 For quite some time, we have been considering the Baja Peninsula, and especially the whale watching experience for which the central peninsula is famous. Whale watching is not really the right label since visitors are in small dinghies and the whales come right up to the boats to be petted. "Whale petting"... maybe that's what it should be called, though somehow the image that comes to mind is slightly oxymoronic. We usually associate animal petting with pussy cats and friendly dogs-quite a bit further down the mammal spectrum in terms of size.
Whales are not the full story of this Adventure, however. Todos Santos is our base for the majority of the trip, and we're anticipating the colorful, yet laid-back atmosphere of small town Mexico, just a short distance from the lovely beaches of the Pacific Ocean. We have a series of diverse walks planned with a local walking tour company, and are looking forward to the promise of charming accommodations and delicious local cuisine to go along with the uniquely Baja walks. |
Day
1 |
ARRIVE TODOS SANTOS, MEXICO (D)
Travelers will be arriving throughout the day into San Jose del Cabo. Following a transfer north to the friendly seaside community of Todos Santos, we'll check into our hotel. Our group is staying in charming small inns, so we'll be divided among two or three of these lovely Todos Santos properties. Later this evening, we'll rendezvous for an arrachera taco dinner and a Get Acquainted meeting in the home of our hosts, Sergio and Bryan.
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Day
2 |
ACTIVITIES FROM TODOS SANTOS (B, L)
La Poza Beach Walk - 8 km
Following breakfast, we'll embark on a walking tour of the small town of Todos Santos, a colorful community shaped by its Chinese, American, and Mexican residents, sugar mill heritage, enviable position between the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, and some of the best surfing and sunset-viewing beaches on the Baja. Following lunch at Los Adobes in its lovely cactus garden, and a little down time, our afternoon walk parallels La Poza Beach and offers the possi- bility of whale sightings.
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Day
3 |
ACTIVITIES FROM TODOS SANTOS (B, L)
Desert Triple Waterfall Walk - 10 km
Today's adventure takes us on a hike through a remote desert canyon, punctuated at intervals by three waterfalls. Along the route, we'll see the oasis effect of lush foliage unleashed by this desert water source, and view the striking phenomenon of gushing water being absorbed by the thirsty sands. We'll have a picnic lunch at one of the waterfalls before returning to town for the evening. You'll be free to enjoy dinner on your own or with your walking compadres in charming Todos Santos.
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Day
4 |
TODOS SANTOS - LA PAZ (B, L)
Balandra Bay Walk - 10 km
We leave Todos Santos this morning for the town of La Paz on the Sea of Cortez. The main activity for the day is a walk around the Sea's beautiful Balandra Bay. Travelers looking for an even more adventurous day are invited to consider a unique opportunity to interact with local sea life. Snorkeling and swimming with the sea lion pups at the permanent sea lion colony of Los Islotes on Isla Espiritu Santo is an established highlight of the area, and an experience you will likely never forget. Either way, a day of Baja memories ends at our bayside hotel with a chance to soak in another spectacular Baja sunset!
Optional Swim with the Sea Lions Excursion
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Day
5 |
LA PAZ - MAGDALENA BAY (B, D)
We continue further north today in search of Gray Whales, the main event of our Adventure. These amazing sea mammals migrate between 4000 and 6000 miles, from Siberian and Alaskan waters, to the warm and protected lagoons of the Baja in order to calve. The young calves weigh
around 1500 pounds when they draw their first breath of Baja air. Upon arrival, we'll spend the bulk of the afternoon in small pangueros (6 person boats) watching the whales. WARNING: It is almost certain that you will be able to touch these incredible animals. They are not shy! Be prepared for very close encounters with these gentle giants!
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Day
6 |
MAGDALENA BAY - TODOS SANTOS (B)
After breakfast, we'll spend another unforgettable morning fraternizing with the whales. What a privilege to interact with these intelligent, 45 foot long, 40 ton behemoths! Following this amazing adventure, we'll have lunch in San Carlos and return south to Todos Santos in preparation for another Baja walking experience tomorrow.
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Day
7 |
ACTIVITIES FROM TODOS SANTOS (B,L,D)
Cliff Walk & Beach Picnic - 8 km
Our final walk in the Baja offers a plethora of options to connect with this special peninsula. We start at Punta
Lobos, where local fishermen launch their boats each morning. Sights along the way include a sea lion colony, the picturesque inland cactus landscape, a variety of flora and fauna, the human history of the area, and the culmination of this experience with lunch on a pristine, palm-ringed beach. After the walk there will be an opportunity to cool down with a swim. We return to Todos Santos this evening for a Farewell Dinner at Hotel California.
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Day
8 |
TODOS SANTOS - USA (B)
Our idyllic Adventure on Mexico's Baja Peninsula draws to a close this morning. We say reluctant farewells to our hosts and make our way to the airport at Cabo San Lucas, returning to reality after exploring the unique history, culture, and scenery (and wildlife!) of this special slice of Mexico!
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