I traveled to Mexico a lot while I was in my 20s and early 30s and haven’t been back since, despite it being one of my favorite countries. I’m thrilled to be returning this December to a new spot (for me) in Mexico: allow me to acquaint you with Baja California Sur! Watch this four-minute video by the Adventure Travel Trade Association for a proper introduction where alluring photos and lovely accents will do a better job than I ever could.
In preparation for being the Zephyr trip leader on our December 4 – 9 Baja Kayaking Adventure, I asked my fellow Zephyr guide and friend Laurie Barnard (she also lives in Red Lodge, Montana, where Zephyr is based) about her many travels in the Baja and the reasons she would return. (That’s Laurie in her kayak, above.)
Weather (duh) This week the difference in temperature was only 55 degrees. Come December, it could very well be more like -5 on the left and 85 on the right. Which will make it all the sweeter to leave Montana and head south.
Amazing Food Yes, she used the word amazing. “Don’t expect to lose any weight while you’re there,” said Laurie, “despite kayaking, hiking and swimming each day.” You will be well-fed with an incredible variety of food and drinks – from fresh salads with locally sourced veggies, to margaritas during our beach happy hours each night, to seafood right from the Sea of Cortez. Muy delicioso!
Natural Wonders A highlight of the trip is immersing ourselves in the flora and fauna of the region (our local guides know everything about everything, really!). Birds, fish, coral and sea lions; we get to be up close and personal to an abundance of aquatic life and sometimes TOO close in Laurie’s case. While the adult sea lions kept a respectable distance, the pups had no fear and blew bubbles into her mask, mimicked her swim patterns and desperately wanted to play!
Simple Travel Even from Montana (which normally takes three flights to get anywhere), it is easy and fairly cheap to get to Cabo San Lucas (airport code SJD), where we meet. I can fly from Billings with one connection in only 8 hours (including a three-hour layover) for only a little over four hundred dollars. There are nonstop (and inexpensive) flights from Atlanta, Calgary, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Newark, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Ana, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver.
La Paz We spend our first and last nights in the sweet little laid-back town of La Paz, a couple hours north of Cabo (where we meet). It is far less visited than Cabo, therefore has fewer gringos and is less developed and more “real.”It has a long waterfront promenade (which offers beautiful sunsets), fiestas in the evening, friendly locals in traditional garb, great restaurants and shops and lots of local art.
Luxury Camping We spend three nights camping on secluded (don’t bother bringing your cell phone as you will be blissfully unconnected) island beaches outside La Paz in the Sea of Cortez and while you have the option to help pitch the tents if you like, you can just as easily rest with a margarita in hand and watch your guides set everything up and prepare all your meals and drinks. You’ll have access to a solar shower, chairs, a kitchen tent and private toilet facilities (hint: pay attention during the very humorous toilet talk given by the guides!).
And Kayaking (duh) Kayaking takes place mostly in calm bays, usually in sunshine, sometimes along colored and high rock walls, and always in crystal-clear teal water. You have your choice of using a solo kayak or partnering up in a tandem. Paddling is geared to all abilities – you can go your own pace and a thorough training happens at the beginning of the trip. If we encounter strong tides or high winds, a motorboat is always available as a backup.
We may still be enjoying Indian Summer now, but winter is coming, no doubt about it. Join me in Mexico on our Baja Kayaking Adventure this December 4 – 9, but don’t delay – our booking deadline is September 30!
So Many Reasons to Travel to Baja, Mexico This December!
| by: Kris