Day 1

Day 2

From Rancho Pitaya we explore the western steps of the Barrio Viejo, this is where the original hacienda was founded in the 19th century. The back roads lead to farm lanes that pass through emerald alfalfa fields, see ponies returning from the fields pulling carts stacked high with freshly cut alfalfa to feed the local dairy cows. We’ll descend into the dry riverbed of the Rio Salado and follow the sandy trails bordered by thick stands of wild cane called carrizo. Ride over Palmillo Pass home to a rare grove of columnar cacti and old growth palmillos, related to the elephant foot (Beaucarnea Recurvata). Sweeping vistas of the Sierra Juarez accompany these trails along the western slopes.

For lunch we’ll enjoy the food of local Rojeña, Elena Muñoz: tejate (a refreshing corn and cacao drink) hot-off-the-comal tortillas & queso fresco made right in Rojas.

Excursion to nearby El Tule, visit the 2,000 yr. tree, craft market and traditional ice cream stands. Dine on local specialties under the stars at Rancho Pitaya.

Day 3

After breakfast at the ranch we ride east from Rojas seeking out the old Camino Nacional. Prior to the construction of the  Pan American Highway in 1925 the Camino Nacional, paved with stone, was the vital artery through the valley and beyond. Smooth country lanes, perfect  for good trots and canters pass through traditional Oaxacan villages: you really feel the grandeur of the valley de Tlacolula. We will stop for lunch and a rest at local restaurant before striking out along country trails still traversed by noble cart oxen. Narrow goat paths lead us through a volcanic pass -fascinating geography! The site of the alfalfa fields announce the lands of Rojas. Sunset drinks on your patio before dinner at the main house at Rancho Pitaya

Day 4

This morning, under the instruction of a local farmer, you’ll have the opportunity to drive a typical village cart drawn by docile criollo mares. Depart Rancho Pitaya for the 3 hour drive into the canyon , a UNESCO protected biosphere know as la cañada. The horses will have left at dawn. Upon entering the canyon, at the village of Chilac, with local guide and birding expert we hike through forests rich in ancient Cardun cacti & endemic Bursera trees. The gentle trail leads to the evening roost of a flock of spectacular Military macaws. The canyon sustains a resident population of nearly 300 macaws. The village has constructed a blind on the opposing ravine and provides high-quality binoculars for the viewing as between 25 and 40 macaws arrive a dust.

After a short drive we arrive at a working hacienda with comfortable lodgings and stabling for the horses. Traditional grilled dinner.

Day 5

Riding out of the hacienda we explore the central canyon renowned for its mango orchards and lush irrigated farmland that contrast with the native cacti and red rock. Picnic lunch in the shade of the massive mango trees. After riding back to the hacienda and time to relax, we’ll take a guided tour of the Cuicatlan botanical garden. Dinner at the hacienda.

Day 6

For today’s ride we trailer the horses 15 miles north in the canyon near the village of Quiotepec. Riding through exotic landscapes we ascend to our destination: a pre-Hispanic archeological site noted for its stepped pyramids. The vistas and vegetation are outstanding. Ride from the ruins to Quiotepec for lunch before ending todays ride on trails along the banks of the crystalline waters of the Rio Grande. Option to swim with ( or without ) the horses. Dinner at the hacienda.

Day 7

Today we explore the canyon to the west of the Rio Grande. We’ll stop for refreshments at the old train station and the sugar refinery, sugar cane production dominated the valley until replaced by mangos. The ride ascends towards the east offering sweeping views of the dramatic canyon. Lunch at the hacienda, time for a siesta before taking a brief drive high into the hills to visit pre-historic caves noted for their petroglyphs. Dinner in Cuicatlan.

Day 8

Bags should be packed when we leave the hacienda after breakfast, the horses will be saddled and in the trailer. Driving 30 minutes south up river we spend the morning exploring on horseback the area surrounding the Matamba dam. Excellent swimming with the horses or on your own . Picnic lunch before driving back to the valley of Oaxaca and Rancho Pitaya in Rojas. Dinner at the ranch.

Day 9

Today’s ride is point to point departing from Rancho Pitaya and riding approx. 20 miles to the backstrap weaving village of Santo Tomas Jalietza. This ride follows the valley of Tlacolula south into the hills before dropping down into the neighboring valley of Ocotlan. Smooth dirt lanes meander through the farmlands that connect the little villages so characteristic of the valley. It is fascinating to see how the vegetation changes every few miles. A delicious lunch of traditional Oaxaca cuisine awaits us at the home of the very talented weaver Abigail Antonio Mendoza. Backstrap loom weaving demo and shopping at the craft market before riders and horses make the 20 mile drive back to the ranch for a relaxing evening there or the option of getting off in the city of Oaxaca (right on the way, you can change and shower at Casa Murguia Mary Jane and Bobby’s house in the historic center ) to spend the rest of the day sightseeing and shopping. Dine on your own in the city or return to the ranch for dinner.

Day 10

Ride through the protected biosphere of Yagul. We continue to discover new trails through spectacular scenery. What can I say, I never get tired of exploring this area!!!! Picnic lunch at the archeological site.

Join Eloisa Lazo for a cooking class: Oaxacan classics that will be served for farewell dinner.

Day 11

Breakfast and preparation for departure.