Sea of Cortez Side Trip with a Newbie

Quote: Originally posted by Ateo

Taking a sea of Cortez first time down from SD for about four days in February. Not much time and I’ve set BOLA as the furthest destination I’m willing to travel in that amount of time. The person I’m going with doesn’t like fishing or dirt biking or long hikes. She’s more into tasty seafood, beautiful scenery, kayaking, and maybe chartering a panga to go for a cruise. We will be staying in hotels this trip. I plan on crossing in Mexicali and checking Gonzaga and San Felipe, probably for a quick snack and gas but probably taking her to BOLA since she’s mentioned that as a place she’s wanted to go. I also think that she would dig the Catavina area, cruising around the Cirios and Cardon fields so we may head back that way. My question to you is: Any other ideas? Any favorite hotels? I’ve stayed at costa del sol and Villa Bahia in the past. Now’s your chance to tell us your favorite things to do in that area! I was toying with the idea of staying at Gonzaga as well. Have a blessed Sunday Nomads. [Edited on 1-7-2024 by Ateo]

Quote: Originally posted by David K

The most dynamic cirio cactus

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Quote: Originally posted by surabi   Quote: Originally posted by David K   The most dynamic cirio cactus Not sure whether your last photo is referring to the super tall spiky plants as cireo cactus- if so, they are not- those are Pachypodium lamerei, which are succulents, not cacti. Pachypodium lamerei is a Madagascar palm: Pachypodium lamerei is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is a stem succulent, photosynthesizing mainly through its trunk, and comes from the island of Madagascar, off the east coast of Africa. It has large thorns and leaves mostly just at the top of the plant, and large, fragrant flowers. Wikipedia Scientific name: Pachypodium lamerei --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My photo is taken in Baja California, between Calamajué Canyon and El Crucero (north of the L.A. Bay junction)... Cirio (aka boojum tree) Consult this book if you like: OR: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boojum_tree Also: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fouquieria_columnaris

Quote: Originally posted by Terry28

Jon, It may be cold and windy during that month..plan accordingly, In BOLA try Los Vientos, great hotel, right on the water.

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by Ateo   Taking a sea of Cortez first time down from SD for about four days in February. Not much time and I’ve set BOLA as the furthest destination I’m willing to travel in that amount of time. The person I’m going with doesn’t like fishing or dirt biking or long hikes. She’s more into tasty seafood, beautiful scenery, kayaking, and maybe chartering a panga to go for a cruise. We will be staying in hotels this trip. I plan on crossing in Mexicali and checking Gonzaga and San Felipe, probably for a quick snack and gas but probably taking her to BOLA since she’s mentioned that as a place she’s wanted to go. I also think that she would dig the Catavina area, cruising around the Cirios and Cardon fields so we may head back that way. My question to you is: Any other ideas? Any favorite hotels? I’ve stayed at costa del sol and Villa Bahia in the past. Now’s your chance to tell us your favorite things to do in that area! I was toying with the idea of staying at Gonzaga as well. Have a blessed Sunday Nomads. [Edited on 1-7-2024 by Ateo] Go see the whales at san ignacio lagoon. Overnight at catavina on way down or way back. San felipe is ugly, avoid that area, best to see it from windshield, and never stop more than 30 minutes for lunch Go southbound on hwy 1 to do catavina, and northbound on hwy 5 to save time and see different scene.

Quote: Originally posted by David K

The most dynamic cirio cactus is on the roads to Bahía de los Angeles and down to Mission San Borja (a must see). No need to go to the cold-wet Pacific side unless you are surfing. Four days is short but a trip to both L.A. Bay and San Borja, via Gonzaga Bay should be a good introduction for your friend... San Borja photo album: https://vivabaja.com/san-borja/ Bahía de los Angeles info page: https://www.bahiadelosangeles.info/

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

In BoLA, drive out to La Gringa just before the sun goes down, find a spot on the beach and setup a good sized fire (they have firewood at the market at the South end of town). Bring a table (or truck tailgate) and cook up some seafood. Bring tunes and wine or beer. Also take a panga out to the local islands to sight see a beautiful cove, La Ventana, and the SS Minnow at the beautiful beach at Rincon. Panga can probably pick you up on the beach right at Los Vientos Hotel. I'll drop some GPS points and pictures later. Thanks for the laser guided advice! Direct hit on a great idea! Will do. [Edited on 1-7-2024 by JZ]

Quote: Originally posted by surfhat

The Valle de Cirios is not to missed and why I continue to choose to drive down Highway One and will very time. For sure, I could save a couple of hours on the 5 when heading to GN. At this stage of my life, I prefer the beauty of the Valle de Cirios and the Catavina desert region and will share that unique beauty with whoever rides with me. The Valle de Cirios never gets old and when it blooms, it is as spectacular a scene as there tis anywhere with multi colored flowers to the horizon. You better believe I always pull over for a walk around the house-sized boulders in the desert, whether it is blooming or not. It is that special of a landscape that calls for some direct experience by stopping and walking around such a region like no other. Peace love and fish tacos.

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone

As around about the whale sharks in BOLA. If it's reported they're around, find a panguero to go out on the water and find them for you. You can find a nice restaurant in San Felipe, at least some fish tacos on the beach to get into the Baja vibe.

Quote: Originally posted by Ateo

After sleeping on it, I think it would be a better idea for me to delay the trip couple months till it starts to warm up a little more, if that's the area I end up traveling through. Maybe whales instead........then Cortez side in April/May or June. I wanna be in the water more without a wetsuit!

xlnt plan Jon

Quote: Originally posted by Salsa

"Not sure if that is an issue with the Borja mission." When I went years ago, I couldn't get up a very slippery hill going in from the BOLA road. No problem getting in from Punta Prieta at that time. Don

Quote: Originally posted by David K

The cirios (boojum trees) are seen nearly all the way along the highway 5 and 1, from around Coco's Corner to the view of Bahía de los Angeles. [Goat, in this case a 'cactus' as a generic term for any plant, covered in thorns, native to the desert, but thank you.] If you are not in a truck or SUV, then pass on the San Borja drive... the mostly easy-drive-road to the mission (22 miles) was damaged by last September's hurricane. I did think you had a Tundra 4x4, however. Have a great time and try to have a day where you don't drive all day. Going to San Ignacio Lagoon is just not possible for a 4-day vacation unless driving 12 hours down there and 12 back is worth it to maybe see and touch the whales.