Baja California Sur... where the desert meets the sea! With the dazzling blue waters of the Sea of Cortez to the east, the vast Pacific Ocean to the west, and a richly diverse desert full of endemic species between them, Baja California has much to offer for any nature enthusiast.

Join Wild Latitudes for a 10-day tour of the southernmost part of this fascinating peninsula. We’ll begin in San José del Cabo, a quiet and authentic town, far away from bustling Cabo San Lucas. Here, we’ll soak in local culture and delight in delicious Mexican food while exploring the most productive birding location in the region: Estero San José, which teems with avian diversity.

Our next destination will be the lofty La Laguna mountains. As we gain elevation the desert scrub gives way to oases and cool forests hosting plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.

We’ll then descend towards La Paz, a bustling and pleasant city known for its seaside Malecón, local arts, and excellent cuisine. The city also offers an incredible Eco-Park, offering rich birding opportunities. We hope to see a diverse collection of waterbirds and Baja endemics here, such as Xantus’s Hummingbird and Gray Thrasher.

Crossing the peninsula we’ll board local boats and go looking for Gray Whales in their breeding lagoons. This foray into the Pacific takes us to the southernmost breeding population of Bald Eagles and a large Magnificent Frigatebird colony. Of course our focus will be observing the whales but we’ll also be on the lookout for other marine mammals like California Sea Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins.

Heading across the Sierra de la Giganta range, we’ll set our sights for the town of Loreto, where we’ll spend our last few days. Not only is Loreto a great launching point for our excursions, but the town’s architecture and seaside charm is worth a visit alone. We’ll explore the San Javier Mission, surrounded by desert scrub birds such as Verdin and Scott’s Oriole. Finally, we’ll venture out in small boats into Loreto Bay National Park to look for birds like Blue-footed Booby and Yellow-footed Gull, and here we also have the rare opportunity to see the largest animal to ever live on Earth, the massive Blue Whale.

We’re excited for you to join Wild Latitudes on this epic journey full of remarkable sunsets, rich Mexican culture, and amazing flora and fauna!

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 - Feb 23: Arrival in San José del Cabo

Arrive in Baja California Sur, meet the group, review tour details, and—if time allows—enjoy your first light birding in the Cape Region.

Day 2 - Feb 24: Birding Estero San José

Explore the state’s most productive birding hotspot, a desert estuary teeming with waterbirds, migrants, and local specialties.

Day 3 - Feb 25: Santa Rita Hot Springs & La Laguna Mountains

Travel north with scenic stops en route to the La Laguna highlands, then unwind with a soak at Santa Rita Hot Springs before settling into the mountains.

Day 4 - Feb 26: Birding San Dionisio Canyon

Slow down in montane habitats and oases to search for Baja endemics and highland specialties amid dramatic canyon scenery.

Day 5 - Feb 27: El Triunfo & La Paz

Descend to the coast, visit the historic mining town of El Triunfo, then continue to La Paz to enjoy seaside charm, arts, and great food.

Day 6 - Feb 28: La Paz Eco-Park & El Serpentario

Bird the water treatment lagoons and surrounding habitats of La Paz’s renowned Eco-Park, then visit El Serpentario for a look at local reptiles and wildlife.

Day 7 - Mar 1: Puerto Chale & Bahía Almejas (Gray Whales)

Head to the Pacific side for a memorable boat outing into Gray Whale breeding lagoons, with chances for marine mammals and coastal bird colonies.

Day 8 - Mar 2: Loreto & San Javier Mission

Cross the peninsula to Loreto on the Sea of Cortez, then explore the beautiful San Javier Mission and the desert scrub birds around it.

Day 9 - Mar 3: Loreto Bay National Park

Boat into Loreto Bay National Park to seek seabirds and marine life in rich waters—plus the thrilling possibility of encountering the mighty Blue Whale.

Day 10 - Mar 4: Departures

Enjoy any final local birding opportunities before saying “Adiós” and departing from Loreto International Airport.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $800

START DATE: Feb 23, 2027

DURATION: 10 days

GROUP SIZE: Up to 10

TRIP FOCUS: Birding and Wildlife

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground transportation
• Breakfasts, lunches, and most dinners
• Excursions and park fees
• Guiding services

YOUR GUIDE

Steve Backus is an avid birder and naturalist with a background in the maritime industry hailing from North Carolina. An infinitely curious person by nature, he is drawn to explore the life around him and the environments they occupy. As a mariner, waterbirds are of particular interest to Steve and his time as a ship’s naturalist, a captain of wildlife cruises, a point counter at migration hot-spots, and many other employments and community science efforts has deepened his appreciation of birds.