Central Desert
From the end of the 17th century to the 19th century, Jesuit, Franciscan and Dominican priests founded many missions in California that were one of the institutions that the Spanish crown used to colonize these territories, where their dominion hadn´t reached yet.
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This Experience Includes:
- Round trip transportation in our comfortable vehicles
- Certified tour guide, who will liven up and accompany you on your trip
- 8 days and 7 nights in highly ranked hotels
- Tour of Bahia de Los Angeles
- Hiking tour of rock and cave paintings at Sierra de San Francisco
- Tour of San Javier Christian Mission
- Visit to the Christian missions at Santo Tomas, San Vicente Ferrer, El Rosario de Abajo, San Borja, San Ignacio, Santa Rosalia de Mulege and Loreto
- Visit to the Valle de Cirios, Biosfera del Vizcaino and Sierra de la Giganta reservoirs
Central Desert at the Missionary Trail in Baja California
From the end of the 17th century to the 19th century, Jesuit, Franciscan and Dominican priests founded many missions in California that were one of the institutions that the Spanish crown used to colonize these territories, where their dominion hadn´t reached yet.
The Christian Missionary Route in Baja California used to connect the north of the peninsula. It was a long trail through the desert and on other roads it was but a short path that was barely visible. This road used to take a long time to traverse while keeping in mind its religious establishments and the native farms that focused on hunting, gathering and fishing, who weren´t always welcoming of the messages brought by the missionaries.
In this tour we´ll take you through that missionary trail and some of the rock and cave paintings made by the native Californians, which will surprise you from day one.
Day 1: Cataviña
With a reception and a small welcome, at the designated time we´ll transfer to San Vicente Ferrer, visiting the mission and museum, followed by San Quintin and El Rosario, where you´ll visit the mission at De Abajo and its museum, finally arriving at the Hotel at Cataviña.
Day 2: Bahía de los Ángeles
At the designated time we´ll go to the rock paintings that best represent the state followed by a trip to the mission at San Borja, situated at the heart of Valle de los Cirios, we´ll continue to Bahia de Los Angeles, a small and precious town near the seaside of Mar de Cortes, which is surrounded by the Virgin Islands.
Day 3: San Ignacio
At the designated time we´ll enjoy a trip through some islands before heading to San Ignacio, an oasis in the middle of the desert, a small town surrounded by palm trees, we suggest you walk through its calm streets and enjoy a delicious margarita, visit the mission and the museum too.
Day 4: Sierra de San Francisco
At a scheduled hour we´ll go around Sierra de San Francisco to look at the giant murals and other paintings. We´ll take a 5 km walk.
Day 5: Mulegé
We´ll continue our adventure by visiting a French inspired town called Santa Rosalia, where you can visit a church designed by Mr. Eiffel, a mining museum and then move on to Mulege, you´ll have the afternoon free to enjoy of Santa Rosalia and Mulege.
Day 6 and 7: Loreto
We´ll move on to Bahia Concepcion to enjoy one of the peninsula´s most beautiful beaches, such as: Santispack, El Requeson, El Burro and others, in the afternoon we´ll head to Loreto.
We´ll visit the town where the first Christian mission in Baja California took place, the mother of all missions, and then take trip to the mission at San Javier in Cierra de la Giganta, where you can find the first trees ever planted by the Spaniards on these lands. We suggest enjoying the tranquil town, the boardwalk or buying a souvenir in the afternoon.
Day 8: The Return
At the scheduled hour we´ll go back to the airport. End of the tour with an extention of 1 or 2 days for extra cost.
Does Not Include
Visits and/or activities not mentioned; optional purchases such as: souvenirs, bread, olives, etc. Food prices, tips for the guide and/or chauffer.