Things you have to know for your trip to Rancho Las Cascadas - Mexico On our website, www.ranchomex.com, you will find most of the answers to your questions. Further information and tips are below: Weather/Clothing All year round at midday we have a temperature of approx. 22º Centigrade / 75 Fahrenheit. In the mornings and in the evenings it is good to have some long sleeved shirts or sweaters to take on the rides. It is always good to pack a bit of everything so you can´t get it wrong. Don´t forget your swimming things, if you would like to use the hot tub or swim with the horses (depending on the weather). For riding we recommend jeans and short boots. Trainers/sneakers are not really suitable for riding as you may not be comfortable and get stuck in the stirrups. In any case you can buy short leather boots in the markets around here for about US$ 25 to US$ 35 depending on the size. We do not provide riding hats, if you want to use one you will have to bring one along. Most people here use only simple sombreros against the sun (you may also get them at the market) as it can be really hot beneath the black helmets… but this is your decision. You can also buy Sombreros for around US$ 15. Towels - Hairdryer - Shampoo - Conditioner - Shower gel - Soap - Bathrobes are all provided. The electricity voltage here is 110 V the same as the USA. The sun at 7500 feet/2300 meters is very strong. We strongly recommend a sun cream with high protection factor which you should use daily. The hotel is fumigated against mosquitoes and there are normally not many around. Tourist Visa You do not need a special tourist visa. During your flight they will hand a form to you which you have to fill in. Where it says… Main Destination in Mexico… you fill in… Rancho Las Cascadas, San Agustin Buenavista. At passport control you get it stamped and it will be valid for up to 90 - 180 days. Keep this paper for your departure. Don’t lose it because there is quite a high fee for a replacement!

Customs Once you have your luggage you will need to pass through customs. At customs you will be told to push a button. If it is green - walk right through. If it is red - your luggage will be checked by a customs agent. It is purely random. Money Exchange The ranch is situated in a rural, non-tourist area and so Euros and US Dollars are not accepted. Please ensure that you bring Mexican Pesos or change your money into Mexican Pesos at the airport in Mexico City upon arrival. There is no problem changing back anything that you don’t spend when you go back to the airport. We are able to exchange US Dollars and Euros at the ranch, however, please note, the rates at the airport are more favorable. Here at the ranch we accept Mexican Pesos, US$ or Euros (in cash) for purchases of things like drinks, massages, souvenirs, art works and/or trips. We give you a 5% discount on payments made in cash. It is also possible to pay by credit card (no American Express though). Please tell your credit card institution before you leave home that you will be in Mexico for a certain time, so you will not have problems to use it. Traveler’s checks or personal checks cannot be accepted. Transfers are to be paid in cash to us here at the ranch. Pick-up You will get detailed information about your pick up from the airport about a week before arrival. The drive from the airport to the ranch takes approx. 90 minutes. During the journey you will be surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery. The last 10 minutes are on small, rough country tracks bordered by cacti and wild flowers. Late arrivals Our transfers can be arranged at any time, day or night. If your arrival at the ranch is after 8:30pm the driver who picks you up will bring you straight to your room. We will meet you at breakfast the next morning on the terrace in the main house after 8 am. Gratuities We at Rancho Las Cascadas are committed to providing the best service and to making sure that your stay meets all your expectations. If you are completely satisfied with your stay you may wish to show this by leaving a tip. As a guideline, here in Mexico it is usual to tip about 10 - 15% of the total of the cost of your vacation/stay. You can add your gratuities to your bar bill. All the staff working here, both front and back of house receive a fair share. Personal tipping of individuals is not recommended.