When are check-in and check-out times?

Check-in on Saturday after 2 p.m. Check-out the following Saturday before 11 a.m. If you arrive before check-in time you are welcome to take full advantage of our programs and facilities. Luggage storage is available for early arrivals, as well as those who may be departing an hour or two after check-out time.

Passports and Mexican Tourist Tax

For the latest information about travel by land to and from Mexico, please click here. As of February, 2008, due to heightened US border security, you must bring TWO important documents with you: (1) your passport OR a certified copy of your birth certificate AND (2) a picture ID, such as a driver's license. This applies whether you arrive by private car, taxi or the Ranch's motor coach service from the San Diego airport. If you do not have a passport, please note that there is a strong possibility that the US Government will require a passport or a passport-like document (to be determined) in 2008 for admittance back into the US. We recommend you apply now because the wait involved can stretch to several months.

Visitors from countries other than the US or Canada must bring a passport. Also, they should check with their country's Mexican Consulate to obtain a visa or to find out if citizens qualify under a visa waiver.

Mexico has a tourist fee charged to all visitors who are either staying in Mexico longer than 72 hours or traveling past the Border Zone. The card, known as the Migratory Tourist Form (FMT) is valid for six months (180 days) with multiple entries. Hence, if you return to Mexico (or Rancho La Puerta!) you will not need to get new tourist papers. We make it easy to purchase and receive an official copy of this travel visa when you arrive. Bring with you $25 - $30 US in cash. Because the cost varies depending upon the peso exchange rate, two tens, a five and five ones will ensure you have the correct amount.

What if I have a health issue?

If your health status is unstable or you question your ability to participate in a vigorous fitness program, please discuss your concerns with your physician prior to your arrival at the Ranch. We cannot accept guests who are experiencing serious health problems, or who have great difficulty walking or seeing. Pregnant women should carefully consider whether or not to visit if not accustomed to exercise. We do not have a physician on the premises. The nearest US medical facility is 45 minutes from the Ranch. Please bring any medications you are taking in the original bottle.

Should I be concerned about drinking the water?

Drinking water fountains are located near gyms and the Dining Hall. We make all teas, coffees and ice with filtered water. All rooms have faucets that dispense water filtered by reverse osmosis. Our tap water is chlorinated. Rancho La Puerta has private wells, and also receives water from the Colorado River via United States water systems. Bottled Penafiel, a Mexican mineral water, slightly carbonated, is available for purchase. We suggest that you drink eight to ten glasses of water each day while participating in our fitness program. Adequate fluid intake enhances performance, and is important in revitalizing a body that may be unaccustomed to dawn-to-dusk movement. You will receive a Rancho La Puerta water bottle upon your arrival at the Ranch.

What is the Ranch's policy on smoking?

The Ranch maintains a smoke-free environment.

What about alcohol?

We believe that wine is an ancient, nutritious, and healthful (in moderation) food that has its place at the table and at life’s celebrations. However, at Rancho La Puerta we do NOT allow alcohol in our dining room or public areas throughout the week except at two functions, the welcome reception and the farewell dinner Friday night. In both cases, WE serve the wine -- usually a vintage from a wine region nearby known as Valle de Guadalupe. This is a longtime tradition, and our guests prefer it. If you wish to bring your own wine selections or spirits, they should be consumed in your room, or on your room’s patio -- in moderation, please.

Are there laundry facilities?

We have two complimentary self-service laundry facilities on the grounds. We provide environmentally safe detergent. We now offer laundry service as well; place your garments in a net bag (which we provide) by 8:30 a.m. and they will be laundered and returned to your room by 5 p.m. The charge is $1.50/lb (minimum charge $5.00).

How much cash should I bring?

Cash, checks and credit cards are welcome. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. You may wish to bring cash to purchase workout videos and craft supplies, and for tipping. (Tipping is optional and you may find it convenient to use tipping coupons, which can be purchased at the Ranch Administration Building.) Purchases may be made on Friday; these transactions cannot be charged to your room. You may present a credit card at checkout to settle incidental charges. We can advance up to $150 cash from a credit card (with a 2% fee), or cash personal checks up to $150.

Can I use a spa gift certificate or coupon at the Ranch?

Gift Certificates (issued by Rancho La Puerta) in any amount are available from the Rancho La Puerta reservations office. They’re a great way to surprise a friend or loved one with a stay at the Ranch, or treat them to a few spa treatments after they arrive.

“Spa Certificates,” issued by a company other than Rancho La Puerta, are generally not accepted. An exception is Spa Finder gift certificates. Please call us first before you buy any “spa certificate” from a company other than Rancho La Puerta. If the certificate is acceptable, the use of any spa gift certificate issued by a company other than Rancho La Puerta is limited by the following:

1. NO gift certificates (other than our own) are accepted on the premises of Rancho La Puerta.
2. Any certificate must be received by our U.S. reservations office one month in advance of your arrival date.
3. Certificates are only valid toward payment for your room.
4. $500 per person, per visit, maximum (using one certificate or any total of certificates).
5. A certificate is only valid if it is issued by a company with which Rancho La Puerta has a current partnership.
6. We reserve the right to refuse any certificate issued by a company other than Rancho La Puerta.

Do the rooms have phones?

Phones are conveniently located in the Administration Building and lounges as well as within easy access to our Rancheras and Haciendas. Jr. Villas, Villa Studios, and Villa Suites have phones in the rooms.

Can I use my cell phone?

Some cellular phones work well at the Ranch, depending on your carrier. Ask your carrier if service is available while you are in Tecate. Note: We request that you use your cell phones ONLY in your individual room. Cell phone use in public areas is prohibited.

Is there Internet access?

If you bring your laptop, the Ranch has wireless Internet service available in the main guest lounge. However, you may not be able to send emails, due to our Mexican ISP. The Internet Access Center near the Men's Health Center does have several online computers with this capability. We request that you do NOT use your laptop at meals or other public areas — other guests may not want to be reminded of their workaday world.

Are there music and books available?

All rooms have a CD player and two or three music CDs. You may wish to bring some of your favorites.

The Ranch has an extensive lending library of current fiction, classics and non-fiction. Our gift shop has a small selection of books, often by authors who are speaking at the Ranch, or have recently been guests.

How can I secure my valuables?

Your room has its own safe deposit box and the Front Desk also has complimentary safe deposit boxes for guest use. Keys can be obtained at the Administration Building.

Is it OK to conduct business with my fellow guests?

The Ranch is a vacation sanctuary environment. We do not allow the selling of any products, or the solicitation of new business, by any guest of another guest.

Do I have to pay duty and taxes on items I buy in Mexico?

Duty applies to products made in Mexico if the merchandise exceeds US $1,000 in value. When it comes to alcoholic beverages, your residency makes a difference. If you reside in California and are 21 years old or older, you may bring only 1 liter of an alcoholic beverage into the U.S. from Mexico every 30 days. There is no tax or duty on that liter. (A typical bottle of wine is 3/4 of a liter, or 750 ml. One liter equals 2.1173 U.S. pints, or slightly more than a quart.) If you reside elsewhere than California, you may bring as many as 60 liters into the U.S., providing they are for your personal use (not for resale), every 30 days. The first liter is duty free; the rest are subject to an Internal Revenue Tax (IRT) of 30 cents per liter of wine or $3.56 per liter of alcohol. For more information please click here.