Adventure Holidays in the UK, Spain, Scandinavia, Europe, Peru & Mexico
Telephone: +44 (0)1822 880277 • E-mail martin@spirit-of-adventure.com
Telephone: +44 (0)1822 880277 • E-mail martin@spirit-of-adventure.com
Join us in the Baja! A place of lush sierras, surrounded by the calm crystalline waters of the Sea of Cortez to the east and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean to the west. Oozing tranquility this could be paradise, and probably is!
The trip focuses on the most spectacular places in the region, with time allocated for mountain biking, sea kayaking, snorkeling and body boarding. Our biking takes us through the villages and estancias of the Sierras, the cactus forests of the central valley and dramatic steep sided coastal tracks that overlook the clearest water imaginable.
Although not particularly technical, the biking is exciting and varied throughout. Highlights include the ‘classic’ Ruta de Los Planes, San Antonio de la Sierra and for single-track lovers, Arroya Los Barrilles provides thrills galore!
No time here is complete without visiting the simply gorgeous Espiritu Santo island. It’s here amongst the sheltered coves that we spend three days sea kayaking, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. Plenty of time to wonder at the coral reefs and abundant tropical fish, with the highlight for many the chance to swim with the sea lions of Los Islotes.
At the end of the day, all we need to do is choose which one of the beautiful sandy beaches will be our campsite for the night and watch the sun disappear over the horizon, with a Pina Colada in hand. Rest day is taken in the peaceful surroundings of Todos Santos, with its artist community and nearby deserted beaches, where you can stroll along deserted beaches and try body boarding in the famed waves of the Pacific coast.
7 days mountain biking, 3 days kayaking/ snorkeling, 1 day boarding,
Accommodation / meals
6 nights hotel
7 nights camping full board
All meals except 1 lunch, 4 evening meals
Experience Required
Basic inland or sea kayaking experience
Grade 3
Day One
Depart on a scheduled flight for La Paz, Mexico. After passing through United States Customs, you transfer for the scheduled flight to La Paz, Mexico. On arrival you will be met by your guide, who will transport you to our hotel at the coastal community of La Ventana.
Day Two
Our first taste of biking in the Baja! Today is a great introduction to the terrain and climate you will encounter in this area of Mexico. Our ride takes us to Las Matancitas. A wonderful ride of around twenty miles that passes through many different types of terrain and desert surroundings, from a land of huge cacti to one of spreading Encinos trees. Concluding the ride is a gradual sustained ascent that will take us back to the road connecting La Paz with Los Planes. From here just a short distance to go through the local village community before we arrive at Rancho El Ancon. High on the hillside with uninterrupted views to the Sea of Cortez and Isla Cerralvo in the distance this is an idyllic setting for our first night of camping. Our evening meal specially prepared by the villagers is authentic Mexican fare and provides you with the chance to sample food such as Tamales, home made tortillas and Guacamole to die for!
Day Three
An early start is the order of the day and after a sunrise breakfast we leave our tranquil hillside surroundings. After a very brief off road section we head downhill on road on a long …ok very long descent to Los Planes for what is a fast and thrilling way to start the day. Los Planes is the last outpost for the day, so a time to stock up on water and some Gatorade / energy drinks before continuing on to our target for today, the deserted beach of Boca Del Alamo. From Los Planes an initial dirt road soon turns into a rockier track as we head up into the sierras. To your left you will now see the huge cactus fields and the cove of La Ventana to the North. Once at the top it’s time to head for the shade for a while before heading into El Canyon de Planes. Sandy at times, this was once the road linking the US to Boca del Alamo but now only passable on two wheels or on foot. Once through the canyon we hit a wider and more compacted coastal track and the views from here are simply wonderful. Steep sided cliffs, crystalline waters and deserted beaches for as far as the eye can see and uninterrupted vistas of the mainland. The route undulates along the coast until we reach our beachside campsite. Lots of time now to relax, go for a swim and wander the beach and wait for the sun to drop over the horizon.
Note: Due to the current state of the road, after Los Planes there will be no vehicle support on this particular day, with the support vehicle driving to meet us in Boca del Alamo. It is thus important to carry extra water and snacks with you for this ride.
Day Four
After the exertion of yesterday our ride continues along the coast and whilst not as demanding, the Arroyos ( dry river beds ) leading to the sea can be sandy at times. This can be a hot day and so during the ride we take full advantage of the shade available. Especially good are the huge Elephant and Tamarind trees at the local villages we pass through, as are the thirst quenching refrescos ( soft drinks ) cold from the fridge at the small village shops. Once we reach Los Barriles the first port of call is no doubt for a ice cream or a celebratory icy Pacifico beer (don’t forget the lime now ! ) before a couple of kms more leads us to our accommodation at Hotel Calafia. This basic hotel, is perfectly placed for the morning ride tomorrow and the food here traditionally Mexican and tasty in the extreme – and yes refried beans aren’t obligatory for breakfast, but you try telling the chef!
Day Five
Up with the sun ( getting a habit now isn’t it! ) and we head off before breakfast to the La Frontera / Barriles single-track. A nice gentle road section and climb to the viewpoint ( here is the Mexican flag that you will have seen in the distance yesterday during your ride ) and then the fun begins! Around 45 minutes in total we’ll have you weaving your way through the cactus and racing all the way back to Calafia with grins firmly planted on your face….you might even sneak in another circuit if you are fast enough…but don’t miss breakfast!
Following breakfast Calafia style, we load up the support vehicle and leave for Santiago and yes the elephant signs you’ll see on route means it does have a zoo! Once here we unload and head to San Dionisio. Around 20 miles in duration, after an initial flat and partially sandy section we climb into the sierras once more. Look out for the superb view down the Santiago Arroyo as you reach the top of the first ‘cheeky’ climb! From here onwards the route undulates and climbs up the valley side and a few kms after reaching the small church of San Dionisio we arrive at San Dionisio Ranch. Wonderfully positioned amidst towering palm trees and flowing water in the lower reaches of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains it’s here we camp for the evening next to the river.
Day Six
After a morning hop along the rocks of the riverbed, a route where you can walk as much or as little as you like and a soothing dip in the water pools we retrace our route of yesterday. Although it may have seemed like it was mostly uphill (well in fact it pretty much was! ) we arrive back at the trail head from where we can see Santiago below. From here we ride into the sierras once more to the peaceful surrounding of Canyon del Zorro ( Fox Canyon ) where we stay for a while beside the pools of water that just ache to be jumped in! Our campsite for tonight is the same fantastic location as last night so those with some energy remaining can tackle the 'cheeky' climbs again or alternatively use the support vehicle.
Day Seven
After another Mexican style breakfast there's another opportunity to do that great downhill to Santiago (better not eat too much !) before we board the support vehicle and leave for San Antonio de la Sierra. On the bikes again we soon find ourselves passing through oak forests and palm tree filled stream beds of San Antonio de la Sierra, in an area of vegetation that differs greatly from the rest of Baja. The track is both well 'surfaced' and relatively wide and concludes with a memorable quick descent ride of some four miles to Arroyo Antonio. Our campsite is wonderfully located in the valley bottom. Surrounded by palm trees, it's a great place to 'drift away' in the flickering flames of the campfire and for stargazing and contemplation.
Day Eight
For the early risers there is the option of a short pre-breakfast ride towards the trailhead. We arrive back at the campsite to yet another morning feast and then break up camp. We then retrace our route of yesterday with a tough climb out of the Arroyo followed by a fast undulating descent to the main highway. Here we load up the support vehicle and head to Todos Santos. Situated on the Pacific side of the peninsula Todos Santos was originally founded as a mission by Father Sigismundo Taraval in 1733 and is renowned throughout the Baja, for its pleasant climate, tall palm trees and mission edifices that give it the appearance of an oasis. Today the ambience is artistic and the population cosmopolitan, its fine restaurants (including the 'Hotel California' made famous by 'The Eagles') and galleries making it an inviting place to visit. Here we have a little time to explore the town before taking our evening meal in one of the many excellent restaurants.
Day Nine
Following a scrumptious breakfast we jump on the bikes once more and ride the short distance to the surfer's paradise beach at Las Cerritos. Here the crashing waves of the pacific coast offers a stunning contrast to the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. The rest of the day will be spent at Las Cerritos, 'boogie boarding' in the surf, strolling along the beach or simply relaxing in the sun. Tonight we will also staying in our hotel in Todos Santos leaving us plenty of time to sample the nightlife it has to offer. Tequila anyone ?
Day Ten
A late start to the day might be in order, depending on the events of last night ! Following breakfast we jump in the bus for a short transfer to La Paz. This is the perfect place to re-charge those batteries after the previous day's activities. With this in mind today will be a 'free day' allowing you time to wander around this city, spend the afternoon in its cafes and museums or simply take a stroll along the sea front and sample the nightlife of this vibrant coastal town. For those who fancy a little exercise there is the opportunity for an optional guided hike to see the Cave Paintings in the 'Sierra Piedra' Mountains on the outskirts of La Paz. These ancient paintings are a recent discovery in the region and are well worth a visit for those looking to know a little more about this little visited area of Mexico. Alternatively why not just chill out in La Paz!
Note: The hike to the caves is dependant on local guides and could be subject to alteration.
For those who have brought their own bikes your boxes / bags will be returned to you so you are able to re-pack these for the flights home. Alternatively you may wish to do this on your return from Isla Espiritu Santo.
Our three day trip here is an excellent introduction to sea-kayaking and will enable the group to explore the entire west coast of the Gulf of California’s most beautiful island. Paddling for around three to three and a half hours a day our kayaking takes us around sheltered bays with colourful towering cliff faces and Cardon Cacti rich hillsides and en route, we may even be able to see whales, porpoises or dolphins.
Time is set aside, to snorkel in the coral reefs and rest on deserted beaches, with both evenings spent in the idyllic setting of one of these beaches. The waters and coral reefs thrive beneath crystalline waters and offer a stunning contrast to the surrounding mountains. With the best beaches and clearest water in the Baja, this is a wonderful place in which to snorkel. The water is shallow and the sheltered coves make it easy for those new to this activity. The waters teem with brightly coloured fish, and perhaps you may be lucky enough to see a Manta Ray glide past you.
Our Espiritu Santo kayak adventure also includes a walk amongst the island's cacti for the energetic, and we can explore the rock and volcanic salts of this unique island.
For many, the highlight and something not to be missed is a stop at Los Islotes, the cluster of rocks at the island’s most northerly tip, where we snorkel in the clear waters and play with the friendly resident sea lions. The babies are incredibly playful as they inquisitively twist and turn with you in the water, whilst mum keeps a discrete eye on you - a truly memorable experience indeed!
Day Eleven
Following breakfast and hopefully not suffering the effects of one too many Tequilas or Mexican beers we are fitted for our snorkels, fins and life jackets before heading off by high speed motor boat to Isla Espiritu Santo, to the start of our sea kayaking adventure. Once we have arrived our kayaking guides will discuss points on safety and provide beginners with the basics of sea kayaking and correct use of gear and kayaks. In the afternoon we pop on our life jackets and embark on our first paddle beneath spectacular volcanic cliffs and arrive at our destination - a beautiful beach where we set up camp.
Day Twelve
After another hearty breakfast, we break up camp, load up and continue in our kayaks exploring a new section of coastline with small off shore islands where numerous sea birds nest. Arriving at our destination - another beautiful deserted beach, we unload and have time for a spot of snorkelling around the headlands. Dinner is prepared as the sun sets slowly over the horizon - anyone for a Pina Colada?
Day Thirteen
To complete our voyage we paddle to the end of the island and then take a motorboat ride to Los Islotes, the home to the regions large sea lion colony. Time to experience the amazing thrill of swimming with sea lion pups and snorkel amongst thousands of tropical fish. We then return to lunch back at camp, pack up our things and bid a sad farewell to this wonderfully unspoilt National Park, returning by motor boat to La Paz mid afternoon.
On the way we’ll be able to witness the effects of 'Cortez' wind erosion. Bizarre shapes and images have been created in this delicate landscape and have led to incredible rock formations such as La Piedra de Balandra.
Once back on dry land, just a little time for some final shopping before taking our final meal together in one of La Paz's many fine restaurants where we are joined by our biking guides to start reminiscing already. For those with the energy the bars of La Paz await you.
Day Fourteen
Sadly the end of our time in Mexico's Baja sun, as we depart in the morning for La Paz airport and our return flights. Due to time difference between the UK & Mexico flights commencing Day 14 will arrive back in the UK a day later.
| | |
| | |
| | |
Please contact us if you would like more information on this holiday.
| | | |||||||
| Baja Bike and Kayak Adventure7 days mountain biking, 3 days sea kayaking and 1 day surf boarding Accommodation/Meals Experience Required Cost Per Person
How to Book1. In the table below click the round button next to the reference number corresponding to the date you would like to book. | | |||||||
| | | |||||||