Compare Cradle of the Grey Whale: Baja California Uncovered by Audley Travel vs USA Road Trip — Yosemite Hiking & Cali Surfing by G Adventures
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 5,554 | $ 1,444 |
| Price Per Day | $ 397 | $ 241 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Camping |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners |
| Description |
Boat excursions to spot whales and dolphins in pristine lagoons. Day trip to Espíritu Santo Island to spot a number of bird species as well as observe and snorkel with the playful sea lions. Exploring the Sierra de San Francisco, a mountain range with a diverse flora, rugged canyon scenery and prehistoric rock art. |
Get both your hiking and beach fix with this six day trip through some of California’s most beautiful scenery. Discover the majesty of Yosemite National Park with hikes through the most scenic areas, grab a surfboard and catch some waves along the southern California coast, and rest up at a hostel just steps from the beach. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get back out there, have some fun, and make some lasting memories along the way. |
Day 1 : Mexico City
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Mexico City. Upon arrival make your way to the nearby airport hotel in preparation for your journey to Baja California tomorrow.
Day 2 : La Paz
This morning fly to La Paz, one of the gateways to beautiful Baja California. You have the afternoon at leisure to relax and recover. This evening meet the rest of your group for dinner and an introduction to the days ahead.
Day 3 : La Paz
Today you could relax at your own leisure. Alternatively you have a choice of excursions. Spend time exploring some national parks or go swimming with whale sharks.
Day 4 : Loreto
Travel to the port of López Mateos on Magdalena Bay for your first whale watching excursion. Continue on to Loreto, with stops at Baja's own "Monument Valley" and at the spectacular drop-off of the Sierra de la Giganta into the Sea of Cortez.
Day 5 : San Ignacio
Today you leave Loreto for San Ignacio, taking in many attractions along the way. Hike through volcanic scenery to a giant column of cacti, and perhaps swim in Conception Bay. A little further north you'll see the historic mining town of French origin, Santa Rosalía, where you will visit the metal church designed by Gustav Eiffel. Later, hike against the backdrop of Tres Vírgenes volcanoes before reaching picturesque San Ignacio.
Day 6 : San Ignacio
Travel to the San Ignacio lagoon, where you will embark on your second amazing boat trip to look for the grey whales. This is the smallest lagoon to find the whales and is often a memorable experience,
Day 7 : San Ignacio
Today you will explore the Sierra San Francisco, a diverse canyon landscape of endemic flora and prehistoric rock art.
Day 8 : San Ignacio
Travel by road to Guerrero Negro today. En route to the wharf you'll enjoy an interesting tour of the world's largest "open sky" salt works, before embarking on a whale watching trip on Scammon's Lagoon.
Day 9 : Loreto
Begin the journey back to Loreto, visiting an old Jesuit mission en-route as well as taking a hike at the base of the spectacular Tres Virgenes volcanoes.
Day 10 : Loreto
Having covered a lot of ground, today has been built in for you to choose what you would like to do. You may wish to simply relax at your hotel, or walk along the Malecon and explore Loreto. Alternatively, you could book an excursion to Isla Coronado, or visit the Oasis and Mission of San Javier.
Day 11 : La Paz
Your morning will start with a short walking tour of Loreto, where you will visit the mission church and mission museum. In the afternoon you will return to La Paz.
Day 12 : La Paz
Today you will visit a series of stunning secluded beaches and bays, surrounded by mangroves. Your guide will take you on a little known path right along the edge between mountain, desert and mangroves, to an otherwise inaccessible beach. On this nature walk you will have the chance to see some of the many bird species native to the area.
Day 13 : International return flight
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mexico City followed by onward international departure.
Day 14 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
The adventure begins this morning with the drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.
Day 2 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.
Day 3 Yosemite National Park
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.
Day 4 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.
Day 5 Hermosa Beach
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.
Day 6 Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles
In the morning travel to Los Angeles. The adventure ends upon arrival.
