aerial view of three stand up paddle boarders along the coastline of baja california with clear blue water
person doing a yoga hand stand on a platform above the beach during the sunset
aerial view of two large whales in the blue waters of baja california
three people walking along the ocean on a sandy beach as the sun is starting to go down
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North America Baja California Land Tour

Baja Intimate Insider

Many travelers hope to visit a foreign place and be ushered into the special relationships, access and experiences only known to the few who live there. The creators of this 6-day Baja Intimate Insider trip are well-traveled North American tourism executives who have built their homes, friends, associates and life experiences in Baja. They will share it the way they know it, and invite you to join in for the best insider Baja travel experience there is.

Stay at only small, boutique hotels and inns—no massive resorts where you are lost in the crowd. Skilled, knowledgeable guides lead you on scenic hikes, horseback rides, birdwatching, ranch tours and cooking classes hosted by top local restaurants. This active, customizable itinerary offers opportunities to meet and interact with owners, artists, rancheros and chefs, and with a small group of likeminded travelers. You will quickly become an “insider” here in Todos Santos, a unique beach town bustling with laid-back Baja culture.

Located about 50 miles north of Cabo on the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula, Todos Santos (all saints) is known for having a saintly touch at every turn and drawing people who live a passionate life. Underground springs make the town a true desert oasis, thick with palms, lush with lagoons and filled with birds The tiny town of Todos Santos is filled with Mexican and expatriate artists, chefs, musicians, fishermen, photographers, philanthropists, surfers, sculptors, farmers, filmmakers, potters, spiritualists, naturalists, adventurers, entrepreneurs, explorers, yogis and more—all pursuing their passions in this paradise that draws, inspires and drives them.

The result is one idyllic and unique place to travel and adventure. Head to Todos Santos on this in-depth Baja Intimate Insider itinerary.

Read on for details about this trip, or view all of AdventureSmith’s Baja vacations.



Itinerary

Baja Intimate Insider Itinerary

This 6-day Baja land-based adventure offers daily customizable exploration opportunities and begins and ends with a pickup at the San Jose del Cabo airport.

Route map of Baja Intimate Insider land tour, operating round-trip from San Jose del Cabo, with visits to Todos Santos and Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve.
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Day 1
Arrive San Jose del Cabo & Transfer to Todos Santos

Welcome to Baja California Sur! Arrive at the airport in San Jose del Cabo and meet your guide who will transfer you to your hotel Los Colibris in Todos Santos. Upon arrival get settled into your ocean-view room, followed by a welcome gourmet taco dinner at Iker’s Colibris Cafe, where your guide will host a trip briefing, outlining the adventures to come. Fall asleep to waves crashing on the beach below.

Accommodations

Los Colibris Casitas

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Pacific Bluffs Cliff Walk

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.

Accommodations

Los Colibris Casitas

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Surfing Lesson, Baja Beach Day & Mescal Tasting

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 instructionat 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.

Accommodations

Los Colibris Casitas

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez

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.

Accommodations

Los Colibris Casitas

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve & Mexican Cooking Class

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 warneddancing is often known to follow this class!

Accommodations

Los Colibris Casitas

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Return to San Jose del Cabo or Extend Your Stay

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

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All transportation including round-trip transfer from the San Jose del Cabo airport, all accommodations, all meals from welcome dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, daily happy hour, drinks at welcome dinner and cooking class, adventures and related equipment, bilingual naturalist guide/certified Wilderness First-Aid Responder, and entrance fees and permits.

Exclusions

International airfare, travel insurance and insurance of any kind, gratuities and any meal or activity not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 60 days before the departure date. Special holiday rates apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 61 days – no penalty
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Baja Intimate Insider begins and ends in San Jose del Cabo (SJD). Please plan flights to arrive anytime on day 1 and to depart in the afternoon on the final day of the outlined itinerary. Airport transfers are included to and from San Jose del Cabo airport. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

This land adventure offers a variety of activities, ranging from moderate to more strenuous; however, this trip can be adapted to various desired activity levels. Included activities may include hiking, surfing, kayaking, cooking classes and beach time.

Room Configuration

Single room supplement fee applies. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for details.

Families & Children

Children 12 and younger sharing room with parents receive a 5% discount. Call AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.

Rates & Dates

Trip Rates & Details

Departures available daily January-June and October-December. Contact us for current rates and availability.

Accommodations

Learn About the Lodges & Hotels on Your Itinerary

Hotel
Los Colibris Casitas

This boutique Baja hotel, with ocean views in every room, is set within the desert oasis of Todos Santos. Completely enveloped in nature, with private nooks and crannies throughout the property, this is a perfect place to find retreat while on adventure in Baja California Sur.

Hotel
Todos Santos Inn

The Todos Santos Inn is a grand old hacienda located in the heart of the Todos los Santos historic district, walking distance to all the shops, restaurants and art galleries. Built in the mid 19th century, this former home of a sugar baron has been sensitively restored as an historic village inn.

Hotel
Casa Natalia

Casa Natalia, Los Cabo’s first luxury European boutique hotel and restaurant, is a breathtaking oasis that offers an intimate alternative previously not available to Cabo travelers.

Testimonial

Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us

"Can't Say Enough Great Things"

This trip far exceeded our expectations! We loved every excursion and our guide, Allen, was knowledgeable, fun, and most importantly for us, great with our two young kids. The food that was made for us and the restaurants we went to were exactly what we hoped for - authentic. I can’t say we didn’t enjoy any of it.

Overall
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Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
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