Itinerary

The itinerary below is a sample itinerary. Depending on the group and travel times, the actual itinerary may vary in day-by-day content and total number of days. Call us (888-359-3801) for specific details.

Day 1. Arrive in Loreto, Mexico
After arriving in the afternoon to Loreto, we settle into our hotel, take a short city tour and then head to dinner. The surroundings are beautiful: the striking Sea of Cortez with the backdrop of the 3,000-foot Sierra de la Giganta mountains. This evening, a local park ranger provides an overview of the area and the challenges faced in preserving the nearby Parque Marino Nacional Bahia de Loreto.

Day 2. Mountain Communities & A Historic Legacy
This morning we head out early up into the mountains. Along the way, we stop and visit ancient cave paintings, swim in desert oasis pools, and discuss the missionary history of the region. We spend an afternoon with ranching families as we learn how they live and survive in the region. We’ll learn to make tortillas, goat cheese and much more. We finish the day with a visit to the San Javier Mission.

Day 3. An Introduction to Desert & Reef Ecology
We return from the mountains to our coastal paradise: El Santuario. To the untrained eye, the desert can be a wasteland and the sea, an abyss. We plan to learn otherwise! This afternoon, we set out on a desert hike to work with naturalists to discover the delicate balance of life between plants and animals in this diverse desert. To cool off, we’ll hop in the Sea of Cortez and search for clams. In the evening, we’ll learn about sustainable living styles and discuss sustainable development.

Day 4. Desert Research & Intro to Kayaking
Today we launch into our field research project: comparing dune protection strategies along the coast. We collect data and analyze results and present solutions. We’ll also learn the basics of kayaking in preparation for our overnight journey in the days to come.

Day 5. Student Lifestyles & Community Service
Today, we head out on a sunrise hike from a spectacular vantage point. Later, students learn from students as we spend the day conducting community service with local Mexican students. In the process, we’ll engage in cross-cultural activities designed to expose students of both cultures to each others’ lifestyles and customs. This evening we’ll head out to look for scorpions, owls and much more!

Day 6. Kayak Excursion: The Sea of Cortez
For the next two days, we set out on a guided kayak expedition to reach some of the relatively untouched regions of Loreto Bay National Park. Along the way, we will snorkel, hike, and relax, paddling about 2-4 hours per day. Each hour of the trip will bring a deeper understanding of the ecological diversity of both the desert and the sea. Through hands-on research activities, students will gain a sense of appreciation for the complex science behind conservation efforts in the region. The evening will offer the opportunity for quiet reflection on the importance of conservation and in-depth discussions of the role students can play in conservation efforts. We’ll sleep out on the beach under the starlit sky.

Day 7. Kayak Excursion: Tidal Pool Ecology
Today, we explore tidal pools and learn about the vital role they play in the ecosystem. We’ll snorkel and explore reefs as well. Later in the day, we paddle back to Loreto. We’ll have some last minute opportunities to shop and relax in the not-so-big city.

Day 8. Que le vaya bien!
This morning, we say “adios” and return home via Loreto. As they say in Mexico, “Que le vaya bien y regrese pronto,” or “Travel safely and return soon.&8221;