This trip is a classic adventure taking in 3 different areas of Northern Mexico. It is ideal for active travelers wanting to combine remote hiking and paddling in pristine wilderness settings and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities in Baja California with visits to local villages and towns very much off the beaten path.
We will include in our our visit to the area 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 cold, arid canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara and the dazzling Sea of Cortez. We will visit the amazing breeding grounds of the Pacific Grey Whales during their annual migration here. We will enjoy a few boat trips into the lagoons getting a chance for arms length encounters with these giant whales. Yet another highlight on this fabulous multi-activity adventure!
Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez is a peaceful journey around the beautiful Island of Espiritu Santo. During our journey 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 two 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.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival Day. Transfer from airport and settle into hotel in La Paz, stroll the waterfront and explore this peaceful seaside city. Meet group leader and other members of group for orientation in lobby of hotel at 9:00 pm.
Day 2: 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
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Day 3: 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.
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Day 4: All day sea kayaking through the coves of the breathtaking turquoise waters of Isla Espiritu Santo. Dolphin, sea lion, gray and blue whale sightings are all possible as are opportunities for birding and other wildlife viewing. Return to camp and swim, snorkel or relax with a drink, while dinner is prepared.
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Day 5:
After our last camp breakfast we will visit the resident sea lion colony at Los Islotes. Snorkling and swimming with these amazing animals is a highlight and the playful friendliness of these marine mammals never ceases to impress! We return to camp for lunch and then board our speedy skiff for our trip back to La Paz.
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Day 6: Enjoy a pleasant stroll around this 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 the famous sea promenade is a La Paz tradition!
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Day 7: Transfer to the small fishing village of Lopez Mateos. A fast motor skiff will take us out on the Bay of Magdalena where we will spend an exciting 3 hours whale watching. Relax in comfortable hotel.
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Day 8: From Port San Carlos we will have a second chance for a really close encounter with the whales. Last season nearly all of our groups experienced the whales swimming alongside their motor boat giving them an opportunity to pet them! After lunch we will transfer back to La Paz for a last happy hour by the sea before boarding our cabins on the Baja Ferry’s Sea of Cortes Crossing. We will check into our comfortable cabins on the 2nd deck of this brand new ship. After dinner we will tuck into our bunks as we cross the Gulf of California onto the Mexican Mainland.
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Day 9: Early morning arrival to the port of Topolobampo to a private transfer to the charming colonial gateway town of El Fuerte. Check in to our beautiful historic lodge and then roam the cobble stone streets for a taste of old Mexico. Free day to relax, and wander this quaint and historical city.
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Day 10: 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 late morning to Cerocahui and transfer to our lodge in San Ignacio. In the afternoon there is time for short walks around the countryside to enjoy the rugged canyon terrain. A Mexican dinner waits with margaritas at the lodge and a chance to brief with the guide about the hiking days into the canyon that follow. Comfortable en-suite lodge accommodation.
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Day 11: We will enjoy a short but scenic transfer to the Wild West town of Urique to begin our hiking adventure into the Copper 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 world’s largest canyon system. Sprawling vistas of the winding rivers and towering peaks lead us to our lovely campsite at Los Alisos.
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Day 12: We hike along the spectacular Urique canyon enjoying breathtaking views in every direction as we reach the top of this valley. In the afternoon we descend down towards our camp at Los Terreros perched high above the river with canyon views just outside our tents.
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Day 13: Descending rugged switchbacks in the shadow of Cerro Colorado our final hiking day is shorter as we enter 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 in our lovely hotel.
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Day 14: After breakfast we will have a chance to further explore the Batopilas area as we hike to the “Lost Cathedral” of Stevo. While not truly a cathedral, its ornate grandeur is still a mystery and conjure up the image of a great religious center. We will then begin the incredible climb out of the Batopilas Canyon by van up a spectacular array of switchbacks to our destination at Creel, the frontier logging outpost turned tourist center for the Copper Canyon. In the afternoon we can visit the local hot springs or the local crafts cooperative. Hotel and dinner on the town.
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Day 15: Breakfast and a chance for souvenir shopping in the local shops before our mid-morning transfer to Chihuahua where we will check into our comfortable accommodation. The 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.
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Day 16: Departure day. Transfer to airport for onward flights.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- 4, 6 persons $2,860 per client.
- 7, 12 persons $2,740 per client.
- Single supplement $480.
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Hiking & Trekking
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