepared the Mexican way on the barbeque under our big oak tree overlooking the ‘Cascadas’. Afternoon takes you on another route back down to the river. After the crossing there is a steep climb up the rocks. After crossing little ponds we get to canter up the little hill from where we get a spectacular view of the ranch and Tula. A long canter across the open country takes you back to ranch. Why not relax in the hot tub enjoying your favorite drink listening to Mexican music in the background as dinner is prepared for you. Day 7: Today you have to pack your swimming trunks. On the way to the wells of Mexicaltongo we visit the hacienda called ‘La Goleta’ which was built around 1690. You can see the wrought iron from Sweden in the windows, the tiles from Spain covering the front porch and the original blue wall paintings. The old aqueduct is still providing the water for the many families living there. Through open fields we get to the village of Zaragoza and from there we canter cross country to arrive to the refreshing wells of Mexicaltongo next to the village of El Tejon where we will have a picnic and some rest. On the way pack we cross the old stone bridge ‘Puente del Muite’ and the last part takes us along the river under shady trees. Enjoy your sunset cocktail and dinner at the ranch. Day 8: Today the ride takes you 2,000 feet up the mountain. The countryside changes quickly as the sure-footed horses begin the climb beyond the small villages into the mountains where the landscape is filled with cactus and tequila plants... a gallop across the high plains takes us to the other side where we descend towards our district town of San Francisco Soyaniquilpan de Juarez. Here the Rio Rosas, our river, starts its journey through the valley from underneath a big tree ‘El Arbold de la Virgen’ blessed be a statue of the Virgin Guadalupe which was put inside the trunk of the tree. Today’s lunch will be taken at a colorful Mexican Fonda ‘La Mesita Campestre’ tasting true local cuisine. On the way back we pass our village of San Agustin Buenavista with its church finished by 1701. Early dinner at Rancho Las Cascadas allowing time to enjoy a ‘full’ moon ride! Day 9: Passing through Mexican countryside taken out of a movie, crossing old overgrown train rails hidden between cactus, we will ride to ‘Los Organos’ a place forgotten in time. The trail leads us down into the canyon along rivers, where wild horses roam. We visit the ‘Peregrinos Petrificados’ a big rock formation in the middle of nowhere where it is told that they are Pilgrims turned into stone because they did not want to finish their pilgrimage. Picnic along the river as goats graze near-by. Here the river is mixed with a warm well so it is quite nice for a swim while the horses are resting. Homeward bound we climb up the canyon and pass through the village of Heroes de Carranza with its pink church from 1697, then along the lakeshore, arriving at the ranch late afternoon. Day 10: Market day in Jilotepec is an option to the morning ride, which takes us to the waterfalls of El Fresno. On the way we visit an old hacienda and with it’s breath-taking old oak trees where we climb to the little sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the colored virgin of Mexico. Her celebration is the biggest celebration in Mexico, always on the 12th of December. People from all over Mexico visit the original Virgin in the Cathedral of Mexico City. From there you have a beautiful view down into the canyon. We meet back at the ranch for lunch with the retuning market shoppers! Get your swimming trunks! This afternoon we swim with the horses. A 30 minute ride (with or without saddle) takes us to the lake. The saddle comes off and you will learn to ride and then swim bareback on your horse. At least if you fall off… there is only water and no hard ground ;-) It will be a once in a lifetime experience and the horses, every one of them, love this adventure. Back at the ranch we get ready for an entertaining and unforgettable evening. The theme tonight is ‘Noche Rosa Mexicana’ the Pink Mexican Night. If you like to coordinate to the table deco, wear something pink! However, it is not really necessary, as at any dinner, you may dress casual. This night is filled with music and Mexican folklore, yet another memory of Mexican life to take home… Departure day: Today is the final ride of your stay at the Ranch. Late departures may be able to join us for one last lope through the wide open countryside. Itinerary subject to change! |
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