Coyote Canyon Adventures: Practicing Moving Meditation

I’ve always secretly wanted a pair of cowboy boots. Is it just me?

There’s just something special about cowboys. We knew it ever since we watched movies about the Wild West. They are mysterious, rough, and masculine. I’ve always liked the cowboy hat. I don’t look good in caps but I can do cowboy-style hats. I’m a proud owner of Akubra! Whenever I saw rows and rows of cowboy boots, secretly wanted to have a pair. Is it just me? That hat and cowboy boots bring a special emotion that we didn’t know that existed. Admiration? Attraction? Wanting to know what really is under the hat? Whichever it is, it’s real.

The dream came true in Guanajuato. Coyote Canyon near San Miguel de Allende is where the magic happens. After an educational morning at Cañada de la Virgen Pyramid Archaeological Zone, we regroup at a nearby ranch, where the horseback riding adventure to Coyote Canyon begins. This is the main canyon of this region, and Coyote Canyon Adventures is the only operator in town to have access into the trails. Isn’t that exciting!

My last horseback riding in Ireland made me realized that I was allergic to animal dander. But I couldn’t let that pass this amazing opportunity. I popped an allergy pill and wished it would do its job. Rodgrio, the man behind of this operation and a good looking cowboy (always a plus!) gave us an extensive instruction on how to communicate with the horse, right position on the saddle, and what to and not to do. It would come naturally without thinking too much, but I hoped I wouldn’t make any stupid mistakes. (And of course I did, but let’s save the story for another time…)

I met Orgullo, my horse named ‘pride’. We set off to 3 hour journey to the canyon. I didn’t know what to expect, since this was my first long-distance horseback riding experience, but quickly got into the rhythm. The sound of horseshoe against of the ground was surprisingly comforting. We rode through prairies soon after leaving the ranch. At first everyone was excited and chatty, but we all got into a moving meditation stage.

It’s comforting to be close contact with another life. Horseback riding was like hugged by a horse. It’s like riding a bike, but more real. You have to communicate with the horse, telepathically. Your leg is wrapped around the horse’s belly and feel its breathing and moving. Step by step, there was nothing but me and my horse, and the grand nature.

We went down to the canyon, through the streams, and hiked back up to the top where we could see the whole area. There’s a little bit of extra adventure for those of who love rappelling. It’s hard to imagine a better place to go down the cliff. With this view? Always.

This place reminded me of the grand scale of this world. This canyon was something that I haven’t heard of, but honestly it was one of the most breathtaking places I’ve been in Mexico, and in the world. That’s why serendipity is my life’s motto. We have to trust what’s coming in life and say yes to the opportunities. Guanajuato and the Coyote Canyon quickly became the most memorable destination in Mexico.

Do you still dream about being a cowboy someday? You can make it happen in Guanajuato.

Photo courtesy of Coyote Canyon Adventures

Photo courtesy of Coyote Canyon Adventures

Photo courtesy of Coyote Canyon Adventures

#I was a guest of Coyote Canyon Adventures as a part of ATMEX 2015 program. As always, the opinions are strictly by me.