Baja California: Mountains, Beaches and Deserts of Mexico

Day 1 : La Paz

La Paz: Arrival

Arrive at the airport and collect your rental vehicle. There are several insurance options offered. Choose carefully as some are quite pricey. Chevrolet Aveo Elegance (4 passengers) or similar.

Extended insurance: against theft and damage to third parties (property and persons) up to 350,000 pesos. Liability limited to 10% of the commercial value of the vehicle in the event of damage or collision.

– 5 passengers
– 3 Large pieces of luggage
– Manual transmission
– Air Conditioning
– 16 Kilometers per liter

Note: Good sized vehicle for 4 people. Trunk can be used for 3 to 4 pieces of luggage depending on size. Overnight at hotel Catedral La Paz.

Day 2 : La Paz

Relaxing Day at Balandra beach

This morning, head to the beautiful beach of Balandra. On the way, admire endless coastline, mangroves and fields of cacti. Enjoy the clear turquoise sea and observe the strange, almost out-of-this-world phenomenon that is the mushroom rock, which protrudes out of the shallow water.

Head back to La Paz at the end of the day. Overnight stay at hotel Catedral La Paz.

Day 3 : La Paz

Tour Isla Espriritu Santo and Swim with Sea Lions

Depart in the morning in shared transportation for the marina where you will board a ‘lancha’ (a small boat) and head to the Espiritu Santo island.

The island is surrounded by clear and turquoise waters, and was declared a nature reserve along with all of the other islands of the Gulf of California. It is also a sanctuary for many birds who find shelter there during the winter months.

A colony of about 300 sea lions lives on small islands located north of Isla Espriritu Santo. It is possible to swim with them: it’s is perfectly safe and the sea lions love to play! Note: snorkeling equipment and neoprene suit are included. Stop in a cove protected from the wind where a picnic will be served on the beach. Take some time to swim in the transparent waters or walk around the creek.

Head back to La Paz in the afternoon. Option included: Tour of Isla Espiritu Santo. Overnight stay at hotel Catedral La Paz.

Day 4 : La Paz

Stop for a Swim on the Way to Loreto

Depart in the morning for Loreto, a charming little town nestled between the mountains and the sea. The road crosses the reddish colored mountains of the Sierra La Giganta before reaching the lowlands.

Here, stop for a swim in the sea of Cortes, with its exceptional ocean floor, sanctuary of sea lions, giant turtles and hammerhead sharks.

Arrive in Loreto in the late afternoon. Overnight stay at hotel la Damiana inn.

Day 5 : Loreto

Discover the Beaches of Bahía Concepción

This morning, head north and take a beautiful road lined with cacti resembling chandeliers to reach the village of Mulege in the heart of an oasis of date palm trees. Visit the mission that was established by the Jesuit Father Juan de Basaldúa in 1705.

Have some lunch in this quaint, charmingly little town.

We suggest that you enjoy the numerous beaches of Bahía Concepción on the way back. They are known for being the most beautiful beaches of Baja California.

Head back to Loreto at the end of the day. Overnight stay at hotel la Damiana inn.

Day 6 : Loreto

Day off the Beaten Track

Depart for Misión San Javier, the jewel of the Baja California mission churches. The road meanders between arid and mountainous lands to reach San Javier, settled in the heart of an oasis. There, the Jesuits built the first mission in 1699. The current building dates from 1744. Walk in the gardens located behind the mission where oranges, lemons and mangoes grow. We suggest that you buy an exotic fruit empanada in the village… Delicious !

On the way back, stop along the road to observe remainders of rock paintings. These paintings give us a glimpse of the incredible murals that can be seen in the region.

Spend the night in Loreto . Overnight stay at hotel la Damiana inn.

Day 7 : Loreto

Boat trip to Isla Coronado

This morning, board a lancha for a day trip to Isla Coronados. This island is located in the the Sea of Cortés, which was called “the world’s aquarium” by French author and researcher Jacques Cousteau. This volcanic area is home to an incredibly rich and varied marine wildlife. You will get to see dolphins, and if you’re lucky perhaps even a blue whale.

For the most courageous, swimming with sea lions is a once in a lifetime experience. Give it a try, it’s perfectly safe! The island is also a bird sanctuary for many species that live there during the winter months.

Visit a little beach and swim in its transparent waters, ideal for a snorkeling session (mask and snorkel not included, possibility to rent on site).

Picnic break on the beach (included).

Return to Loreto in the early afternoon. Overnight stay at hotel la Damiana inn.

Day 8 : Loreto

Magic Town of Todos Santos

Depart in the morning for the south of Baja California Sur and the beautiful town of Todos Santos one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos.

Established in 1723, and practically wiped off the map in 1734 during the Pericu revolt (people of New-Mexico), the Mission Santa Rosa de Todos Santos survived until its complete abandonment in 1840. Then, over the centuries, the trapiches (sugar mills) contributed to the enrichment of this little town. You can also visit the Hotel California, made famous by the legendary band The Eagles.

Spend the night in Todos Santos . Overnight stay at hotel Posada La Poza. Garden room. (Ground floor).

Day 9 : Todos Santos

Explore Todos Santos

Day of leisure in Todos Santos. This peaceful village was named a “Magical Town” of Mexico. You will be charmed by its freshwater lagoon surrounded by palm trees and by the waves rolling on kilometers of deserted beaches.

We can offer you complementary activities: Guided city tours, cooking lessons, pottery lessons, horseback riding (some activities require a minimum number of participants). Please contact us for more information.

Overnight stay at hotel Posada La Poza. Garden room. (Ground floor).

Day 10 : Todos Santos

Hasta luego México!

Departure from the hotel to La Paz Airport approximately 5 hours before take-off.

Return the rental car to the Hertz desk.