Trip Overview

By request, we have embraced the self-drive concept over group travel by van allowing for the flexibility to connect with friends and explore on your own terms, creating a memorable adventure, outside of a controlled group dynamic. We have meticulously organized every aspect of your journey, securing exceptional hotel accommodations, booking a diverse range of activities, and enlisting top-notch naturalists and guides to enhance your experience. 

Our naturalist and carefully curated itinerary promises to take you from stunning coastlines to towering peaks, explore ancient cave paintings and encounter magnificent gray whales, all while enjoying unique experiences like mountain glamping and staying in four-star hotels. We’re confident that this package caters to every traveller’s desires, ensuring an unforgettable trip for our guests.

❖ Experience two distinctly different whale species, the Pacific Gray whales, in their wintering grounds of Magdalena Bay on the Pacific side of the peninsula (1 of 3 areas in Baja). From Dec. – Mar. they gather to mate and give birth leaving their feeding grounds in the arctic waters of the Bering Sea. Expect an up-close and personal experience. On the other side of the peninsula, in the Sea of Cortez, the NE Pacific Blue whales, visit their wintering grounds in Loreto Bay (one of few areas in the world). From Jan. – Mar. they arrive to feed, calve and mate. (water-based)

❖ The Spanish Missions in Baja California were built as a series of religious outposts established by Spanish Catholic Dominicans, Jesuits, and Franciscans between 1683 and 1834. The missions gave Spain a valuable toehold in the frontier land, and introduced European livestock, fruits, vegetables, and industry into the region. We will be visiting the Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó, built in 1699. (land-based)

❖ We will be exploring two cave painting sites. One in the Sierra de la Giganta mountains (Loreto area) and the other, south in the Sierra de Laguna mountains in the (Cabo area). Is it thought that the paintings were created as a symbolic or religious function by indigenous civilizations as far back as 7,000 years ago. (land-based)

❖ Feb. is peak season for juvenile whale sharks to gather in the Bay of La Paz to feed (the largest fish in the world). One of few places in the world. Snorkelling with these harmless, gentle giants of the sea is an experience of a lifetime. In addition, a day trip to the Espiritu Island Archipelago to visit, one of the most protected areas in the Sea of Cortez, offers guests snorkelling with the California sea lions at Los Isolotes. (water-based)

❖ The Baja Peninsula is known for its world-class birdwatching. From sea to sky, observe a spectacular array of birds; seabirds, shorebirds, land birds, desert songbirds, birds of prey, endemic and migratory. Every activity we engage in offers amazing birdwatching. (land and water-based)

❖ Camp San Dionisio, offers glamping-style accommodations with guided activities from our experts in the field. Activities include; nature hikes exploring flora, fauna, geology, and cave paintings, classes in leather, basketry and Mexican cuisine experience.

❖ Our adventures are led by marine naturalists and/or certified guides. With combined decades of experience, a Panterra expert will accompany each trip to share natural history insights and a rare behind-the-scenes context.

Activity Level

This trip is suitable for individuals with a novice to moderate activity level. Participants should be comfortable with walking or standing for short periods, engaging in moderate hiking for 1 – 2 hours, and be prepared for multiple hours of activity on some days. The trip will involve a combination of educational, cultural, and wildlife-viewing experiences. The hikes will range from 1 to 1.5 hours (1 to 1.5 miles) on uneven terrain at low elevations in warm and humid conditions. Participants have the option to skip any excursion at any time.

Accommodations

1) 4.5-star rating - Hotel Catedral is a new concept of lodging that adapts to the needs of today's travellers. The hotel is situated in the historic center of the city, surrounded by several points of interest. It is located next to the oldest church in La Paz, the Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz. Its sophisticated architecture is in a contemporary modernist style. 

2) 4-star rating - Hotel Rosarito is located at the Historical Center of Loreto one block away from the Central Square Mission Church and Museum and two blocks away from the seafront known as El Malecon. The hotel rooms are of high quality, in a comfortable environment complemented by a deep pool to refresh yourself on a warm day.

3) Camp San Dionisio by Panterra, is set in the Sierra de la Laguna mountain region south of La Paz. The offer glamping-style accommodations with walk-in, stand-up tents (4/5/6 m), memory foam beds with frames, full bedding, and towels. While this is glamp camping, guests will have shared bathrooms, showers and all the creature comforts of home, rustic style. No crawling into tents and sleeping on the ground!