FAQs

Rancho La Bellota is located in Baja California just 1½ hours south of the Tecate border, about halfway between Tecate and Ensenada on Hwy 3. The beautiful wine country of Baja, Valle Guadalupe, is located 25 minutes away from the ranch.

The ranch is completely off the grid, without electricity, cell or Wi-Fi access. Cabins are lit by candlelight and battery powered lanterns. The common areas, such as the dining room, living room, patio areas, etc., are lit by candlelight or kerosene lamps in the evening. In case of an emergency, a cellular phone connection is available nearby, but our guests enjoy being “off-line” for the weekend.

We typically meet in La Mesa and carpool as a group to the U.S.-Mexico border in Tecate. Leaving our cars on the U.S. side in a secured lot, we walk across the border (200 yards) to meet up with our ranch hosts. As a group, we are then transported by our hosts to Rancho La Bellota to begin our weekend. We are brought back to the border to pick up our cars at the end of our stay. Prices include transportation to and from the Tecate border crossing.

Carpools are arranged once we have confirmations from all participants. You may drive with a friend or be asked to drive or ride with others to the border. If you are uncomfortable driving, we will drive you.

NOTE: You will not be asked to drive in Mexico – We handle that for you, saving you the cost of gas and Mexican auto insurance!

The location is a rustic and traditional guest ranch, on the model of what you would have found 100 years ago in Baja California.

There are five cabins. We limit our groups to 10 guests (double occupancy).

The cabins are rustic but charming with clean, comfortable beds, wood burning stoves for cozy warmth, in-room baths with hot and cold water, showers, flush toilets, etc. All linens are supplied.

The focus of Baja Rancho Art is primarily art workshops – plein air painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, and photography. However, the ranch is government certified as a destination resort for horseback riding and bird watching. Osprey, various owls and hawks, quail, and a pair of nearby nesting golden eagles can be seen on ranch property from time to time. The hiking trails are extensive, and there is a small spring fed pool for cooling off after a day in the field.

Baja Rancho Art also offers local Valle Guadalupe winery tours, wine tastings and off-site luncheons (luncheons must be pre-arranged). Transportation to and from the wineries is included for those who wish to go (a minimum of three guests is needed). The region specializes in red wines; many highly rated by Wine Spectator Magazine. Locally produced artisanal cheeses, oils, honey, olives, and breads are also delicious.

Your trip can be anything you want it to be – you decide!