Village to Village Ride in the Sierra Juarez of Oaxaca

Spend a day exploring the western foothills of the valley

Spring is the perfect time of year to explore the Sierra Juarez of Oaxaca. Arrive at Rancho Pitaya to relax over a welcome dinner, then spend a day of riding in an micro-climate rich in massive organ cacti and old-growth yuca trees.

Riding north on the Yagul Miltla Mesa

The second ride-day begins from the ex-hacienda of San Jose Soriano to explore a remote back country mesa. Follow ancient trails to the Zapotec village of San Miguel del Valle to overnight in comfortable eco-tourism cabins.

On day three of riding ascend to El Carrizal,  a Shangri-la mountain hamlet where time stands still . The fourth ride-day meanders along trails lined with massive agaves up to pine forests before descending to the fruit orchards of Yavesia.
Day five explores the ruins of haciendas, passes abandoned silver mines and ends in the charming colonial town of Lacatao. On the last day ride through enchanting moss-covered oak forests studded with rustic homesteads in a land where time stands still. Return to Rancho Pitaya for farewell dinner.

Ride past massive agaves that dwarf horse and rider

Sweeping vistas are a highlight of this ride that goes from 5,000 to 10,000 feet.  Ride from candelabra cacti groves to old growth oak forests to an ecosystem co-inhabited by pine trees and  mutant-sized agaves. Rare rattail tree-cacti, wild orchids and pineapple-shaped bromeliads are just a sample of the exotic flora on this ride.

Support several of Oaxaca’s most ecologically aware villages by staying in their comfortable ecotourism cabins. Ride through the protected communal lands of the Pueblos Mancomunados.

Two nights deluxe lodging at Rancho Pitaya and five nights in comfortable ecotourism cabins in the villages of San Miguel del Valle, El Carrizal, Amatlan and Ixtlan del Juarez.

SEE ITINERARY

Dates for 2013: March 16-23, March 23-30, April 20-27 April 27 – May 26-June 2 June 2 – 9

Ride through through the Oaxaca's most spectacular nature reserves

Includes:

  • 7 nights lodging
  • 6 days of riding
  • all meals and drinks
  • guides & entrance fees to protected communal lands
  • arrival & departure transfers
  • $2,250. U.S. Double occupancy
  • $200 single supplement
  • $100 discount to return riders
  • Limited to 6