It is perhaps fortunate that the former hotel and its surroundings, part of the big Rancho Tecuán, may never be developed into a residential community. Since the land is private, public access has always been limited, allowing the Rancho to become a de facto habitat-refuge for the rapidly diminishing local animal population. Wildcats, ocelots, small crocodiles, snakes, and turtles hunt in the mangroves edging the lagoon and the tangled forest that climbs the surrounding hills. The lagoon itself nurtures hosts of water birds and shoals of robalo (snook) and pargo (snapper).

At this writing, visitors were still being allowed to pass along the entrance road and enjoy wildlife-watching opportunities. If such visitors tread softly, clean up after themselves, start no fires, and refrain from fishing or hunting, the present owners may continue to allow access. This would be ideal, because wildlife-watching here is superb.

First, simply walk along the lagoon-front below the hotel hilltop, where big white herons and egrets perch and preen in the mangroves. Don’t forget your binoculars, sun hat, mosquito repellent, telephoto camera, and identification book. Try launching your own rowboat, canoe, or inflatable raft for an even more rewarding outing.

The environs offer plenty of jogging and walking opportunities. For starters, stroll along the lagoonside entrance road and back (3 mi/4.8 km) or south along the beach to the Río Purificación and back (4 mi/6.4 km). Take water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and something to carry your beachcombing treasures in.