Traveling to Rancho Cacachilas
Where is Rancho Cacachilas?
Rancho Cacachilas is a private working ranch with an adventure resort & camps, located outside of La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Our private working ranch spans 14,000 hectares and the working ranches, adventure resort & camps are accessed via Rancho El Chivato. Day access to the ranch is through our Mountain and Bike Hub (outfitter, bike rentals, bike mechanic services) in El Sargento at Ventana Bay.
RANCHO CACACHILAS - MOUNTAIN & BIKE HUB
Corredor Isla Cerralvo, El Sargento,
Baja California Sur, Mexico
For directions and maps visit How To Get Here
What do I need to travel into Baja California Sur, Mexico?
International travelers need a valid passport to travel to Baja California Sur, Mexico. No visas are required. Mexican Nationals need a valid Mexican ID.
Is there a minimum age for Rancho Cacachilas?
Not really, as long as youngsters are totally in the care of their parents. This is a remote, dryland wilderness with rugged beauty and lots of fun outdoor places for kids to explore, or likewise, to get into trouble fast if they are not supervised. There are no man-made playgrounds or daycare at Rancho Cacachilas. Adventure parents usually know all this and love bringing kids to share in their adventures. Kids under 10 will not enjoy the bike trails as these are mostly intermediate to advanced trails, but they can hike. If you are unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us.
For International and Mexican Mainland Visitors, What is the best airport to fly into in order to get to Rancho Cacachilas?
Los Cabos:
Cabo San Lucas International Airport OR
La Paz, BCS Mexico:
Manuel Márquez de León International Airport
Both airports offer easy access to Rancho Cacachilas. La Paz is 30 minutes drive from Rancho Cacachilas. This is the preferred airport to fly into for travelers coming from other parts of Mexico.
The highway from Los Cabos was recently expanded and it is now a comfortable 2 hour drive via bus or private car from Cabo San Lucas International Airport to La Paz, Mexico.
Traveler's tip: walk across in 5 minutes the private border bridge CBX directly into Tijuana’s airport terminal and get a domestic Mexican flight from Tijuana, MX to La Paz.
Can I take a bus to Rancho Cacachilas from the Cabo or La Paz airport?
There is shuttle bus and private transportation from Cabo San Lucas International Airport to La Ventana – Sargento town (where Rancho Cacachilas is located) and to La Paz.
When is the best time of year to go?
Winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, is the best time of year to visit Baja. November through April offers the best weather for visiting Baja California Sur due to cooler temperatures and limited rainfall. October and May are early and late season and offer the lowest crowds. December and January is peak tourism season here. Rancho Cacachilas is open from October 1 to May 31st, for day and multiday tours, workshops and special retreats. We are closed to guests June 1 - September 30.
How hot is the weather there?
The warm season lasts approximately from May 26 to October 3, with an average daily high temperature above 93°F. The cool season lasts approximately from December 1 to February 25, with an average daily high temperature below 79°F.
What should I wear/bring/pack?
See our packing list.
Is Rancho Cacachilas and Baja California Sur, Mexico safe?
Yes, Rancho Cacachilas is very safe. The Ranch is privately owned, gated and also very secluded.
Beyond the Ranch, there are currently no U.S. government restrictions for travel in Baja California Sur, which includes the tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose de Cabo and La Paz. Hundreds of thousands of tourists safely travel to the region each year without incident.
Still, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 warning for the state, advising travelers to exercise increased caution. Accordingly, when traveling in Baja California Sur it is wise to act in a safe manner. Don’t visit outlying areas at night alone on foot, don’t flash cash and be aware of your surroundings. Stay in a group or with a friend. All the same logical travel advice you would getting traveling to other destinations around the world.
Do I need to exchange money into Mexican Pesos for my ranch visit? Can I do that at the Ranch?
It is always better to have some national currency on hand for small purchases in convenience stores and town visits. As for any needs at the Ranch, we can charge you in pesos or USD as well as payments through credit card or paypal.
Are credit cards accepted at the Ranch?
Yes, we do not charge directly in the Ranch but at the end of your stay we will clear the bill at the Mountain & Bike Hub in El Sargento.
What is your cancellation policy?
See our full reservation information and cancellation policy here.
During Your Stay at Rancho Cacachilas
Can I drink the water? Do you have bottled water for sale or is it free?
Rancho Cacachilas has invested in watershed management and we constantly review the quality of the water to assure that it is good for consumption.
Bottled water is available free at Rancho Cacachilas for all guests. Also, all water, teas, coffees and ice available at Rancho Cacachilas is made with filtered water. You should not drink the tap water.
We suggest that you drink eight to ten glasses of water each day while participating in activities on the Ranch. Adequate fluid intake enhances performance, and is important in revitalizing a body that may be unaccustomed to dawn-to-dusk movement.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
No problem - let us know on your registration form and we will do our best to accommodate you. We regularly handle gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dietary needs. Or, contact us here and we can work directly with your needs.
I don't speak Spanish, will I be able to talk to my guides?
No problem, all our guides are bilingual in Spanish and English.
I do speak Spanish, can I practice while at Rancho Cacachilas?
Of course! We are delighted with guests who want to practice our Spanish language!
I heard there are scorpions and rattlesnakes in Baja - is this something I should worry about?
Our guides will educate you on traveling safely in the Baja California Sur Cacachilas mountains. Similar to the US Southwestern Desert areas or grizzly and mountain lion country in the Northern Rockies, responsible behavior is key. (There are no grizzlies or mountain lions in BCS!)
What happens if there is a medical emergency at Rancho Cacachilas?
If you question your ability to participate in a vigorous fitness program, please discuss your concerns with your personal physician prior to your arrival to Rancho Cacachilas. 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 medical facility is 45 minutes from Rancho Cacachilas in the city of La Paz. Please bring any prescribed medications you are taking in the original bottle to avoid any issues with either Mexican or U.S. customs.
All our staff has been trained in first aid and part of our staff has successfully certified in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) by Wilderness Medical Institute, and National Leadership School (NOLS).
What is customary for tipping?
Rancho Cacachilas is a team effort across all out staff - from our trail builders, to the people that work in the gardens, to your guides. As a result, all gratuities are split among all staff working at the ranch. Together, we are happy to host you! Tips are always appreciated, but are entirely at your discretion, based on the level of service you receive.
Is there WiFi available?
Yes, at El Chivato adventure resort and camp only. There is no wifi at Los Pisos or the working ranches. (There may be cell service depending on your provider, but don’t count on it working.) You’ll love being disconnected off the grid during your stay, trust us on this!
Is there a laundry facility available?
We do not offer this service at the Ranch based on the amount of water consumption. We encourage local businesses in El Sargento to deliver this service, talk to your guide and we will be happy to arrange the delivery and pick it up for you.
Do i need to secure my valuables while staying at Rancho Cacachilas?
The Ranch is privately owned, gated and also very secluded. All of our staff is proud to be part of this project and our policy on honesty is clearly defined. If you feel better securing your valuables, we can arrange to have them placed in a safe during your stay.
Questions About Day Trips, Multi-day trips, and Working Ranch Activities
Do I need to make advanced reservations for day trips?
Yes, prior reservation is needed. You can check our availability.
Do you have bikes available for rent?
Yes! We have bikes available for rent at our Mountain & Bike Hub.
I’m a beginner when it comes to hiking and biking. Can I still participate in these activities?
Yes, but be prepared to walk your bike on some of the trail sections. Our trails are mostly intermediate level and advanced, for biking. For hiking, just go slow and rest! Your guide will encourage you.
Can I hire a guide for biking or hiking day trips?
Yes, in fact all our day trips are guided. Contact us to learn more and reserve your trip.
Is there a minimum number of people required for day trips?
A minimum of 2 participants is required for any day tour. Day trips for single participants if based on availability and ranch operations . We would also charge an extra fee of $20 USD.
Groups and Rancho Cacachilas
I am a researcher/part of an organization and we would like to bring a team down to study X…
Wonderful! We love research groups and have a long history of supporting key science and natural research in our BCS region. Find out more about our research work here. And contact us about your research needs.
I would like to bring a group Baja California Sur. Do you have group pricing?
I would like to bring a group to Baja California Sur. Can we organize a completely customized itinerary?
Yes - we do many custom tours for special groups each season. We are happy to help you create the perfect mix of Rancho Cacachilas offerings - contact us here.
Need additional information? Contact us.
