Private Tour Highlights
- Visit the Bahia Magdalena Lagoon, famous for its hundreds of Grey whales who often seek contact with the occupants of the boats.
- Explore a colony of playful sea lions and guided snorkeling on colorful coral banks teeming with multicolored fish.
- Drive along the splendid Bahia Concepcion with its incredible sequence of small turquoise water bays.
- Take in the history of Todos Santos with a stay within a historic brick building dated back to 1800.
- Discover the volcanic island of Coronado with its coral beach and wild and unspoiled nature
- Admire the the coral reef and its large tropical fish while snorkeling Cabo Pulmo.
Tour Overview
Turn up the heat just south of the border and experience the pristine beauty of the California Golf on Yampu Tours’ latest itinerary, Discovering Baja California Tour. Embark on an intense and exciting road trip among desert lands, pristine bays, and tranquil lagoons inhabited by friendly whales who are eager to meet you. Wandering among the colossal cactus woods and breathtaking canyons, we will step back in time with visits to remote ranches, eighteenth-century Jesuit missions, and ancient rock paintings.
Boasting 5 UNESCO World Heritage protected sites and 9 Biosphere reserves, the Mexican State of Baja is the sixth region in the world for biodiversity thanks to the thousands of species inhabiting it, many of which are endemic. With prime opportunities to experience what is referred to as “The World Aquarium,” explore the wonders of the Gulf of California in Yampu Style with private transfers, tours, and guides throughout your journey.
Note: The best time to see gray whales is from January 15th to the end of March (calving season from the second week of February to the first week of March). From April to December, Yampu Tours can design the perfect itinerary around other wildlife and activities.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: $5562
Package Price: From N/A
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Welcome to La Paz
Upon arrival in La Paz, you will be met by a Yampu Tours representative and transferred privately to your hotel in the historic town center. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to stroll along the Malecon, the seafront animated walk of the small town, or visit the fascinating Anthropology Museum of the capital, just a few steps far from the hotel.
Upon arrival in La Paz, you will be met by a Yampu Tours representative and transferred privately to your hotel in the historic town center. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to stroll along the Malecon, the seafront animated walk of the small town, or visit the fascinating Anthropology Museum of the capital, just a few steps far from the hotel.
Isla Espiritu Santo, the Pearl of the Sea of Cortez
After read more...
After breakfast, board a 36’ yacht and depart to the beautiful Espiritu Santo Island. The Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was first explored in the depths by Jacques Cousteau in 1974, who defined its waters as " The Aquarium of the World." Guided by an expert marine biologist, explore a colony of playful sea lions to entertain and relate in the water with them. Visit a Frigate bird mangrove colony and stop for more guided snorkeling on colorful coral banks teeming with multicolored fish. Lunch will be served in a turquoise water bay. Return to La Paz in the afternoon. ...read less
La Paz - Loreto
After read more...
After breakfast, depart north towards Loreto, the ancient capital of Baja Southern California. Dated back to the 18th century, Loreto is renowned for the foundation of the first mission of the peninsula, the intimate atmosphere, and the wide bay that constitutes an important Marine Park inhabited by whales, manta rays, dolphins, and orcas. After crossing flat desert landscapes, you will enter the granite gorges of the imposing Sierra Della Giganta to descend again towards the Sea of Cortez. Arrival to Loreto and accommodation in a small and characteristic posada in the heart of the historic center. In the early afternoon, visit the mission of 1697 and its museum before returning to your hotel for the evening. ...read less
Volcanic Island of Coronado
After read more...
After breakfast, explore the volcanic island of Coronado with its coral beach and wild and unspoiled nature that attracts documentary filmmakers from all over the world: sea lions, birds, multicolored fish are the attractions of this tiny paradise covered in cactus, bushes of wild chamomile and Torotes, a curious botanical species. We will enjoy a light lunch on the beach.
Alternatively, from January to March, embark on a Blue whale watching tour to witness the largest animal on Earth reaching up to 100 feet in length. Once back, reach the altitude of 500 meters through an impressive rocky Canyon where, in a unique natural setting at the end of the 1600s, a missionary constructed a beautiful mission building. In the back of the church, you can visit the ancient garden still irrigated through the ingenious original water system, where a huge 300-year-old olive tree was planted at the birth of the religious community.
Note: Blue whale watching tour is available between 15th January and 15th March.
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Bahia Concepcion - Mulegé
Heading north along the Sea of Cortez, cross an immense expanse covered with colossal cacti and skirt along the splendid Bahia Concepcion with its incredible sequence of small turquoise water bays. After a visit to the oasis of date palms of Mulegé and a stop at its 18th century Mission, we will drive back to Loreto.
Heading north along the Sea of Cortez, cross an immense expanse covered with colossal cacti and skirt along the splendid Bahia Concepcion with its incredible sequence of small turquoise water bays. After a visit to the oasis of date palms of Mulegé and a stop at its 18th century Mission, we will drive back to Loreto.
Whale Watching in Bahia Magdalena - Todos Santos
This morning we will drive south to reach the huge Bahia Magdalena Lagoon, famous for its hundreds of Grey whales gathered annually to reproduce or give birth to their calves, who often seek contact with the occupants of the boats. (Only between 15th January and 15th April). Then reach Todos Santos, a quaint village on the Pacific, transformed today into a haven for international bohemian artists and painters. We will then spend the night at a historic brick building dated back to 1800.
This morning we will drive south to reach the huge Bahia Magdalena Lagoon, famous for its hundreds of Grey whales gathered annually to reproduce or give birth to their calves, who often seek contact with the occupants of the boats. (Only between 15th January and 15th April). Then reach Todos Santos, a quaint village on the Pacific, transformed today into a haven for international bohemian artists and painters. We will then spend the night at a historic brick building dated back to 1800.
Todos Santos - Cabo San Lucas
Today, read more...
Today, we will drive along the Pacific to reach Cabo San Lucas and board a small private panga to visit the famous granite stacks and the beautiful golden beach overlooking the Ocean. Drive to the old San Jose del Cabo and enjoy the last 6 miles of panoramic dirt road to reach an exclusive eco-luxury Lodge facing the Sea of Cortez.
Note: Between the 15th December and the 10th of April, a whale watching tour guided by a marine Biologist focused on the encounter with giant Humpback whales will be available instead of the short bay cruise
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Snorkeling in The Aquarium of the World
In the morning, after breakfast, reach in one hour driving along the terrific coast road the coral reef of Cabo Pulmo, the only one in the northern Pacific. A panga snorkeling tour will allow you to admire the reef inhabited by large tropical fish. Along the way back to San José, a dirt road will lead to an inviting natural pool fed by a cascade of freshwater immersed in the heart of unspoiled nature.
In the morning, after breakfast, reach in one hour driving along the terrific coast road the coral reef of Cabo Pulmo, the only one in the northern Pacific. A panga snorkeling tour will allow you to admire the reef inhabited by large tropical fish. Along the way back to San José, a dirt road will lead to an inviting natural pool fed by a cascade of freshwater immersed in the heart of unspoiled nature.
Flight Home
Transfer to San José Airport for your flight home.
Transfer to San José Airport for your flight home.
La Paz, BCS, Mexico
Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Loreto, BCS, Mexico
Coronado, Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico
Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico
Los Cabos, BCS, Mexico
Places You'll See
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La Paz
The Bahía de Santa Cruz (Bay of Santa Cruz) was the first name of this city, although La Paz had a second foundation when the navigator Sebastián Vizcaíno gave it its current name. In the Historical Center you will find the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz). Walking along the La Paz boardwalk will give you one of the best views of the Baja California Peninsula, the same one that hosts a rich diversity of marine species such as the gray whale, which visits these waters every year. Be sure to visit the Museo de la Ballena (Whale Museum) where you can learn more about the different species that visit La Paz from December to March. Of course, if you travel during the whale watching season, you will get to know all about these mammals when you see them with your own eyes.
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Loreto
Loreto is an oasis trapped between the waters of Mar de Cortés and the desert lands of Sierra Giganta. It’s the remote land that the Jesuits used to start their pilgrimage to evangelize and colonize Baja and Alta California. But it’s also a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Baja California Sur that has the joy of being gray and blue whales (the largest in the world) temporary home; of being in front of a set of islands declared a World Heritage Site, and of being one of Mexico’s favorite sun and beach destinations.
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Todos Santos
This small town is characterized by its colonial architecture. The meeting of cultures will captivate you by the intense artistic life that takes place in its galleries and festivals. When walking through its streets you will perceive a historical atmosphere due to the colonial architecture that can be seen in its houses and the cultural vocation that it houses. One of the most popular attractions and one that attracts the attention of travelers is the legendary Hotel California, which, according to an urban legend, was the inspiration for the group Eagles to write their iconic song that bears the name of the hotel in 1976. -
Los Cabos
Consisting of two cities, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the region of Los Cabos was once a sleepy fishing port. The area has since grown into a sport fisherman paradise. Known as the world’s top fishing destination, this area is nutrient-rich being near the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Here one can catch marlin, tuna, and sunfish among others. Other activities include scuba diving and whale watching with experienced marine biologists. On land, visitors come to experience the region’s pristine beaches, artistic atmosphere, and thumping nightlife.
Media Gallery
On Highway 1 between Mulege and Loreto. Baja California Sur, Mexico.
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On Highway 1 between Mulege and Loreto. Baja California Sur, Mexico.
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Hotel Options
Featured Accommodation
The White Lodge
Surrounded by endemic bushy, coastal vegetation and nestled at a height of 150’ above sea level, The White Lodge is located 20 miles South of the Tropic of Cancer, less than one-hour drive from the only one coral reef of the Northern Pacific and just 35’ drive from the historic center of San Jose’ del Cabo reachable through a scenic coastal road including 6 miles of easy, panoramic dirt road. The Lodge overlooks the stretch of sea where between December and April more than elsewhere in the region Humpback whales can be spotted. The Lodge is handmade of thick straw clay walls according to an ancient Central-Mexican wisdom, the whole project has been carefully thought out and designed to integrate at best with the landscape through minimal impact, protect the privacy of every Guest and expose to the view and sounds of unspoiled nature of Baja. Absolute White as predominant color, messenger of purity, freshness, lightness and peace, Black as a balancing opposite.
San José del Cabo , MEXICO
4 Star Properties
Hotel Catedral
La Paz , MEXICO
Hotel Catedral La Paz is a new concept of accommodation to suit the needs of today’s travelers. It is part of the historic center of the city, surrounded by major attractions next to Our Cathedral Lady of La Paz. With its sophisticated contemporary modernist architecture, Hotel Catedral La Paz it focuses on every detail to offer its guests an excellent service and quality, both in the rooms and its gourmet restaurant. The hotel rather than a lodging, is an invitation to a lifestyle based on elegance, comfort and relaxation.
Loreto : Posada de las Flores Loreto
Posada de las Flores Loreto
Loreto , MEXICO
The Posada de las Flores Loreto offers you the ultimate experience of elegance and serenity. A beautiful pink hacienda-style house strategically located in the heart of the historic center.
Lush gardens with palm trees, flowers and bougainvilleas, stone arches and traditional wooden doors surround its patio, which, at nightfall, is illuminated by the dim light of its streetlights.
Todos Santos : Hotel Casa Tota
Hotel Casa Tota
Todos Santos , MEXICO
Hotel Casa Tota is all about surprising you with its smart contemporary design. We’ve taken out the excess and the unnecessary. We’ve blended modern lines and cool colors with function to allow you to enjoy our laid-back vibe. The experience is anything but ordinary!
Hotel Casa Tota is a full service 15 room boutique hotel designed for living in the moment. Feel like staying in for the night? Dine on-site at La Santena Restaurant and Cantina well known for its classic local twist on Mexican dishes and handcrafted specialty cocktails. Planning a day out? Ask our receptionist to share local tips on the best beaches and activities.
Hotel Casa Tota is truly a fusion of the past and the present. It is situated on the site that was the Salgado family compound for over 70 years. The cantina housed Dona Tota’s general store of 50 years. Many of the original building features were preserved in the thoughtful renovation.
Located in the historic downtown area of Todos Santos, from Hotel Casa Tota you can easily wander the streets and feel part of all that Todos Santos has to offer!
5 Star Properties
La Paz : Costa Baja Resort & Spa
Costa Baja Resort & Spa
La Paz , MEXICO
Costa Baja Resort & Spa welcomes you to a place where land and sea merge in a way that the rest of the world has never seen, with a gorgeous combination of ocean, mountain and marina views. Discover an exclusive place where elegance, hospitality and privacy combine with the charisma of La Paz, Baja Sur Mexico, to create a stimulating and unique atmosphere. Enjoy incredibly personalized service at an ecofriendly, oceanfront resort unlike any other. Join our private community, where simply standing to face the majestic Sea of Cortez offers a unique blend of beauty and tranquility each day.
Loreto : La Mision Loreto Hotel
La Mision Loreto Hotel
Loreto , MEXICO
Discover La Mision Loreto Hotel in Baja Sur, a stunning, new, elegant resort with a contemporary European-Mexican Hacienda style evocative of the Old Mission flavor of Baja Mexico. La Mision Loreto, for those who are looking for a meaningful travel experience.
A rich tapestry of Old Mission traditions, authentic lifestyles and a wealth of Mexican culture. Loreto was the first capital of The Californias. Here, historic missions still await the prayerful in the shadows of the Sierra de la Giganta mountains and fishing boats dot the intense blue of the Sea of Cortez. La Mision is just a 2½ hour flight from Los Angeles but an eternity from the noise, crowds and stress of the other Mexico.
Todos Santos : Historic Todos Santos Inn
Historic Todos Santos Inn
Todos Santos , MEXICO
The Historic Todos Santos Inn in the Original Pueblo Mágico of Baja California Sur. Built in the 1870’s as a sugar baron’s estate, the Inn is the only historic hacienda hotel in Todos Santos. In the property, we have a heated swimming pool and only 8 rooms for a private and cozy experience. With an ideal location in the heart of our magic town, walking distance to all shops, art galleries and restaurants. At evenings you can join us at La Copa Cocina, nested in our hotel, it’s 1920’s ambiance Bar and amazing mixology will give you the complete experience of the early 1900’s.
The only Historic Hacienda Hotel in the heart of Todos Santos at walking distance to all the shops, art galleries and restaurants.
Testimonials
Prudence
Traveled August, 2009
All in all a fantastic trip.
We got back last night after a fantastic trip. I think Georgie would agree that it was one of our best trips we’ve been on. I am rushing all over the place today as off on holiday again at 4.30am tomorrow. Nothing like another holiday to get over the post holiday blues! All in all a fantastic trip. Overall I think what really worked well was that we felt we spent just the right amount of time in each place. Thanks again for all your help. It was much appreciated, particularly given the limited time we left to organise it all!
Traveled To
Jeanette S.
Traveled June, 2013
and I absolutely loved it
Thank you for a great trip! Merida is definitely a must see! A beautiful city! I felt completely safe and even went out in the evening to see the beautiful folkloric show at the town center. The central location of the Hotel del Gobernador was a really good choice! Everybody was very friendly , punctual and knowledgable. I really enjoyed Celestun and the tour into the estuary, the guide stopped for me in little towns along the way to Celestun to show me real life in villages in Yucatan. The tour through the swamp was interesting and super fun, because my guide had a very good knowledge about the wildlife and nature there. My Hotel in Cancun was sweet, very clean and friendly and the food in the Palapa was pretty good. I wanted a beach view so I decided to upgrade and it was well worth it. It is a great Hotel for familys with little kids so next time I probably would have picked a bigger Hotel like the Iberostar since I traveled by myself. However there was nothing wrong with The Kin Ha Beachscape , it is just more for familys and couples,good location for shopping. As always you guys were great in organizing everything for me and I felt very safe and well taken care of! Everybody was so surprised that I decided to go to Mexico by myself but I had full confidence in your company to make everything go smooth for me . I love that your company takes pride in making trips unique and knows how to customize . I went to Brazil with Yampu Tours a few years ago and my friend and I absolutely loved it! Keep up the good work and your customers have no other choice than to fall in love with the people and the countries they travel to!
Traveled To
Diane, Alfred and Jaydon M.
Traveled August, 2013
Each of us did plant a tree near the school. We were all sad to say good bye.
We had a wonderful time in Peru. The hotels were perfect as you know we had stayed at Casa Andina in Cuzco before, we even ended up having the same room.Hotel Pakaritampu we also enjoyed this property, loved how there were terraces in the back and you were surrounded by mountains. It is an easy walk from the train station I don’t think it took us 10min. One of the other highlights of our trip was the day we spent in Misminay. We had the pleasure of preparing breakfast for the preschools. They were adorable.We made oatmeal, ham sandwiches and we also passed out passion fruit. For lunch we were served baked potatoes, the best we ever had so wonderfully fresh with cheese and a dip which I can’t recall the name. And chicha beer. The children made us thank you cards which i took home with me. When we return to Peru we plan on spending a few days there assisting with anything they need us to do. Each of us did plant a tree near the school. We were all sad to say good bye.
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