Baja, the earth’s second-longest peninsula, offers over 1200km of the mystical, ethereal, majestic and untamed. Those lucky enough to make the full Tijuana to Los Cabos trip will find that the Carretera Transpeninsular (Hwy 1) offers stunning vistas at every turn. Side roads pass through tiny villages and wind drunkenly along the sides of mountains. Condors carve circles into an unblemished blue sky. Simply sip drinks, eat fish tacos and watch the sun disappear into the Pacific.
LA BUFADORA • ENSENADA, MEXICO
Mexico’s Punta Banda (Banded Point) is named for the geological strata that dominate the underlying landscape. But it also features yet another geological site of intrigue: one of the most notable blowholes in North America. The ocean’s waves push air and water through a narrow passage in the rocks. The seawater then flows through a partially submerged chamber before erupting into the air, creating one of Earth’s largest marine geysers. Expect to get wet! Waves crash into the ocean cliff as frequently as you would imagine. Even on a calm day, this can blast a ton of water 100 feet or more above the sea. The geyser height relates to the tide level and the size of waves, so expect a better show during rough seas at high tide. Old folklore has it that a whale became wedged in the rocky point and blew water to attract its pod’s attention. Eventually, the whale turned to stone, never to be free again.
Know Before You Go
The way to La Bufadora is well-marked, you will find parking nearby and walk along a well-paved road to the viewpoint. Head south on Highway 1 from Ensenada and take a right on 23 — by car, it should take less than an hour. Alongside the road are many small shops, it appears you’re going into a flea market, just keep walking and you will arrive at the viewpoint.
SEA OF CORTEZ • GULF OF CALIFORNIA
While the Sea of Cortez stretches along roughly 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) of Mexico’s coastline, the Los Cabos region in Baja California Sur is a popular jumping-off point for tours. Many Sea of Cortez excursions leave from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos, San José del Cabo, and other nearby towns. There’s no shortage of things to do, whether you want to fish, snorkel, scuba dive, or horseback ride on the beach. You can also swim with massive whale sharks or relax on a sunset cruise. Whale-watching tours are another popular activity; humpback whales, blue whales, and gray whales migrate through the region during fall and winter.
SNORKEL + PADDLEBOARD IN LA PAZ
Let your guide organize all the gear you need to explore the Sea of Cortez in several different ways, so you just need to show up ready for some ocean fun. This small-group tour lets you snorkel, stand-up paddleboard, and swim in the beautiful waters of La Paz, learning all about its ecosystem above and below the water. Lunch and drinks are also served to keep your energy up all tour.
MAREA • Acceso Zofemat #3230, (Al final de calle Sinaloa) El Manglito, Inalámbrica, 23060 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
THE MAGIC OF LORETO
The small and charming town of Loreto is one of Baja California Sur’s hidden gems, claiming its status as one of Mexico’s ‘pueblo magicos’ thanks to its vibrant history. The town has a history back to the 17th century when it was founded as the first Spanish colonial settlement on the Baja California Peninsula. Loreto is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. One of the must-visit attractions in Loreto is the Loreto Bay National Park, which offers visitors the chance to witness the region’s diverse marine life and visit several protected islands.
Isla Coronado
Just off the shores of the city, the Islands of Loreto offer some of the best Loreto activities. Different Loreto tours will take you by boat to explore the islands. Along the way, you can spot marine life: tropical fish, pelicans, sea lions, and even dolphins. Isla Coronado is the most famous of the Islands of Loreto for its white sand and natural bay where you can spend a day relaxing, swimming, and exploring the footpaths that wind their way over the rocky landscape.
The Food
Being far from a large city means that many chefs grow their own seasonings and rely on locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. Indulge in fine dining at one of the elegant resort restaurants or wander through the town for authentic Mexican dishes.
SAN IGNACIO LAGOON
The Most Amazing Whale Experience in the World
Baja is the only place in the world where gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) swim up to pangas to be stroked, petted, kissed, and even hugged. It’s incredible. Interaction is entirely on the whales’ terms, with mama whales even pushing their calves against the side of the boats to be stroked. Nobody should miss out on this experience. Located at San Ignacio Lagoon, one of three birthing and breeding gray whale lagoons in the world, all of which are located in Baja. San Ignacio is home to the densest population of whales with the most reliable encounters. It’s the only lagoon untouched by development. The whales start arriving in late November and begin their long trek north to British Columbia and Alaska in the Spring. Wild Experience Aside from meeting the world’s friendliest gray whales, San Ignacio is brimming with adventure. Explore the cactus-studded desert and dazzling white salt flats in search of coyotes, grab your binoculars and spot flocks of birds, including herons, ospreys, and beautiful white egrets; and spend evenings marveling at the uninterrupted starlit sky. We’ll also have daily naturalist presentations so you can deepen your knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
