The Baja & Copper Canyon Multi-Activity (BC) starts in La Paz, Baja California in the northwest of Mexico. This gateway city may require an internal flight, which is easily coordinated and can be done the same day arriving from abroad. There are dayly flights from Mexico City to La Paz: most U.S. southern cities (i.e. San Diego, Los Angeles, and Phoenix) have direct flights to Las Paz as well. This trip ends in the city of Chihuahua. There are direct flights from
Chihuahua to Mexico City and U.S. cities daily. BOA reserves the right to run this trip in reverse (from Chihuahua to La Paz) due to scheduling and logistics circumstances.
Highlights include:
- Kayaking the Sea of Cortez:
* Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez is a peaceful journey around the beautiful Island of Espiritu Santo. During our expedition we will enjoy snorkeling, swimming, walks, and sunsets;
* We will explore this virgin wilderness camping on solitary beaches and hiking up to enjoy sunsets across the seascapes below;
* There will be three nights camping here and on the last day we will board our skiff and visit a sea lion colony getting a chance to swim and snorkel with these fun-loving mammals a truly memorable experience.
- The Gray Whales:
* We will visit the amazing breeding grounds of the Pacific Gray Whales during their annual migration. We will enjoy two boat trips into Magdalena Bay with a chance for arms length encounters
with these giant whales. Yet another highlight on this fabulous multi-activity adventure!
- Copper Canyon:
* Hiking in the Copper Canyon is very rugged and wild. Some of the campsites will be near remote indigenous family compounds perched on canyon walls with mule and walking access only;
* This trip includes the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad journey through the canyon. This train ride is a highlight in itself and this spectacular trip is a natural transition between the arid canyons of the Sierra and the dazzling Sea of Cortez. There are two combo departures this season. Of course, we are happy to arrange custom made itineraries for an agent led trip or groups of friends traveling together. Scuba-diving, fishing, kayaking, and birding are all gaining in popularity in the area and can be easily arranged as an add on, or fully formed trip.
Your itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival Day. Home/La Paz. Check into your hotel room and at 9:00 P.M. meet your guides for a trip briefing;
Day 2 - Espiritu Santo Transfer from your hotel in La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island in our high speed motor boat. Guides discuss points on safety and provide beginners with the basics of sea-kayaking and correct use of gear and kayaks. In the afternoon, we embark on our first paddle beneath spectacular volcanic cliffs and arrive at the first of many beautiful beaches to set up camp. Includes: (B)(L)(D);
Day 3 - Espiritu Santo Continue in our kayaks exploring a new section of coastline with small off shore islands where numerous sea birds nest. Camp on a new beach. Includes: (B)(L)(D);
Day 4 - Espiritu Santo Today, we continue our voyage through the coves of the breathtaking turquoise waters of Isla Espiritu to our final camping beach. In the afternoon we will hike to te other side of the island to check out the spectacular lagoons and landscape of this World Heritage site. Includes: (B)(L)(D);
Day 5 - Espiritu Santo/La Paz Today we take a fast motor boat ride to a beautiful off shore island which is home to a large sea lion colony. Experience the amazing thrill of swimming with sea lion pups and snorkel amongst thousands of tropical fish. Return to your hotel in La Paz for a relaxing night on your own. Includes: (B)(L);
Day 6 - La Paz A day off to enjoy a leisurely stroll around our picturesque seaside town. Browse in many Mexican arts and crafts shops or if you would rather a more active day we'll set you up with a mountain bike, or a day fishing or windsurfing. A margarita at sunset on a sea promenade is a La Paz tradition! Includes: (B);
Day 7 - La Paz/Lopez Mateos Today, we transfer in our air conditioned private van to the shores of the Pacific Lagoons at Lopez Mateos - considered to be the finest whale-watching area in the La Paz proximity (transfer time is 3.5 hours). Typically within minutes of clambering aboard our motor skiffs we are out in the bay surrounded by Whales. The spectacle is quite amazing and close up
encounters are practically guaranteed. Returning to the shore it is then just a two minute stroll to our accommodation. Relax and then freshen up before dining in our Palapa Restaurant with a buffet of fresh sea food. Includes: (B)(L)(D);
Day 8 - Lopez Mateo/La Paz Arise to a Mexican cooked breakfast before our second whale-watching trip. We will venture out into the bay for a second opportunity to immerse our selves amongst the
whales. For the last ten years many of our guests have been thrilled by the whales swimming right alongside our boats giving them the extraordinary opportunity to pet them. We will return to Lopez Mateos for a delicious lunch and then transfer back to La Paz arriving at around 4.00pm. Includes: (B)(L);
Day 9 - La Paz/Los Mochis/El FuerteRelax in the morning and then afterlunch, prepare your belongings for the ferry across the Sea of Cortez. You head to the ferry around noon to board the boat and stow your baggage ready for the 3:00 pm departure. Once you arrive into Los Mochis (Topalobampo Port) you will be transferred to the charming colonial gateway to the Copper Canyon, El Fuerte. Check in to our beautiful historic lodge and then roam the cobble stone
streets for a taste of old Mexico. Relax and wander this quaint and historical city. (no meals) Meet guide at 9:00 PM in hotel lobby for details on next day’s departure. (Overnight Hotel El Fuerte) (B,L,D)
Day 10 El Fuerte/Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad/Cerocahui. All aboard the world famous Chihuahua al Pacifico train trip into the Sierra Madre Mountains. This comfortable first class train leads us through dozens of tunnels and over countless bridges with exceptional opportunities for taking pictures or just enjoying the view. We arrive mid-day to Cerocahui and enjoy a spectacularly scenic transfer to the Wild West town of Urique. We will stop along the way at Cerro Gallegos to have a look at some local Tarahumara weavings and enjoy the panorama. We may choose to purchase some of these fine hand woven baskets and photo opportunities abound
of the vast canyon and the village of Urique below. After settling into our hotel, we dine with the locals and have a chance to brief with the guide about the hiking days into the canyon that follow.
(Overnight Cerocahui Wilderness Lodge). Includes: (B)(D);
Day 11 - Cerocahui/Urique/Day 1 of Trek Urique Canyon. We begin walking along the Urique river and make our way through the town of Guapalaina before crossing the river and setting off up the Arroyo Alisos where our hiking adventure begins in earnest. A steep ascent has us gaining perspective rapidly and we quickly notice changes in the flora. We climb through the thorn forest with Cerro la Ventana visible in the distance. We arrive early afternoon to our lovely campsite at Los Alisos where Prospero and his family greet us warmly. Dinner in the Grapefruit grove around the campfire. (Overnight Los Alisos). Includes: (B)(L)(D)
-Full day hike (3-4 hours); 2-3 mi.
-Altitude gain / loss: 1,188 / 32 ft.
Day 12 - Day 2 of Trek: Urique Canyon/La Yesca. We set out early in the cool shadows of the towering canyon walls. As we make our way up the Arroyo Torres, we continue to note the changes in vegetation and we enter into dwarf oak forests and chaparral. With frequent stops for water and to take photos we are amazed at how quickly the vistas open up and we can see down into the Urique Canyon below. Passing El Pandito the oaks begin to mix with a variety of pines. As we near the top of the spectacular Urique Canyon we enjoy breathtaking views in every direction and continue our climb up to La Yesca where we pause to take it all in. Lunch and a few more photos before we continue on to our lovely campsite in the whispering pines of La Estacion. Here we make camp and relax taking time to bathe in the perennial stream or continue exploring the country side. Our arrieros lend their expertise to tonight dinner with hand pressed tortillas and local story telling (Overnight Wild Camping La Yesca). Includes: (B)(L)(D)
- Full day hike (5 - 6 hours);4 mi.
- Altitude gain / loss: 3,135 / 71 ft.
Day 13 - Day 3 of Trek: La Yesca/Cerro Colrado Canyon. Hike the ancient trails of the native Tarahumara through the overwhelming beauty of the Copper Canyon. A full hiking day allows us to truly appreciate the grandeur of the worlds largest canyon system. We enjoy a variety of terrain today as we quietly traverse the mystical pine forests of Piedra Redonda coming to sprawling vistas of the winding rivers and towering peaks of the Cerro Colorado Canyon. We begin our descent and as we say good bye to the alpine terrain we find ourselves warmly greeted as we come to our camp site at Los Terreros. Perched high above the river with canyon views just outside our tents, we have time in the afternoon to meet the local family who lives here and visit with them. (Wild Camping Los Terreros). Includes: (B)(L)(D);
- 1/2 day hike (4-5 hours);6 mi.
- Altitude gain / loss: 225 / 2,541 ft.
Day 14 - Day 4 of Trek: Cerro Colorado/Batopilas. Descending rugged switchbacks in the shadow of Cerro Colorado, our final hiking day has us descending sharply as we re-enter the subtropical thorn forests of the lower canyon. We arrive to the Cerro Colorado River in the town of the same name where we can stop for a snack or to buy some crafts from the locals. We continue on to Las Juntas where we join up with the Batopilas River for the home stretch into the frontier town of Batopilas. A fantastic setting to end our hike here in the Canyon, we will enjoy some free time to explore this historic mining outpost followed by dinner and a well deserved margarita!.
(Overnight Hacienda Rio Batopilas). Includes: (B)(L)(D);
- Full day hike (6 -8 hours); 9 mi.
- Altitude gain / loss: 36 / 1,749 ft.
Day 15 - Batopilas/Creel. After breakfast we will have a chance to further explore the Batopilas area with an optional hike to the “Lost Cathedral” of Satevo, some souvenir shopping in the plaza,
or just exploring the cobblestone nooks and crannies of this amazing historical gem. We then begin the incredible climb by van out of the Batopilas Canyon up a spectacular array of switchbacks to our destination at Creel, the frontier logging outpost turned tourist center for the Copper Canyon. Dinner in our cozy hotel. (Overnight Plaza Mexicana). Includes: (B)(L)(D);
Day 16 - Creel/Chihuahua. Breakfast and a chance for to explore a bit more before our mid-morning transfer to Chihuahua where we will check into our comfortable accommodation. The late afternoon is free for relaxing or site seeing at the interesting museums and historical sites of this important cultural and economic center of Northwestern Mexico. Night on the town for our farewell fiesta. (Overnight Hotel San Francisco). Includes: (B)(L)(D);
Day 17 - Departure: Chihuahua Mexico/Home. Transfer to Airport for onward flights. (No meals)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement = $480
The price includes:
- Airport transfers on designated arrival and departure days;
- Local gratuities to wait-staff;
- Wilderness first responder;
- CPR, First Aid Certified, bi-lingual guide;
- All transfers including airport transfers on designated arrival and departure days;
- Certified, bi-lingual naturalist kayak guides;
- Single and / or double kayaks;
- All kayaking gear;
- Camping equipment except sleeping bags;
- Sea of Cortez ferry crossing;
- Copper Canyon train trip;
- Camping (based on twin share) and meals while camping;
- Arrieros who care for the pack stock;
- Pack mules and burros for luggage; entrance fees to parks and gray whale lagoons.
Price Excludes:
- International and internal flights;
- Airport taxes;
- Immigration card ($17 U.S.);
- Airport transfers not on the designated arrival/departure days;
- Gratuities to trip leader and local guides in Espiritu Santo, Magdalena Bay, Copper Canyon.
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Hiking & Trekking
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