Baja Intimate Insider

This Pacific bluffs cliff walk starts at Punta Lobos, the sweeping Pacific beach where the local fishermen of Todos Santos launch their boats each morning and bring in the daily catch each afternoon. A quick walk up the hill reveals breathtaking views of a different kind of coastline, with dramatic rocky outcroppings and crashing surf. This walk includes a 600-foot elevation gain at the beginning, hiking over loose, uneven terrain and some bouldering.

It’s likely to spot whales from this high vantage point during several months of the year. Throughout the walk, take in the stunning combination of desert landscape running to the sea. Pass an active sea lion colony, as well as the ruins of the shipping port Los Algodones. Your guide will offer in-depth commentary on the terrific variety of flora and fauna to be seen, as well as the history of the area from the human perspective. After about 3.5 hours of walking, arrive at the idyllic beach of San Pedro where a picnic lunch will be waiting. San Pedro features a beautiful marsh filled with bird life and a protective cove ringed by towering palms. Here, eat, relax, sunbathe, swim, read—just enjoy the bliss of being in Baja!

This evening, enjoy dinner at one of the many wonderful eateries in Todos Santos.

Todos Santos boasts some of the best surf breaks in all of Baja! Mario, a veteran surf instructor, guarantees that you’ll stand up on your board during the first hour of instruction—at least for a few moments! Savor a picnic lunch and just spend the day surfing, enjoying the beach, checking out tidepoools, maybe playing a little frisbee or soccer—just a blissful Baja beach day.

Tonight enjoy a sampling of mescals developed by a local distiller while learning the origin and history of this distinctly Mexican drink. Wonderful traditional, pre-Hispanic Mexican dinner to follow.

When it comes to sea kayaking, the place to go is the Sea of Cortez! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to 39% of the world’s total number of marine mammal species, accounts for a third of the world´s marine cetacean species, and also has 891 fish species. The remarkable scenery is formed by a rugged shoreline, desert islands and white sandy beaches where you can admire the contrast and reflection of the desert with turquoise waters.

Today, take a 90-minute drive to the spectacularly beautiful Balandra Bay on the Sea of Cortez to start our coastal paddle. From there, kayak along the coastline, passing 3 rocky islands that house rookeries for blue herons, blue-footed boobies and even a family of sea lions. Then snorkel in great spots accessible only by kayak and have a celebratory lunch. It is great adventure for kayakers of all levels of experience. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a great farm-to-table restaurant and enjoy some of Todos Santos’s famous local produce.

The Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve interpretive hike is in one of Baja California Sur’s most beautiful but least explored areas. Part of an island off the coast of Baja 10 million years ago, the Reserve is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life and up to 30% of species are endemic, meaning they only can be found in the Sierras. Start the hike at a local ranch, then hike up to get spectacular views all the way down to the sea. This is about a 4-hour hike with a picnic lunch.

This evening local lawyer-turned-chef Iker Algorri, author of Cooking Adventures in Baja California Sur and chef-in-residence at Los Colibris Casitas, will lead a farewell party/Mexican Survival Cooking Class. The emphasis is on having as much fun as possible, learning to make the perfect margarita and gaining the skill to make some truly delicious Mexican dishes following Chef Iker’s cooking philosophy, the Magnificence of Simplicity. You’ll also probably learn about some great Latin music you’ve never heard before. But be warned—dancing is often known to follow this class!

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or stay longer by customizing this itinerary through AdventureSmith Explorations.