6-day Adventure Itinerary in Baja California: Tijuana, Ensenada, Guerrero Negro, Loreto, La Paz

  • Day 1: Tijuana
    Estimated travel time from the airport: 20 minutes (6.5 miles)

    Start your adventure in Tijuana, the largest city in Baja California. Explore Avenida Revolución, the most popular street in the city, known for its lively nightlife, street foods, and shopping. Visit the Cultural Center and the Tijuana Wax Museum, where you can see the history and culture of Tijuana come to life through various exhibits. End the day by trying some delicious fish tacos at the street stalls.

  • Day 2: Ensenada
    Estimated travel time from Tijuana: 1 hour and 20 minutes (69.5 miles)

    Drive south to the coastal town of Ensenada, known for its beautiful beaches, wineries, and delicious seafood. Take a stroll down the Malecón and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean. Visit La Bufadora, a natural sea geyser that shoots water up to 30 meters in the air. End the day by visiting one of the local wineries for some wine tasting.

  • Day 3: Guerrero Negro
    Estimated travel time from Ensenada: 11 hours and 30 minutes (616 miles)

    Drive down to Guerrero Negro, a small town located on the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur. The main attraction here is the Laguna Ojo de Liebre, where you can witness the annual migration of gray whales, one of the most amazing natural spectacles in the world. Take a boat tour and get up close and personal with these gentle giants.

  • Day 4: Loreto
    Estimated travel time from Guerrero Negro: 3 hours and 30 minutes (221 miles)

    Drive east to Loreto, a charming town that was the first capital of the Californias. Visit the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, which was built in the 1690s and is considered the oldest mission in Baja California. Kayak or paddleboard in the Sea of Cortez, home to over 800 species of marine life. End the day with some authentic Mexican cuisine at one of the local restaurants.

  • Day 5: La Paz
    Estimated travel time from Loreto: 4 hours and 30 minutes (215 miles)

    Drive south to La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur. Take a guided snorkeling tour to Espiritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, and colorful fish. Relax on the beaches of Balandra or Tecolote, which are considered some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

  • Day 6: La Paz
    Estimated travel time from previous activity: N/A

    Spend the morning exploring the Malecón and the historic center of La Paz. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz, the Anthropology Museum, or the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History. In the afternoon, take a whale watching tour and see humpback whales, orcas, and blue whales in their natural habitat. End your trip with a sunset dinner and drinks at one of the rooftop bars overlooking the sea.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tijuana Wax Museum (1 hour, $7)
  • La Bufadora (2 hours, $5)
  • Gray Whale Watching Tour (2 hours, $45)
  • Kayaking or Paddleboarding in Loreto (3 hours, $40)
  • Snorkeling Tour to Espiritu Santo Island (6 hours, $130)
  • Whale Watching Tour (2 hours, $75)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $302

Transportation

For this adventure, we recommend renting a car to have the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The total travel distance is approximately 1,127 miles, and we estimate the total cost of gas to be around $160. Keep in mind that some activities may require additional transportation costs, such as boat tours or taxis.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider spending an extra day in Ensenada to explore the wineries and vineyards in the nearby Valle de Guadalupe. If you have less time, skip Guerrero Negro and drive directly from Ensenada to Loreto, which will reduce the total travel time by 11 hours.

Airports

The main airport in Baja California Sur is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), located in San José del Cabo, approximately 100 miles south of La Paz. The airport offers daily flights from major cities in the US and Mexico, including direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. The La Paz International Airport (LAP) is a smaller airport that offers domestic flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana. The airport is located just 10 miles from the city center.

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