Practical Information

Centro Intacto is located in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico: 45 road miles inland from downtown San Diego and the San Diego Airport (SAN). All but the last 3.3 miles of the drive are on U.S. roads. Elevation is 1,700 feet (note: we are not in the desert). The terrain is mountainous, with sacred Mt. Kuchumaa the dominant landmark above our valley of oak groves, grasslands, and a seasonal stream. In all, Centro Intacto is surrounded by thousands of acres a few of which are declared a permanent Nature Preserve and home to our extensive hiking program.

Please keep in mind we are located in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico and a valid passport is mandatory for travel across International Borders.

It’s hard to believe we’ve been back to our daily lives for a week. It feels so distant! It was so wonderful to meet so many incredible, beautiful, authentic people. I relish our conversations and connections!

Packing List

Below is a helpful packing guide. You may also download and print this packing list to help you prepare for your stay at Centro Intacto.

Our priority is for our guests to have an amazing experience all week long. Here are easy tips to have a healthy and safe stay.

Essentials

Water Bottle
Warm lightweight jacket (i.e. fleece)
Camera
Cash (for tipping and purchases)
Cosmetics
Casual clothing
Sweater or jacket for cool evenings
Low heeled shoes
Underclothes
Sleepwear
Toiletries
Shaving gear
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat (with brim or visor)
Wristwatch
Over-the-counter and/or prescription medications in originally prescribed bottles
Please remember to bring closed-toe shoes to wear to all hands-on cooking classes at La Cocina Que Canta

For Fitness Classes

Aerobic, walking, running or cross-training shoes are needed for most classes
Workout clothes
Warm-up suits and cotton-blend T-shirts and shorts
Bathing suits, swim-shirt and aqua shoes (for shallow water classes)
Court shoes with toe box, arch and heel support (for tennis and pickleball)
Tennis racket
Avid birdwatchers should bring their own binoculars for bird walks and general birdwatching (we provide loaners for bird walks only)

For Hikes and Guided Walks

Well broken-in hiking boots or shoes with aggressive lugged tread are REQUIRED for mountain hikes.
Walking or running shoes with good soles are fine for other hikes.
Bring several pairs of synthetic or light wool hiking socks, and liners. No cotton socks, please (they cause blisters).
Warm-up suit or other lightweight-but-warm “layered” clothing system (i.e. shirt plus fleece vest) that allows you to be warm, or cool down, as needed.
Windbreaker
Water bottle
Hiking poles are not available at The Ranch. Please bring your own hiking poles if you plan on using them on the morning hikes.
Fanny pack or small lightweight day pack (capable of carrying a water bottle and snack on hikes). Or…these and other hiking items are sold in our small store. (We provide an over-the shoulder tote bag for your water bottle and other items you wish to keep with you)

For hikes in late fall, winter and early spring, November to March

Rain gear (we don’t get much—perhaps 10 inches a year—but it can happen, usually in Feb. and March)
Warm, light-weight jacket (i.e. synthetic fleece)
Long, loose-fitting pants (warm up or hiking pants)
Scarf or cap
Gloves

What You DON'T Need to Pack

Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash and Body Lotion: Our Core Essentials line is available in all of our guest rooms and spas for your daily use.
Plug adapters (The Ranch’s electrical current and outlets are U.S. standard)
Hair dryer
Robes
Alarm clocks
Umbrella
Large towels
Reading material (we have a VERY large lending library)
Laptop (we have a free internet access center)
Spanish dictionary (everyone speaks English!)
Tote bag
Jewelry and perfume are best left at home. Instead, enjoy the natural aromas of our herb gardens.

Traveling to Mexico

Mexico is a wonderful, convivial country that millions of people visit annually. Centro Intacto is just across the U.S.-Mexico border in Tecate, a town in the mountains east of San Diego.

Airport Shuttle Route

Getting to The Center is simple: Take a plane to San Diego, hop on one of our shuttle buses or vans throughout Saturday, and whisk…you’re at the Center in about 1.5 hours, all but 17 miles of the trip on U.S. roads.

Map link to the shuttle route we take:

Passports

In order to enter Mexico, a current, valid passport is required. In order to return to the United States after visiting Mexico, all U.S. guests need a current passport, passport card, or other approved travel documents (See more info here). (Guests from countries other than the U.S. should check with your country’s travel laws and a Mexican Consulate.)

Migratory Form (FFM)

A Mexican tourist visa is required for all stays at Rancho La Puerta.

Safety

Welcome to Centro Intacto, where your safety and wellbeing are our utmost priorities. As a new retreat center, we are dedicated to providing a sanctuary where you can relax, rejuvenate, and rediscover your inner strength.

While we are new and have not yet hosted guests, we are committed to ensuring that every future visitor enjoys their stay in complete safety. We are eager to build a community of satisfied guests who can attest to the tranquility and security of our retreat.

Explore our Activities Calendar to discover a range of curated experiences designed to engage the mind and body. We aim to attract distinguished guests including authors, thinkers, scientists, entertainers, and media personalities from across the globe.

Centro Intacto is conveniently located just 17 miles from the U.S. border. We provide transportation from the San Diego Airport, traveling predominantly through U.S. roads, with only the final stretch entering Mexico, avoiding high-risk areas.

In an era of heightened media focus on the challenges faced by Mexico, we understand the concerns that may arise. However, it’s important to note that many of the regions highlighted by travel warnings are far removed from our serene location.

We invite you to be among the first to give yourself the gift of health at Centro Intacto, where peace and privacy are not just promises but the foundation of your stay with us.

Climate

Centro Intacto is blessed with a mild, Mediterranean climate characterized by cool, moist winters and warm-to-hot, dry summers. Most of the gardens lie at 1,600 to 1,800 feet. This allows for some winter frost, which is a requirement for many fruit trees, but is mild enough for citrus and olives. Brief winters are followed by a long, gentle spring. Summers begin warm and end hot, with our inland valley receiving cooling afternoon breezes from the coast, and occasional drying Santa Ana winds from the desert. Autumn brings warm days and chilly nights. Average yearly rainfall is 12 inches, and water is the garden’s most precious resource.

Summer days are usually in the upper 80’s (thank you, ocean!) or sometimes 90’s, but our very low humidity makes the air feel dry (thank you, desert!). Rooms are cooled by fans, and insulated by naturally thick masonry walls. All rooms also have air conditioners. Our women’s and men’s health centers, indoor gyms, Main Lounge and Mercado (gift shop) are air-conditioned.

Weather

While at The Ranch

Check In/Out times

Check-in after 3 p.m. Check-out before 11 a.m.

Contact at The Center

FRONT DESK OPERATOR

By telephone: 760-238-2823

CONCIERGE*
Centrointactoholistico@gmail.com

*Please use the concierge email to contact a guest, inquire about lost items, etc. Please do not send advertising and/or marketing proposals to this address.

Mailing to a Guest

SENDING AN OVERNIGHT LETTER OR PACKAGE (I.E. BIRTHDAY GIFT OR FORGOTTEN ITEM) TO A GUEST AT CENTRO INTACTO

For USPS, FedEx, and UPS use the following address (for small packages and letters):

Guest or Staff member’s name
c/o Centro Intacto
Lázaro Cárdenas Lote 5, 21508
Mi Ranchito, B.C., Mexico

Phone number: (760) 238-2823

Please note: Most large packages/boxes (not overnight letters) must be picked up in person by a guest on the U.S. side of the border in Tecate, U.S.A. Consequently, your recipient will need to leave Centro Intacto with one of our drivers, return to the border, and cross into the U.S. – a time-consuming process that may interrupt the guest experience.

You may want to consider this before shipping a large or boxed item. Our shop stocks most essential items that a guest may forget to bring, and our concierge can arrange for almost any other purchasing needs locally — unless it’s something quite unique to your needs. Commonly shipped items include hiking boots, books, cameras, and medicine.

Don’t hesitate to call our Concierge if you wish to surprise a guest with a gift or flowers; they can make all arrangements and personalize your present without you having to ship anything.