Imagine having a delicious lavender bread and coffee for breakfast while breathing the forest air and living with nature, in a place like something out of an old movie, just over an hour from the city. We tell you more about Rancho San Martín Lavanda!
Between two ravines, a river and the Manantial de la Asunción is this idyllic place, an agro-industrial organization created to promote the production of aromatic flowers and ecological tourism. It is located in the municipality of Tlahuapan, which is part of the Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl National Park and is considered an ecological reserve.
A breathtaking view of the volcanoes accompanies you from the ticket to the ranch, which despite being a little off the main road, is very easy to access. There is no entrance fee, but in order to take part in the activities and tours it is necessary to make a reservation in advance.
What can you do at Rancho San Martín Lavanda?
The main attraction is the lavender flower greenhouses, from which they prepare essential oils and many other products. Upon arrival, the managers guide you on a tour of the place, where you can learn about the distillery and the types of lavender, as well as how it is grown and the wide variety of uses of this plant.
This is followed by a hike through the ranch trails and a walk through the forest as relaxation therapy, which they have named “Forest Bath“. It is a delightful tour among cedars, pines and amates, with the volcanoes in the background. The temperature is very pleasant, between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius during the day. It should be noted that the rainiest month is June, the coldest month is January and the hottest month is May.
You can take advantage of the visit to learn more about the process and properties of lavender with one of the special activities, such as the soap making workshop, where for a very low cost, the ranch specialists will explain in a friendly and precise way the whole process and properties of the aromatic essences. This workshop must also be booked in advance.
During the month of August, you can even participate with your family in the lavender harvest, which takes place every year (depending on the flowering season). And if you go with children, they will love the upper part of the grounds, where they have a rabbit and chicken farm that you can feed, as well as different plots.
At the end of the tour, a visit to the store is a must. There you will find many products derived from lavender, such as the essential oils produced there, as well as decorative items and plant sales. Keep in mind that the ranch is supported in large part by what is sold in its store.
The place is not very big and finishing the tour and activities takes only a couple of hours, but you can still enjoy the space by tasting the delicious lavender ice pops and pancake (weekends only). Afuera they have tables and chairs and allow you to bring your own food and even set up a picnic, as they have barbecue grills and an oven. If you stay until the afternoon, it will be a good idea to bring repellent or, better yet, buy it there
At the end of this journey you will never look at fragrances and scented candles in the same way again, as you will understand the complexity of the world of scents and their process, and the smell of pine and lavender will accompany you back home.
Location, costs and contact
Leaving from Mexico City, take the toll road to Puebla and in the town of Rio Frio you will exit to take the federal highway to Puebla. At km 53.75 you will exit on the left hand side and follow the signs to Arco Iris Sport Fishing, Rancho San Martin LAvanda is located right between Rancho Los Ciervos and Lago de Arco Iris.
📍Federal Highway Mexico-Puebla km 53.75, Santa Rita Tlahuapan, Puebla
You will find Rancho San Martín Lavanda open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. It is important to know that guided tours and activities require prior reservation. You can contact them at 55 4026 4613 and in their official website.