A Wonderful journey through the flavors and traditions of the Wine Route Baja California.

The main attraction to Rancho Agua Caliente is the unique geothermal hot springs with natural drinking water. The non-sulfurous, odorless hot springs have been used for many years for therapeutic and medicinal purposes, and are known throughout the region for their extraordinary ability to heal.

The water bubbles out of the ground at 108 degrees F and is heated by thermal energy from deep inside the earth. In addition, the presence of anti-oxidants such as Selenium make Rancho Agua Caliente water a nutritional beverage that helps prevent a number of degenerate conditions by protecting cells against oxidative and free radical damage.

Amenities at Rancho Agua Caliente include:
• 800 acres along a pristine stretch of the Baja California mountains.
• 17 rustic style hotel rooms including honeymoon suites, singles quarters, and party-style 2 story rooms with pool views, outdoor patios and terraces.
• Two hot spring fed swimming pools, including a hot resort pool, 10′ water slide, Olympic-sized swimming pool and 8 private roman baths.
• Spacious tent camping w/ firepits, camping grills, and bathroom facilities.
• Restaurant, bar, and outdoor lounge.
• A stunning array of indoor and outdoor event spaces for weddings, reunions, and special events.

“Singles Quarters” – 2 Twin Beds (Sleeps up to 2 people)
“Couple’s Suite” – 1 Full Bed (Sleeps up 2 people)
“Party Bunker” – 2 Full Beds (Sleeps up to 4 people)

Rancho Agua Caliente amenities include hot springs, roman baths, camping, and more.

These activities continued until about the 1830′s, until these indigenous settlements were displaced by the first “mestizo” families, which arrived from central Mexico carrying property rights granted to them by the then recently created federal government. The new settlers developed a dairy farm, as well as led gold and silver mining activities. These activities were supported by the growth and emergence of the neighboring town of Real del Castillo (now known as Ojos Negros), which depended on Rancho Agua Caliente to provide its valuable natural resources for the development of these new regional industry. Consequently, the community thrived in the process. By the end of the 1800′s, Real del Castillo was named the capital of the territory of Baja California. Remnants of an old gold mine are still found on the Rancho Agua Caliente property.

In the 1940’s a new era of tourism began, and Rancho Agua Caliente hotel and hot springs resort was built, with both wellness and seclusion in mind. By the end of its construction, Rancho Agua Caliente had gained a reputation and fame that soon spread all over the North American Coast and attracted many people from around the globe. In particular, Hollywood movie starts such as Anthony Quinn and other famous artists of that era were frequent visitors.

Rancho Agua Caliente is now widely known as one of the most attractive and traditional ecotourism sites in the Baja California region due to its unique setting, abundant natural resources, and hot spring water. Having been operated for many years now as a rustic alpine hotel, hot spring spa, and camping park, the old “Agua Caliente Resort” has been listed in numerous travel publications including the AAA guides and maps. Currently, Rancho Agua Calinete operates as a private resort and hot springs oasis available only for private groups and retreats. This allows Rancho Agua Caliente to maintain its integrity and keep providing and ambiance of wellness, privacy, and security for its guests. Please come visit this historic piece of Baja soon, you are sure to love it!

Print a PDF Version of these driving directions for your trip!

Driving directions are as follows:

Drive I-5 or I-805 South and cross the border into Tijuana. Immediately after you cross into Mexico, stay to the right side of the road, and follow signs to Rosarito / Ensenada.

Follow that arrow to Rosarito / Ensenada!

Exit Playas de Tijuana / Rosarito Cuota. It will be your first immediate exit after you cross over the river. (See both photos, above and below.)

Note: This photo is showing you that you need to exit right before the sign that says "Playas de Tijuana / Rosarito Cuoto", not after.

Drive through North Tijuana towards the coastal community of Playas de Tijuana via Highway 1 toll road. Stay on the Highway 1 and follow signs to Ensenda.

There are three toll gates on your scenic drive South to Ensenada, Baja California. The first two tolls are approx. $2.35 each (or $27.00 pesos) and the third toll is approx. $2.60 (or $30.00 pesos)

After the third toll in San Miguel you will drive through the El Sauzal community on Carretera Transpeninsular eventually passing the UABC-University, where you will turn right towards the Port of Ensenada (Zona Turistica) entrance.  Once in Ensenada, keep driving South along Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas. Follow past the clubs, restaurants, Starbucks, etc.

Shortly after you pass the Naval Base on the right at Gral Agustin Sangines, Turn Left (east) at the Ave. Esmeralda Intersection. This is a brand new intersection and ​does not have a street sign, as of August 2nd, 2011. The two photos below are taken at the intersection of Esmeralda Ave. & Hwy 1. You will see a big Port of Ensenada sculpture on the right side of the freeway.

Drive approx. 17 miles (27 Km) until you reach the Rancho Agua Caliente exit sign. (Ave. Esmeralda will eventually curve north and turn into Calle Septima. Stay on Calle Septima and it eventually curves again eastward and and turns into Highway 3. Keep track of and follow any road signs indicating Highway 3 to Ojos Negros/San Felipe.)

Once you get into the rural area, you’ll see km markers on the side of the road. The Rancho Agua Caliente is located right after the 26 km marker.

Exit carefully and slowly into the dirt driveway on the right and stop at the entrance gate. You will be greeted by RAC staff.

After checking in at the front gate, carefully follow the dirt road 4 miles down to the Rancho Agua Caliente hot springs oasis facilities. There is more than one checkpoint along the way down the dirt road. Please stop and be respectful to any guards or staff you encounter.

Although conventional automobiles will make it on the dirt road most of the year, we recommended that vehicles with a significant clearance such as SUV’s or trucks be your preferred mode of travel, especially during the winter rainy season.

Once you arrive to the Rancho Agua Caliente oasis facilities, park in the designated parking lot, and meet the Native Alien group at the restaurant and bar area for hotel room assignments.

Print a PDF Version of these driving directions for your trip!