|
On the Road: Explore Baja California Tip to Toe |
 |
Program Number: |
12157RJ |
|
| Start
and End Dates: |
|
| Duration: |
12 nights |
| Location: |
San Diego, USA
|
| Price starting at: |
$2,895.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
|
On the Road; Natural History; Birding; Independent City Discoveries
|
|
|
| Meals: |
35;
12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 11 Dinners |
|
|
| Meal
Options: |
Vegetarian |
|
|
With a whales, birding or photography focus, experience the wonders of the majestic Peninsula of Baja California from bustling cities through pristine, exotic desert landscapes, surrounded by azure waters teaming with life. A land which inspires tranquility and a feeling of peaceful isolation. Learn about this incredible landscape, its rich exotic flora, abundant sea life, friendly people and breathtaking wildlife.
Highlights
• Expand your knowledge in the field of your interest with specialized dates for photographers, birders and Gray Whale lovers
• Explore Espiritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Travel the entire length of the Baja peninsula, cross a variety of ecosystems and sample Mexican cuisine as you learn about the region’s culinary traditions.
Activity Particulars
Walking up to two miles on uneven terrain. Transportation mostly on comfortable motor coach; ability to board a fishing boat and travel in a van on dirt road for up to one hour. Driving time on bus varies between 1 to 5 hours/day. Bathroom facilities on-route range from modern to simple and rustic.
Date Specific Information
10-10-2012
Birding focus. Join an expert birder to search for land and shore birds beginning in San Diego and following along the peninsula of Baja California. Search for the Baja endemics, or almost, such as the Gray Thrasher, Xantus' Hummingbird, Belding's Yellowthroat, Cape Pygmy Owl, Baird`s Junco, Cape Robin, Vizcaino Thrasher, White-breasted Nuthatch, Nuttall’s and Acorn Woodpeckers. Large numbers of Ospreys, Cara Caras and a variety of herons are among the many probable sightings.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.
10-24-2013
Hone your photography skills in deserts rich in exotic flora, colorful jagged peaks, turquoise waters and clear air. Led by a professional photographer and teacher, capture the nature, isolation, colors, flora, history and beauty of Baja through your lens. Gigantic “cardons” set against azure waters, stocky elephant trees embracing dancing Boojums, birds perched on spiny cacti — Baja California is a paradise for amateur and professional photographers alike.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.
12-2-2013
Birding focus. Join an expert birder to search for land and shore birds beginning in San Diego and following along the peninsula of Baja California. Search for the Baja endemics, or almost, such as the Gray Thrasher, Xantus` Hummingbird, Belding`s Yellowthroat, Cape Pygmy Owl, Baird`s Junco, Cape Robin, Vizcaino Thrasher, White-breasted Nuthatch, Nuttall’s and Acorn Woodpeckers. Large numbers of Ospreys, Cara Caras and a variety of herons are among the many probable sightings.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.
1-18-2014, 2-15-2014, 3-8-2014
Get up-close and personal with the magnificent Gray Whales in Scammon`s Lagoon. Embrace the sanctuary to view these enormous mammals at arm`s length, some even let themselves be petted! Each year, gray whales travel thousands of miles from the Arctic Ocean to the warm waters of this wildlife refuge to court, mate, give birth and care for their young.
Itinerary Summary
Arrival San Diego, Calif., 2 nights; cross border via motorcoach to Ensenada (Mexico), 2 nights; Catavina, 1 night; Guerrero Negro, 1 night; San Ignacio, 1 night; Loreto, 2 nights; La Paz, 2 night; San Jose del Cabo, 1 night; fly to San Diego; departures
Arrival San Diego, Calif. | 2 nights | Coach to Ensenada (Mexico) | 2 nights | Coach to Cataviña | 1 night | |
Enjoy sunny San Diego with visits to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Then cross the border, and learn about Mexico's wine country and have a hands-on introduction to Mexican cuisine. Plunge into the magnificent desert to discover a world of fantasy among unique vegetation.
Coach to Guerrero Negro | 1 night | Coach to San Ignacio | 1 night | Coach to Loreto | 2 nights | |
Discover the Vizcaino World Biosphere and its most famous residents at a Gray Whale Sanctuary. Learn about the area’s importance as a major bird migration destination. In the charming tow of saint Ignacio, explore its 18th century mission in the midst of a lush, tranquil oasis. In historic Loreto, climb jagged Sierra de la Giganta dotted with ranches to explore San Javier, a jewel of a mission.
Coach to La Paz | 2 nights | Coach to San José del Cabo | 1 night | Return flight to San Diego, Calif. | |
Discover for yourself the “peace” in La Paz, as you explore the city’s tranquil coastline. Journey to a magnificent UNESCO-protected island to explore sea life, geology, birds and pristine beaches. Stroll in a colonial mining village and an artist oasis. At the tip of the peninsula, Los Cabos, take a boat to the famous arch where “land ends and heaven begins.” Celebrate the end of the journey at a farewell dinner.
San Diego
The oldest city in California, San Diego possesses a rich history in a gorgeous, light-filled setting. Cabrillo National Monument, historic Old Town and the city’s Spanish Mission help to tell the story of San Diego’s past. The city is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches and cross-cultural feel.
Mexico
The oldest of the land’s found by Europeans in the New World, Mexico has endured a rough history at the hands of Cortes and subsequent invaders. Despite a turbulent past, the country maintains its relaxed and inviting charm with a mix of modern and traditional from its industrious cities to its captivating wildernesses.
|
Accommodations
San Diego: Modern hotel. Ensenada: Resort with private beaches. Catavina: Cozy hotel with patio and garden. Guerrero Negro: Colonial-style hotel. San Ignacio: Hotel in a palm oasis. Loreto: Oceanfront hotel. La Paz: Hotel on beautiful, secluded beach. San Jose del Cabo: Hotel near historic Mision de San Jose.
|
| Road Scholar Instructors | | These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur. | Esther Mitrani
| | Esther Mitrani was born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, then worked in San Francisco for three years in human resources in high-tech. Missing her home, she return to her native city. Esther has been guiding since 1994, and joined the family business in 2002 as an organizer and tour leader. She is an eager traveler, and she loves sports and languages.
| | | | Isabel Sanchez
| | Although she lived for many years in the United States, Ensenada is Isabel Sanchez's hometown and where she first worked as a guide for cruise-ship passengers. She moved to Palm Springs, Calif., specializing in leading desert excursions. A desire to return to her family and home, and to instill the native culture in her children, inspired Isabel to return to Tijuana in 2004 and join Andiamo.
| | | | Ayam Beamonte
| | A native of Baja, California, Ayam Beamonte has studied computer programming and taught English as a Second Language. The son of two oceanographers, Ayam is a compulsive reader with a special love of history. He teaches English at the Universidad de Baja California Language School and works with his father in Ensenada’s Health Food Center. | | | | Hiroshi Kawashima
| | Hiroshi Kawashima’s mother is a native of Baja California and his father is Japanese. He studied biology at the State University and, as an avid surfer, he has become an expert on Baja California’s coast. His ease in human relations, love for nature and extremely active outdoor life have helped him develop a deeper understanding of his rugged homeland and its people. Having acquired a taste from his Japanese ancestors, he began a successful tea business in 2002.
| | | | Carlos Granados
| | Born in Los Mochis and one of 11 siblings, Carlos Granados’ family moved to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Living on the border, he studied English and completed high school in the U.S., as well as some studies in biological sciences at the University of Texas. In 1984, his family returned to Sinaloa to begin a cotton seed mill business, where Carlos worked as a seed analyst for 12 years. Carlos’ love of the region led him to become certified as a specialist in the Copper Canyon. | | | | Bob Blackwell
| | Bob graduated from University of California, Davis with a bachelor’s in plant sciences and horticulture. However, his passion for photography changed the course of his life and in 2001 he earned a bachelor’s in commercial/advertising photography from the Brooks Institute of Photography. He is a commercial and fine arts photographer, and his patient and positive personality has made him an excellent teacher. He teaches at Santa Barbara City College. | | | | Norma Iglesias
| | Norma Iglesias’ ample research and experience has made her an expert in United States-Mexico inter-border culture, communication and economy. An associate professor at San Diego State’s Department of Chicano Studies, she earned a master’s in social anthropology in Mexico City and a Ph.D. in sociology and communication theory in Madrid. Moving to Tijuana, Norma worked at the Colegio de la Frontera Norte and at San Diego State, immersing herself in Mexican-American border issues. | | | | Fermin Reygadas
| | Fermin Reygadas is a professor and researcher at the social sciences division at the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, at La Paz, Mexico. He is widely acknowledged as an authority on Baja California, with over 30 years of experience in the field. He has written extensively on subjects ranging from Cape Region archaeology to settlement patterns and diet among Pericue Native Indians. In recent years he has dedicated his efforts to experimental archeology. | | | | Thomas Myers
| | Thomas Myers is passionate about the reptiles, amphibians, mammals and marine invertebrates found in his native Southern California. He is currently involved in research on all types of land vertebrates at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Also, he is working for the San Diego Zoo/U.S. Navy doing research on endangered shorebirds such as the California Least Tern and western Snowy Plover, as well as other nesting birds along the San Diego coastline. | | | | Graham MacKintosh
| | Before heading off to face the wilds of Baja in April 1983, Graham Mackintosh was a lecturer at West Kent College in England, teaching social sciences and special education. In the hope of showing his students that a shoestring expedition could be the adventure of a lifetime, Graham, who described himself as the "least adventurous person in the world," set out to walk around the beautiful but dangerous coastline of Baja California. The two-year, 3,000-mile trip changed his life. When Mackintosh emerged from the cactus-strewn wilderness, he returned to England to write “Into a Desert Place,” and there received the prestigious "Adventurous Traveler of the Year" award. Mackintosh was soon drawn back to the rugged, mountainous interior of Baja, and his second book, “Journey with a Baja Burro,” accounts this thousand-mile journey with a pack burro from the U.S. border to Loreto. Graham now lives in San Diego, and continues to give lectures on his travels. | | | | Victor Achoy
| | Victor Achoy has been leading educational explorations in the Vizcaino Desert World Biosphere since 2000. A native of Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Victor has participated in natural history and eco-travel courses, and enjoys sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for Baja’s beautiful coastline and natural resources with learners of all ages. | | | | Maria Mitrani
| | Maria Mitrani was born in Italy, then lived in Canada, the United States and France. She finally settled in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, where she has been living since 1976 with her husband and three children. She has a bachelor’s in Italian and art history from the University of California at Berkeley. Since 1985 she has led tours through different parts of Mexico and is a specialized guide for Baja California. She is one of the owners and founders of Andiamo. | | | |
|