Mexico | The Baja Peninsula: Whale Encounters and Desert Landscapes

Meet the group leader on arrival at Loreto International Airport. The quaint town of Loreto was the first Spanish colonial settlement in Baja, established in 1697. The city is centered on the historic mission church, still standing today. Our hacienda-style hotel faces the Gulf of California, where sunrises can be spectacular.

The island-studded portion of the Sea of Cortez facing Loreto is protected by the Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Take a boat around dramatic Coronado Island, which offers azure waters, interesting geology, a colony of sea lions, and chances to see dolphins as well as humpback, fin, and blue whales. Herons, Pelicans, Ospreys, and Blue- and Brown-footed Boobies are coastal residents. After lunch, travel four hours north to San Ignacio.

Continue driving to Guerrero Negro to enter Scammon's Lagoon (Ojo de Liebre), the gray whale sanctuary that receives the highest number of whales annually. Take a unique, unforgettable boat ride in the whale-filled lagoon to view these enormous mammals at arm's length; some even let themselves be touched! Each year, gray whales travel thousands of miles from the Arctic Ocean to the warm waters of this wildlife refuge to court, mate, give birth, and care for their young. Enter the sanctuary by driving through the world's biggest salt plant to reach the pier, then board "pangas" (small boats with an outboard motor), and depart on an adventurous ride among the whales. Have time to rest before backtracking to San Ignacio.

Board local vehicles for the one-hour drive (partly on a graded road) to reach the secluded San Ignacio Lagoon. Again, board "pangas" in the San Ignacio Sanctuary for another ride among whales. A hot lunch is served at the lagoon. Migrating birds can be spotted along the shore. Back in San Ignacio, the remainder of the day is free. Dinner is on your own.

The morning in San Ignacio is relaxed. Spend time in the tree-filled plaza and visit the mission church, two local museums, and a home where date bread and pies are made. Enjoy the company of the pleasant host while learning to make flour tortillas by hand to taste with local ranch cheese. Walk in the palm oasis to the water source, a scenic picture spot. Depart for the drive back to Loreto. On the way, take a short detour to the Tres Vírgenes Eco Reserve for lunch at a small, simple, isolated lodge, followed by a walk in the prickly desert. Continue to Santa Rosalía, first established by the French as a copper mining town. Stop to visit the old French Quarter and the Boleo Mining Museum and learn how the French brought over the prefabricated iron church that was designed by Gustave Eiffel and still stands today. We will make a brief stop at Bahía Concepción before arriving at the hotel in Loreto. Dinner is at an area restaurant this evening.

Early risers will experience the spectacular sunrise over the Gulf of California before breakfast. Travel to La Paz stopping at Magdalena Bay for a third excursion with the whales. Continue to La Paz this afternoon. Although La Paz is the most important city of the southern part of the peninsula, its tree lined streets and calm clear beaches inspire tranquility. A walk along the "malecón" (boardwalk) is a treat. Settle in the hotel, then head out to the pristine beaches near the city, especially idyllic Balandra Bay. Take a short hike to a hilltop for a breathtaking view of the bay's moon-shaped beaches and healthy mangroves, and distinguish the Seven Shades of Blue reflected in this magnificent bay. While toasting with wine, enjoy a famous La Paz sunset from a beach palapa restaurant, followed by a shrimp dinner, a traditional La Paz experience.

The Gulf of California has been defined as one of the world's most biologically diverse marine areas, dubbed "the aquarium of the world" by Jacques Cousteau. The protected island of Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1995, offers a variety of attractions: fascinating geology, snorkeling with sea lions and tropical fish in crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, and hidden and isolated coves. Take a boat out to the island for a day-full excursion. Back in La Paz, take an evening stroll and have dinner in a favorite La Paz restaurant on the boardwalk.

The morning take a boat excursion along the La Paz coastline to spot whale sharks that have been migrating regularly to these feeding grounds every winter. Lunch is in La Paz before departing for San José del Cabo. On the way, stop at the fertile oasis of Todos Santos, now home to many artists and art galleries. Established to process sugar cane, the abandoned haciendas have been converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, and galleries. There'll be some brief free time to stroll through the town, then continue for the last stretch of the road to reach Los Cabos, the tip of Baja California. In Cabo San Lucas, take a short boat excursion to reach the famous arch that marks the spot where "land ends and heaven begins". The Los Cabos Corridor, a stretch of beautiful beaches dotted with conspicuous hotels, connects the busy resort of Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo, a quaint town of narrow streets and Spanish style buildings at the mouth of a palm-lined river. The cozy colonial hotel is on a street with restaurants and shopping, one block from the main square with a restored mission church. Farewell dinner is in the hotel's well-known restaurant.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the San Jose del Cabo airport in time for your flight home.