Whales & Canyon Rock Art

This route takes us to Cueva Pintada (Gardener Cave), Cueva de las Flechas, and more in Santa Teresa canyon, plus Whale Watching in San Ignacio Lagoon.

Highlights - Visits to two World Heritage sites; prime Mural Rock Art, and the world-famous whale calving lagoons of central Baja. In the mountains - Cultural and Natural History taught by local guides as you travel the spectacular canyon trails. Plus traditional singing, music, and other trail rhythms. In San Ignacio Lagoon - a comfortable cabaña-style base camp with all the amenities, and exciting whale watching too!

Day 1 - Arrival Loreto. Trudi Angell or a Saddling South representative will meet you at the airport and help you transfer to a van for a Loreto hotel. Orientation meeting in the afternoon and dinner on your own tonight as you stroll Loreto's tranquil downtown area.

Day 2 - After breakfast, from Loreto we'll drive 4 hours north towards San Ignacio and the central Baja mountain ranges. We'll check in at the San Ignacio cultural center office, and then head to the Sierra San Francisco. It's about a two hour drive up to the small mountain village, jumping off point for the best of Baja's rock art sites. Overnight in a small hostel-style guest house in the sierras tonight, and a chance to see the first sample of sierra art - Cueva El Ratón.

Days 3-6 - If timing is right we can make our first camp near the famous sites at the lower part of the canyon. Following days we walk and ride to several vivid and varied rock art sites - Cueva Pintada, Boca de Soledad, Las Flechas, San Julio and Los Músicos. We'll have a chance to swim in pristine refreshing pools, relax under the palms and meditate on the ancient cultures and inhabitants of the remote gorge. Local cowboy guides add to the unique experience with singing and stories.

On the last night, nestled deep in Santa Teresa canyon we'll camp next to a ranch garden full of citrus and vegetables for an outback family's daily use. On the final day's ride up and out of the canyon we end up back at our vehicles in the village. Returning to San Ignacio we'll overnight at Casa Leree and eat at a favorite restaurant.

Days 7 & 8 - Now we head to our cabaña base camp at the whale lagoon. With several chances to take skiff trips into the lagoon we have great opportunities for whale contact. Petting the whales is never a guarantee, but always thrilling when the lucky boat encounters a "friendly" pair of mom and baby.

Day 9 - After one last chance for a whale visit, and after our final great meal in the community dining hall, about mid-day we board our transport vehicle to return to Loreto. Guests always praise the whale watch camp staff and services - often they want to become part of the camp "family" and don't want to leave! Return to Loreto and overnight in hotel. We'll gather for a farewell dinner at a favorite restaurant in Loreto.

Day 10 - Breakfast on your own and you'll have some time to explore the town. We'll help arrange for your transport back to the airport for departure if your flight is today. Que le vaya bien and we hope to see you again in Baja!

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