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I set off to the land of cacti, coastlines, good meals and tradition — Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Are you able to embark on a journey that may take your breath away? Then it’s time to go to Baja California Sur, Mexico! This gorgeous area is house to among the most stunning surroundings and cultural experiences in all of Mexico.

From the picturesque city of Loreto to the oasis of Mulege, there are countless issues to do and uncover. Whether or not you’re searching for journey or rest, this Baja California Sur itinerary has one thing for everybody.

And let’s not neglect the scrumptious delicacies – from contemporary seafood to genuine Mexican dishes, your style buds will likely be in heaven.

Let me unfold the diary of my extraordinary journey, a journey that took me via deserts, throughout the ocean, and into the center of native delicacies.

Right here is an summary:

Aerial view of the Playa La Burra in Concepcion Bay in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Day 1: Loreto, Baja California Sur

My Baja California Sur itinerary began at Loreto. Upon arriving in Loreto, the tranquility of the place washed over me. My first base of operations was to verify in at Resort Oasis.

Resort Oasis Loreto

Resort Oasis, was an genuine retreat on the shores of the Sea of Cortez. Think about a quaint institution whose structure displays the azure sea and brilliant sky – ideally suited for anybody seeking to unplug and loosen up. Resort Oasis Loreto is a perfect getaway for these looking for a tranquil trip amidst nature, with its unbeatable location proper by the Sea of Cortez. Located on the southern tip of the enchanting Loreto Pueblo Mágico boardwalk, it provides a privileged setting to unwind and loosen up.

On the seaside and behind the palms – Resort Oasis in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Restaurant Mi Loreto

However let’s speak in regards to the culinary journey that started at Mi Loreto with “Chile Relleno”. Generally present in Mexican delicacies, Chile Relleno is a scrumptious dish. Merely put, it consists of a inexperienced chile pepper filled with floor meat and lined in an egg batter.

On the whole, fish can also be a good selection in Loreto. Recent catches will entice you with their sizzle and spice. It’s no shock that Loreto’s seafood popularity is as in depth as its ocean views – in any case, they’ve been perfecting the craft for generations.

Restaurant del Carmen

Restaurant del Carmen is the Resort Oasis restaurant, offering a definite eating journey inside a laid-back setting, staying true to the tropical vibe that defines the resort. Expertise the pleasant Almejas Tatemadas (tatemadas clams) Loreto model, a conventional dish the place succulent clams are expertly cooked beneath stones whereas being embraced by crackling flames.

Restaurant del Carmen at Resort Oasis in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Day 2: Concepcion Bay and Volcán Las Tres Virgenes

The second day of our Baja California Sur itinerary included some seaside time.

Playa La Burra

Day two dawned, and though we had deliberate to take in the island vibes at Coyote, a rogue boat engine put a damper on our plans. Not one to let destiny damage the day, we stayed on this stunning cove at Playa La Burra.

As a substitute of consuming on an island, we ate on the seaside at La Burra. It was a spontaneous feast: the mussels and oysters right here will not be solely contemporary however stuffed with the sort of taste that solely comes from being moments from the ocean. That they had simply been pulled from 5-7 meters of water. Rustic and unspoiled, like Baja itself, this place is an unpolished gem.

View onto Playa La Burra in Concepcion Bay in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Mulege

Mulege was our subsequent chapter, a city not solely of picturesque allure but additionally of wealthy ecology. Surrounded by tons of of palm timber and fed by the Santa Rosalía River, the city blossoms in defiance of the cruel desert that cradles it.

The valley was breathtaking, and the distant mountains had been equally stunning.

One of many coolest issues I noticed whereas I used to be there was dozens of vultures flying round, searching for a spot to relaxation for the evening. They’d circle above the palm timber the place others had already discovered a spot. It’s a testomony to the untamed nature that Baja California Sur wears so proudly.

I visited Mulegé, a gorgeous oasis in Baja California Sur surrounded by desert.
The mountains & sundown are breathtaking. Vultures are flying round searching for a spot to relaxation.
Have you ever been to Baja California Sur or Mexico?#VisitBajaSur #journey #Mexico #BajaCaliforniaSur pic.twitter.com/oZZqmcgxIm

— Melvin (@TravelDudes) December 7, 2023

Sundown and vultures in Mulegé, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Volcán Las Tres Virgenes

We continued to our lodging at Eco Tour Las Tres Virgenes. Las Tres Vírgenes consists of three inactive stratovolcanoes: El Viejo, El Azufre, and La Virgin. These majestic peaks type an important element of the Desert Biosphere Reserve in El Vizcaino area. Inside this reserve, quite a few endangered species discover refuge, together with roughly 500 bighorn sheep within the neighborhood surrounding these volcanoes.

Think about a country meets nature expertise, with an out of doors fire to assemble round and a sky stuffed with stars so vivid they felt like a part of our circle.

Stargazing below the total moon at Eco Tour Las Tres Virgenes was an unforgettable expertise! Regardless of the total moon’s brilliant mild, the sky was breathtaking.

Stargazing at Las Tres Vírgenes in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Eco Tour and Lodges Las Tres Virgenes

On this space, Eco Tour and Lodges Las Tres Virgenes is the one place to remain, which provides 5 charming rustic cabins (10 rooms) and a restaurant.

The cabins have a rugged allure with fundamental facilities comparable to a sink, rest room, and compact bathe. You might really feel a slight breeze via the small gaps within the picket construction. Nonetheless, these features contribute to an genuine expertise that features breathtaking views of each the valley and the volcanoes out of your balcony.

Eco Tour and Lodges Las Tres Virgenes in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Day 3: Volcan Las Tres Virgenes – Santa Rosalia

On day three of our itinerary in Baja California Sur, we explored Santa Rosalia.

Volcan Las Tres Virgenes

One of many highlights of my journey was watching the dawn on the lava circulate of Las Tres Virgenes volcano. I stood in entrance of a wall of lava and watched the solar rise over the horizon. It was a second I’ll always remember.

However even the brief hike there may be an occasion in its personal proper. Listening to the silence early within the morning and the desert slowly waking up. The birds fly from cactus to cactus of their territory or interpret the tracks within the sand made by mice at evening.

Lava stream on the Las Tres Virgenes volcano in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

On my return, a sizzling espresso with a Mexican breakfast was ready for me. For the Mexican unique, bean puree, salsa, fried eggs and bonus toppings are packed individually onto contemporary corn tortillas. A number of crumbles of feta cheese give your huevos an additional spicy kick.

If you would like a singular and unforgettable journey, I extremely advocate visiting Eco Tour Las Tres Virgenes Lodges. The workers are useful, and the views are out of this world. In actual fact, I’d advocate staying right here for 2 nights. Then you’ll be able to hike to the rim of the volcano, which is able to take 8-12 hours whole.

As a substitute, we drove to El Azufre Canyon, the place we acquired a really feel for the pristine earth. The sulfuric gases that waft via the air are a strong reminder of the facility of Mom Nature and command respect.

Sulfuric gases on the El Azufre Canyon on the Las Tres Virgenes volcano in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Santa Rosalia

Santa Rosalia, one other gem on our itinerary, introduced us with a singular cultural providing – the Museo El Boleo, which preserves mining historical past, and the European magnificence of the Resort Frances. The resort can also be an incredible place to remain. It’s like going again in time. The resort has extra of a museum really feel.

The whole city displays this distinctive French architectural model, because it was based by a French mining firm devoted to the extraction of copper till the Nineteen Fifties.

Museum El Boleo in Santa Rosalia in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

La Iglesia de Santa Bárbara

The spotlight, nonetheless, is the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara. Gustave Eiffel’s metallic marvel is a testomony to the fusion of French structure and Mexican soul.

La Iglesia de Santa Bárbara in Santa Rosalía is way more than only a place of worship. This architectural gem is a testomony to the allure of Baja California Sur and a cultural hub the place French sophistication meets Mexican spirit.

The church was designed by none apart from Gustave Eiffel – sure, the inventor of the well-known Paris Tower.

It was constructed solely of metallic after which transported midway all over the world to its present location. It’s really superb how this prefabricated murals harmonizes with the rugged desert backdrop.

Its presence within the coronary heart of the mining district speaks volumes in regards to the city’s former financial ties with Europe, and now it stands as a proud image of the combination of cultures which have permeated this area. The church, with its small tower rising into the sky and its aged however well-preserved metallic reflecting the Baja solar, is a reminder of the intricacies of historical past – of trade and ingenuity connecting worlds.

Church La Iglesia de Santa Barbara in Santa Rosalia in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Restaurant Tonka’s Grill

Tonka’s Grill close by serves the heartiest and tastiest plates to fill you up. It is a suburban eatery that gives scrumptious burgers and steaks in addition to a full bar. The outside seating permits company to get pleasure from their meals. There are additionally TV screens exhibiting sports activities. With its wonderful service, outstanding meals high quality, nice atmosphere and pleasant workers, Tonka’s Grill has develop into very talked-about with locals.

Restaurant Tonka’s Grill in Santa Rosalia in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Resort El Morro Santa Rosalia

Resort El Morro in Santa Rosalia is a dependable lodging possibility for the realm. Half of its rooms supply picturesque ocean views and a captivating patio, which provides a really fulfilling expertise. The resort boasts unimaginable views, exudes a pleasant atmosphere with its stylish vintage-style constructing, and advantages from a super location.

The grounds are well-maintained and spotlessly clear. The workers is pleasant and all the time prepared to help company. Whereas some might discover the rooms (and elements of the resort) a bit dated with their use of fluorescent lighting, they continue to be tidy and supply distinctive water strain within the showers (although it appears this will not be constant for everybody). As well as, the presence of each a restaurant and a bar provides to the consolation of your keep. As well as, the presence of a pool provides to the general attraction of Resort El Morro!

Resort El Morro in Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Resort Francés

Resort Francés is a captivating motel boasting a powerful 135-year historical past and showcasing charming French structure.

Simply exterior the resort, guests are greeted by a captivating avenue adorned with classic locomotives and varied artefacts from the mining period.

Inside, company can benefit from the utmost consolation on creaky but nostalgic picket flooring and expertise a well-preserved atmosphere due to meticulous upkeep efforts. In case you have an affinity for historic tales, the Resort Francés must be on the prime of your checklist of locations to remain throughout your go to right here!

As well as, this outstanding place not solely provides gorgeous views of the Sea of Cortez from the entrance but additionally offers nice worth with out breaking the financial institution.

Resort Frances in Santa Rosalia in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Day 4: San Marcos Island

The standard and small fishing neighborhood of San Bruno shared their wealth with us. We boarded a small and easy fishing boat to get to Playa Los Arquitos, situated on the island of San Marcos within the fascinating Baja California Sur.

The surroundings was completely gorgeous!

A few of us determined to remain within the small and delightful bay. Don’t ask me which film, however the bay with its cave has additionally been used as a film set and is ideal for swimming. You may swim via the opening to the open ocean.

We felt like we had been a part of our personal film set!

Sabrina, Garret and I ventured out fishing and amazingly managed to catch seven fish very quickly! The fun of catching them ourselves was exhilarating. However the very best half was that we took the fish to the native restaurant Palapa la Abuela for lunch. In addition they supply a ship tour. And let me let you know, catching your personal fish often tastes just a bit bit higher!

Within the afternoon, we drove again to Loreto, the place we checked in once more on the Resort Oasis – the place we stayed after we arrived in Baja California Sur.

Cove at Playa Los Arquitos on island San Marcos in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Loreto: Serrano Wine, Seafood & Grill Steakhouse

Within the night, we dined below the celebs at Serrano Wine, Seafood & Grill Steakhouse in Loreto.

Serrano Restaurant in Loreto, referred to as “Wine, Seafood & Grill”, was one in every of my finest eating experiences in Baja. Every dish is fastidiously ready over an open wooden hearth, which provides simply the correct quantity of taste to the meals. The meats and seafood had been completely cooked, whereas the salads and greens had been scrumptious.

To accompany my meal, I selected a glass of Marques del Valle Sauvignon Blanc, which exceeded my expectations with its taste.

The terrace space of Serrano is gorgeous and creates a pleasing environment for the company. As well as, the service supplied by the workers was impeccable.

Though it could be a little bit tough to seek out Serrano from the road initially, it’s nicely price discovering this hidden gem. The wonderful meals, top-notch service and an incredible environment make this place unbeatable. Don’t hesitate and are available right here for a scrumptious meal – you received’t remorse it!

My style spotlight was the night’s lobster, octopus, and steak, which had been cooked to perfection, an echo of an incredible journey thus far to Baja California Sur in Mexico. However there may be yet one more spotlight to return…

Serrano Wine, Seafood & Grill Steakhouse in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Day 5: Catamaran journey to Isla Danzante and Loreto

Catamaran journey to Honeymoon Seashore

On day 5, we launched into a catamaran tour from the Puerto Escondido marina, simply south of Loreto.

It was the proper time to take a break, un-connect the cellphone, and reconnect with nature. Step away as soon as extra from the hustle and bustle and enterprise into the embrace of nature.

We launched into an fulfilling crusing retreat, the place we found underwater wildlife.

On board an imposing catamaran, Isla Danzante whispered its story via rock home windows formed by time and tide. I wouldn’t have been shocked to discover a pirate ship right here, or not less than its wreck.

Then Honeymoon Seashore welcomed us with turquoise waters so clear and welcoming you might see the ocean creatures dancing underfoot. It’s price placing in your diving goggles right here. I noticed a faculty of round 100 fish swimming round me. Simply be careful, there may also be the one or different jellyfish round.

The possibilities are good that you just spot additionally a household of dolphins across the island. And between December and March is whale season. Maintain your eyes open for them!

Honeymoon Bay on Isla Danzante in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photograph credit score Garrett Galvan.

Within the distance, you’ll be able to see the mountain vary, which jogged my memory of the outstanding Drakensberg in South Africa… solely right here, the mountain slopes finish spectacularly within the sea.

Our tour with ABT-Crusing lasted 3 hours, however each further hour is absolutely price it as you’ve got way more time to benefit from the spectacular surroundings. They’ve, for instance, a sundown tour. We didn’t try this one, however this should be very good, because the solar units behind the mountains.

That evening, we stayed within the Resort Oasis once more. One other good resort possibility is…

Resort 1697

Resort 1697 is situated proper on the primary sq.. Upon coming into, you’re greeted by a peaceable and welcoming environment that completely embodies the allure of Loreto.

The resort rooms supply a super setting for a seaside getaway with their pleasant facilities, offering a serene retreat from the chaotic routine of on a regular basis life. Take into account the resort itself is within the metropolis, and the seaside is a brief 10-minute stroll away.

The courtyard pool is gorgeous, surrounded by a snug and welcoming setting, adorned with stunning landscaping and structure that’s nicely maintained. As well as, they serve an excellent complimentary full breakfast of their courtyard space, which provides to the general expertise.

Pool on the Resort 1697 in Loreto in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photograph credit score Garrett Galvan.

The crowning glory? Exploring Loreto on foot. It’s a small city, so you’ll be able to add sufficient photograph stops, like for the church “Mission of Our Woman of Loreto”.

Strolling via Loreto in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Mission of Our Woman of Loreto

The Mission of Our Woman of Loreto holds the excellence of being the primary rich Spanish settlement in Baja California. This gorgeous construction captivates each day and evening, standing gracefully within the coronary heart of the coastal city.

Regardless of its difficult water shortage, Loreto turned an unconventional however efficient hub for missionaries who established quite a few missions close by. The completion of a powerful stone church round 1744 marked a big milestone.

Mission of our Woman of Loreto in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

El Zopilote Brewing Firm

Shut by, you’ll be able to embody a cease for some craft beer at El Zopilote Brewing Firm – a testomony to Loreto’s wealthy palette of flavours.

El Zopilote Brewing Firm is a well-liked spot identified for its superb pizza, however we had been extra involved in making an attempt their scrumptious craft beers, even when they don’t strictly adhere to conventional brewing types. One factor I completely cherished about this place is which you can truly pattern the beers earlier than making your ultimate resolution on what to order.

The collection of beers on faucet is absolutely good, providing choices like Pilgrim’s Pilsner, Rattlesnake IPA, El Bandido Stout, Blood Orange, Island’s Hazy, Thirsty Monk, Tombstone Pale Ale, Snakebite D.I.P.A., Amigos or Aztec Imperial.

These decisions are really superior and offer you loads of selection to select from!

Restaurant Los Olivos

Our ultimate dinner of the journey occurred at Los Olivos, a restaurant situated within the La Misión de Loreta Resort.

This pleasant eatery provides an revolutionary Baja delicacies that mixes conventional Mexican dishes with the best fish and seafood from the Sea of Cortez, freshly caught by close by fishermen daily.

After cautious consideration, I opted for his or her unexciting however scrumptious Capellini Scampi dish, which I paired with one (possibly two) glasses of Sauvignon Blanc Monte Xanic. It turned out to be a wonderful resolution!

Restaurant Los Olivos in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

So there you’ve got it – the overview and journey suggestions of my Baja California Sur itinerary. It’s a report that features not solely the sights we noticed, but additionally the culinary highlights.

Each flip revealed treasures past my creativeness and jogged my memory that generally the deepest magnificence lies within the corners of the world, simply ready for us to whisper, “Vamos!”.