Vicente Fernández, known by nicknames such as “El Charro de Huentitán” and “El Rey de las Rancheras” (the King of Ranchera Music), was an iconic figure in Mexican culture, recognized around the world for his unmistakable voice and his legacy in Mexico’s traditional music. One of the most interesting parts of the legendary singer’s life is his bond with Los Tres Potrillos, his ranch on the outskirts of Guadalajara, Jalisco. In this article we explain how to visit Rancho Los Tres Potrillos and take a closer look at the world of “El Charro de Huentitán.” For the thousands of Vicente Fernández fans and lovers of ranchera music, it is a must-see stop.
Vicente Fernández and Rancho Los Tres Potrillos
As Vicente Fernández’s career took off and his fame grew, he never lost sight of his humble beginnings or his deep affection for Guadalajara, the city where he was born. Once he could afford it, he decided to build a ranch on the outskirts of Guadalajara. He named it “Los Tres Potrillos” (The Three Colts) after his three sons at the time: Vicente Jr., Gerardo and Alejandro.
Los Tres Potrillos became much more than a home for Vicente Fernández. It was a refuge where he found peace and happiness with his beloved wife, Doña Cuquita, and their four children. Besides being the family home, the ranch was a sanctuary for his other great passion: horses. Vicente bred and trained horses on his large property and enjoyed sharing that passion with family and close friends.
Located on the highway that links Guadalajara with Chapala, very close to Guadalajara International Airport, Rancho Los Tres Potrillos was the center of Vicente Fernández’s life for decades, the place where his legend grew and where countless family memories were made. Although Don Vicente is no longer with us, his legacy and his music live on in the hearts of millions of people around the world. And his beloved ranch, Los Tres Potrillos, remains a lasting reminder of the man behind the myth: someone of humble origins who won over the world with his voice and his love for music, his family and his homeland.
Enjoy a great shopping day at the best shopping malls in Guadalajara, with exclusive brands, restaurants, entertainment and more.
Can You Visit Vicente Fernández’s Ranch?
Yes. During his lifetime, Vicente Fernández opened his ranch to anyone who wanted to visit, sharing his love for music, charro culture (the traditional horsemanship of Jalisco) and his way of life. Since his death, the Fernández family has kept up the same hospitality, and you can visit the ranch to learn more about the life and legacy of the ranchera music icon. Visits run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and are free. Visitors can see the stables, the corrals and even the singer’s tomb, and pay tribute to him in a place that meant so much to him and his family.
IKEA comes to Guadalajara with a store offering furniture and home products. See what the Swedish retailer brings to the city.
What You Can See at Rancho Los Tres Potrillos
The areas open to visitors depend on what the Fernández family has going on. In general, visitors can see Vicente Fernández’s tomb, where his music is always playing. Next to the tomb, a hyperrealistic statue of Vicente Fernández was unveiled on the second anniversary of his death, and it gives the feeling that he is still there, welcoming visitors as he did in life.
You can also visit the miniature horse stables and walk around the grounds of the Fernández home, where a guitar-shaped pool stands out. Visitors may also see the lienzo charro (the arena used for charreada, Mexico’s traditional rodeo) and the pastures where herds of horses bred by Vicente live. Keep in mind that access to some areas can change depending on the family’s activities. Entry may also take a while if the site has reached its maximum capacity; in that case you will have to wait for some people to leave before you can go in.
Besides the private areas of the ranch described above, which are open to public visits, there are other areas that are fully public: Restaurante Los Tres Potrillos, La Tienda Vaquera Los Tres Potrillos (a western-wear store) and the Arena VFG. They are part of the ranch complex but have their own separate entrances.
Find out how to get from Guadalajara Airport to downtown and compare the transportation options for your trip.
Tienda Vaquera (Western Store)
The “Los Tres Potrillos” western store is 130 meters (about 430 feet) from the main entrance to the ranch and is a key stop for fans of charro culture and the ranch lifestyle. It carries a wide selection of products, from traditional hats and boots to horse gear and western wear. With personal service and a friendly atmosphere, it is a good place to find everything you need for an authentic Mexican countryside experience.
Restaurant Campestre Los Tres Potrillos
Right next to the western store, Restaurant Los Tres Potrillos, owned by the Fernández family, offers a food and cultural experience in a picturesque, welcoming setting. Here you can enjoy live mariachi music and traditional dances while you eat classic Mexican dishes. It is the ideal place for a good meal after your visit to the Fernández ranch.
Arena VFG
Built in 2005, Arena VFG has become a major venue for large events such as concerts, music festivals like Corona Capital and sports shows. The venue is an example of modern Guadalajara and contributes to the cultural and social life of the region. Arena VFG is open only during events and normally cannot be visited as part of the ranch tour.
How to Get to Rancho Los Tres Potrillos
As mentioned above, Rancho Los Tres Potrillos is on the outskirts of Guadalajara, on the highway that connects Guadalajara with Chapala. Getting there is not complicated, but it is a good idea to plan ahead and allow enough time for your visit.
If you take public transportation, catch a bus to Chapala from Guadalajara’s suburban bus station, known locally as the “Central Vieja” (old bus station). The Chapala Plus line runs throughout the day. When you board, tell the driver where you are going so they can let you know when to get off. To return, cross to the other side of the highway; there is no official stop, but buses heading to Guadalajara will pull over if you raise your arm.
For more comfort and flexibility during your visit to Rancho Los Tres Potrillos, consider renting a car. You can travel at your own pace and explore the surrounding area easily. Several companies offer car rental in Guadalajara, both at the airport and around the city, with a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs. With a rental car you can drive straight to the ranch along the Guadalajara–Chapala highway without depending on bus schedules, and head back whenever you like.