We love discovering experiences that go beyond the typical weekend plans, and this tour of Tecate with the Ilan Lael Foundation offers exactly that kind of unique adventure.

The foundation has organized something truly special—a chance to explore James Hubbell’s artistic installations while hiking through the stunning landscapes around Rancho La Puerta.

A Day of Art and Nature

Soak in both the artistic and natural beauty of the region. Small groups will hike through Tecate, visiting key locations including the Museo Kumiai and various Hubbell installations scattered throughout the area.

It’s an intimate way to experience art in its intended environment, where the landscape itself becomes part of the creative experience.

We should mention upfront—this adventure is designed for people in good physical condition. The hiking element means you’ll be moving through varied terrain, but the payoff is worth it. There’s something powerful about encountering art in natural settings, especially when that art was created specifically for those spaces.

Rancho La Puerta as Home Base

The world-renowned Rancho La Puerta Resort & Spa serves as the tour’s sanctuary, and what a backdrop it provides. This wellness haven offers the perfect environment for inspiration and connection with nature.

You’ll explore several Hubbell installations around the property, including stops at Las Piedras Environmental Center—a nature center that was once gifted to the Tecate community.

The experience includes a world-class lunch at Tres Estrellas, an organic farm and kitchen that embodies the region’s commitment to sustainable, beautiful living. It’s the kind of meal that feels as thoughtfully crafted as the art you’ll be exploring.

More Than Just Art

This isn’t simply an art tour—it’s an exploration of how creativity can impact entire communities across borders. The transformative power of art becomes tangible when you see how Hubbell’s work has woven itself into the fabric of this cross-border region.

The Ilan-Lael Foundation has created an opportunity to understand art not just as objects to observe, but as catalysts for connection and community building.

A Related Experience

If you’re intrigued by this artistic journey, there’s also a Saturday Social Tour happening at the Ilan-Lael Center featuring Sarah Brightwood, President of Rancho La Puerta.

She facilitated the collection of the Kuchumaa Passage in 1989 and will share her experiences building this process alongside James Hubbell and Milenko Manatovic. It’s another chance to dive deeper into the stories behind the art.

What to Expect

The $225 ticket price includes lunch, transportation to and from the US/Mexico border, and access to all the tour locations. Everything is handled, so you can focus on the experience itself. Just bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, and an openness to seeing familiar landscapes through an artistic lens.

See you there!

This tour of Tecate with the Ilan Lael Foundation offers a fresh perspective on how art connects communities and transforms spaces.

📆 Saturday, June 28, 9 AM–4 PM
📍 Carretera Mexicali-Tijuana K.M, 136.5, Rancho la Puerta, 21447 Tecate, B.C., Mexico
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!