Baja Sierra Adventures — Attraction in Baja California Sur

My family did the Combo tour (Land and sea) with Edgardo and it was incredible!!!! We had a few hesitations about camping on a vacation but based on the good reviews and reasonable price, we decided to go for it. So glad we did because it was such a fun few days that I'd do it all over again.

We arranged with Edgardo to be picked up in Cabo San Lucas. Upon arriving into Santiago, we were given delicious mango smoothies. I mean, these are the mango smoothies that I will compare all future mango smoothies too. Then we took off for the first hike of our adventure. I loved how there wasn't a clearly defined trail. We passed NO ONE. The first pool of water my kids and husband loved jumping off of the boulders. The second one was just as fun and beautiful as the first. We ate a lunch of tamales and empanadas that Edgardo brought....so freaking good!!!

After the hike, we went back to Santiago to gather our luggage. You had the option of riding a bike back or going in the vehicle to Santiago. Some of us biked while others went in the truck. We then made our way to the base camp that we'd spend 2 nights at. It's way out there and zero cell service but that added to the charm! Edgardo provided the tent, sleeping bag and pad. Dinner was made by the local family who owns the ranch we were camped at. The food was just fantastic. Nothing beats authentic mexican food with freshly made tortillas. The view of the stars at night was wonderful.

The next day, Edgardo made a delicious breakfast including a yummy tea made from brewing the citrus leaves off a tree in the camp. Then we went on a longer hike that took us to a few more pools of water to play in. Again, no other people or tours. We had the place to ourselves. It was so nice to not feel rushed too. Edgardo wanted us to enjoy the time there. We ate a lunch of sandwiches, chips and fresh picked grapefruits before continuing to explore. Dinner was again with the local family. Had this great hibiscus drink with dinner.

The next morning we got up early to make it to the Santa rita hot springs before it filled up due to the covid capacity of 24 people. Hot springs were nice and relaxing. Then we explored further up to two more pools of water and little waterfalls to play/relax by. We then made our way back to Santiago and made pizzas to cook in his clay fire oven for lunch. Such a fun experience. My kids thought it was so cool to put in and take out their own pizzas from the fire oven.

From there we drove to Cabo Pulmo. Edgardo arranged for us to stay at the Baja bungalows. In fact, I'm typing this up now as I lay in this comfortable bed. The place is Spacious and comfortable! We had the evening to ourselves and were in charge of our dinner.

Then the next day, Edgardo came and made us pancakes with a delicious caramel chocolate tasting sauce plus mangos. So good! Then we did a snorkel tour he arranged with a local company which was nice though the water felt super cold. Edgardo made us a salad for lunch that my kids had multiple helpings of. Edgardo then met us to go do a coastal hike. It was beautiful!

Sadly, tomorrow is our last day with Edgardo. Again he plans to come make us breakfast and he'll take us to a new beach and another hike before saying goodbye after lunch. I know tomorrow's adventure will be fantastic because everything else has been so far. My kids said that he's their favorite tour guide EVER and I have to agree. He's just so nice and you can tell he genuinely loves the outdoors and showing people Baja. He's great with kids and fun to talk with. Communication prior to our trip was great and I felt he really listened to what I was hoping to see and do with the family. My kids had so much fun and we were all happily worn out by the end of each day.

Edgardo also was very mindful of social distancing. He wore a mask when preparing food or when we were in an enclosed vehicle. Had hand sanitizer stations and soap.

In my opinion this is a must-do tour. It's not fancy but it is special and you'll see things no other tour...

Wow, this has been an amazing experience, full of delightful surprises. Our single day trip with Edgardo in between 2 nights camping at his site was very easily arranged with a few emails and he came as arranged to pick us up from the bus stop on the highway - in a huge truck and an instantly winning smile. From there we joined other guests at his “kitchen” for a cold glass of mango juice before jumping into kayaks to explore a lake, a natural oasis overlooked by white egrets sitting on palm trees. It felt more like Indonesia than Mexico.

They back to the truck, through Santiago and then onto winding dirt tracks up into the mountain valley or “canyon” to the campsite where we popped up tents before a short stroll to the nearby ranch where we had a go at making tortillas before enjoying an authentic Mexican ranch supper cooked on a woodfire by Elvira.

We returned to the campsite and sat around the fire for a little while under the starry sky before going to bed to the sound of singing frogs and flowing water.

We started the next day with a breakfast of eggs, beans and tortilla at Elvira’s before a short mountain bike ride down the valley then walked on trails through an extraordinary thicket forest of trees and cacti before reaching the river.

We had no idea that there are such wonderful rivers - in Baja. Thanks to the short rainy season and occasional tumultuous hurricanes, the aquifers feed springs which keep the rivers flowing all year with crystal clear water forming beautiful swimming pools between huge white granite boulders. Scenes evoking images of Xanadu in Kubla Khan for poetry fans.

After swimming in several pools we ate a lunch of tacos before a taking a final dip before returning along the trail. There was an optional bike ride back to the campsite where Edgardo rustled up grapefruit Margueritas. After some relaxation, we returned for our final supper at Elvira’s and went to bed early after a great day.

Edwardo is a big part of what makes this such a great experience, his charming and relaxed manner bely a huge knowledge and passion for the Sierra de Laguna and its people and their traditional skills which he admires and seeks to promote. We enjoyed wide ranging conversation with him and other guests.

If you are looking to experience nature (and to eat meals in an authentic Mexican ranch,) in a down to earth, honest and charming way, then you will really enjoy a...

We had such a fun trip!! My partner and I did the 3 night multi-adventure trip that included exploring 3 different canyons in the area, going to the natural hot springs, and riding mountain bikes. We organized the trip through Edgardo. Communication was prompt when asking for information and finalizing the dates via email. Our trip was led by Alonso a really lovely, laid-back guide who has a background in ecology and environmental education. He was the one to prepare our breakfast in the mornings, plan the days activities, and most importantly whip up the (absolutely delicious) grapefruit margaritas in the evenings ;) We also had another guide Emanuel on our first day who was also very knowledgeable about the local area including the plants and flowers that are traditionally used as herbal remedies. We had different people joining us throughout the trip, one guy doing a 1 night trip, a couple doing the 2 night, and another group of 5 guys, but they seamlessly tied everyone's trips together. The mountains and canyons around Santiago are absolutely stunning and we really enjoyed our time exploring them. The biking part of the trip is really just riding the dirt roads that lead out the ranches. Nothing too exciting, but nice to get out on the bikes and enjoy the views. Dinner every night was cooked by the family who owned the ranch where our base camp was located. We have travelled extensively throughout Mexico and can definitely say she made the best flour tortillas we have ever had, with beautiful homemade food. If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of Los Cabos and experience the great outdoors this is definitely the place to do it. They also offer other tours, including a 3 day hike from Santiago to Los Todos, which a group was starting the day we left. It's going on my list of things to do the next time I am in the area. Just FYI- the website has not been updated in a while. The trip description is not exactly what the tour involves now and the cost has increaesd from 340 USD to 400 USD for the...