The Baja, Mexico Trip
Overview
For the love of desert-meets-ocean landscapes, vibrant culture, and fresh seaside seafood – add wildlife encounters, colorful towns, and an easygoing Baja crew. That’s our Baja, Mexico trip.
Our 5-day trip captures Baja Sur’s sun-soaked energy, where desert landscapes meet turquoise seas, colorful towns, incredible food, and some of Mexico’s most remarkable marine life.
We begin in San José del Cabo, exploring its historic streets and growing culinary scene before heading up the coast through Todos Santos, a creative surf town filled with art galleries, cafés, and desert-meets-ocean scenery.
Then we settle into La Paz for the heart of the trip. Days here unfold between the clear waters of the Sea of Cortez and a city that still moves to a distinctly local rhythm. Stroll the malecón at sunset, duck into family-run taquerías, and head out by boat to Espíritu Santo, where dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife make this stretch of Baja especially memorable.
Together, San José del Cabo, Todos Santos, and La Paz give you a taste of what makes Baja Sur so special: warm coastal towns, desert landscapes, incredible marine life, and plenty of good food and time by the sea.
Welcome to Baja California Sur! After arriving in San José del Cabo, check into the hotel and get settled in. Spend the afternoon at your own pace – explore the historic town center, pop into local art galleries, or relax at a nearby beach club and soak up your first taste of Baja sunshine. That evening, we'll come together for welcome drinks followed by a relaxed group dinner. Easy vibes, local flavors, and a low-key start to our time in Baja.
This morning we hit the road, heading north along Baja's scenic coastline. Our first stop is Todos Santos, a creative surf town known for its galleries, cafés, and desert-meets-ocean beauty. We'll enjoy lunch as a group before continuing on to La Paz! After getting settled in at the hotel, we'll head out for a guided walking food tour, sampling local flavors and getting to know La Paz after dark.
Today, we trade land for sea and head out to explore the very best of Baja. We make our way by boat to the protected waters of Espíritu Santo Island, where you'll snorkel alongside playful sea lions in one of the most biodiverse marine sanctuaries in the world. We'll explore by panga boat, the best way to access these protected waters, so come ready for sun, open water, and a full day out on the Sea of Cortez. We'll wrap the day at Balandra Beach, widely considered one of Mexico's most beautiful stretches of sand, before heading back to La Paz in the late afternoon, salty, sun-kissed, and fully obsessed with Baja. The evening is yours to unwind, grab a casual dinner in town.
Enjoy a full free day to explore La Paz however you'd like. This is the perfect time to book an optional whale shark swim (highly recommended and available during season), relax at the beach, or dive deeper into the city's markets and cafés. That evening, we'll come together for a farewell dinner – one last night of great food, shared stories, and Baja magic.
All good things must come to an end. This morning, take advantage of the complimentary group shuttle to the airport as you say goodbye to Baja California Sur – and hello to a camera roll full of memories and a crew of new friends.
Included
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4 nights in accommodations in San José del Cabo (1 night) and La Paz (3 nights) (shared twin room with one other traveler, optional private upgrade subject to availability)
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4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners, including a curated welcome dinner in San José del Cabo and farewell dinner in La Paz
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Private ground transportation throughout the trip
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Private group airport transfer on departure day from La Paz to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
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Welcome drinks and orientation to kick off the trip and meet your travel crew
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Stop in Todos Santos, a designated Pueblo Mágico known for its art scene, surf culture, and laid-back charm
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La Paz Taco Trail experience, sampling Baja-style tacos across curated local stops while learning about the region’s evolving food culture
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Full-day excursion to Espíritu Santo Island by boat, part of a UNESCO-recognized protected area in the Sea of Cortez, and Balandra Beach, a federally protected natural area known for its shallow turquoise waters and iconic mushroom-shaped rock formation
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Guided snorkeling with sea lions in their natural habitat, the “Aquarium of the World”
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Built-in free time in La Paz to explore the malecón, beach-hop, or opt into additional adventures
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Dedicated FTLO Trip Leader throughout the trip, coordinating logistics and providing local knowledge
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Access to our pre-departure hub with detailed trip information, packing guidance, cultural tips, and a space to connect with fellow travelers before departure
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All entrance fees, taxes, and activity costs for listed experiences
Not Included
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Flights to and from Baja, Mexico
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Trip arrival airport transfers
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $200 depending on consumption habits)
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Incidental expenses
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Mandatory Tourist Tax (~$30 USD)