FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT

Check-in on Saturday after 2:00pm. Check-out the following Saturday before 11:00am. If you arrive before check-in time you are welcome to take full advantage of our program 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

COMPLIMENTARY GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Provided only on Saturday to and from the San Diego International Airport.

Charter buses depart the San Diego International Airport at 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:15pm and 2:45pm. Ranch staff meet arriving guests near the Travelers Information Desk in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. If you arrive via the Commuter Terminal, take the airport's 'Red Bus' to Terminal 1 and locate the Travelers Information Desk. A Rancho La Puerta staff member will meet you in this vicinity and escort you to the bus.

Charter buses depart the Ranch for the San Diego Airport at 6:00a.m, 7:45am, 10:00am, 12:15pm and 2:30pm. Transit time to the airport is approximately 3 hours. Please sign up at the Front Desk during your stay.

CANCELLATION POLICY

With notice more than 30 days prior to arrival date, a refund less $50 per person, per week.

CANCELLATION/DATE CHANGE

With notice 30 days or less prior to arrival date, a refund less $500 per person, per week. Notice of cancellation must be received by the Reservations Office by 4:00pm Pacific Time on the Friday before arrival.

Cancellation Fee Waivers: If you must cancel, a Cancellation Fee Waiver guarantees the return of all monies on account with notice by 4:00pm Pacific Time on the Friday prior to arrival. Waivers are $29 per person, per week and non-refundable and non-transferrable to other guests or other dates. They may be purchased up to 30 days prior to arrival and must coincide with the initial payment.

LATE ARRIVAL/EARLY DEPARTURE

Sorry, no refunds or adjustments are extended to those who arrive late or leave early. For transportation to and from the Airport, other than on Saturdays, we suggest the Orange Cab Company, (619) 291-3333. Cab fare to and from the San Diego International Airport generally ranges from $70 to $75.

MEXICAN TOURIST DOCUMENTS

U.S. and Canadian visitors are required to bring one of the following documents: valid passport, birth certificate, or notarized affidavit of citizenship. Visitors from all other countries must bring a passport and a visa which may be obtained from a Mexican Consulate before entering Mexico.

MEXICAN TOURIST TAX REQUIREMENT

You will need to bring with you $25 - $30 US in cash. (Two tens, a five and five ones, will insure you have the correct amount.)

HEALTH STATUS

Health issues should be discussed with your physician if you question your ability to participate in a vigorous fitness program. We do not accept guests whose weight would preclude them from fully participating in an active program or those experiencing serious health problems, difficulty walking or difficulty seeing. Pregnant women should take extra precautions, particularly if not accustomed to exercise. We do not have a physician on the premises. Please bring any medication you may be taking. Please understand that we are a distance from any medical facilities.

WATER

Drinking water fountains are located near gyms and the Dining Hall. Teas, coffees, and ice are made with filtered water. Tap water is chlorinated, however all rooms have faucets dispensing water filtered by reverse-osmosis. Rancho La Puerta has private wells and we do not tie into Mexico's water lines. Bottled Penafiel mineral water is available. We suggest that you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, even when you are not thirsty. We furnish a logo water bottle when you arrive for use during your stay and to take home as a souvenir. Fluids enhance performance and will work wonders as you revitalize a body that may not be accustomed to dawn-to-dusk movement.

WEATHER

Founder Deborah Szekely has a saying: "Wherever you live in the U.S. no matter what the season, the weather at the Ranch is invariably better."

San Diego is recognized as having America's finest climate. We in Tecate - 35 miles away by road and at 1700 feet altitude - equal and surpass San Diego's record, escaping their notorious cloud-covered mornings. For us, daybreak is sun-up!

Winter days in our mountains can be warm enough for guests to go about in shorts, while winter and spring nights and mornings will require a sweater or jacket. Occasionally we get a nighttime frost. Rooms are warmed by modern heaters, many also have wood-burning fireplaces. This is a land of little rain, but we do get occasional storms.

Summer days are usually in the upper 80's (thank you ocean!) or sometimes 90's, but our very low humidity (thank you desert!) makes the air feel quite dry. Rooms are cooled by fans and naturally thick masonry walls. Our women's and men's health centers, indoor gyms, main lounge and mercado (gift shop) are air conditioned.

SMOKING

The Ranch is a smoke-free environment.

LAUNDRY

A complimentary self-service laundry facility is located on the grounds. Detergent is provided gratis.

CASH

You may wish to bring cash, personal checks or travelers cheques for videos, craft supply charges and tipping (tipping is entirely optional). Tipping coupons are available for purchase at the Ranch Administration Building.

PHONES

Phones are conveniently located in the Administration Building and lounges. There are no phones in our guest cottages.

CELLULAR PHONES

Cellular phones generally work well at the Ranch. We suggest that you coordinate coverage with your service provider prior to the start of your week. Note: You may not use your cell phone during classes, in gyms or pool areas.

COMPUTERS

Bringing your laptop and planning to check your e-mail? One of our phone booths has been expanded to include an extra jack for a modem and an electrical outlet. No special adapters are needed, as the current throughout the Ranch is the same (110/120) as in the United States.
Tip: You may wish to obtain a San Diego access number from your Internet Service Provider before joining us.

Also we have an Internet Center located near the Men's Center for your use.

SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES

The concierge office has a limited number of safe deposit boxes for use on a complimentary basis. If you prefer, each room is equipped with its own safe deposit box. The key can be obtained at the Administration Building.