Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the archaeological site of Teotihuacan
- Self-drive around the Baja California Peninsula
- Discover the stunning island of Espiritu Santo
- Search for Blue Whales in the Sea of Cortez
- Whale watching in Magdalena Bay
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
11 nights from £4,495 - £4,895 per person
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
Often compared to the Galapagos in terms of its wildlife, Baja California is the Earth's second longest peninsula and home to incredible diversity in terms of flora and fauna. Its pristine bays are rich feeding grounds for marine life and between December and March, many species of whale are known to frequent the surrounding waters. Home to chalk white sandy beaches, red and black sheer cliffs and stark rock formations, lush oases and quaint colonial towns; exploring this still fairly undiscovered coast is an absolute delight. Stroll along soft sand beaches, find undiscovered coves and swim in crystal clear waters. During boat trips to nearby islands spot whales, dolphins, sea lions, rays, pelicans and many shore birds.
Baja California in Depth takes you to Mexico's vibrant, cosmopolitan capital city to take in the fascinating history dating back to the Aztecs before flying to Baja California, one of Mexico's most compelling destinations. This itinerary can be tailored based on your preferences, please speak to our Rainbow Tours specialists for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1 London - Mexico City
Depart the UK for your direct flight to Mexico City. In Mexico City, you can explore the trendy Polanco quarter from your base, the Las Alcobas Boutique Hotel, as you ease into the Mexican way of life. Mexico City is cosmopolitan and cultural, has an excellent culinary scene and home to fantastic restaurants, boutiques and museums.
Day 2 Mexico City
Mexico City is a thriving metropolis and is the oldest urban city in the Western Hemisphere, dating back to when it was founded as Tenochtitlan in the 1300s. Today on a full day private excursion, visit the city's main highlights and discover its colourful and turbulent history. Start in the main square, or ‘the Zocalo’, one of the world's biggest squares and surrounded by some of the country's most important buildings.Visit the biggest church in Latin America, the Catedral Metropolitana and the Palacio National which hosts Diego Rivera’s murals depicting the history of Mexico. Drive down Mexico's famous avenue, the Paseo de la Reforma, built to provide the city with a grand European style boulevard and constructed during the time of Emperor Maximilian to connect the main square with the castle of Chapultepec. Afterward, head out of the city to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan to wander amongst its temples, palaces and pyramids which were once sacred to the Aztecs.
Day 3 Mexico City - La Paz
Fly from Mexico City to La Paz where you collect your hire car and drive yourself into town to spend three nights at the Posada de las Flores. La Paz is the ideal base for a few days to visit some of the Sea of Cortez's highlights; discover stunning landscapes, picturesque beaches and coves and abundant wildlife. Take in the endless views across the ocean from the attractive palm-lined boardwalk or 'malecon', people watching as you stroll.
Day 4 La Paz
Visit a nearby beach such as Playa Balandra or Playa El Tecolote to really unwind. Stunning isolated beaches, home to azure water, white soft sand and numerous walking trails. Spend the day at leisure, snorkelling, sunbathing and taking in the panoramic surrounds.
Day 5 Espiritu Santo Island
On a half day excursion, discover the Espiritu Santo Island, the island closest to La Paz. Home to turquoise waters, picturesque islets, red and black sheer cliffs and of course panoramic views over the Sea of Cortez. Wildlife here is abundant, this biosphere and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often compared to the Galapagos Islands in terms of the species found. Travellers from all over the world come here to snorkel, kayak, hike, scuba dive or soak up the rays on its picture postcard beaches. Stop off at Ensenada de Pescadores, a quiet beach with few visitors except for the local fishermen and visit Playa Partida. A boxed lunch will be served in Candelero, considered by many as the most attractive bay on the island. This afternoon, take a short hike up the northern arroyo and visit the sea lion colony at Los Islotes.
Day 6 La Paz - Loreto
After breakfast you will travel across most of the southern part of the Peninsula to reach the charming town of Loreto with your hire car. Here, the lack of mass tourism is reflected in the town’s motto: “300 years old and still undiscovered”. Relax by the rooftop pool of the boutique Posada de la Flores hotel or take advantage of the hotels location in the central plaza. Wander to the quaint downtown area to explore shaded plazas and the boardwalk, the perfect place for a stroll along the waterfront under the Mexican sun. Loreto Bay National Park is excellent for whale watching (mid-December to mid-March) as well as regarded as one of the best places for fishing.
Staying at
Posada de las Flores
Day 7 Magdalena Bay
Spend today on a boat trip looking for Gray Whales (mid-December to mid-March) at Bahia Magdalena. The serene waters of the Sea of Cortez and the lagoons on the Pacific side of Baja, host an incredible amount of marine species. Watching a whale glide silently below your boat is an experience that will stay with you forever. Travel from Loreto to Magdalena Bay which is one of the main three lagoons where the Gray Whales return every year to mate and calve. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Day 8 Sea of Cortez (Loreto Bay National Park)
Today on a shared excursion, visit the Loreto National Park. Embark on a search for the largest mammal on earth, the Blue whale. The park is considered one of the best places to spot the whales and one of the very few places in the world where the Blue Whales give birth close to the coast. Visit the Whale Triangle populated by Blue whales, Fin whales, Humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. With some luck it is also possible to spot Orcas and Pilot whales in February and March. Throughout the day, keep an eye out for the rich fauna Loreto Bay has to offer.
Day 9 Loreto - Todos Santos
Today, drive yourself to Todos Santos. The town has so far escaped the mass tourism of other towns along the coast, and the local, laid back atmosphere makes this the perfect place to unwind. Spend the evening wandering around cultural centre and the art galleries where locals sell their work. In February there is an art and music festival which brings a buzz to this small artistic town. Spend two nights at the Guaycura Boutique Hotel and Spa.
Day 10 Todos Santos
In Todos Santos, you can relax at Guaycura Boutique Hotel's private and secluded Beach Club and Spa. Here, swim in the emerald ocean then return to your comfortable sun bed to unwind with a cocktail and the view across the Pacific Ocean.
Day 11 Todos Santos - La Paz – London
Drive yourselves back to La Paz airport for your return flight to the UK via Mexico City.
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
11 nights from £4,495 - £4,895 per person
Itinerary Dates
Pricing
1st Jan 2020 -
31st Dec 2020
31st Dec 2020
£4,495
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
