This Luxurious Mexican Ranch is Tecate’s Top Destination for Birdwatching
Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta
From the verdant jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula to the sandy shores of Oaxaca, the southern reaches of Mexico are home to a wealth of spectacular destinations for birdwatching—but you don't have to travel far from the U.S. border to find some truly incredible ecotourism opportunities. Just south of San Diego, the state of Baja California is home to dazzling resorts stretching from the Pacific coast to the Gulf of California, and for a deep dive into the fascinating avian species found across inland Baja, it's tough to beat Rancho La Puerta.
A longstanding fixture of the Tecate hospitality scene, this scenic property made its debut in 1940, serving as a pioneer within the realm of wellness-oriented travel. In the modern era, classes ranging from yoga to pickleball to kickboxing are all available for booking, while there are 40 miles of hiking trails etched along the 4,000-acre property, offering ample opportunity for visiting joggers and mountain bikers. In addition to these fitness-focused amenities, Rancho La Puerta recently announced the launch of curated Bird Walks led by Operations and Strategic Advisor (and seasoned birder) Jim Root. Kicking off each Monday at 9:00 AM and lasting roughly ninety minutes, this outdoor excursion highlights the spectacular avian species that thrive across the northern reaches of the Baja Peninsula.
"Each season at The Ranch has its own rhythm and change, which makes each Bird Walk special," says Root. "About 128 avian species have been spotted at The Ranch over the years. In the silence, guests will be able to hear the call of ravens flying overhead, the serenade of canyon wrens bobbing on boulders, the rumblings of thrashers, towhees and sparrows, and squawking jays off in the distance. I’ve also seen two red-taileds and two red-shouldered [hawks] in their mating flights, the soft tapping of woodpeckers, a flush of quail nervously exploring and softly cooing, and kingbirds riding the wind."
Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta
While bird species can be found in abundance during a stay, they're far from the only wildlife that thrives across property grounds. Small mammals including ground squirrels, gophers, and rabbits all serve as prey for the region's native foxes, while botany enthusiasts can scour the area for wild peonies and bask in the beauty of Rancho La Puerta's many towering live oaks. Even if you're not particularly fortunate in your search for flora and fauna, the on-property dining hall is just steps away from a tranquil pond that's rife with goldfish and turtles—and visitors can snag some top-quality soups, sandwiches, and enchiladas during a visit as an added bonus.
Rancho La Puerta's polished casitas and treasure trove of wellness-oriented programs make it a top destination for luxury travel, but it's not just humans that benefit from a visit to the property. From tiny hummingbirds to fearsome raptors, a wealth of avian species are welcome to use the surrounding area as a safe haven, benefiting from the native flora and lack of harsh pesticides. While there's a wide array of rare birds that appear across property throughout the year, one of Root's most memorable birding experiences centers on two of Mexico's more common species, both pitted against each other in the eons-old dance between predator and prey.
"Reports of unprecedented numbers of robins across San Diego are the same across The Ranch," he notes. "I have found myself in the middle of a very large blush of robins being stampeded by a peregrine falcon. The robins were scattering for their lives, but I think the falcon was just playing as he was so much more powerful and agile than the robins. To then watch him disengage, return on high with the thermals and so gracefully fly away was a real treat."