Tucked between the rugged desert mountains of Baja California and the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez lies El Dorado Ranch, one of the most established and recognizable master-planned communities in San Felipe, Mexico. More than just a real estate development, El Dorado Ranch represents decades of vision, careful planning, and steady growth — blending desert living, beachfront access, and resort-style amenities into a community built to last.
For some context, our site is located in section 16 one of the smallest areas of the ranch – here is that map.
The Origins of El Dorado Ranch
El Dorado Ranch was founded in 1989, during a period when San Felipe was still primarily known as a quiet fishing village and seasonal getaway. From the beginning, the goal was ambitious: to create a large, thoughtfully planned community that respected the natural desert environment while offering modern infrastructure, security, and recreational opportunities.
A defining moment in the ranch’s early history was the acquisition of land from a local ejido, a communal land system established under Mexico’s Agrarian Reform laws. This process became one of the largest ejido land purchases in Baja California, requiring years of negotiation and government coordination. The result was a solid legal foundation that allowed for secure, titled property ownership within the ranch.
A Vision Shaped by Experience
The development of El Dorado Ranch was guided by Pat Butler, a veteran hospitality executive and former Vice President at Marriott International and CEO of Coast to Coast Resorts. His background in large-scale resort development influenced the long-term planning of the ranch, emphasizing infrastructure, amenities, and sustainability over rapid expansion.
This experience helped shape El Dorado Ranch into a community designed not just for visitors, but for long-term residents and seasonal homeowners.
Growth Into a Master-Planned Community
Today, El Dorado Ranch spans tens of thousands of acres on both sides of Federal Highway 5, the main route between Mexicali and San Felipe.
The mountain (desert) side offers elevated terrain, expansive views, and cooler evening temperatures.
The beach side, known as La Ventana del Mar (“The Window to the Sea”), provides direct access to the Sea of Cortez with beachfront homes and condominiums.
The ranch now consists of more than 60 individual neighborhoods, offering:
Solar-powered and off-grid lots
RV-friendly properties
Fully serviced residential parcels
Beachfront condos and homes
This variety has attracted thousands of owners who live full-time, seasonally, or use their properties as vacation retreats.
Recognition and Milestones
In 2003, El Dorado Ranch received formal recognition as one of Baja California’s most outstanding developments. The milestone was marked by visits from state and federal officials, highlighting the project’s scale, organization, and contribution to regional growth.
Property Ownership and HOA Structure
Properties within El Dorado Ranch are individually owned with clear title, not timeshares or leaseholds. Ownership is governed under Mexican law, with a professionally managed Homeowners Association (HOA) responsible for:
Road maintenance
24-hour gated security
Common area management
Community rules and covenants
This structure has made the ranch especially attractive to expatriates, retirees, and long-term seasonal residents seeking stability and well-maintained infrastructure.
Environmental Awareness and Sustainability
Environmental stewardship has been a core principle of El Dorado Ranch since its inception. More than 50% of the land within the development is preserved as open space, protecting the surrounding desert ecosystem.
Sustainability efforts include:
Widespread use of solar energy
Xeriscaping and native vegetation
Reduced light pollution to preserve night skies
A golf course designed with salt-tolerant grasses, allowing irrigation with non-potable water and conserving freshwater resources
Amenities and Community Lifestyle
El Dorado Ranch offers a wide range of amenities that support both resort-style living and everyday comfort:
Las Caras de México Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course with desert and sea views
Multiple swimming pools
Tennis and pickleball courts
Restaurants and social gathering spaces including La Palapa, Juanito’s, and the Pavilion
Beach access, horseback riding, hiking, off-road exploring, and fishing
Year-round social events and organized community activities
In addition to residential living, El Dorado Ranch also serves as a vacation destination, offering short- and long-term rentals for visitors.
El Dorado Ranch and the Town of San Felipe
San Felipe has grown alongside El Dorado Ranch, evolving from a small fishing village into a relaxed tourism and retirement destination. Known for its warm winters, calm waters, and affordability, the town provides services, dining, and culture just minutes from the ranch.
El Dorado Ranch offers residents the balance of privacy and access, combining peaceful desert and beachfront living with proximity to town amenities.
Location and Accessibility
El Dorado Ranch is located at Kilometer 176.5 on Federal Highway 5, approximately 120 miles (190 kilometers) south of the U.S.–Mexico border. The fully paved highway makes access straightforward for weekend visitors and long-term residents alike.
A Community Built to Last
More than three decades after its founding, El Dorado Ranch remains a standout example of long-term planning and thoughtful development in Baja California. It is not simply a resort or subdivision, but a living, evolving community shaped by its environment, its residents, and its history.
For many, El Dorado Ranch represents a rare balance — desert and sea, solitude and connection, simplicity and comfort — set against one of Baja’s most striking landscapes.
The Buchanan's Rolling Down The Road 