Expedition
Catrine Rides
Our equestrian program offers participants the opportunity to experience this unique tradition in a deeply authentic way — on horseback — through the landsc
Number of Nights: 9
Difficulty: Advanced
Price: 4753 USD
Location: Guanajuato
Catrine Rides
Guanajuato, Mexico
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Overview
The Day of the Dead Ride 2026 offers an immersive horseback experience that blends Mexico’s historic routes with the rich traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead. Beginning in the historic town of Atotonilco and following the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, participants traverse rural communities and misty villages to witness local Day of the Dead displays, before converging in Guanajuato to explore one of the country’s most evocative cultural celebrations. The program emphasizes authenticity, cultural context, and the warm hospitality of Mexican communities, with accommodations designed to suit the journey’s landscape—from ranch stays to glamping and hotels in heritage cities.
UNESCO recognizes the Day of the Dead as Intangible Cultural Heritage, underscoring its global cultural significance. The experience is designed to reveal the syncretic roots of the festival, from pre-Hispanic practices to Catholic influences, and to let riders connect with both the history and contemporary expressions of this deeply meaningful tradition.
Accommodations, Inclusions & Experience Notes
Accommodations vary by location to suit the terrain and itinerary: hotel stays in Dolores Hidalgo and Guanajuato, and Glamping at Colomitos Ranch, with shared accommodations as standard. The program includes private local transfers, guided routes, meals as indicated, tequila and cocktail tastings, and a comprehensive gear package (horse, saddle, equipment, guides, and support). A dedicated support vehicle handles luggage transfers, and a certificate is provided upon completion.
Important notes emphasize that the itinerary can change to ensure safety, quality, and the best possible experience. Not included are airport transfers, certain entrances, spa services, private single occupancy, typical meals in Guanajuato city, and extras unless explicitly listed. Participants should have travel insurance and be prepared for flexible scheduling in line with safety and logistical considerations.
Riding & Itinerary Highlights
This is a guided equestrian journey designed for varied riding levels, with trained horses and support staff. The plan spans distinct landscapes—from the historic Camino Real de Tierra Adentro to oak forests and high mountain valleys—culminating in Guanajuato’s iconic Day of the Dead celebrations. Key experiences include a ride to Atotonilco’s Sanctuary, a lunch on a historically significant estate, days in Dolores Hidalgo with desert-vegetation scenery, a biodiversity-rich route to Santa Rosa, and a “Mystery Villages” stretch before final exploration of Guanajuato. The trip also features a catrina-themed finale, with horse dressing, a catrinas workshop, a radio tour, and a themed dinner, all designed to immerse participants in the day’s symbolism.
Participants will have guided routes to experience “offerings” in Guanajuato, visits to the mummy museum, and access to cultural performances. Open bars and themed dinners punctuate the schedule, and some days allow free time for independent dining and exploration to savor Guanajuato’s culinary landscape.
Cultural & UNESCO Context
The Day of the Dead is described as a celebration of memory that bridges the living and the dead through offerings, altars, marigolds, and ritual purification with copal incense. UNESCO designated the festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008, highlighting its role in reinforcing community identity and intergenerational exchange. The ride places participants at the heart of this living tradition—seeing al tar displays, experiencing mariachi music, tasting ancestral dishes and agave-based drinks, and participating in culturally resonant activities that have inspired international fashion and cinema.
Throughout the journey, riders encounter heritage towns and magical places—Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, and the Sierra Central—where history, legend, and daily life intersect. The itinerary explicitly aims to present the Day of the Dead as a meaningful, communal practice rather than a tourist spectacle.
Summary
Riding - 9 days -
Terrain Difficulty - Moderate
Pace - Canter
Mount Type - Western
Max. Weight - 88 kg
Group Size - 4 min. - 12 max.
Riding Level - Advanced
Min. Age - 7 years, unless accompanied by an adult.
Included Items:
Certificate
Private local transfers
Visit the historic cemetery
Day of the Dead “themed dinner”
Visit of the “Tapete de la muerte”
Guided Visit to the mummies museum
Trained horse for all riding levels
Specialized guides, & support staff
Meals, as indicated in the program.
Support vehicle for luggage transfer
Visit to the Festival “la Catrina Vive”
Photo session characterized as catrinas.
Guided route of “offerings” in Guanajuato
Saddle and all equestrian equipment needed
Private transfer to the city of Guanajuato
2 nights of Open Bar (October the 30 & 31st)
Body Painting workshop of catrinas and catrines
Guided tour of the historic center of Guanajuato
Visit of the “monumental offering” of Guanajuato
Equestrian journey through the villages of mystery
Cocktails and tequilas tasting, as indicated in the program
Attendance at the theatrical performances of the municipality of Guanajuato
Special food requests (vegetarians, etc.) +subject to additional supplement
Historical and cultural explanation about the tradition of the Day of the Dead
Painting and equipment necessary for characterization of catrinas for horses and riders.
8 nights of accommodation in hotels, ranches and Glamping as described in shared occupancy
Welcome kit / with some personal use items alluding to the celebration of the Day of the Dead.
Not Included Items:
Spa Services
Service Tip´s
Airplane ticket
Laundry Services
Phone calls & Internet
Lunch & Dinner in Guanajuato city
Itinerary changes by the customer.
Private Transfer out of the program.
Any item NOT mentioned on the included list
Bar service (except by those 2 mentioned on the program)
Changes made by the costumer to the predisposed food menu.
Alcoholic beverages other than the ones mentioned in the program
Transfer in & out from the airport (due to local government regulations)
Supplementary single occupancy in accommodation at the hotels (subject to availability)
Travel insurance (Any rider participating should have its own travel insurance *mandatory)
Museum or any additional attractions entrances fees (except by those mentioned on the program)
Itinerary
Day 1 / Date; October 26th
This day, the participants will be greeted. At the accommodation in Rancho Las Palmas
Details about location will be given before travel.
17:00 Official welcome of the participants by the host at Rancho Las Palmas, check in.
- Horse assignment
- Welcome cocktail & Welcome kit delivery
- Welcome dinner and presentation of the program
Welcome Kit v Welcome coktail v Welcome dinner v
Accommodation in shared basisv
Day 2 / Date: October 27th
To start this magnificent horse trip, what a better way to do it, than in the; Sanctuary of Jesus of Nazarene
The Sanctuary of Atotonilco (Spanish: Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco [atoto'nilko]) is a church complex and part of a World Heritage Site. The complex was built in the 18th century by Father Luis Felipe Neri de Alfaro, who, according to tradition, was called upon by a vision of Jesus with a crown of thorns on his head with blood on his face and carrying a cross.
The main feature of the complex is the rich Mexican Baroque mural work that adorns the main nave and chapels. This was chiefly the work of Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre over a period of thirty years. Today we will live a journey on horseback travelling back on time, riding our horses through the historic road to freedom, used for the liberators in the war of independence, back in 1816c.
This old royal road known as Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a historically significant route spanning more than 2,500 kilometers, passes through ancient communities where very important historical aspects such as: Indigenous Chichimec, Independence war, and Indian Chapels.
This Royal Road , was crucial during the colonial era (16th to 19th centuries) for trade, migration, and cultural expansion between the northern territories of New Spain and the center of the viceroyalty. Additionally, this route facilitated cultural exchange and the blending of Indigenous and European traditions, leaving a profound legacy in the regions it traversed. In 2010, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.
During this day ride, we will have chance to see these historical aspects and we will have lunch in picnic in an historical property that played an important role during the independence war, back in 1810.
Atotonilco Dolores Hidalgo – 29 kilometres
Breakfast v Lunch - Picnic v Dinner v
Accommodation Hotel in Dolores Hidalgo
shared basis v
Day 3 / Date; October the 28th
Today, our journey on horseback takes us to discover on horseback Dolores Hidalgo a destination with greater historical and cultural content, visiting the magical town of Dolores Hidalgo, one of the most important historical towns in Mexico, a small but beautiful colonial city that today is Historical Heritage because it was the cradle of the most emblematic patriotic feat of our country: The Independence.
Then we will continue riding our horses through the valley of cactus, and small communities in this valley. We will enjoy our lunch in the middle of this exotic valley surrounded by cactus, acacias, and stunning semidesertic landscape, after lunch we will continue our ride, until we reach the place where horses will remain for the night, a place that could easily be any western movie. We will be transferred back to our hotel in Dolores Hidalgo. So we can discover in detail the peculiar way of living the tradition of the Day of the Dead, in this magical city
Dolores Hidalgo - Los Quiotes 23 kilometres
Breakfast v Lunch - Picnic v Dinner v
Accommodation Hotel in Dolores Hidalgo shared basis v
Day 4 / Date; October the 29th
Today, after breakfast we will be transferred by car back to place where horses are ready to continue our journey on horseback. Today's journey takes us to discover one of the greatest biodiversity areas in the region, through oak forests, pine trees and small communities full of history, nestled in the middle of big and high mountains, and surrounded by majestic natural landscapes. , until we reach our destination Santa Rosa. An small village in the middle of the mountains SIERRA CENTRAL
-We will enjoy the picnic on the way, in the forest surrounded by impressive nature.
Los Quiotes - Santa Rosa 31 kilometres
Breakfast v Lunch - Picnic v Dinner v
Accommodation at a private ranch shared basis v
Day 5 / Date; October the 30th
This day we continue our journey on horseback, through the mystery villages, The magic and splendour of various communities in which the Chichimec culture, mining and a Cristero region converge, were unified in what was called; "Mystery villages". For this reason, the thematic concept is based on mystery, which is nourished by the legends and traditions of the region and Mexico, what better time to tour it on horseback, than previous the celebration of the Day of the Dead.
Today's journey destination is Rancho Colomitos, a small typical Mexican ranch, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night in Glamping Camp
Santa Rosa - Colomitos 31 kilometres
And from 5:00 pm -Open Bar for everyone
Breakfast v Lunch - Picnic v Dinner v
Accommodation Glamping in shared basis v
Open Bar v
Day 6 / Date; October the 31st
After our breakfast, at 10:00 am - our horses wait for us,so we can find the proper Alebrije form for them, and to be characterized in the form of catrinas. THE CATRINA IS CURRENTLY THE ICON OF THE DAY OF THE DEAD IN MEXICO
We will be able to characterize ourselves and our horses, to later make a short radio tour in the ranch with our horses, and enjoy a photo and video session.
Horse parade through the ranch dressed as Catrinas & "Themed dinner"
And from 5:00 pm -Open Bar for everyone
Lunch & Dinner at the Colomitos Ranch
Breakfast v Lunch v Thematic dinner v
Catrinas workshop v
Accommodation Glamping in shared basis v
Open Bar v
Note: Alebrijes are whimsical carvings depicting animals, people, objects, and imaginary creatures painted with intense colors and intricate patterns. Although these distinctive cultural artifacts are often assumed to represent a long established, tradition of Mexican folk art,
Day 7 / Date; November the 1st
After Breakfast, we will be transferred by car to the city of Guanajuato
During this day, we will be able to live with intensity the tradition of the day of the dead, in a town full of magic and mysticism, we will take a walking tour, guided through the route of “offerings” allusive to the day of the dead, we will visit the historic center, where we can see and live this unique tradition, later at 13:00 we will take a break, so everyone can walk around and discover by yourself the magic and mysticism of this celebration implicit in the decoration of every corner of the city.
Meanwhile in this free time, you can enjoy your lunch in one of the many restaurants in the historic center. During this day will be possible to attend the theatrical performances alluding to the Day of the Dead, which are held in the main square, organized by the House of Culture and the Arts.
Living the tradition of the celebration in the city of Guanajuato.
Breakfast v Lunch/ Not included Dinner / Not included
Accommodation Hotel in Guanajuato -shared basis v
Lunch and dinner on this day are not included in the program. This is intentionally arranged to allow participants the freedom to explore and enjoy the wide variety of culinary options offered by the city of Guanajuato, discovering its rich gastronomy and vibrant local dining experiences at their own pace.
Day 2 / Date; November the 2nd
After Breakfast we will visit the Museum of the Mummies
Here you will appreciate the mummified remains of our ancestors, some of which date from an antiquity that goes back to 1870. It is considered the current largest collection of natural mummies in the world, a cultural heritage of the Municipality of Guanajuato, which today can be seen in this enclosure 57 items.
Then we will continue discovering the colonial city of Guanajuato, beautiful buildings that contain the elements of the two main cultures that created them, the indigenous and the Hispanic, and that marked the origin of our current culture. the constructions retain their architectural and environmental characteristics. The city was declared by UNESCO as the Historic City of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines in December 1988. It is currently considered the most beautiful colonial city in Mexico.
We will visit the historic center, we will walk through its narrow alleys, discovering the magic of the celebration of the Day of the Dead, in houses, squares and gardens.
We will visit the “monumental offering” of Guanajuato and “El Tapete de la muerte” (The death carpet) as well as “La Catrina Vive Festival” and we will enjoy live music with local mariachis.
Breakfast v Lunch: Not included Dinner: Not included
Accommodation Hotel in Guanajuato -shared basis v
Day 9/ Date; November the 3rd
Breakfast will be at the hotel and at 11:30 am , End of our services
Breakfast v XX XX
PRICE: $4,753 USD
Includes:
- Private local transfers, as indicated in the program
- Welcome kit / with some personal use items alluding to the celebration of the Day of the Dead.
- Historical and cultural explanation about the tradition of the Day of the Dead
- Trained horse for all riding levels
- Saddle and all equestrian equipment needed
- Specialized guides, & support staff
- Support vehicle for luggage transfer
- Meals, as indicated in the program.
- 8 nights of accommodation in hotels, ranches and Glamping as described in shared occupancy
- Cocktails and tequilas tasting, as indicated in the program
- Guided route of “offerings” in Guanajuato
- Visit the historic cemetery
- Attendance at the theatrical performances of the municipality of Guanajuato
- Private transfer to the city of Guanajuato
- Guided tour of the historic center of Guanajuato
- Visit of the “monumental offering” of Guanajuato
- Visit of the “Tapete de la muerte”
- Visit to the Festival “la Catrina Vive”
- Guided Visit to the mummies museum
- Body Painting workshop of catrinas and catrines.
- Painting and equipment necessary for characterization of catrinas for horses and riders.
- Photo session characterized as catrinas.
- Day of the Dead “themed dinner”.
- 2 nights of Open Bar (October the 30 & 31st)
- Equestrian journey through the villages of mystery
- Special food requests (vegetarians, etc.) +subject to additional supplement
- Certificate
Not included:
- Transfer in & out from the airport (due to local government regulations)
- Museum or any additional attractions entrances fees (except by those mentioned on the program)
- Bar service (except by those 2 mentioned on the program)
- Spa Services
- Supplementary single occupancy in accommodation at the hotels (subject to availability)
- Travel insurance (Any rider participating should have its own travel insurance mandatory)
- Airplane ticket
- Phone calls & Internet
- Laundry Services
- Service Tip’s
- Alcoholic beverages other than the ones mentioned in the program
- Private Transfer out of the program.
- Itinerary changes by the customer.
- Lunch & Dinner in Guanajuato city
- Changes made by the costumer to the predisposed food menu.
- Any item NOT mentioned on the included list
Important Notice: The itinerary described herein is provided as a reference example and may be subject to modifications or adjustments at the time of execution. Such changes may be made when deemed necessary by the organizer to ensure the safety, quality, and optimal experience of all participants. By confirming their participation, each client acknowledges, understands, and expressly accepts that the organizer reserves the right to alter the order, content, or logistics of the itinerary without prior notice, whenever circumstances so require
"TO HONOR DEATH, IS TO GIVE MEANING TO YOUR OWN LIFE"
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