EL CHICO – TRAIL RUNNING HOLIDAY

A whole trail running weekend in a place that English immigrants used to call Little Cornwall during the XVII until the XIX century

Stories of “Mineral del Monte” tell that the miners used to hide their treasures in the leftovers of their “pastes” (pasties in English) a kind of salty pie introduced by the British contractors from Cornwall England, when they came to explode the mines.

A weekend that will take you to an epic journey through this stunning place located in the central region of the Mexican land of Toltecs, one of the ancient pre-Columbian cultures in Mexico.

As with the rest of the region, Mineral del Monte (The Little Cornualles) was a silver mining town in times of the Spanish conquerors. Nowadays many runners and climbers come to its beautiful mountains, which are green all year around, to get close to the stunning nature and experience beautiful trails.

Saturday: In about 12 miles and almost 3000 meters above sea level we are going to explore this National Park visiting some places like “El Cuervo” natural balcony or “La Muela” and “La Cruz del Negro” boulder, all this surrounded by a pine, oak and oyamel forest and after our run we are going to enjoy a Mexican meal with traditional food and a well-deserved beer.

The rest of the afternoon-night is for you, so if you are in the mood, we are going to take you to Mineral del Monte with some recommendations for extra activities, like:

• A guided visit to the old English Graveyard which is oriented to England and was declared Cultural heritage by UNESCO.
• A tour in the tour bus of the town.
• A Legend’s tour of Mineral del Monte

On Sunday we’ll have another great running morning, but this time in “La Sierra de las Navajas” or “Knives mountain”, so-called because we’ll find obsidian pieces all over the road. This area was in control of Mesoamerican cultures like Toltec, Teotihuacan and Aztec, because of the importance of obsidian as main material for the domestic life, religious ornaments and weapons. So, in a trail run of 9 miles you’ll discover a beautiful obsidian landscape.

After our run it’s time for breakfast and a visit to the “Paste Museum” where you will make your own salty pie and learn why this food was so important for the English immigrants who lived in this area.

An amazing running adventure is waiting for you, so don’t miss the opportunity to run with us in this epic place and enjoy our running holidays in Mexico.

What’s include in the price?

• Guides
• Transportation from Mexico City to Mineral del Monte and from Mineral del Monte to Mexico City
• Lodging on Friday and Saturday Night
• Friday night dinner, Saturday and Sunday light breakfast, hydration, energy gels, and cereal bars during the route and Saturday and Sunday lunch included.
• Transport to and from the hotel to the start and end of each run
• Fees
• Permits
• Reservations
• First aid

Accommodation: Shared double rooms in a Hotel Villa

What level of Running is this trip suitable for?
All kind of runners are welcome, this is not a race, but you should be able to run between 10 and 13 miles per day. Elevation 3000 meters over the see level.

Are there any alternatives for non-runners?
Non-running guests can do hikes in the same segment of the trail the runners are on.

What to bring along?
We recommend that you bring a hydration vest with a 2L bladder or 2L bottles. You will need trail running shoes for the terrain. The weather is usually cold during winter and warm and nice during springtime and summer. If you have a favourite sports or electrolyte drink/powder, then you may wish to bring this with you. We will have plenty of water and snacks. We will take you lots of photos, but bring your camera, the views are amazing.

Tour availability:
Weekend – from Friday 4:00 pm to Sunday 4:00 pm (two nights, three days)

What’s NOT included in the price:

• Airfare or transportation to Mexico City
• Lodging the night before or after the tour, breakfast or dinners
• Saturday night dinner – you can choose from different restaurants in town. We can provide you with recommendations.
• Any other expenses.

Private Trips
Private trips are available all year round. If you are interested in scheduling a private running holiday for The Little Mexican Cornualles then please refer to our contact form. Select subject “Other” and please mention the specific name of the running trip in the comment section. NOTE that private trips are only available for group sizes of minimum 4 participants.