Half Day Excursion - Horseback Riding Adventure in SMA
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Rancho Xotolar is a working ranch that has been in the Morin Ruiz family for over four generations. We are located in the high plateau 18 km from the center of SMA in a rural and pristine environment untouched by modernization. Our land is situated adjoining the newly opened archaeological site of Cañada de la Virgen, a pre-Columbian construction of pyramids and other architectural structures of the central basin of the Laja river that is attributed to tolteca-chichimecas groups of central Mexico. Here our guests can experience the true cultural life that is Mexico. You will enjoy the wide open spaces, not like a tourist, but as a member of the Morín Family. You will ride through spectacular countryside with breathtaking views and stunning landscapes guided by Thomás and Felix Morín who will share their vast knowledge and skills while keeping your safety in mind. After your ride, enjoy an authentic ranch “comida” of delicious, freshly prepared specialties along with a cold “cerveza”.
Inclusions
What's included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 5326
- 41
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 327 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5Best ranch experience, must-do in SMDA.
Our half day excursion with Xotolar and Lio, our guide, was by far the best part of our entire trip to Mexico. We had easy pickup at the hotel by Lio, who brought us to his family’s ranch. On the way, there were sweeping views of the land and a nearby pyramid. On arrival, we learned that this was more than just a family ranch, it was a community of aunts, uncles, and children who all lived on the land. It was a truly special experience to see how this large extended family takes care of the land, animals, and each other. We started with milking a cow with Uncle Felix, with which Lio’s aunt made us fresh cheese that morning. Then, we proceeded on a trail ride. The views were spectacular, the trails tricky and winding, the horses calm and trustworthy. We were guided by Lio and two of his uncles- my boyfriend and I had a private tour. They sang us traditional Mexican songs, kept us entertained, and took charge of being our photographers for the day. We galloped multiple times, including through the river at the base of the canyon. The hills were steep and beautiful. The best part was our companion dog of the trip, Raya, who was a sweet and wonderful pup who loved pets and to play. We also learned that all of the horses used on the ranch were rescued, which made the experience all the more special. Our lunch afterwords was held in a beautiful palapa with sweeping views of the canyon. The food was made with ingredients harvested on the farm and we were able to eat the cheese Lio’s aunt made that morning. It more perfect than we could have imagined and was a true ranch adventure. You should absolutely book this excursion if you are in SMDA.
5Truly Above and Beyond!
What an absolutely phenomenal experience! It was only my husband and I and they treated us like royalty from the easy hotel pick-up to the attentive focus while we were out on the trail. With clear guidance and instruction from Lio, I found myself actually learning how to be on a horse (which I've never had with trail rides before) and was thrilled to be able to confidently trot, gallop, and create a relationship with my horse so he (Whiskey) was working with me rather than trying to snack... Too bad my attempt at milking a cow didn't go so well, lol, but that was also an amazing experience! We had a long time on the trail, riding down into the valley and back up after a stop at a small store where Lio and his two uncles, who also rode with us, surprised my husband with a candle-lit snack cake and sang happy birthday to him in Spanish. We were seriously moved. The lunch at the end was also hearty and delicious. I highly, highly recommend this phenomenal tour--a great chance to see the beautiful landscape outside of San Miguel de Allende, and to meet some folks who've been working this land for years and years.
5Great Excursion!
My daughter and I went on this horseback riding excursion as part of our trip to San Miguel. The whole operation is well run, on time and a great value for the money. We had such a fun and memorable time. Highly recommend!
5Don't miss out! Half day morning experience
Highly recommend this experience to anyone staying in San Miguel de Allende. We did the morning half day horse back riding experience, and were able to get an opportunity to milk a cow and see the home their family grew up in! His sister cooked some amazing food for us to enjoy after our trail ride and we even got to eat cheese from the cow we milked in the morning! It is a family owned ranch and it was amazing to hear and see the history on the ranch. Being on the ranch is a great opportunity to unplug from the world and experience nature. From the moment we were picked up from our hotel in San Miguel, Tomas made us feel safe and just like family! Even though I started off a bit nervous on the horse I quickly felt like a pro with the guidance of Tomas and his brothers! They stay with you entire time and check in throughout the trail, if any of your group is uncomfortable with anything please let them know they will quickly accommodate you! There are also cooking classes if any of your group doesn’t want to ride. Send them a message, and dont Miss out on this incredible opportunity to support a local family while you’re in San Miguel de Allende !
5The highlight of our Trip!
We had an amazing time with Tomás and his family! He picked us up on time and brought us up to his ranch where we met his family and his animals. We set off on a wonderful horse ride ascending steep beautiful greenery on wonderfully trained horses with full western tack. Tomás and his team kept us laughing the entire time. The women of the ranch made cheese which was delicious as well! We had nearly 3 hours of scenic riding and an amazing crew. This was truly the highlight of our TRIP!
5Amazing experience
Most amazing day with Tomas and his horses . My daughter and I had quite an adventure in the BEST way. We rode on mountainsides , thru a stream and enjoyed the beautiful ranch trails . The horses were most amazing , so sure footed , you could just enjoy the ride . Tomas and his nephews made it fun as well as educational . We would go AGAIN and AGAIN ! You will be in great hands and get to enjoy some amazing food either way homemade cheese - couldn’t ask for more !
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- It is the same access to the Archaeological Zone of Cañada de la Virgen from the left hand must go through 3 bars until you reach the corrals.
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Rancho Xotolar Excursions-Adventures
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in San Miguel de Allende
- Its from-price is 53% above the median of the 250 experiences we list in San Miguel de Allende.
- It is longer than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 7 of 250.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a colonial hill town in Mexico's central highlands, with a pink-stone church, cobbled streets, galleries and an art school.
San Miguel de Allende sits at about 1,900 metres in the Bajío highlands of Guanajuato, a town of cobbled streets and painted colonial houses built when silver and trade made the region rich. The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, with its pink sandstone spires, dominates the Jardín, the main square. The town takes the second half of its name from Ignacio Allende, a leader of the independence movement born here, and the historic centre is a World Heritage site.
Top-ranked sights in San Miguel de Allende: Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, Fábrica La Aurora, Santuario de Atotonilco.
Special offers in San Miguel de Allende
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
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