Mexico: Baja Multisport

Mexico: Baja Multisport Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Loreto, Mexico. We meet at the airport and then take a short transfer to the charming Tripui Hotel, a small 16-room hideaway nestled just outside Puerto Escondido. Settle into your comfortable, spacious room then meet up with your guides for a brief orientation. Then, enjoy a short walk to the beach or stroll just up the hill for 360^o views of the surrounding islands, sea, and mountains. If you're not ready to kick into gear just yet, then kick back and relax poolside with a cocktail from the hotel's cozy lounge. Whenever you're ready, enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel's lovely patio restaurant overlooking the garden and rest easy knowing the big adventure begins tomorrow. Dinner tonight is included.

• Days 2-5

  Fully equipped with mountain bikes and sea kayaks, spend the next four full days in pursuit of adventure - paddling, snorkeling, biking and hiking throughout this phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage site. Our small hotel is ideally situated among some of the peninsula's best hiking, biking and paddling routes, so we can flex with the weather to make the most of our week. Here's a closer look at how we'll spend the next four days:
  
  To experience the full measure of Baja's marine splendor, getting acquainted with sea kayaking is a must. Before we set out on our first paddling adventure our guides will offer us a thorough introduction to the activity. Paddling in Baja offers an up-close look at strange and beautiful shorebirds and a spectacular array of marine life. Kayaks are the ideal vehicle for exploration of the rugged Baja coastline.
  
  When the conditions are right and we're comfortable in our boats, we'll look forward to a full day of adventure on Danzante Island. Our kayak crossing from the peninsula affords many opportunities to view diverse marine life as we make our way to the island. Once we've arrived, the island's hiking trails, secluded beaches and snorkeling bays are an adventurer's wildest dream-come-true.
  
  On kayaking days, expect to spend 3-5 hours paddling in total, with time in the boat split up by short hikes, meal breaks and snorkeling opportunities.
  
  Expect that on some days, Baja's "Norte" (North wind) will make paddling conditions unfavorable. On these days we turn to the desert, hop on our bikes and ride out toward the Sierra de la Giganta range. Baja's desert backroads wind through forests of towering cardon cactus, organ pipe and cholla. Cresting each small hill, take in views of the coastline and islands before we drop our bikes at the base of the range and head out into the canyons on foot, where emerald swimming holes and colorful canyon walls provide a stark and beautiful contrast to the sea.
  
  On biking and hiking days, expect to bike and/or hike between 2-5 hours each day, with rides and hiking routes split up with swimming stops, meal breaks and other short breaks throughout the day.
  
  Each full day of activity leads back to the comfortably secluded Tripui. At meal times, expect mostly traditional Mexican fare and look forward to terrific seafood and other local specialties. Vegetarians are easily accommodated. In the evening, enjoy the sunset from poolside, take a walk on the beach or gather in the cozy lounge for a cocktail and celebrate the day's adventures with new friends. All meals included on Days 2-5.

• Day 6

  After our final Tripui breakfast, we head north (two hours) into the mountains for a full day of cultural exploration. Visit a small indigenous rock-art site before setting out on a morning hike up a long canyon filled with pools, waterfalls and colossal date palms. We're picked up at the top of our route and shuttled on to one of Mexico's most significant historic treasures, the mission at San Javier - Baja's best preserved Jesuit monument. After lunch in the mission village we'll tour the mission gardens where the first wine grapes of the Californias were cultivated, then visit a traditional working ranch where the authentic spirit of the Baja "Vaquero" still thrives. We'll enjoy our farewell dinner and final evening tonight in historic Loreto. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 2 hours

• Day 7

  This morning you are free to wander historic Loreto, stroll the Malecon, shop for curios or relax at the pool. Your guides will provide information on how to arrange an airport taxi for flights home, or you may consider staying awhile longer on your own to explore Loreto. All meals on your own.

This trip has been designed to satisfy both active adventurers and those looking for a relaxing vacation. Our specific itinerary will depend largely on the weather conditions each day -- specifically winds and tides. The above description provides examples of the sorts of experiences that we'll seek out during the week -- it is not meant as a precise timetable. Our guides adjust the itinerary accordingly to maximize your opportunities to enjoy Baja's treasures.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

All hotels; guides; 2-person kayaks and related paddling gear including life vests and paddles; mountain bikes; snorkeling gear; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; transportation, including an airport transfer when arriving with the group.

Airfare; 1 breakfast on Day 7; optional gratuities to your guides; alcoholic beverages; airport transfer on Day 7; items of a personal nature.

Mid-winter daytime temperatures average in the 70s and drop almost twenty degrees at night. March through April and October departures will often experience daytime temperatures in the 80s. Throughout the season, water temperatures range from 65°-75°F. Late November, December and February have typically windier conditions. In February, a short wet suit is recommended for those desiring to go swimming or snorkeling.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Beginners are welcome!  Baja is a great place to try sea kayaking for the first time.  Anyone in good physical condition and comfortable in the water is invited to participate.  An exercise regimen consisting of walking, jogging, cycling and upper-body strength training undertaken 2 - 3 months prior to departure will greatly increase your level of enjoyment while participating in trip activities.  One day of cycling is quite long and on hard packed roads – you should feel comfortable with this level of output.  Participants must be 12 years of age or older.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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