The name California carries centuries of legends and rumors. In the 16th century, Europeans looking north from the Caribbean and New Spain imagined mysterious lands, dreaming of discovering the fabled Seven Cities of Gold and their capital, Cíbola, popularized by the Chronicle of King Don Rodrigo and tales of Spain’s fall.
Many expeditions arose from the desire to explore lands that fueled both imagination and ambition, stretching from northern Mexico to the Labrador Peninsula. These lands were described with fantastic names such as California, taken from chivalric literature, which told of a paradise-like island bearing that name.
Thus, the name California predates the Europeans’ arrival to the peninsula, and it began to be used to describe it in the mid-16th century.
During this expedition, you will explore, discover, and enjoy the exciting landscapes that the Baja California peninsula offers: contrasting scenery of dunes, beaches, cacti, palm trees, romantic sunsets, ecotourism, adventure, and many more wonders found in the Sea of Cortez, the central desert, and the Pacific Ocean.
From the late 17th century through the 19th century, Jesuit, Franciscan, and Dominican friars founded numerous missions throughout California. These missions were one of the main institutions used by the Spanish crown to colonize frontier territories where its control was not yet fully consolidated.
The Royal Mission Trail of the Californias (Camino Real Misionero) connected all the missions along the peninsula heading north. In some areas, it was a wide path across the rocky desert; in others, just a faint, nearly invisible trail. This route covered a long itinerary filled with religious outposts and native rancherías whose inhabitants lived by hunting, gathering, and fishing—and who did not always welcome the message brought by European missionaries.
During this experience, we will take you to visit missions and several sets of rock paintings created by native Californians, which will undoubtedly amaze you from the very first day.
Airport reception and transfer to Ensenada
Upon arrival, transfer to Ensenada, enjoying a scenic drive along the Tijuana Scenic Highway, considered one of the most beautiful in Mexico.
During the journey, we will stop in a small fishing village, where you can savor a delicious Puerto Nuevo-style lobster on the beach.
We will continue to the Guadalupe Valley for a wine tasting in these extraordinary, world-class wine-producing valleys.
Finally, transfer to Ensenada and overnight stay.
At the appointed time, transfer to the town of San Vicente Ferrer for a visit to the mission.
Continue through San Quintín and El Rosario, finally arriving in Cataviña.
In Cataviña, we will visit the most representative rock paintings in the state.
Overnight in Cataviña.
At the appointed time, transfer to Bahía de los Ángeles, a beautiful town on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, surrounded by pristine islands.
We will enjoy a tour of some of the islands, and in the afternoon, you will have free time to visit the museum.
Overnight in Bahía de los Ángeles.
At the appointed time, transfer to San Ignacio. Beforehand, we'll visit a dune area near the town of Guerrero Negro. From January to March, there's an opportunity to enjoy a gray whale watching tour.
We'll continue our journey to an oasis in the desert, a town surrounded by verdant palm trees. We suggest strolling through its peaceful streets, enjoying a refreshing margarita by the reservoir, and visiting the San Ignacio Mission and Museum.
Overnight in San Ignacio.
At the appointed time, we will take an excursion to the Sierra de San Francisco to admire the large murals and petroglyphs.
During the visit, we will hike approximately 5 km.
Lodging in the area.
At the appointed time, we will continue our adventure by traveling to Santa Rosalía, a town with a French-inspired style. We will visit the church designed by Mr. Eiffel and the mining museum.
We will then continue to Mulegé, stopping in Bahía Concepción to enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula.
Afterward, we will transfer to Loreto, where you will have the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace.
Hospedaje en Loreto.
We suggest taking a tour of Coronado Island or visiting the Mission in the Sierra de San Javier.
You can also choose to enjoy a relaxing day in town, exploring its mission, the boardwalk, or buying souvenirs, among other activities.
At the appointed time, transfer to the city of La Paz.
Free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight in La Paz.
At the appointed time, transfer to Cabo San Lucas.
Beforehand, we will make a stop in Todos Santos, home to the hotel that inspired The Eagles' song "Hotel California."
Free afternoon to explore Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo.
Overnight in Cabo San Lucas.
At the designated time, transfer to San José Airport.
End of trip.
Optionally, you can extend your trip by one or two nights in Cabo, or add a two-day extension to Cabo del Este.
End of tour.
View 2-Day Extension
Supplement:
Ground transfer to Tijuana.
Supplement: 2-day extension to East Cape.
Day 1.
At the scheduled time, we will transfer from Los Cabos to Cabo Pulmo to visit one of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula. You may dive or snorkel in the only reef area in Baja California. In the afternoon, we will continue to Buena Vista. Overnight stay.
Day 2.
At the scheduled time, we will take a brief tour of El Triunfo and San Antonio. At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport to board your flight.
Ensenada
Hotel Cortés o similar 4*
Cataviña
Hotel Misión Cataviña 4*
Bahía de Los Ángeles
Hotel Costa del Sol o similar 3*
San Ignacio
Hotel La Huerta o similar 3*
Loreto
Hotel Desert Inn 4* con playa
Hotel Araiza 4* / Catedral 4 o similar 4*
La Paz
Posada Real Los Cabos, Grande Decameron o similar 5*
Los Cabos
Posada Real Los Cabos, Grande Decameron o similar 5*
