A brilliantly painted pastel sky greets you each day in Baja.  The ambience is laid-back and charming. A few days exploring this desert paradise will transform anyone’s winter blues into sunny smiles!  Have some up-close experiences with the curious marine life and relish in the endless horizons of the Sea of Cortez!  Take some time to relax on the many sandy beaches and get your boots dusty as you rock hop along dry river beds to hidden waterfalls and palm oases! 

Welcome to the Green Tortoise!

Get to know your fellow travelers as we depart the City by the Bay and head on down to southern California!  This evening’s destination is a boulder-strewn desert decorated with whimsical trees in Joshua Tree National Park.  We’ll share our first meal together and camp beneath a blanket of stars.

Then, we’ll cruise along the Salton Sea, one of the lowest spots on Earth and one of the largest inland seas!  Let’s go to the border of Mexico!  

Our overland adventure continues in Northern Baja on the way to Playas de San Felipe.  As the Sea of Cortez gradually reveals itself, you’ll be mesmerized by its allure.  In the town of San Felipe, sample some tacos, relax on the beach and enjoy the coastal atmosphere and fresh sea breeze.  Don’t miss your first chance to watch the sun set in Baja!  

Venturing south, we’ll journey towards Bahia de Los Angeles, commonly known in English as Bay of LA.  Wander around the natural and cultural museum for a deeper dive into the area’s treasure trove.  Then, head to a beachside restaurant to indulge in some fresh fish tacos and a margarita with a view!  From hiking to boat adventures to beach combing, you won’t be bored with the opportunities around this picturesque bay.

Our journey takes us to Laguna Ojo de Liebre.  This UNESCO World Heritage site is an important stop for the migrating Gray Whales as this is one of their birthing sites. Here we will hop on a local guide’s panga (boat) and spend the morning admiring these gentle giants.  

In Central Baja, we visit San Ignacio, an oasis of palm trees and tranquility lying in contrast to its surrounding parched desert landscape.  Stroll the small plaza, visit the tiendas on a souvenir hunt and marvel at the 17th century architecture of the Misión San Ignacio Kadakaamán.

The incredible coastline guides us along Bahia Concepcion and through quaint pueblos until delivering us to Loreto.  Take a walk along the seaside malecon or challenge yourself on a canyon hike!  Admire the Sierra de la Giganta mountains on a horseback riding tour or explore the islands of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park on an adventure guided by locals.

Journey to one of the oldest preserved Missions in Mexico, San Javier. Enjoy an authentic experience at a local goat ranch and sample fresh tortillas! 

We’ll reach the southern tip of Baja at Cabo Pulmo! The chance to peek into the undersea world on a snorkeling or diving adventure on the best preserved coral reef in the Sea of Cortez will ignite your curiosity!  Maybe it’s a long walk on the beach that you’re craving.  From Pulmos Point to Los Frailes, this unspoiled land and seascape is one of the most cherished places on the East Cape.

Venture to a hidden waterfall and soak in rejuvenating springs before a quick visit to Cabo San Lucas.  By nightfall you’ll be meandering the souvenir shops, indulging in a churro or roller skating along the malecón in La Paz!  Here you can enjoy a fresh lobster dinner, arrange a boat tour, swim with whale sharks or sea lions, bask on the beach or dance the night away in a salsa club. 

After our stay in Baja Sur’s capital city, we’ll pay a visit to the Pacific side of the peninsula.  Watch in wonder as the huge waves crash along the beach.

Another opportunity to meet Gray Whales up close arises in Magdalena Bay at Puertos San Mateos, another birthing site.  Don’t miss the chance of looking one of these incredible creatures in the eye!  

When we reach the Bahia Concepcion, we have the chance to stay and play! This scenic coastline offers access to exquisite, sandy beaches, the authentic Baja village, Mulege, and pastel sunset viewings galore.  Local artisan shops carry ceramics, beadwork, hand-sewn clothing and a variety of other crafts if you’re in the mood for shopping.

The boulder-strewn and cactus-clad desert guides us as we wind our way through Northern Baja, and the up and coming wine country.  We will arrive in Ensenada for dinner and last chance souvenir shopping.

Once we’re over the border, watch the Pacific roll by along southern California’s breathtaking coastline.

We’ll say farewell to some of our new friends in San Diego and Los Angeles before continuing on to finish the trip in San Francisco.

• Travel By Custom Coach
• 70% of Meals
• Park Entrance Fees
• Semi-Guided Exploration of Cities & Parks
• All Camping Fees

• • Sleeping bag  
  • Tent

*Available for rent upon booking! 

Required Expenses

• • Hostel or Hotel Stays During The Trip
  • 30 % of Meals
  • Tourist visa at Mexico border  

• • Whale Watching
  • Boat Tours
  • Snorkeling
  • Scuba Diving
  • Mule Rides
  • Swimming with Sea Lions
  • Swimming with Whale Sharks
  • Sport Fishing
  • Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

You’ll be traveling in a custom sleeper coach! 

A sleeping bag is required for this adventure.  If you don’t have one, rent one from us upon booking!  

A tent is required.  Although you are usually welcome to sleep on the bus, we strongly suggest you bring a tent.  You may rent a tent from us.

Our coaches are equipped with a camp kitchen.  No need to bring your own cookware or utensils.  Bring a reusable lunch container or bento box to store your packed lunch and a reusable water bottle.  

Once you’re booked, you’ll receive a detailed packing list with your ticket!

San Francisco Departure:  
7:00 AM – San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery St. Bus Loading Zone

LA Departure: 
1:00 PM – Bakersfield Transit Station, 601 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301

*****

Los Angeles Arrival:
February 25, 2023
Hostel International Santa Monica – 1436 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

San Francisco Arrival: 
February 26, 2023
San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery St. Bus Loading Zone