What is it like where Esperanza lives?

Esperanza's family are wealthy landowners in Aguascalientes, Mexico. They have a large farm called the Rancho de las Rosas. As Esperanza and her father walk through the vineyards, Papa explains to his daughter that the land is alive. They lie down to listen to the earth and Esperanza believes that she hears three hearts beating.... hers, Papa’s, and the heart of the valley.

".... the gentle slopes of the vineyard. Leafy green vines draped the arbors and the grapes were ready to drop."

"This whole valley breathes and lives", he said, sweeping his arm toward the distant mountains that guarded them."