Suggested Itinerary
Highlights
- Cabo Pulmo National Park
- Snorkeling at the marine park
- Sierra La Laguna with waterfalls & vernal pools
- Espiritu Santo Island, sea lion colony, whale sharks,
- La Paz
Day 1 – Arrival to Los Cabos and transfer to Cabo Pulmo
Land in Los Cabos, gateway to the Baja California Peninsula, where your driver and expert local guide will be waiting for you. Over lunch, your guide will brief you on the trip ahead. Leaving San José del Cabo, you will head north on Highway 1 along the foot of the Sierras to Cabo Pulmo National Park (1.5 hrs.) After settling in to your accommodation in this quaint little coastal community, take a stroll along the secluded beach at sunset and relax.
Day 2 – Sierra La Laguna and ranchero culture
Today we will head up into the mountainous Sierra La Laguna in search of the vernal pools and waterfalls, that make this Biosphere Reserve a lush island in the desert. This unique landscape is the home to the only oak and pine forests in the region. Your guide will lead you up through the canyons, where you will take in spectacular views, spot flora and fauna, and take a dip in the freshwater pools that make this place such a magical escape.
After lunch, visit a local family that will teach you about the ranchero culture they have preserved over the past few centuries in addition to some of the conservation projects that community members are participating in. In the late afternoon we will head back to Cabo Pulmo to have dinner and relax.
Day 3 – Snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo, La Paz and Balandra
No visit to Baja California Sur is complete without experiencing the magic of Cabo Pulmo National Park. Home to the northernmost coral reef in the Eastern Pacific, Cabo Pulmo is recognized as a model for successful marine resource management. Snorkeling above the reef, you will be amazed by the quantity and diversity of marine life!
After lunch, head North to La Paz. Tranquil, scenic, and a great town to get to know on foot explore the area with a nice walk. Also, enjoy the sunset above Balandra beach, one of the most picturesque and iconic sites, cherished by paceños who recently petitioned to make this a natural protected area!
Day 4 – Whale shark research and Beyond the Malecón City Tour
Today we will join the organization Whale Shark México on a research outing and observe the whale sharks that make their yearly visit to the waters off of La Paz. After an orientation on the project from resident experts, head out in search of these magnificent and tranquil beasts. You will be tasked with assisting in various aspects of the research project, helping collect and document data.
Experience La Paz through a local’s eyes, and your stomach on our La Paz Walking Tour. During the excursion, you’ll stop by cultural and architectural sites of interest, learn about the history of the town and its locals and sample delicious Mexican delicacies along the way. Afterwards enjoy dinner.
Day 5 – Espiritu Santo Island
Your driver will pick you up early at your hotel and transfer you to the marina. After boarding the boat, your guides will give you a small briefing about the trip as we head out from the Bay of La Paz. After roughly 1.5 hours, you’ll arrive at the sea lion colony for your first stop. Here you’ll have plenty of time to swim, snorkel and interact with the playful sea lions in the company of your guide.
Afterward climb back on board to navigate around the island in search of a pristine beach where our hosts await with a scrumptious meal of fresh seafood and other wonderful Mexican style preparations. On the beach, relax as your guides inform you about the natural history of the island, the plants and mangroves and anything else you’d like to learn about. Later, relax, swim or take a nature hike before happy hour back in La Paz.
Tonight you are free to explore La Paz and its many wonderful restaurants.
Day 6 – Departure Day – Transfer to Airport
Enjoy a relaxed morning, and after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.
