Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is the meeting point for transportation to the ranch?
A. The meeting point is Fabrica la Aurora, Calz de la Aurora S/N, Zona Centro, Aurora, 37710 San Miguel de Allende. If you have your own vehicle please let Beth Kaestner know when booking your reservation.
Q. Can we drive ourselves to the ranch confirming first with Beth Kaestner? There’s no English Guide (only Spanish Guide).
A. You need to let Beth Kaestner know when booking your reservation if you have your own transportation to the ranch to get a 10% discount booking only on my website (not thru Viator), otherwise, you will not get a discount. The discount does “not” include the Combination Tour and Overnight Camping.
Q. COVID – 19 Protocols?
A. We have successfully completed all certifications taking steps on the prevention of COVID – 19 to take you safely.
Q. How far is the ranch from San Miguel de Allende?
A. It’s 13 miles and takes 25 minutes depending on the traffic.
Q. Can I go on a shorter trail ride for 1 or 1.5 hours?
A. Yes, but you will be riding on a completely different trail for a shorter ride at the same cost as our regular 2 hour tour ride.
Q. Can I drive myself directly to the ranch?
A. First, you will need to confirm with Beth Kaestner when making your reservation directly on my website (not on Viator). You will only get a Spanish Guide.
Q. Do you accept debit and credit cards?
A. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express through our online booking: BOOK NOW tab, TripAdvisor/Viator or Zelle. Otherwise, you can pay in cash or pesos at the ranch.
Q. Do VIP San Miguel Club Holders get a discount?
A. Yes, a 10% discount for two club members on the Morning Half Day or Sunset trail ride!
Q. What is the exchange rate of US dollars to pay in pesos?
A. We use the XE Currency Converter daily exchange rate.
Q. What’s the average tip?
A. Recommend 15% tip of the cost per rider based on the service.
Q. Does it cost more requesting a “Private Excursion”?
A. Yes, with a minimum of two riders $175usd each for the morning half day trail ride and $215usd each for La Huerta and $265usd each for the Combination Tour.
Q. Cost of Camping during Mexico’s National Holidays?
A. For camping during a “national holiday” there’s an extra charge of $60usd each with a minimum of two riders. BYOB.
Q. What time and where do we meet and bring us back into SMA for the morning trail ride?
A. Our meeting point is Fabrica la Aurora parking lot located on Calz de la Aurora at 9:00am and returning around 1:00pm depending on your pace.
Q. What time do you pickup us up for a “Sunset” trail ride and bring us back into SMA?
A. Our meeting point is Fabrica la Aurora parking lot located on Calz de la Aurora at 4:00pm and returning at 8:00pm depending on your pace.
Q. What do I need to bring on the ride?
A. Each bring a small bottled water, hat and sunblock.
Q. Do you take young children for free?
A. No, the cost is the same for all ages. We charge per individual not per horse.
Q. What should I wear?
A. Recommend long pants to cover your ankles, shoes with a small heal or sneakers (no shorts, flip flops, big hiking or work boots).
Q. Is there a weight and size limit?
A. Yes, no more than 230 lbs. and please inquire about height.
Q. How far are the hot springs from the ranch?
A. It’s about a 30 minute car drive depending on the traffic. Note: La Gruta is closed on Monday and Tuesdays, therefore, we go to Escondido or Xote.
Q. Is there a ranch meal served afterwards?
A. Yes, meals are served on all the Tours. Let Beth Kaestner know if you have any special requirements/allergies.
Q. Do you have a cancellation/no show policy?
A. Yes, we have a cancellation/no show policy. If you cancel within 24 hours before your trail ride there’s no refund. If you don’t show up on the day of the tour there’s no refund.
Q. Do I need to give you a deposit for a large group and Overnight Camping reservation?
A. Yes, with a group of 6+ and/or Overnight Camping Tour will need a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Q. Can I bring my camera?
A. Yes, but I don’t recommend a big camera around your neck while riding.
Q. How much notice do I need to give you for a reservation?
A. Recommend 12 hours notice to include the ranch meal and a 48 hours notice for overnight camping.
Q. What do you supply for equipment on the overnight camping?
A. We supply the tents, sleeping bags, mattress pads, pillows, blankets, chairs, table, cooler, water, food, s’mores, plates/utensils for our BBQ and Breakfast.
Q. Do you provide riding helmets?
A. We do not provide English helmets for sanitary reasons, therefore, you can bring your own.
Q. Do you have English style saddles?
A. We ride Mexican charro saddles and ride Western style. I give you a brief riding “lesson” before hitting the trails.