Mexico

Mexico’s Baja Tip to Toe: Landscape, Heritage, People & Whales

Program No. 12157RJ
Come to Baja to explore unique beaches, deserts and World Heritage Sites as you join local experts to learn about the region’s wildlife and get up-close and personal with gray whales!

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13 days
12 nights
33 meals
12B 11L 10D
5
Desert Walks, Rock Art, Vizcaino World Biosphere
Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur
7
Gray Whales II
San Ignacio, Baja California Sur
9
Coronado Island. Loreto Historical Town
Loreto, Baja California Sur
11
The City of Peace
La Paz, Baja California Sur
12
Colonial Mining Village and Los Cabos Arch
San José del Cabo, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur
13
Program Concludes
San José del Cabo, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Surrounded by a natural aquarium, the rugged, magical landscape of Baja California is a premium wildlife destination virtually untouched by humans. Immerse yourself in vast desert expanses rich in exotic vegetation. Get up close and personal with gray whales in their winter migration to the Baja Sanctuaries. Explore pristine beaches beneath towering escarpments, azure waters teeming with life and palm oasis among jagged peaks. Journey through a land that attracted explorers, adventurers and religious seekers leaving their footprints in Spanish missions, fishing villages, quiet mining towns and isolated ranches. Trace the natural and cultural history of this paradise on earth. Experience the peaceful solitude that Baja inspires.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking short distances on varied terrain with an optional steep hike. Boarding small fishing boats from the beach. May encounter rough season boats. Driving time on bus from 1.0 - 5.0 hours most days. Elevations up to 3,500 feet (900 m.).
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Interact with Gray Whales at arm's length visiting two of the most important whale sanctuaries along their migration path on Baja’s Pacific Coast.
  • Explore the diversity of ecosystems that make up one-third of the Baja peninsula.
  • Take in the crystalline waters and marvel at the geology and sea life on this paradisiac island, the biologically diverse Sea of Cortés.

General Notes

Road Scholar cannot offer air for this program. Participants have to arrange their own flights as well as transportation to the first hotel in San Diego. The program ends at the hotel in Los Cabos, and the Group leader can assist participants in arranging their transfer (not included) from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the program if necessary. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
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 learning adventures through different parts of Mexico and is a specialized guide for Baja California. She is one of the owners and founders of Andiamo.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Maria Mitrani
Maria Mitrani View biography
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 learning adventures through different parts of Mexico and is a specialized guide for Baja California. She is one of the owners and founders of Andiamo.
Profile Image of Fermin Reygadas
Fermin Reygadas View biography
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.
Profile Image of Graham MacKintosh
Graham MacKintosh View biography
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. He later followed this journey with a walk down the rugged, mountainous interior of Baja, visiting many of the old missions along the way. These adventures were the inspirations for his books, “Into a Desert Place,” and “Journey with a Baja Burro.” Graham now lives in San Diego, California with his wife Bonni. He continues to give lectures on his trips, writes articles on Baja and has led hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and winery explorations.
Profile Image of Esther Mitrani
Esther Mitrani View biography
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.
Profile Image of Isabel Sanchez
Isabel Sanchez View biography
Isabel Sanchez was born in Ensenada Baja California, Mexico. She began working as a group leader at a young age in the mid 1980s in her hometown. In 1998, she moved to Southern California where she continued her career as a successful group leader specializing in the Sonoran Desert as well as the Mojave Desert. In the fall of 2004, Isabel began leading groups through San Diego, Calif., the peninsula of Baja California, and the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, Mexico.
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Meals
33 Meals
12 Breakfasts
11 Lunches
10 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
  • Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
  • Jan 15, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025 (San Diego, California to San José del Cabo, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur)
  • Feb 19, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025 (San Diego, California to San José del Cabo, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur)
  • Mar 05, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025 (San Diego, California to San José del Cabo, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur)
  • Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025 (San Diego, California to San José del Cabo, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur)
1 night
San Diego
The Mission Valley San Diego Courtyard Marriott hotel offers comfortable renovated spacious rooms and an ample lobby located in a hotel circle near city highlights reachable by car or by taxi.
2 nights
Ensenada
New comfortable hotel featuring all amenities located in the heart of the city surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops. The pleasant harbor promenade is a short walk away. The hotel is smoke-free.
1 night
Cataviña
Cozy small ground floor colonial style hotel with two courtyards and pleasant garden areas surrounded by the magnificent landscape and the unique vegetation of the Cataviña desert. The 30 spacious rooms face a courtyard.
Halfway Inn
1 night
Guerrero Negro
Small ground floor hotel outside of town, the only one in the vicinity offering an ample lobby with on site restaurant and bar. The 30 spacious rooms face a courtyard.
2 nights
San Ignacio
The cozy, small colonial style ground floor hotel with a central courtyard and pleasant outdoor areas is located in the middle of a palm oasis, a few minutes walk from the main plaza. The 30 spacious rooms face the courtyard.
2 nights
Loreto
La Misión Loreto is an upscale boutique resort recently refurbished with a European-Mexican Hacienda style evocative of the old missions of Mexico. It is located on the waterfront with stunning views of the Sea of Cortes and the surrounding islands. Patios, terraces, and a sophisticated lobby and lounge welcome the visitor. The spacious rooms and marble bathrooms are elegantly decorated. Relax in comfortable private balconies watching the passage of solitary fishing boats or viewing the mission bell tower and the majestic Sierra de la Giganta. Steps away on a pedestrian walk are the Loreto Mission and plaza.
2 nights
La Paz
The recently constructed hotel is located beside the exclusive Costa Baja Resort Complex. The hotel features a modern lobby-social concept referred to as The Gallery. The adjacent elegant marina has a boardwalk with shops and restaurants. Facing the Sea of Cortes, it is a 10 minutes’ drive to downtown La Paz and the traditional "Malecón" - boardwalk.
1 night
23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.
Facing the Sea of Cortes, the all-inclusive hotel is located on the beautiful wide San José del Cabo white sand beach, just a five minutes ride to the colonial city center of San José del Cabo.
See All Lodging Options
1 night
San Diego
The Mission Valley San Diego Courtyard Marriott hotel offers comfortable renovated spacious rooms and an ample lobby located in a hotel circle near city highlights reachable by car or by taxi.
2 nights
Ensenada
New comfortable hotel featuring all amenities located in the heart of the city surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops. The pleasant harbor promenade is a short walk away. The hotel is smoke-free.
1 night
Cataviña
Cozy small ground floor colonial style hotel with two courtyards and pleasant garden areas surrounded by the magnificent landscape and the unique vegetation of the Cataviña desert. The 30 spacious rooms face a courtyard.
Halfway Inn
1 night
Guerrero Negro
Small ground floor hotel outside of town, the only one in the vicinity offering an ample lobby with on site restaurant and bar. The 30 spacious rooms face a courtyard.
2 nights
San Ignacio
The cozy, small colonial style ground floor hotel with a central courtyard and pleasant outdoor areas is located in the middle of a palm oasis, a few minutes walk from the main plaza. The 30 spacious rooms face the courtyard.
2 nights
Loreto
La Misión Loreto is an upscale boutique resort recently refurbished with a European-Mexican Hacienda style evocative of the old missions of Mexico. It is located on the waterfront with stunning views of the Sea of Cortes and the surrounding islands. Patios, terraces, and a sophisticated lobby and lounge welcome the visitor. The spacious rooms and marble bathrooms are elegantly decorated. Relax in comfortable private balconies watching the passage of solitary fishing boats or viewing the mission bell tower and the majestic Sierra de la Giganta. Steps away on a pedestrian walk are the Loreto Mission and plaza.
2 nights
La Paz
The recently constructed hotel is located beside the exclusive Costa Baja Resort Complex. The hotel features a modern lobby-social concept referred to as The Gallery. The adjacent elegant marina has a boardwalk with shops and restaurants. Facing the Sea of Cortes, it is a 10 minutes’ drive to downtown La Paz and the traditional "Malecón" - boardwalk.
1 night
23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.
Facing the Sea of Cortes, the all-inclusive hotel is located on the beautiful wide San José del Cabo white sand beach, just a five minutes ride to the colonial city center of San José del Cabo.
See All Lodging Options
1 night
San Diego
The Mission Valley San Diego Courtyard Marriott hotel offers comfortable renovated spacious rooms and an ample lobby located in a hotel circle near city highlights reachable by car or by taxi.
2 nights
Ensenada
New comfortable hotel featuring all amenities located in the heart of the city surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops. The pleasant harbor promenade is a short walk away. The hotel is smoke-free.
1 night
Cataviña
Cozy small ground floor colonial style hotel with two courtyards and pleasant garden areas surrounded by the magnificent landscape and the unique vegetation of the Cataviña desert. The 30 spacious rooms face a courtyard.
Halfway Inn
1 night
Guerrero Negro
Small ground floor hotel outside of town, the only one in the vicinity offering an ample lobby with on site restaurant and bar. The 30 spacious rooms face a courtyard.
2 nights
San Ignacio
The cozy, small colonial style ground floor hotel with a central courtyard and pleasant outdoor areas is located in the middle of a palm oasis, a few minutes walk from the main plaza. The 30 spacious rooms face the courtyard.
2 nights
Loreto
La Misión Loreto is an upscale boutique resort recently refurbished with a European-Mexican Hacienda style evocative of the old missions of Mexico. It is located on the waterfront with stunning views of the Sea of Cortes and the surrounding islands. Patios, terraces, and a sophisticated lobby and lounge welcome the visitor. The spacious rooms and marble bathrooms are elegantly decorated. Relax in comfortable private balconies watching the passage of solitary fishing boats or viewing the mission bell tower and the majestic Sierra de la Giganta. Steps away on a pedestrian walk are the Loreto Mission and plaza.
2 nights
La Paz
The recently constructed hotel is located beside the exclusive Costa Baja Resort Complex. The hotel features a modern lobby-social concept referred to as The Gallery. The adjacent elegant marina has a boardwalk with shops and restaurants. Facing the Sea of Cortes, it is a 10 minutes’ drive to downtown La Paz and the traditional "Malecón" - boardwalk.
1 night
23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.
Facing the Sea of Cortes, the all-inclusive hotel is located on the beautiful wide San José del Cabo white sand beach, just a five minutes ride to the colonial city center of San José del Cabo.
See All Lodging Options
1 night
San Diego
The Mission Valley San Diego Courtyard Marriott hotel offers comfortable renovated spacious rooms and an ample lobby located in a hotel circle near city highlights reachable by car or by taxi.
2 nights
Ensenada
New comfortable hotel featuring all amenities located in the heart of the city surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops. The pleasant harbor promenade is a short walk away. The hotel is smoke-free.
1 night
Cataviña
Cozy small ground floor colonial style hotel with two courtyards and pleasant garden areas surrounded by the magnificent landscape and the unique vegetation of the Cataviña desert. The 30 spacious rooms face a courtyard.
Halfway Inn
1 night
Guerrero Negro
Small ground floor hotel outside of town, the only one in the vicinity offering an ample lobby with on site restaurant and bar. The 30 spacious rooms face a courtyard.
2 nights
San Ignacio
The cozy, small colonial style ground floor hotel with a central courtyard and pleasant outdoor areas is located in the middle of a palm oasis, a few minutes walk from the main plaza. The 30 spacious rooms face the courtyard.
2 nights
Loreto
La Misión Loreto is an upscale boutique resort recently refurbished with a European-Mexican Hacienda style evocative of the old missions of Mexico. It is located on the waterfront with stunning views of the Sea of Cortes and the surrounding islands. Patios, terraces, and a sophisticated lobby and lounge welcome the visitor. The spacious rooms and marble bathrooms are elegantly decorated. Relax in comfortable private balconies watching the passage of solitary fishing boats or viewing the mission bell tower and the majestic Sierra de la Giganta. Steps away on a pedestrian walk are the Loreto Mission and plaza.
2 nights
La Paz
The recently constructed hotel is located beside the exclusive Costa Baja Resort Complex. The hotel features a modern lobby-social concept referred to as The Gallery. The adjacent elegant marina has a boardwalk with shops and restaurants. Facing the Sea of Cortes, it is a 10 minutes’ drive to downtown La Paz and the traditional "Malecón" - boardwalk.
1 night
23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.
Facing the Sea of Cortes, the all-inclusive hotel is located on the beautiful wide San José del Cabo white sand beach, just a five minutes ride to the colonial city center of San José del Cabo.
See All Lodging Options





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