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Overview of Baja & Copper Canyon Combination for 2006:
The Baja & Copper Canyon Multi-Activity (BC) starts in La Paz, Baja California in the northwest
of Mexico. This gateway city may require an internal flight, which is easily coordinated and can be
done the same day arriving from abroad. There are dayly flights from Mexico City
to La Paz: most U.S. southern cities (i.e. San Diego, Los Angeles, and Phoenix) have direct flights
to Las Paz as well. This trip ends in the city of Chihuahua. There are direct flights from
Chihuahua to Mexico City and U.S. cities daily. BOA reserves the right to run this trip
in reverse (from Chihuahua to La Paz) due to scheduling and logistics circumstances.
This trip is a classic adventure taking in 3 different areas of Northern Mexico. It is ideal for active
travelers wanting to combine remote hiking and paddling in pristine wilderness settings and
amazing wildlife viewing opportunities with visits to local villages and off the beaten path towns.
Airport transfers on designated arrival and departure days, local gratuities to
wait-staff, maid service and porters are all included in the price. Gratuities to trip leader and local
guides in Magdalena Bay and Espiritu Santo are not included (please see tipping
recommendations).
Highlights Include:
Kayaking the Sea of Cortez:
• Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez is a peaceful journey around the beautiful Island of Espiritu
Santo. During our expedition we will enjoy snorkeling, swimming, walks, and sunsets.
• We will explore this virgin wilderness camping on solitary beaches and hiking up to enjoy
sunsets across the seascapes below.
• There will be three nights camping here and on the last day we will board our skiff and
visit a sea lion colony getting a chance to swim and snorkel with these fun-loving mammals
a truly memorable experience.
The Gray Whales:
• We will visit the amazing breeding grounds of the Pacific Gray Whales during their annual
migration.
We will enjoy two boat trips into Magdalena Bay with a chance for arms length encounters
with these giant whales. Yet another highlight on this fabulous multi-activity adventure!
Copper Canyon:
• Hiking in the Copper Canyon is very rugged and wild. Some of the campsites will be near
remote indigenous family compounds perched on canyon walls with mule and walking
access only.
• This trip includes the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad journey through the canyon. This
train ride is a highlight in itself and this spectacular trip is a natural transition between the
arid canyons of the Sierra and the dazzling Sea of Cortez.
There are two combo departures this season. Of course, we are happy to arrange custom made itineraries
for an agent led trip or groups of friends traveling together. Scuba-diving, fishing, kayaking, and
birding are all gaining in popularity in the area and can be easily arranged as an add on, or fully
formed trip.
Detailed Itinerary For Baja Copper Canyon Multi-activity:
Group Size: Minimum 4*, Maximum 12
Accommodation: Hotels / Camping
Trip Length: 17 Days
Cost: 4 - 6 PAX $3,620 per client
7 - 12 PAX $3,150 per client
Single Supplement = $480
Departure Dates: 2007
27th Jan - Feb 12th 11th Feb – Feb 27th
10th - 26th Feb
* Please enquire about special pricing for smaller groups
Price Includes:
Wilderness first responder, CPR, First Aid Certified, bi-lingual guide; all accommodation
starting with Day 1 in La Paz and ending on Day 17 in
Chihuahua (does not include accommodation night of Day 16); airport transfers on the designated
arrival and departure days; all transfers including airport transfers on designated arrival and
departure days; certified, bi-lingual naturalist kayak guides. single and / or double kayaks; all
kayaking gear; camping equipment except sleeping bags; Sea of Cortez ferry crossing; Copper
Canyon train trip; all meals as indicated in the detailed itinerary below (B,L,D); camping (based on
twin share) and meals while camping; local guides; arrieros who care for the pack stock; pack mules
and burros for luggage; entrance fees to parks and gray whale lagoons. Local gratuities to wait-staff,
maid service, and porters.
Price Excludes:
International and internal flights, airport taxes, immigration card ($17 U.S.), airport transfers not
on the designated arrival/departure days, gratuities to trip leader and local guides in Espiritu Santo,
Magdalena Bay, Copper Canyon (see recommendations on tipping).
Trip Schedule: El Fuerte to Chihuahua Route
Day 1 Arrival Day. Home/La Paz. Check into your hotel room and at 9:00 P.M. meet your guides
for a trip briefing
Day 2 Espiritu Santo Transfer from your hotel in La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island in our high speed motor boat.
Guides discuss points on safety and provide beginners with the basics of sea-kayaking and correct
use of gear and kayaks. In the afternoon, we embark on our first paddle beneath spectacular
volcanic cliffs and arrive at the first of many beautiful beaches to set up camp. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Espiritu Santo Continue in our kayaks exploring a new section of coastline with small off shore islands
where numerous sea birds nest. Camp on a new beach.(B,L,D)
Day 4 Espiritu Santo Today, we continue our voyage through the coves of the breathtaking
turquoise waters of Isla Espiritu to our final camping beach
In the afternoon we will hike to te other side of the island to check out the spectacular lagoons
and landscape of this World Heritage site.(B,L,D)
Day 5 Espiritu Santo/La Paz Today we take a fast motor boat ride to a beautiful off shore island which is home
to a large sea lion colony. Experience the amazing thrill of swimming with sea lion pups and snorkel amongst thousands of tropical fish.
Return to your hotel in La Paz for a relaxing night on your own.(B,L)
Day 6 La Paz A day off to enjoy a leisurely stroll around our picturesque seaside town. Browse in many
Mexican arts and crafts shops or if you would rather a more active day we'll set you up with a mountain bike, or
a day fishing or windsurfing. A margarita at sunset on the famous sea promenade is a La Paz
tradition! B
Day 7 La Paz/Lopez Mateos Today, we transfer in our air conditioned private van to the shores of
the Pacific Lagoons at Lopez Mateos - considered to be the finest whale-watching area in the La Paz
proximity (transfer time is 3.5 hours). Typically within minutes of clambering aboard our motor
skiffs we are out in the bay surrounded by Whales. The spectacle is quite amazing and close up
encounters are practically guaranteed. Returning to the shore it is then just a two minute stroll to
our accommodation. Relax and then freshen up before dining in our Palapa Restaurant with a
buffet of fresh sea food (B,L,D)
Day 8 Lopez Mateo/La Paz Arise to a Mexican cooked breakfast before our second whale-watching
trip. We will venture out into the bay for a second opportunity to immerse our selves amongst the
whales. For the last ten years many of our guests have been thrilled by the whales swimming right
alongside our boats giving them the extraordinary opportunity to pet them. We will return to
Lopez Mateos for a delicious lunch and then transfer back to La Paz arriving at around 4.00pm. (B,L)
Day 9 La Paz/Los Mochis/El FuerteRelax in the morning and then afterlunch, prepare your
belongings for the ferry across the Sea of Cortez. You head to the ferry around noon to board the
boat and stow your baggage ready for the 3:00 pm departure. Once you arrive into Los Mochis
(Topalobampo Port) you will be transferred to the charming colonial gateway to the Copper
Canyon, El Fuerte. Check in to our beautiful historic lodge and then roam the cobble stone
streets for a taste of old Mexico. Relax and wander this quaint and historical city. (no meals) Meet
guide at 9:00 PM in hotel lobby for details on next day’s departure. (Overnight Hotel El Fuerte) (B,L,D)
Day 10 El Fuerte/Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad/Cerocahui. All aboard the world famous
Chihuahua al Pacifico train trip into the Sierra Madre Mountains. This comfortable first class
train leads us through dozens of tunnels and over countless bridges with exceptional opportunities
for taking pictures or just enjoying the view. We arrive mid-day to Cerocahui and enjoy a
spectacularly scenic transfer to the Wild West town of Urique. We will stop along the way at
Cerro Gallegos to have a look at some local Tarahumara weavings and enjoy the panorama. We
may choose to purchase some of these fine hand woven baskets and photo opportunities abound
of the vast canyon and the village of Urique below. After settling into our hotel, we dine with the
locals and have a chance to brief with the guide about the hiking days into the canyon that follow.
(Overnight Cerocahui Wilderness Lodge) (B,D)
Day 11 Cerocahui/Urique/Day 1 of Trek Urique Canyon. We begin walking along the Urique
river and make our way through the town of Guapalaina before crossing the river and setting off
up the Arroyo Alisos where our hiking adventure begins in earnest. A steep ascent has us gaining
perspective rapidly and we quickly notice changes in the flora. We climb through the thorn forest
with Cerro la Ventana visible in the distance. We arrive early afternoon to our lovely campsite at
Los Alisos where Prospero and his family greet us warmly. Dinner in the Grapefruit grove around
the campfire. (Overnight Los Alisos) (B,L,D)
-Full day hike (3-4 hours); 2-3 mi.
-Altitude gain / loss: 1,188 / 32 ft.
Day 12 Day 2 of Trek: Urique Canyon/La Yesca. We set out early in the cool shadows of the
towering canyon walls. As we make our way up the Arroyo Torres, we continue to note the changes
in vegetation and we enter into dwarf oak forests and chaparral. With frequent stops for water
and to take photos we are amazed at how quickly the vistas open up and we can see down into the
Urique Canyon below. Passing El Pandito the oaks begin to mix with a variety of pines. As we
near the top of the spectacular Urique Canyon we enjoy breathtaking views in every direction and
continue our climb up to La Yesca where we pause to take it all in. Lunch and a few more photos
before we continue on to our lovely campsite in the whispering pines of La Estacion. Here we
make camp and relax taking time to bathe in the perennial stream or continue exploring the
country side. Our arrieros lend their expertise to tonight dinner with hand pressed tortillas and
local story telling (Overnight Wild Camping La Yesca) (B,L,D)
- Full day hike (5 - 6 hours);4 mi.
- Altitude gain / loss: 3,135 / 71 ft.
Day 13 Day 3 of Trek: La Yesca/Cerro Colrado Canyon. Hike the ancient trails of the native
Tarahumara through the overwhelming beauty of the Copper Canyon. A full hiking day allows us
to truly appreciate the grandeur of the worlds largest canyon system. We enjoy a variety of terrain
today as we quietly traverse the mystical pine forests of Piedra Redonda coming to sprawling vistas
of the winding rivers and towering peaks of the Cerro Colorado Canyon. We begin our descent
and as we say good bye to the alpine terrain we find ourselves warmly greeted as we come to our
camp site at Los Terreros. Perched high above the river with canyon views just outside our tents,
we have time in the afternoon to meet the local family who lives here and visit with them. (Wild
Camping Los Terreros) (B,L,D)
- 1/2 day hike (4-5 hours);6 mi.
- Altitude gain / loss: 225 / 2,541 ft.
Day 14 Day 4 of Trek: Cerro Colorado/Batopilas. Descending rugged switchbacks in the shadow
of Cerro Colorado, our final hiking day has us descending sharply as we re-enter the subtropical
thorn forests of the lower canyon. We arrive to the Cerro Colorado River in the town of the same
name where we can stop for a snack or to buy some crafts from the locals. We continue on to Las
Juntas where we join up with the Batopilas River for the home stretch into the frontier town of
Batopilas. A fantastic setting to end our hike here in the Canyon, we will enjoy some free time to
explore this historic mining outpost followed by dinner and a well deserved margarita!.
(Overnight Hacienda Rio Batopilas)( B,L,D)
- Full day hike (6 -8 hours); 9 mi.
- Altitude gain / loss: 36 / 1,749 ft.
Day 15 Batopilas/Creel. After breakfast we will have a chance to further explore the Batopilas
area with an optional hike to the “Lost Cathedral” of Satevo, some souvenir shopping in the plaza,
or just exploring the cobblestone nooks and crannies of this amazing historical gem. We then
begin the incredible climb by van out of the Batopilas Canyon up a spectacular array of
switchbacks to our destination at Creel, the frontier logging outpost turned tourist center for the
Copper Canyon. Dinner in our cozy hotel. (Overnight Plaza Mexicana) (B,L,D)
Day 16 Creel/Chihuahua. Breakfast and a chance for to explore a bit more before our mid-morning
transfer to Chihuahua where we will check into our comfortable accommodation. The
late afternoon is free for relaxing or site seeing at the interesting museums and historical sites of
this important cultural and economic center of Northwestern Mexico. Night on the town for our
farewell fiesta. (Overnight Hotel San Francisco)( B,L,D)
Day 17 Departure: Chihuahua Mexico/Home. Transfer to Airport for onward flights. (No meals)
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
In Preparation: Mexico is a beautiful, wild and unpredictable part of our planet. For lovers of the
outdoors who are used to coping with the challenges of traveling in remote areas (and who have a
keen sense of adventure and a flexible attitude) the rewards are plentiful and memorable.
An experienced Journey Mexico leader will serve as companion and guide accompanied by local
assistants. With groups over a certain size, we will also employ extra assistants to help out.
Wholesome and varied meals are prepared for guests while camping and in hotels/lodges. The
leader will ensure the trip runs smoothly and that our clients’ enjoyment, personal safety and
scenic rewards are the tops!
Other things worthy of mention are that the roads can be bumpy and the days are sometimes long.
Clients should be prepared for this in order to benefit fully from the fantastic transport, wild and
untamed scenery and amazing life experiences that a trip of this nature offers. Please feel free to
discuss any ‘suitability’ issues with us at any time.
Arriving: If possible, we suggest that clients arrive in Mexico one or two days before departure to
get a feel for the country and its people. This will give them a chance to relax prior to meeting the
group the night of Day 1. At the trip end, clients can arrange their flights homeward for the last
day of the trip as this is planned as a departure day. If necessary, clients can connect right away to
onward flights or arrange overnights in Mexico City or elsewhere within Mexico.
All our trips run for a specified number of days. Trips start on Day 1, Arrival Day, when clients
arrive at the indicated hotel in the gateway city. If staying in Mexico City prior to Day 1, we
recommend the Hotel Cortez, or the Hotel Imperial, which are clean, comfortable and reasonably
priced at approximately US$100 for a twin room. Alternatively, there is the Hotel San Francisco, a
little less expensive at around $60 per night for a twin room. For something more upscale, there
are a number of top-level hotels ranging from $150+ per night. We are happy to advise on
accommodation in throughout Mexico and to make any reservations on behalf of our clients. ( In
some cases we will ask for the client’s credit card number to secure the booking.)
Climate: The climate of Mexico is extremely varied, ranging from hot dry deserts in the North to
wet, humid jungles in the South. Higher elevations tend to be more temperate with mountain
peaks that can get chilly. All of our trips are scheduled to coincide with most favorable weather
and the most interesting local festivals and celebrations.
Copper Canyon:
You can expect days in the 60° F – 90° F with nights dropping down to the 40° F – 50° F in the
Sierra Madre, and occasionally below freezing in the high canyon regions.
Baja:
You can expect days in the 60° F – 90° F with nights dropping down to the 40° F – 50°F on the
beaches of Baja.
There is no shortage of sunshine in Mexico so it is advisable to bring a strong sunscreen or suntan
lotion to avoid sunburn. Remember to bring a strong insect repellent (23 to 28 percent DEET)
from your home country, as it is not always available in Mexico.
Group Sizes: We operate our trips with a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve clients. In
the event that the minimum number has not been reached we reserve the right to either cancel the
departure or offer a smaller group of one or two clients a different date or custom price. Please
note that we have run trips for two clients and will continue to do this wherever possible.
Pace: This adventure involves several days of moderate-to-strenuous walking and hiking. The
hiking days are moderate to strenuous and most clients who exercise regularly and have outdoor
experience will be suitable for the Copper Canyon hiking trip.
Age Limit: 18 - 70 years unless by prior arrangement. We will permit children over 10 to travel, as
long as they have the stamina and attitude to complete a trip of this nature. Furthermore, a legal
parent/guardian must accompany them. We would prefer children to be confident in the
outdoors. We will request travelers under 18 years old and over 70 years old to complete a
medical/suitability questionnaire before their booking is confirmed.
Non-paddlers/hikers: For the Copper Canyon hiking trip, if there are less active partners who still
want to join the fun, we can arrange an easier itinerary which follows a similar route taken by the
others meeting up whenever possible at night (not every night). This will be guided where
necessary (with occasional vehicle assistance to enable him/her to make up the distance). Price will
be calculated according to the number of non-paddlers/hikers in the group. Please ask for details
and prices.
Water: During the trip we are always equipped with 5-gallon jugs of certified purified water.
Clients should bring at least one water bottle or camelback to fill for their personal daily drinking
supply. Water is always available at camp, hotels and lodges.
Equipment: A full supply list is attached to this note. On our camping trips, we recommend that
clients bring a sleeping bag. The sleeping bag should be 3 or 4 seasons rated and should be carried
in an effective stuff sack. We can rent sleeping bags to guests (this must be indicated at the time of
booking). For those clients renting a sleeping bag, we recommend you bring a sleeping bag liner
(available in silk, cotton and fleece) for your comfort and hygiene.
Transfer Times: All airport transfers are less than 40 minutes except the El Fuerte – Los Mochis
transfer, which takes one hour and forty five minutes.
Tips/Gratuities: All tips for waiters, hotel staff, porters and maid service is included in the trip fee.
The only tips that are not included are those for the local guides in the Copper Canyon, Espiritu
Santo, and Magdalena Bay and the Journey Mexico Trip Leader. The Trip Leader will help to
organize the tip for the local guides and is customarily between $5 - $10 U.S. a day or $3 - $5 US
for a half day tour. At the end of the trip it is customary for each client to contribute towards a tip
for the Trip Leader who has organized and coordinated the journey. The normal
amount given by each client to the tour leader is between $7 and $15 a day for
each day of the trip. Of course, it is up to the client to decide on how much they would like to
give. This is typically presented by one of the group to the guide at the end of the trip.
Single Supplements: For those clients who prefer not to share, we can offer single accommodation
in tents and in hotels. The single supplement is $480 for Baja/Copper Canyon trip. This payment
is to secure extra single accommodations in hotels.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS:
Accommodation
Baja/ Copper Canyon Adventure: While camping, we use comfortable 3-person tents and in
Magdalena Bay, stand up fixed, canvass safari tents , which are roomy, comfortable and able to
withstand the sometimes-high winds in the area. Accommodation is based on twin-share. If clients
require single accommodation, we will make an extra charge.
Some of the camping will be true ‘wilderness’ style camping (referred to in the detailed itinerary as
“Wild camp”) with the only washing facilities being in a river or sea. Showers are sometimes
available in the gardens of people residing in the Copper Canyon. Guests typically set up their
own tents in the Copper Canyon and on the Isla Espiritu Santo.
Hotels on this trip are charming and clean, family run establishments. All have private bathrooms.
Meals
Baja/ Copper Canyon Adventure: Meals are varied and wholesome and include fresh beef and
local fish, tortillas, chicken, and beans. Fresh fruits and vegetables are served whenever available.
All meals are prepared for guests.
Packed lunches are prepared at breakfast and are carried with us in daypacks. Lunches consist of
sandwiches (e.g. tuna, cheese, ham, peanut butter, salami), fresh fruit; trail mix, chocolate, cookies,
snacks etc. Clients are responsible for looking after their lunch boxes (provided by trip leader).
Breakfast is normally hot and cold cereals, toast, jams, marmalade, coffee, tea and juice.
Eggs, bacon, fresh tortillas and salsa are also common.
Vegetarians can be well catered for and clients should indicate their requirements at the time of
booking.
All meals, excluding wine alcohol and beverages, are included in the trip price. In hotels this will
be the ‘menu’ consisting typically of a soup or salad to start, a main course of beef, chicken, fish or
vegetarian entree and a dessert (usually fruit). Breakfast and packed lunch is included daily during
remote hiking/paddling days. Meals on arrival and departure day are not included.
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:
Please find below a recommended clothing list for our adventure trips in Mexico. From our
experience, this list will be adequate to cope with the demands of traveling in Southern Baja, and
the Copper Canyon. The climate is famously unpredictable and weather changes in an instant.
Temperatures vary between 60°F and 90°F during the day but at night it can drop to freezing. The
wind can be very strong so windproof clothing is especially important. Gortex and fleece are good
options for keeping out both wind and occasional rain and even snow in the high sierra. Layers
are essential and will allow you to regulate your temperature as conditions dictate.
Gear
• One heavy duty duffel/backpack
• A day pack or fanny pack for snacks, water and other personal items
• 2 one liter size water bottles
• Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
• Sleeping bag (can be rented)
• Rain parka or poncho
• Light weight hiking boots
• Tevas or sandals for water crossings
• Matches or lighter
• Watch with alarm
• Pocket knife
• Moleskin AND Secondskin for blisters
• Camera batteries and films
Clothing
• 2 pair loose fitting long pants one warm (i.e. Fleece) , one cool (i.e. Capilene)
• 2 pair light weight bermuda shorts (long shorts are preferred in Mexico)
• Swimming suit
• 4 t-shirts (preferred over tank tops)
• Several changes of underwear and socks
• 2 long sleeve shirts - one heavy and one lightweight
• Fleece or other light jacket
• Wind breaker/gortex jacket
• Light wool hat and gloves
• Hat with brim for sun protection /visor/bandana
• Sun glasses (with leash)
Toiletries in ziplock bags
• Biodegradable Soap
• Sun Screen
• Lip Balm
• Towel
• Packaged Towelettes
• Tooth Brush And Paste
• Medicines
• After Sun Cream
• Small First Aid Kit
• Insect Repellent (Skin So Soft Works Well)
• Shampoo/Conditioner - Biodegradable
• Deodorant
Travel Essentials
• ID/Passport
• Airline tickets
• Money belt/pouch
• Travelers checks (UD$)
Useful items
• Spanish phrase book or dictionary
• Travel alarm clock
• Any ‘special’ or herbal tea bags that are essential to one’s well being!
• Small camping pillow
• Fleece, silk or cotton sleeping bag inner (recommended if renting a sleeping bag)
• ‘Wet wipes’ or similar travel wipes
• Tissues
• Sweat pants or other comfortable pants for optional hikes and relaxing at camp/hotel
• Reading material
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