For anyone living in the western hemisphere, Mexico is an ideal vacation spot. It combines the best climates, terrains, and attractive sights, from five-star resorts to ancient ruins, beaches to mountains, verdant jungles to sun-baked deserts. You could stay for years and never feel like you've seen it all, which makes the temptation to cram in as many places and activities as possible so strong you're likely to need a vacation from your vacation by the time it's over! If you need to take a breather and just relax amidst abundant natural beauty and wide-open spaces, Mexico once again has you covered. A horseback journey on the open plain is exactly what you need.
You, Your Steed, and the Great Wide Open
For the sheer joy of getting out into the natural world, it's hard to beat a good long horseback ride. Watching the sun rise or set over desert plains, feeling the wind on your back and the clatter of your mount's hooves on the brush-strewn path :these are the kinds of experiences that provoke an inner quiet and tranquility that matches the serenity of your surroundings. When you've reached a suitable spot, dismount and have a walk around; you'll be miles away from civilization, but still just as safe as if you were back at the ranch. Most trails are built on private land, well-tended and fenced in to deter any potentially dangerous wild animals from straying across your path (though the fences are well-hidden, and you'll never even notice them should you ride near one). It's the best of both worlds, the freedom of nature and the open plain combined with the convenience and care of Mexico's finest hospitality infrastructure.
A Nice Short Jaunt
Since you'll be on privately-owned and well-maintained land the whole time, there's little need to fret about poisonous snakes or other predatory creatures. Mainly, you'll just have to make up your mind about where you want to go, and for how long. Those who are just beginning their riding career, or who just want a quick trip out and back, might opt for a morning ride lasting between two and four hours. You'll venture out after dawn and return in time for lunch; the morning hours are cool and comfortable, the perfect time for an enjoyable ride on the range. Those wanting more of a challenge but who don't want to spend too much time can try a 1-3 hour midday ride. Make sure you take plenty of water, as that desert sun is a real scorcher!
A Long Sojourn Amidst the Sagebrush
Those with a little riding experience might be hankering for a longer trip, wanting to get outside even the invisible fences that form the boundaries of the shorter horseback treks. If that describes you, consider an all-day (between 5-6, or as many as 8 full hours) ride out into the wilderness. Your lunch will come with you, as well as plenty of drinking water and maps of the routes (although a guide will be on hand to provide assistance if it's needed), and you should make it back to the ranch just in time for a luxurious supper: the perfect way to relax after a long day's ride.
For some, not even a whole day out in the wild is enough to satiate their lust for adventure. If that's you, a multiple-day ride may just fit the bill. You'll wander far beyond the fences with your guide pointing the way, but never so far that home base can't send a car to fetch you and your steed if a hot shower and soft bed sounds better at the end of the long day than camping out in the bush.
Between rides, you can take your leisurely time at the ranch, kicking back by the pool; a dip in the water will sooth your tired limbs and feel especially refreshing on your skin after a long day's ride. A well-stocked buffet will be on hand to fill up your grumbling stomach, and your horse will be just as well tended to, so you'll both be ready to ride again the next day. If you find yourself a little saddle-sore after dismounting back at the ranch, a deep-tissue massage will be just what the doctor ordered, soothing your tired muscles and ushering you off to an early bed, so you can greet the next day with vim and vigor, ready to hit the trail once more.
All of these are just the basic, standard perks offered by nearly every ranch that provides horseback treks. You're likely to find you can also enjoy a sauna or hot-tub, oil massage, or, if you want to go back out into nature but decide just riding isn't catching your fancy, join an experienced guide on a bird-watching trip.
Maya and Aztec Cities by Horseback
If lush jungles are more your speed, and you're interested in ancient ruins more than desert landscapes, you should know you can also visit many of the famous Maya archaeological sites in southern Mexico and Guatemala on horseback as well. What better way to distinguish yourself from the throngs of package-tour backpackers than by showing up on your very own stallion, and disappearing back into the jungle while everyone else is piling into their buses? Wherever you are in Mexico, horseback is the way for adventurers to travel in style. The luxuries can just be your little secret!
You, Your Steed, and the Great Wide Open
For the sheer joy of getting out into the natural world, it's hard to beat a good long horseback ride. Watching the sun rise or set over desert plains, feeling the wind on your back and the clatter of your mount's hooves on the brush-strewn path :these are the kinds of experiences that provoke an inner quiet and tranquility that matches the serenity of your surroundings. When you've reached a suitable spot, dismount and have a walk around; you'll be miles away from civilization, but still just as safe as if you were back at the ranch. Most trails are built on private land, well-tended and fenced in to deter any potentially dangerous wild animals from straying across your path (though the fences are well-hidden, and you'll never even notice them should you ride near one). It's the best of both worlds, the freedom of nature and the open plain combined with the convenience and care of Mexico's finest hospitality infrastructure.
A Nice Short Jaunt
Since you'll be on privately-owned and well-maintained land the whole time, there's little need to fret about poisonous snakes or other predatory creatures. Mainly, you'll just have to make up your mind about where you want to go, and for how long. Those who are just beginning their riding career, or who just want a quick trip out and back, might opt for a morning ride lasting between two and four hours. You'll venture out after dawn and return in time for lunch; the morning hours are cool and comfortable, the perfect time for an enjoyable ride on the range. Those wanting more of a challenge but who don't want to spend too much time can try a 1-3 hour midday ride. Make sure you take plenty of water, as that desert sun is a real scorcher!
A Long Sojourn Amidst the Sagebrush
Those with a little riding experience might be hankering for a longer trip, wanting to get outside even the invisible fences that form the boundaries of the shorter horseback treks. If that describes you, consider an all-day (between 5-6, or as many as 8 full hours) ride out into the wilderness. Your lunch will come with you, as well as plenty of drinking water and maps of the routes (although a guide will be on hand to provide assistance if it's needed), and you should make it back to the ranch just in time for a luxurious supper: the perfect way to relax after a long day's ride.
For some, not even a whole day out in the wild is enough to satiate their lust for adventure. If that's you, a multiple-day ride may just fit the bill. You'll wander far beyond the fences with your guide pointing the way, but never so far that home base can't send a car to fetch you and your steed if a hot shower and soft bed sounds better at the end of the long day than camping out in the bush.
Between rides, you can take your leisurely time at the ranch, kicking back by the pool; a dip in the water will sooth your tired limbs and feel especially refreshing on your skin after a long day's ride. A well-stocked buffet will be on hand to fill up your grumbling stomach, and your horse will be just as well tended to, so you'll both be ready to ride again the next day. If you find yourself a little saddle-sore after dismounting back at the ranch, a deep-tissue massage will be just what the doctor ordered, soothing your tired muscles and ushering you off to an early bed, so you can greet the next day with vim and vigor, ready to hit the trail once more.
All of these are just the basic, standard perks offered by nearly every ranch that provides horseback treks. You're likely to find you can also enjoy a sauna or hot-tub, oil massage, or, if you want to go back out into nature but decide just riding isn't catching your fancy, join an experienced guide on a bird-watching trip.
Maya and Aztec Cities by Horseback
If lush jungles are more your speed, and you're interested in ancient ruins more than desert landscapes, you should know you can also visit many of the famous Maya archaeological sites in southern Mexico and Guatemala on horseback as well. What better way to distinguish yourself from the throngs of package-tour backpackers than by showing up on your very own stallion, and disappearing back into the jungle while everyone else is piling into their buses? Wherever you are in Mexico, horseback is the way for adventurers to travel in style. The luxuries can just be your little secret!
About the Author:
Looking for special trips? Travelers find each other at the Adventure Travel Community. This article was written using Horseback Riding Tours for inspiration.
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