The 4000 Riders of Cristo Rey - México
Join the thousands of Mexican Cowboys on Pilgrimage!
Day by day:
* Description below is an example of the program. The itinerary can be different during your travel week.We will
do everything possible to follow the indicated itinerary, although spot changes can occur due to unforeseen
circumstances. Rides are subject to change depending on weather, location, accommodation and difficulty of terrain In the unlikely event that this happens on your trip, we ask you flexibility and understanding. This is a sporty and adventurous vacation!
Day 1 : Friday 03 January
The meeting point will be at 15:00 hours in the city of León Guanajuato, in the lobby of the Hotsson hotel. From there we will be transferred 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 of the region, some with more than 500 years of Antique. where we will enjoy a rich welcome dinner and stay for the night.
Accommodation: Former Jesuit Hacienda -o- Similar
*Private Transfer Included
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 : Saturday 04 January
After a delicious breakfast at our accommodation, we will be transferred to the community of "El Torreón" where our horses await us and place where we will join the group of riders who depart from this community in the direction of Nuevo Valle de Moreno. An 8-hour horseback ride through ancient roads in the mountainous area of Santa Barbará, accompanied by a contingent of Mexican riders, until we reach the community of Nuevo Valle de Moreno, where we will stay overnight.
Accommodation: "Rancho La Trinidad" -or- similar
*Private Transfer Included
Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 3 : Sunday 05 January
After a typical mexican breakfast at Rancho la Trinidad, we will continue our day on horseback from the village of Nuevo Valle de Moreno, to the hill of the "Cubilete". On this journey we will be joined by many more riders from different communities and villages around. To concentrate on La Ermita, where they will spend the whole night before the celebration. A day of approximately 6 hours on horseback, until you reach the hill of Cubilete, considered the geographical center of Mexico.
Accommodation: "Hacienda Jesús María" -or- similar
Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch – Dinner
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Day 4: Monday 06 January
After an exquisite breakfast at the hacienda, we will attend the celebration of Holy Mass with the presence of the Archbishop and with more than 2,500 horses and riders. Today we will spend much of the day living the tradition and culture with riders from different parts of Mexico, as well as from different countries.
Accommodation: "Hacienda Jesús María" -o- similar
Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
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Day 5: Tuesday 07 January
After breakfast on the hacienda, and having concluded the pilgrimage together with local riders, we now continue in our own, our private group adventure, from the Jesus Maria Hacienda, to the Cuenca de la Esperanza. A journey on horseback through what is known as "The Mystery Villages” It is about three old communities where historical aspects such as: 1.- Chichimeca indigenous people, 2.-The Cristero region (The old Cristero War) That has inspired Hollywood. 3.- And Silver mining. This 3 historical aspects are gathered in one day. The communities of Sangre de Cristo, Mineral de la Luz, and San Ignacio. The three oldest communities of the state of Guanajuato, containing great historical and cultural value. this was one of the most prosperous mining enclaves in the region. Even in the 19th century the inhabitants of the area were in the thousands and had, for example, their own bullring, tobacco factory and profit farms.
At the end of the 19th century, these three villages; Sangre de Cristo and Mineral La Luz, and San Ignacio became ghost towns, however this was one of the most prosperous mining enclaves in the region. Even in the ancestor century, the inhabitants of the Mineral de la Luz were counted by thousands and had, for example, their own bullring, tobacco factory, sugar plantations and profit haciendas. In 1929 this territory was reincorporated to the municipality of Guanajuato and today has only about 300 inhabitants.
Accommodation: "Hotel Casa Grande" -or- similar
Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 6 : Wednesday 08 January
After a delicious breakfast in the hotel, we continue to ride our horses 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. 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 hawks, the peregrine falcon and the cuckold owl, among many more.
Today's horse journey takes us to the valley of the blue birds, where we will set up our camp and enjoy our night camp in this magnificent natural setting.
A true natural paradise where we will have the opportunity to spend the night in a safari style camp, and where we can enjoy a night of barbecue ranchera, campfire and guitars.
Accommodations: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch – Dinner
Day 7 : Thursday 09 January
After breakfast in the camp, accompanied by the singing of the birds and with spectacular views of this magnificent natural setting, we will continue on our last day on horseback, to the rural community of Rincón de Ortega. We will 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 Peregrina mountains. We continue ascending through natural landscapes, interned in the forest, home to hundreds of animal species, such as the puma, the coyote, raccoons, armadillos and many others. Until we reach Rincón de Ortega, where we will end our adventure on horseback.
Accommodations: Rancho la Mesa
Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
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Day 8 : Friday -10 January
After breakfast at the ranch we will be transferred to the city of León Guanajuato, considered the capital of shoes and leather of Mexico,
Visit the historic district of León city, and the leather market. Where participants will be available to find all kinds of leather products and a huge variety of shoes and of course Mexican saddles and tack as well as charro outfits.
Farewell Dinner will be taken on a traditional thematic restaurant cantina, where the joy of mariachi music will make you enjoy an authentic Mexican party
Accommodations: Hotel Ramada Plaza Leon **** or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
*Private Transfer Included
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Day 9 : Saturday 11th January
After breakfast at the hotel ** END OF PROGRAM**
Meals Included: Breakfast
