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FAQs |
- About Rancho
- Which is the room with the BEST view? Can I see the ocean from any room?
Some guests prefer the views from the Jr. Suite and Room #13, but no matter which room you are in, 150 feet outside your door your feet will be in the ocean. And every room has either a view of the ocean or of our beautiful gardens.
- What are your rates?
- Do you have weekly rates? Do you have any packages? Do you have discounts for someone wanting to stay for a month?
Sorry, unfortunately we do not.
- Can we have 4 people in one room? We don’t need much, really.
We will allow three to a room with a $10 surcharge for the third person. It is just not going to be comfortable with more guests than that in most of our rooms. However, we do have one upstairs room that can accomodate four people.
- Are children allowed to stay at Rancho Sak-Ol? Is the hotel child-friendly?
Sak-Ol prides itself by being a hotel with a more "quaint" atmosphere in relaxing surroundings, which young children might not be very keen to. In addition, many people come to Sak-Ol because it is quiet, or to get some time away from their own children. Also, there may be some nudity on the beaches which may not be appropriate for youngsters. However, this is not to say that children are barred from staying. Teenagers are always welcome, and children ages 3 and up are welcome during most school holidays (i.e. Easter, July/August, Christmas, etc.).
- Do Travel Agencies’s get a discount? What about wholesalers?
Travel Agencies receive a 10% discount during our off peak times. We do not offer specials to wholesalers.
- What time is check-in? Check-out? What time does the office close – what if I arrive late at night?
Check-in begins at 3 pm, but if you arrive early you are free to leave your luggage in reception and relax in the main palapa or on the beach while we finish preparing your room. Check-out is at 12 pm, but if you need to leave later, the main palapa and beach are still yours to enjoy. As for arriving late, our office closes at 8 pm, but don't worry...should you need to arrive after 8 pm, just let us know in advance, and we will arrange for someone to meet you and show you to your room.
- Do you accept credit cards?
We can accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards at Rancho. However, we prefer the balance due be paid in cash, and there is a 5% discount for paying in cash.
- Can people just come to Rancho to hang out for the day and use the beach but not stay at Rancho?
The beaches in Mexico are public beaches. Our facilities, however, are for our guests and the conveniences of our guests. As long as people are respectful to our guests and to Rancho, they are welcome to come and enjoy our place. If we have a workshop in progress and the group prefers no outside guests, then we honor that request and the space is held just for the group.
- Where can I park our rental car?
There is space available for parking right here at Rancho.
- What is Rancho's Cancellation Policy?
Our Reservations Policy can be found here.
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Communication
- Is there a computer we can use? Can we hook up our computer at Rancho? How can I retrieve my emails? Is there an Internet service or provider in town?
Rancho has a laptop available for guests to use that is connected to the internet through our WIFI connection. You are of course welcome to connect with your own laptop to read emails, surf the net, etc. (computers can be plugged into the regular 110 contacts, but we recommend bringing a surge protector, as the electricity can fluctuate at any time.)
- Can we use Rancho’s phone for "short" business calls? Can we leave Rancho’s phone number with our business partner/associates? Can we give Rancho’s number so we can "just get our messages"? What number can we give to be reached in case of an emergency?
Rancho’s phone is not for guests’ use. In case of emergency, Rancho’s phone numbers are, if calling from the USA: 011-52-9-8710181 and 8710182. Rancho is a place to relax and leave work behind. Therefore, we suggest you not give out this number except for emergencies only. Try this…you may find your vacation to be more of a vacation!
- Can I get by if I don't speak Spanish? Do you speak English?
Don't worry...we have English speaking staff members to help you with whatever you may need. As for Puerto Morelos, the Mayan Riviera receives of great deal of international tourism. As a result, most locals speak some English and many are fluent. You should have no problem enjoying your vacation without knowing a word of Spanish. However, visiting a foreign country is almost always more fun if you can really get to know the culture, and part of getting to know a culture is getting to know the local language. If you are interested in learning some Spanish, we invite you to try a free Spanish audio lesson specifically designed for Sak-Ol guests using this Spanish Language Learning Software. Make sure to check out the other lessons as well...you'll find lots of practical phrases and useful vocabulary on everything from ordering a meal to navigating the airport. Good luck with your studies!
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Food and Water
- Miscellaneous
- Money
- Where can I exchange money?
There is a Casa de Cambio right in the center of Puerto Morelos to exchange money.
- How much should I exchange at a time?
Whatever amount you are comfortable carrying around with you. It’s easier to have pesos when you go to restaurants, use the bus, entry fees, etc.
- Where can I get the best rate of exchange?
There is really only a few cents difference from place to place.
- Can I exchange money in Puerto Morelos or should I do it at the airport?
You will get a better rate of exchange in Puerto Morelos than at the airport, and if you're planning to take a trip into Cancun or Playa del Carmen, you'll find an even better rate at the banks there.
- Is there an ATM machine in town?
There are now several ATM machines in Puerto Morelos (two are located right on the town square and one across the highway). You must have your PIN # to get money, and you will receive pesos.
- Do you accept travelers checks? Is there a place to exchange them for cash in town?
We do accept travelers checks at Rancho. However, the 5% discount for cash payments does not apply to them. There is currently no place to change travelers checks in town though you may still change them at many banks in Cancun and Playa del Carmen (if you are willing to wait in the long lines to do so of course).
- Are credit cards accepted in town?
Several restaurants and other businesses now accept credit cards (most accept only Visa and Mastercard). However, many restaurants accept only cash so it always best to have some cash on hand as a backup.
- What do you suggest? Should I bring dollars to exchange? Bring pesos? Travelers checks? Use ATMs and credit/debit cards?
Most of our guests find using ATMs to be most convenient since it allows them to carry less cash and it is generaly the least expensive method of converting currency since you will usually get a better exchange rate through the ATM than through the Casa de Cambio. If you choose to bring cash, bringing dollars rather than pesos is advisable since you will most likely get a better exchange rate here than outside the country. Most restaurants and businesses will also accept dollars but they will most likely take them at a worse exchange rate than at the Casa del Cambio so it is best to exchange them before using them. We recommend against bringing travelers checks (especially for anything other than paying your balance at Rancho) as many of our guests have found them to be an inconvenience since they cannot be exchanged in town.
- Puerto Morelos
- How many permanent residents are there in Puerto Morelos?
Puerto Morelos has about 3,500-4,000 permanent residents. The town is divided into two areas. One area is on the beach, where Rancho is located. The other area is located behind the gasoline station on the highway. Most of the residents live in this latter area.
- How far is it to walk into town?
- How big is the town?
Puerto Morelos is a small town. There are only 3 streets in the part of town located on the beach.
- What is the reef like in Puerto Morelos?
There is a barrier reef (2nd largest in the world) that extends from north of Cancun down the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula all the way to Honduras. This is the reef in front of Puerto Morelos. This stretch of reef is gorgeous for snorkeling. Parts of it come up to the surface. There are different kinds of coral and may different reef fish to be seen.
- Can I swim to the reef easily?
It is a hefty swim. The reef is about 1000 yards out in front of Ranch. It is a bit dangerous as well due to boat traffic. In town, the reef is a bit closer to the shore but as the Reef is a Natural Protected Area, one must pay the entry fee to enter legally. For those interested in visiting the Reef, in most cases it is best to go on a snorkeling tour which costs only 25 USD per person, and your guides will be sure to take you to the best spots around the Reef.
- Is it rocky or sandy beach in the town? At Rancho?
It is both. At Rancho we have created a rock wall to collect sand and the area is like a swimming pool. We maintain the beach daily to maintain its beauty. A walk towards and into town is sandy, and south of Rancho is partly rocky before getting to sandy beach again.
- Safety
- Services and Area Attractions
- Diving – It says refresher course in the brochure – just what does that mean? What do you offer for divers? Do you take us out in a boat? Do you go dive by the reef? What if I’m already certified – then what does it cost and how long is it? Can I rent gear from you? How long does it take to get certified? Why so long? What if I just want to go diving once? How long do I get to actually scuba?
A refresher course is offered to someone who is certified but has not dived in several years. A resort course is offered to people who want to experience scuba diving, but not devote a lot of time to the certification class. With the resort course, one learns the basics necessary to do a shallow dive, then goes on a shallow dive with an instructor. It does not allow you to go and dive on your own. There are several dive shops in Puerto Morelos. Check out: wetset.com for one listing. Rancho itself does not provide dive services at this time. The shops here in town offer various certification courses and boat trips to do one or two tank dives and night dives. The cost of a basic certification course runs around $325USD and takes 4 days to complete and a resort course costs around $75USD and is completed in 1 day. If the classroom and pool work is completed in the States, you can arrive with a referral letter to complete the 4 open water dives required for certification. These can be completed in 2 days. If you only want to dive once, a resort course would be the way to go. The length of time underwater depends on the depth and breathing rate of each person. Average time would be about 30-50 minutes. A two tank dive costs around $50USD per day. The dive sites are between 10 and 60 minutes away by boat. All diving in this area is done from a boat. The dive sites are between 25’-110’ in depth and are low profile reef with lots of fish life. Rancho does not have scuba gear for rent. However, we have masks, fins and snorkels for our guests’ use.
- Massage – What kind of massage? Are they good? How do you arrange a massage? Can/should I book it now? I’m a bodyworker. Can I do a trade with Rancho for lodging? Can I barter there for massage for me? Do they fill up quickly or can I usually get one easily?
Rancho has different massage therapists each year. They offer a variety of techniques from deep tissue, Swedish, Ayurvedic, relaxing, shiatsu, reflexology, Reiki, & various forms of energy work.. Yes, each is good! We have a massage sign up sheet with various times listed. You just write your name down and show up at that time. With several massage therapists on hand, you can usually schedule a time easily. There is no need to book ahead. Sorry, no trading for lodging. Doing trades with the massage therapists would be up to them.
- Horseback riding – Do you have it nearby? How much does it cost? Can we ride right on the beach?
There are several options for horseback riding nearby. One is within a 15 minute drive from Rancho. The costs vary depending on what you sign up for… an estimate is around $40USD for a ride. There are rides into the jungle as well as on the beach. Another trip goes only into the jungle, includes lunch and a swim in a cenote (fresh water spring) and costs $75USD per person for half day. There is no place to rent horses and ride by oneself.
- Boats - Where can I rent my own boat to go fishing? Is there fishing in the area and what is available in town? Are there kayaks to rent nearby? How much?
There are no boat rentals for individual use. In town, you may hire a boat with its captain to take you out fishing. The cost for this runs about $150USD and the boats can generally handle 4 fishermen. These are small (25’) boats that are used by the local fishermen. The prime time for fishing is mid March thru August. The catches include dorado (mahi mahi), tuna, marlin, sail fish, barracuda, wahoo, and other edible fish. There are kayaks available to rent in town. These are designed more for inside the reef as they are not ocean kayaks. They rent for about $5 per hour.
- Tours – What guided tours are available in the area? Which are the best ruins to go to? Which ruins are more "off the beaten path"?
There are several people in town who offer guided tours. Two of these, Sandra & Goyo, each offers day tours to a local Mayan village, a swim in a cenote, a walk through the local forest or the botanical gardens, and a chance to see how some of the local Mayans live today. These tours can be arranged while at Rancho. Marco also offers "Cool Tours" which is a 2 night trip to some more out of the way places, including ruins, flamingos and haciendas.
There are several ruins in the area. Tulum is a small site located on the coast and is 1 hour from Rancho. Coba is 30 minutes inland from Tulum. Each is different and beautiful. Chichen Itza is the most well known site and is located 2.5 hours from Rancho. There are a few that are in this area that are more off the beaten path. Xel Ha ruins, located near Tulum and EkBalam ruins located on the way to Chichen Itza. Rancho staff can give directions to all of these sites. Rancho staff can set up any of these tours for you, but we do not take guests to the ruins.
- What are the best area attractions?
The best attractions of the area are the ruins, beaches, the reef for snorkeling and scuba diving, the cenotes (fresh water sinkholes or springs, sometimes located in caves), and caves. There are various parks like Xcaret (has a bit of everything…snorkeling in underground rivers, snorkeling in the sea, sea turtles, aquarium, butterfly pavilion, aviary, incredible night time show). Other parks like Tres Rios (has 3 "rivers" that empty into the sea, kayaking and bike riding), Xel Ha, (snorkeling), XpuHa (sea and fresh water lagoon) can be a great addition to any day. Oh yeah, possibly the best attraction is the hammocks at Rancho... relax.
- Can I go swimming with dolphins? Are they nearby? Are they free dolphins?
There are dolphins out here, but they are not usually seen unless one is out in a boat and they happen to be swimming by. There are a number of places to swim with the dolphins in captivity. Xcaret (30 minutes drive) has a swim with the dolphins program. There is a way to make a reservation for the swim. The cost is $80USD per person for the hour long program. (entry to the park is currently $40USD pp) Each of the other dolphin swims cost around $110USD per person.
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Travel and Transportation
- How do we find Rancho? Can you give me directions to find you?
- From the airport, you travel south (Right) following signs to "Chetumal" on highway # 307 (there’s only one!) Puerto Morelos, a small fishing village, is the first town you will come to, after about 22 km (approximately 12 miles).
- You will come to a green Pemex gasoline station on the main highway. There is a traffic light at this intersection. Turn Left off the main highway and go down the road about 2.3 km (approximately 1.2 miles) to the town. When you get to town, turn right at the first unpaved street (if you miss this turn, pass over speed bump, turn right at stop sign, then turn right again at next street by church. The unpaved road will be in front of you.)
- Follow dirt road for about 1.4 km, you will see signs for El CID along the way. Check that electricity poles are on your right hand side, they will change to your left hand side, as soon as this happens, count 10 poles and turn left on the pole number 11. There is a red arrow painted on the pole before it (because this road is still under construction, a proper sign to Rancho's entrance cannot be placed yet). This is the entrance to Rancho and Caribbean Reef. If you pass the entrance you will arrive at a large resort down the road called EL CID. This means you have gone too far; so you must turn back, drive slowly, and look for the first entrance on your right hand side this time.
- Once you turn into the entrance you will see a big sign for Caribbean Reef and one for Rancho Sak Ol beside it. Pass Caribbean Reef on your right and follow the road to the end.
- If you still have problems getting to Rancho go back to the town's main square and ask a Taxi to lead you to Rancho Sakol (they are available 24/7). The fare will be on Rancho.
- Do you have a transfer service to Rancho? How much does a taxi cost? Why so much at the airport? Can I take a taxi and get by if I don’t speak Spanish? Do I pay in US dollars or Pesos?
To get to Rancho there is no transfer service offered, you are on your own. You can go to the window marked "Ground Transportation" and pay for an airport taxi. The current cost for a suburban van type of taxi which can carry 1-8 people to Puerto Morelos is $70USD. For a cutlass type of car or other taxi that can carry 1-4 people, the cost is $45USD. The price can change at any time and it is per vehicle, not per person. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes. They will accept US dollars or Pesos. Note: the cost to return from Puerto Morelos to the airport is about $25USD.
- What does it cost to get around by bus? Can I take a bus to Rancho from the airport? Can’t I walk to the bus terminal from the airport?
You can take a longer, more complicated, but less expensive route to Rancho via bus. You can go to the window marked "Ground Transportation" and ask for the bus to Playa del Carmen. Ask to get off at the Puerto Morelos stop. You then take a taxi into town and to Rancho for $3USD.
- Do I really need to have a car in Mexico? Is it safe? Should I get the extra insurance? I hear people will break into cars there. What is the cost of renting a car? Can I rent it at the airport and is it easy? How much does it "normally" cost? What is the procedure to rent a car in Mexico? I get in so late is it safe to rent a car late at night?
Car rental is available. This is usually better if arranged in the U.S. and you have confirmation and rate upon arrival. Daily rental fees are expensive in Mexico. For a VW bug, you will pay about $50USD per day. For a car with AC, it will be about $70USD per day. These prices will vary depending on the type of car. You can rent a car however, for a day at a time right from Puerto Morelos. See the staff upon arrival and ask about how it’s done right in town. The advantage to having a car is the flexibility of stopping off to visit some places, and coming and going as you please instead of waiting for a bus. Driving is safe… but paying attention to one’s driving is very advisable. If you use certain credit cards, the insurance is included. Use your own judgment for getting extra insurance. Precautions are necessary anywhere one travels to… and this includes locking one’s car here, and not tempting anyone with valuables in easy view. Theft is no more prevalent here than it is anywhere else. You can rent a vehicle upon your arrival at the airport. The car rental agencies are inside the airport, just as you come out of customs. For very late night arrivals (after 10PM), it is best to arrange ahead of time and tell the agency which flight you are on and ask if someone will be there with the car. You will need a drivers license for each person driving the vehicle, as well as 1 credit card. You can pay with cash when you return the car, but must leave the credit card bill open as a security deposit upon rental.
- What documents do I need to bring to enter Mexico?
The requirements for U.S. citizens traveling Mexico are in a period of transition. Currently "All persons traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States." This requirement is scheduled to be extended to sea and land travel by June 2009. For up to date information, please see the US State Department's website. For information regarding the requirements for entering and exiting Mexico, non-U.S. citizens should contact the nearest Mexican consulate for visa requirements and their own country's requirements for exiting and re-entering.
- Weather
What’s the weather like ….at whatever time of year we are coming down?
The weather in summer and winter only varies 10 degrees. Winter temps run 70’s and 80’s and summer temps are 80’s and 90’s. It is usually sunny all the time. To check out the current weather please check out your local cable weather channel or check out the weather on the Internet.
Aren’t there hurricanes? How can I avoid them? When is the best time to go to Rancho and not have a hurricane?
For those of you who are ready for a vacation in the summer/ fall months, remember our unique hurricane policy. Hurricane season is officially listed as June 1 to November 1; however, hurricanes usually most often occur in September and October. They also usually head up the east coast. It is rare for a hurricane to come our way, but it does happen. What we want to offer since it is beautiful that time of year is this: If you have reservations at Rancho and 3 or 4 days ahead of time, and it looks like a hurricane is headed toward the Yucatan, we will gladly let you reschedule your reservations for the low season. If you are at Rancho and a hurricane is headed toward the Yucatan and you decide to leave Mexico, the money you have paid, for the time you have booked, will be credited to you for another equal period of time in the off season. i.e.: If you have been at Rancho for 3 days out of your week stay you have paid for, we will credit you with the whole week next year during low season (Based on availability). This applies only to room costs at Rancho. There’s really no way to lose here.
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