SAN JAVIER MISSION AND MULE RIDE ADVENTURE

INQUIRY

DURATION:

9 to 10 hours

LOCATION:

Loreto & Sierra de la Giganta, BCS

SEASON:

Year round

PRICE:

$3,750 MXP / $220 USD

BIODIVERSITY + LANDSCAPE

At a thousand meters high, between the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean, lies the Sierra La Giganta, a volcanic desert landscape with rugged mountains that bring vital water to the region.

The water flows down through the canyons, nourishing springs and palm groves, which are essential for mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and local communities. The people with ancestral and traditional knowledge have been key in protecting this area. The Sierra de la Giganta is a natural and cultural treasure of Baja California Sur, crucial to the history and ecology of the peninsula, and requires protection and conservation.

The Sierra de la Giganta, located to the west of the municipality of Loreto, possesses a rich biocultural and ecological heritage that we seek to elevate and protect. The region is abundant in cave paintings, mission remnants, oases, ranches, and biodiversity. Here, the traditional Baja Californian culture, based on agriculture and livestock, persists, and now, with us and the new generations, environmental stewardship is promoted through eco-tours and wildlife and ecosystem monitoring.

In this adventure, we will traverse part of the Sierra de la Giganta like authentic cowboys, guided by our local guides who are knowledgeable in regional history and ecology. As part of our journey, we will visit the historic town of San Javier, home to Baja California's second-oldest mission. Here, you'll enjoy a lunch crafted from local ingredients by skilled chefs, offering an authentic taste of the region’s culinary traditions. We will explore canyons, swim in oases, ride horses like cowboys, observe wildlife, and travel areas near the ancient "El Camino Real." Additionally, you will learn how to set up camera traps to understand the behavior of these ecosystems and develop tools and strategies to protect the local fauna.

- 4x4 Adventure van transfer
- Hike through stunning landscapes
- Ride a mule through rugged terrain
- Locate and observe wildlife via camera traps
- Savor local cuisine
- Learn about regional culture and traditions
- Swim in a pristine oasis
- Experience diverse wildlife encounters
- 2 Certified Guides and local horseman: Navigate confidently with the assistance of certified guides and a local horseman/rancher.
- Snacks & Local lunch: Enjoy included snacks and local lunch to keep you energized throughout the day.
- Safety Measures: Remain secure with provided emergency kits and a satellite phone.
- Expedition Gear: Explore comfortably with a loyal mule, binoculars, ultralight towel, and a water mug.
- High-Quality Photos: Receive professional photos capturing the highlights of your expedition.
Departure from Loreto : 4x4 Adventure van transfer.
Time: Subject to weather conditions or group preferences.
Duration: 9 to 10-hour expedition between transfers & expedition.
Cuisine: Local gastronomic lunch in San Javier or a ranch.
Return to Loreto: 4x4 Adventure van transfer.
Mammals
- Bighorn Sheep (Borrego Cimarrón).
- Coyotes.
- Raccoons.
- Juancitos
- Jackrabbits
- Bats
- Foxes
- Bob cats
- Deer
- Mountain Lion
Birds
- Over 238 species, including:
  - Endemic species unique to the region.
  - Various migratory birds.
Reptiles
- 39 species of reptiles, including:
  - Endemic lizards.
  - Snakes.
Insects
- A variety of insects typical of desert and xeric environments, contributing to the region's biodiversity.
- Transfers from and to Loreto.
- Snacks & lunch.
- Expedition gear and mule.
- Experienced certified guides.
- Emergency kit & satellite phone.
- Courtesy photos of the expedition.
- Airfare.
- Airport transfers.
- Crew gratuity.
- Good swimming skills, in case you want to swim in the oases.
- Comfortable being 2-3 hours on a mule back.
- Comfortable in remote locations.
- Hat & sunglasses.
- Swimwear / windbraker / jacket.
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Cameras.
- Cash for gratuities.