Case Study: Rancho Cacachilas – More Than Just Glamping in Baja, Mexico
Nestled in the heart of Baja California Sur, Rancho Cacachilas offers more than just a luxurious glamping experience—it’s an immersive adventure that seamlessly blends sustainability, outdoor exploration and adventure, culinary creativity and a wealth of inspiration. This case study explores how Rancho Cacachilas has elevated the concept of glamping by providing guests with a range of engaging activities beyond their glamping accommodations. The ranch was founded 14 years ago, but they only started inviting glampers to visit 5 years ago. Let’s have a look!
Sitting around the bonfire, we realized we were the only guests visiting for the first time. All other guests, both international and local, were there for the 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th time. Repeat glampers at this level of loyalty? Rancho Cacachilas is definitely onto something. I’m going to quote Whitney Scott (Founder of A Bit Of Whit, AGA advisor, Glamping University instructor, and Co-Founder and Principle of Walden) “The biggest mistake that glamping operators can make is believing the unit alone is enough”. Offering a variety of nature-based experiences that allow visitors to leave with memories unique to the location visited (and always more to explore) will encourage guests to return, and avoid market “churn and burn”. Rancho Cacachilas exemplifies this philosophy, creating an experience that keeps guests coming back time and time again.
The power of curating immersive, hands-on experiences leave a lasting impact on guests and turn them into repeat customers. Yes, guests stay in beautifully designed canvas tents (manufactured by AGA member, Davis Tent!), that blend harmoniously with the surrounding desert landscape thanks to the traditional palapa roof. Yes, each tent is thoughtfully outfitted with comfortable furnishings and modern amenities, while remaining true to the ranch’s sustainability efforts. What sets Rancho Cacachilas apart is its dedication to connect visitors with the land, and their knowledgeable team of guides to do so.
Consistency, data collection, and strategic guest interactions are the keys to success. Upon arriving we were greeted by José Manuel Pérez Cantú (General Manager) and Cecilia Mendoza (former sales and reservations coordinator). Rancho Cacachilas is fully off-the-grid, and Jose explained that Rancho Cacachilas “is a ranch first”. We were introduced to every mule, we learned about the rich history of vaqueros, and got a first-hand look at all current projects such as watershed collection and management, animal husbandry, and onsite permaculture efforts. All onsite activities generate economic and community benefits. The goat milk creamery is located onsite and they produce a variety of cheese that are served in meals at Rancho Cacachilas and available for purchase in local shops. Once again, no one says it better than Whitney Scott in that successful branding connects “mission, segmentation, competitive advantage, operational processes, and guest touch points”. Cohesive branding is more than just a look.
It’s not just about where you stay—it’s about what you do while you’re there and who you do it with. When booking your stay at Rancho Cacachilas, you will first speak with a concierge who can help you decide and plan if you’d like to experience the following (but not limited to) mountain biking adventures, trail running, ranching & sustainable agriculture experiences, cheesemaking, beekeeping courses, mule riding, and hiking & nature walks. All in addition to: culinary journeys & farm-to-table meals, stargazing & astronomy nights, and mezcal tastings. There is A LOT to do, and very passionate guides to do it with! Every group visiting Rancho Cacachilas is paired with a guide you can refer to at any moment of your stay. After our initial tours and conversations with Jose and Cecilia, we met a few more members of the staff. Ximena Vega, Sales and Reservations Coordinator, checked us in and farm-to-table Executive Chef, Emmanuel Loya, brought us a welcome snack and drink.
Later that night, we enjoyed pizza and salad, made with many of the fresh ingredients we had spotted earlier in the permaculture gardens. We had the pleasure of attending an expert-led astronomy talk by Sebastián del Valle. With its remote location providing unparalleled views of the night sky where we saw Saturn and Jupiter through a professional telescope! Sebastián has the ability to discuss what we saw in the night’s sky at various levels of complexity–he impressively explained the same astronomical phenomenon in a way that was engaging and understandable for both children and adults.
After spending the night in our cozy canvas Davis Tent, we woke up to a beautiful sunrise and enjoyed another incredible farm-to-table breakfast while chatting with some of the other guides. Said Estrada, a guide accompanying a group visiting from the USA, explained that he got his job through a university colleague who is also a guide at Rancho Cacachilas. They have a strong network and a close-knit employee community. All employees we met during our stay have been working there for at least four years—some for as many as nine! Said was a pleasure to speak with—he answered all our questions and even translated everything from Spanish to English for my boyfriend, Conner. Everyone we met was deeply passionate about their role, highly educated (many holding advanced degrees, including PhDs), and fluent in multiple languages.
After breakfast, we opted to visit the on-site apiary and goat farm. We were greeted by Esme Ramírez, Agroecological Production Manager, for a beekeeping course and hive tour, as well as guide Mónica Marván, who introduced us to the ranch’s cheese production. Both Esme and Mónica are highly knowledgeable about the 16,000 hectares (about 40,000 acres) that make up Rancho Cacachilas and shared fascinating insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and their influence on each honey harvest, and the history of the goats at Rancho Cacachilas. Our experience was incredible, and every staff member we met made us feel genuinely welcome.
Rancho Cacachilas has harnessed the magic of their land and with the help of the expert team of staff, share this magic with all who visit. By offering diverse activities that promote adventure, education, and sustainability, the ranch not only attracts a wide range of travelers but also fosters a deep appreciation for Baja’s unique environment and culture. While wrapping this up, I leave you with another quote from Whitney Scott (the best to ever do it), “The units alone won't sustain the market. It’s the connection to a broader, curated experience–amenities, activities, and a seamless service model–that truly captures what glampers are clamoring for”. Rancho Cacachilas exemplifies this philosophy, proving that an immersive, well-rounded experience is the key to lasting success in the glamping industry.
Thank you Rancho Cacachilas! We will be back again one day!
