Frequently Asked Questions (For PDF version, contact us)

What airport would we fly into?

You would fly in to Tucson International Airport. You are always welcome to fly in to Phoenix and drive to Tucson as well (there is also a Sky Harbor airport to Tucson shuttle service available). If driving to Tucson, or if you have a car, you are welcome to leave it at our home in Tucson, where it would be parked in our driveway, in a very safe and secure neighborhood.

Do you have a pick-up and drop-off policy?

Yes. Our policy asks that arriving flights be reserved for a Tucson arrival before ten a.m. (10 am) and that departure flights be made for departure after 3:00 pm. This is due to the three and a half hour drive from Tucson to the ranch front gate, and vice versa. If you cannot secure such times, we ask that you stay at a Tucson hotel prior to pick up the next day or after drop off, for a flight the next day. This would also allow you to break up the long trip into two manageable trips.

How many hours is the ranch from Tucson and what is the best way to get there?

The ranch is a three and a half hour drive (gate entrance)from Tucson. From Douglas we are 55 miles south, into northeast Sonora, Mexico. We offer round trip transportation from Tucson (airport area or central hotel) to the ranch and back to Tucson (airport area or central hotel). This service is included in our rates and is a service we provide our guests. Taking advantage of our shuttle is the best way to get to the ranch, thereby avoiding fees for car permits, getting Mexican insurance, and traversing our rocky, bumpy dirt roads.

With the ranch being located in Mexico, will we have trouble communicating with hosts, guides, guests, etc?

Not at all. Even though we are in Mexico, knowing Spanish is not essential nor needed while at the ranch. We are fully bilingual and bicultural, and speak English very well, some would say like natives. Indeed, English is the language of choice that is spoken at the ranch. Some of our team members are American as well, and all of our guests are fluent in English too.

Does it cost to leave the US, enter Mexico, and/or entering back into the US?

Not one penny. We take care of the driving to the ranch, and there is never a fee or tax upon entering Mexico with us. The same applies with entering back to the US.

Are passports needed in order to visit the ranch?

Guests visiting us do need a valid passport to get back in to the US. You do not need one to get into Mexico. However, there is also an alternate form of valid ID accepted at all border crossings called the US Passport Card. If you do not want to get a passport and only want to visit us, with no future plans to travel abroad, the passport card might be the best option.

It does not cost nearly as much as a passport to acquire (anywhere from $30-55 to acquire), though it is only valid if crossing via car or on foot from Mexico or Canada back to the US. Like a passport, you can get it about a month after you submit your application, faster if you have it expedited. Both the passport and card can be expedited for a nominal fee. You can find more information about this option, as well as information on passports, at the following links:

US Passport Card:

https://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

Passports:

https://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Do children need to have a passport as well?

Children under the age of sixteen DO NOT need to obtain or present a passport at the port of entry. Children sixteen or over DO need a passport. All that is needed is a valid certificate of birth or other form of state issued identification. (Please make sure to check with American customs for any updated policy).

Could you provide a more detailed description of your accommodations?

At El Cumaral Lodge we have three rooms, two of which are very large, with one a master suite (queen bed, twin beds if needed, private bathroom/shower), with room for four guests each (the other large room has a full size bed and pull out couch). The third room is a large room with room for two guests in a queen bed. The non-master suite rooms share a full bathroom. El Cumaral is a B & B style lodge, with a very homey atmosphere, with a shared living room and kitchen, as well as a truly wonderful wrap-around, roofed porch that offers outstanding views of the surrounding landscapes. This lodge is fully solar powered, with flatscreen TV, DVD player and satellite radio/cable.

Below, down the hill from El Cumaral, is our newly refurbished cabin, Cabana de los Vaqueros, with its own bathroom and kitchen/dining area (with wood burning stove), with a large room big enough for four guests (full size bed, twins). This Cabana has a very intimate and private feel, with a nice front porch, as well as equal access to El Cumaral's wrap-around porch, living area and kitchen. This cabin is fully solar powered.

Additionally, our Cabana de los Peñascos is a lodge/cabin that offers a rustic romance nestled inside canyon walls. This lodge, at the main hacienda, offers the convenience, if your main adventure is horseback riding, of having our horses at your doorstep, along with our cowboys. It is a stone-throw's away from the horse stables. It is a little bit more rustic than El Cumaral, with an antique, homey and ranch feel to it. Though not solar powered, it does have generator power and hot water in its full bathroom, along with a large kitchen. It offers two large rooms, with full and twin beds, with room for 6-8 guests. If you decide to stay at this lodge, the entire large cabin, two rooms, would be completely yours.

Could a family of three or more share one room?

Depending on the lodge chosen and room selected three or four guests can most definitely share a room, again, depending on the room. Our master suite and junior master suite at El Cumaral Lodge are large, can easily accommodate three or four guests (queen and twin beds), and the master has its own private bathroom and fireplace. Both cabins can easily accommodate four or more guests.

If necessary, are guests able to wash some clothes?

We do not have washer/dryer at the ranch but you are more than welcome to wash by hand, which a good number of guests do. Our great weather and sun take care of drying clothes in a couple of hours.

How do you handle any injuries (minor or major)?

To begin, we try our absolute best to preempt any injury by being prepared, vigilant, preventive and cautious. We are constantly aware of our guests, and we have become quite good at "reading" our guest's energy level and how they are performing on their adventures.

We are aware, however, that accidents happen and we are in unspoiled wilderness, so our guides and hosts have training in wilderness response and survival, as well as first-aid. We carry our outfitter first aid kit at all times, and we are constantly monitoring, assisting and instructing our guests so that no injury occurs. We also observe our guests and their physical capabilities and limitations. If a guest shows that he or she cannot handle any one of our many hikes, we go ahead and reschedule the hike or alter it. We know the land pretty well and we study our guests so that we are aware of how they might perform during their adventures.

If a serious injury occurs, we know and follow established protocols so we can safely evacuate our guest to the nearest hospital. Fortunately, up to now, and I think thanks in large part to our preemptive measures, we have yet to experience a major injury. We go to great lengths to safeguard the health of our guests, and it shows. With minor injuries, which are inevitable to some degree, we treat on site and thereafter back at the lodge, if necessary.

Is smoking allowed on your property?

Yes, though only outdoors and then where it won't bother our other guests. We also ask that you do not smoke where there exists a possibility that dry grass or brush can light up with ashes and start a fire.

Is there cell service or a phone that we could be reached in emergency?

We do have cellular service, for Mexican phones and their plans, and only in certain "hot spots," usually in higher elevations. If you wish, we give you this phone number so your relatives can leave messages and so you can call if there is an emergency. We routinely call the US, to our home office, for updates, logistics and information. Friends and family that want to get a hold of you simply call our US phones, where they leave a message which is then relayed to us at the ranch when we check in.

At times, we have had guests put their American phones under Mexican carrier coverage. Most US carriers give customers the option to sign up for Mexican service if you will be traveling in Mexico. Each company charges differently, but the service is available and you can pick up the signal from certain hot spot areas of the ranch. Additionally, we have had guests rent satellite phones, with reception anywhere.

Or access to email or Internet to keep in contact with home?

We do not have Internet access or service of any kind. One of the great things about a stay at the ranch is the opportunity to simply unplug from all of our gadgets, from the news, from work and the real world. No Internet oftentimes feels liberating after a few days at the ranch.

Are there specific days you pickup/drop-off in Tucson? In other words, does it need to be a Saturday to Saturday, or Sun-Sun etc?

No specific day needed. The day you want to be picked up is the day we will pick you up. The day you want to start your vacation is the day we pick you up, of course based on our pick-up and drop-off policy. The day you want your vacation to end is the day we drop you off.

What sort of deposit is needed and the time frame for payment?

A 50% deposit of the total cost of your trip to the ranch would be needed to secure a reservation. Once we know what package you are interested in, and how you wish to pay, we will design a transparent payment plan. Please remember that all PayPal transactions will incur a 3-4% surcharge, though this charge can be eliminated. The last half of the total cost would not be due until three weeks prior to your arrival. For a detailed explanation of both our reservation and refund policies, please consult the Rates/Accommodation page of our website, near the bottom of the page.

I read about keeping hydrated. Should we be concerned about drinking the water?

Water is absolutely not an issue of any kind. Our haciendas have both spring fed water, piped directly from the cliff rock it comes out of, and pure, healthy, secure well water. Both are delicious and pure, having never caused any sort of problem to anyone. The water is as safe as any found at American or Canadian guest ranches. Additionally, for those not fully comfortable with our water, bottled water from the US is provided.

The reason we emphasize maintaining yourself hydrated is because we are in the desert, and a lot of people not familiar with the desert are not fully aware how fast the human body is capable of dehydrating in the desert, whether in winter or summer, spring or fall. The desert produces very dry climates. Before you know it, the environment has drained you of moisture. This is why we ask that you remind yourself to drink plenty of fluid.

What are the opportunities for swimming during a stay at the ranch?

We have many options if you are interested in swimming. We have access to both Lake Angostura (20 miles long x 3 miles wide) and its river, the Bavispe River. Both offer very clean and refreshing water. You can kayak and fish on both the lake and the river and swim near shore. We also have a warm spring creek that we call the Hanging Gardens, which gushes water and has multiple whirlpools and small waterfalls, where you can soak and enjoy life. This area is a constant hit with our guests, and is enveloped by lush vegetation and canyon walls. It is a very relaxing place. Additionally, we have just completed refurbishing a hot springs pool. This hot spring is inside a gorgeous canyon, and is reached after a 20 minute walk. This spring, very popular decades ago, gave the ranch its name, Los Banos, meaning - the baths - or - the springs -.

Could you tell us a little about the hiking?

We have more than three dozen hikes, encompassing a wide range of diverse ecosystems and levels of difficulty. From mountain climbing in our higher elevations (up to 7,500 ft), to hikes along our mid-elevation hill country if you prefer wide open spaces, to our spectacular boxed canyon hiking through river beds, enveloped by 300-400 foot high canyon walls, our hiking offers virtually unlimited adventure.

With our hikes designed for enjoyment, fun and adventure, and lasting anywhere from 2-6 hours, they are as diverse and as stimulating as anything out there. With so many hikes to choose from, you will never see the same trail twice. Hikes through our canyons, particularly El Cajon Canyon, Cajon de las Piedras, Cajon de la Catedral and Cajon Aguaje are very popular with our guests, each as different as the other. Whether hiking our upper elevation country or inside the Canyonlands, our hikes, all guided, will challenge, stimulate, excite and enliven you. They are all great adventures, full of thrills, challenges and fun.

Could you tell us a little about bouldering?

Along with our canyon hikes are a good number of bouldering opportunities. Most of our canyons, and a few other locations inside the ranch, offer great bouldering adventures. Our bouldering adventures consist of climbing, canyoneering and otherwise trying to navigate through, over and below monstrous, car and truck size boulders, usually on the way to a cave or a breathtaking spot. For those interested in a full body workout, using a lot of upper body strength, not to mention the thrill of climbing canyons full of boulders, having your adrenaline pumping and looking at great scenery, our bouldering excursions, some in conjunction with our hiking adventures, are sure to leave you thrilled and satisfied.

Could you tell us a little about the kayaking?

Our kayaking, on both lake and river (though river kayaking is restricted based on water release schedule for the dam) is an opportunity for our guests to enjoy a break from riding or hiking or jeep tours, and relax in our water adventure settings. The lake, a 20 mile long pristine lake devoid of boats or people, offers intimate kayaking for hours of fun. Here, you can navigate into submerged canyons, kayak just offshore, or go deep into the middle of the lake. Our sturdy, top of the line kayaks are easy to maneuver and navigate. On the river, great adventure awaits those eager to experience whitewater kayaking, with level 2 and 3 rapids, which are not very difficult or challenging. Alternatively, if kayaking is not possible, there is also a chance for tubing on the river, down fourteen miles of the most pristine, scenic canyon around.

Could you tell us a little about the rides? I was wondering what a typical ride was like?

Our rides are all designed to provide thrills, fun, excitement and challenge to our guests. They are designed to showcase the land. They are prepared for our guests so that you can experience backcountry horseback riding at its finest. Our rides take you to virtually every corner of the ranch. Through them, you will see a diversity of ecosystems and flora that will challenge your conception of what exactly is a desert. Our sturdy horses will take you up ravines, down cliffs, through roads and trails, into canyons and river beds.

To begin, they start off in the morning, after breakfast, and we break them down into rides starting at either of our two lodges. Since each section of ranch offers something different, we might start off at El Cumaral, where you will head off into desert wilderness that offers great views. For about 5-6 hours, or shorter if you wish, you will immerse yourself into our desert habitat, guided by our vaquero, who knows the country better than anyone. Our rides are usually done by one or two in the afternoon, at which point we will have lunch.

During your ride, you will stop several times for breaks, snacks, photo ops, etc.., whenever you feel you need to stretch. Your guide will take you into trails based on your expertise level, or how much challenge and thrill you want. Our trails are designed with our guests in mind. Some will be through one of our seldom used dirt roads, others, through thick brush where you will need pants and long-sleeve shirts. Overall, our rides are enjoyable, as easy or difficult as you want, and designed so that you never see the same trail or land twice. Also, at the ranch you will never have head to tail riding, meaning many riders on the same ride. Usually it will be you, your group and the vaquero, offering peace, tranquility, privacy and freedom.

Do we come back to the lodge at the end of the day?

Yes, after riding anywhere from 2-6 hours, you will always sleep in your reserved room or cabin. There is no horse pack, sleeping in the outdoors. You will usually ride in the morning, be done by one or two, have lunch, relax, and do more adventures if you wish, or simply enjoy the rest of the day at the lodge.

Any galloping or is it follow the leader? What about opportunities for cantering and trotting?

Given the nature of the wilderness that surrounds us, and how rocky, rugged, canyon-filled and vertical the land is, there is very little room for galloping. You ride with one of our guides/vaqueros, but there is a lot of freedom to ride, either in front of him or behind, or with for that matter.

The general pace of our horseback rides depends a lot on the abilities of our individual guests, as well as the particular trail to be taken on a certain date. However, there are many opportunities for both cantering and trotting during the course of a ride, depending where you are located during a trail. Due to the rugged, vertical and rocky terrain at the rancho, there is also, of course, walking. However, there is plenty of challenge and thrills with our many trails, and you will experience riding like never before, seeing landscapes that offer a vastness seldom seen.

Is it a problem if we can't do the 4 full days of riding?

Not a problem at all. There are more than enough adventures to go around, including lake kayaking, fishing, hiking, jeep tours, or, simply relaxing. Of course you can also go riding for one, two or three hours, as well. You are under no obligation whatsoever to ever ride if you do not wish to do so.

As a beginner I do not have any riding boots. Are these essential or are alternatives available?

Riding boots are not essential. We are very flexible with our riding policy. You can ride with hiking shoes or running shoes just as well.

Does the ranch provide us with helmets?

The ranch does not provide riding helmets as we are a "ride-free" guest ranch. Guests interested in riding with helmets are invited to provide their own.

As a learner, or beginner, you will be riding veteran, sturdy and noble horses, with a cowboy guide accompanying you at all times. While we have never had an incident or accident with our guests or horses, it is your call whether to bring a helmet or not.

Could you tell us the true state of security in Mexico, Sonora and the region where the ranch is located?

It is completely natural to ask about security when traveling into Mexico. It is a source of constant bombardment in news outlets throughout the US. You would not be doing due diligence research without asking good questions such as yours.

It is the reality in Mexico that there is drug related violence clustered around a few "hot spots". Fortunately for us, our region has escaped the grasp of violence that engulfs these areas. Mexico is roughly the size of Western Europe, a very large land mass. We are hundreds of miles from any potential hot spot. In reality, Mexico is a very large country and, naturally, violence is not all-encompassing or black and white. With one-hundred million citizens, most of whom live in peace, and over one million US citizens now calling Mexico home, in addition to hundreds of thousands of expats from Europe, Australia and Canada, most of the country remains the beautiful, secure nation it always was. Just in the last months, for example, Mexico was host to the FIFA U- 17 World Cup, in addition to the Pan-American games.

You can rest assured, however, that if we (ranch and region) were under threat of security risk, we would not be opening up the ranch to tourism. We would not risk your health and well-being for any reason. We do not, under any conditions, put profit over people. We have full confidence in the safety of our guests in the region and the ranch.

The statement we have in the "Security" page of the ranch website is perhaps the best way to describe our reality. While Mexico's northeast (bordering central Texas), Juarez and Michoacán are indeed hot spots, Sonora, and our northeast region in particular, remains one of Mexico's safest areas. In that sense we are very lucky. It cannot be emphasized enough, however, that US media outlets also do not offer a fair and accurate portrayal of the vast majority of the country. They have sensationalized a lot of what is going on. Most violence does not touch people who are not either involved in the drug trade or are fighting against it.

You will see that while at the ranch, you will not see another person(s), besides guests and employees of the ranch. We are bordered by mountains, deserts, canyons and neighboring ranches, offering a remote wilderness unmolested by strangers or uninvited guests. The vast majority of the people in this region are salt of the earth folks, working to make a living, peaceful, family-oriented.

We really do feel that you will be safer in our region, and at the ranch in particular, than in the state of Arizona, for example, which has, on average, more homicides per year than the state of Sonora, where we are located. Having said that, as a safety precaution, one that goes back twenty years or so, is the locking of gates to the entrance of our dirt roads. The grouping of ranches in the region locks up gates, with only the owners of such ranches having keys. Additionally, we have a copper mining operation in the area. To get to the ranch we must pass through security checkpoints that are run by the mine. Only ranches from the area are granted access.

For your added reassurance, most all past guests of ours have volunteered to act as references to any potential future guest. They are available to answer your safety questions, or any question for that matter. Please let us know if this is something that might interest you. Our testimonials page, in addition to Trip Advisor reviews of us, also brings up the perceived safety issue. To us, the threat of violence in the region and inside the ranch is non-existent, a non-factor, just as it has been for decades. The lack of security in our region is a non-issue. Our region is very safe, and secure, as much as any in the United States. However, we do take precautions, as we have outlined above.