Missions / Discover Baja California

Missions trails

BAHÍA DE LOS ANGELES

Start the route by the transpeninsular highway #1 at approximately 356 kms. south of Tijuana and at 246 kms. from Ensenada in the village of El Rosario, where the road takes off from the pacific coast to turn east towards an elongated peninsular desert where the entrance to Valle de los Cirios is at. .

It is a protected natural area over 2.5 millions of hectares, which is part of an important biological corridor limited by the Desert of Vizcaino to the south, and by the Sierra de San Pedro Martir to the north, the three of them altogether cover more than five degrees of latitude of Federal Natural Reserve. Well preserved desert vegetation, along with the animals characterizing this kind of habitat, are highly attractive for visitors, and cause the zone to be of great biological and natural importance throughout the country. This area is named after the cirio, an endemic cactus of peculiar shape.

Continuing by the transpeninsular highway #1 enjoying of a wonderful trip of 105 km. to south of Cataviña, and once the highway turns southeast at the Parador Punta Prieta towards the Sea of Cortez for 69 more kms. we find a world full of diversity and life, which contrasts with a desert that seems to be untouched despite the years gone by. It is a place where dawns are emphasized with spectacular colors and nights show a clearly starred sky. One of the most beautiful bays of Mexico, which is protected by several coast islands headed by the Angel de la Guardia Island. This amazing bay is recognized by its rich diversity of sea, flora and fauna; it is the favorite place of water sports lovers, naturalists, eco-tourists and those who just like to relax and enjoy nature’s beauties next to the Sea of Cortez.

How to get there:
Departing from Cataviña, go south by the transpeninsular highway #1 for 105 kms. until you get to the Parador Punta Prieta, then head due east for 69 more kms. until you hit Bahia de los Angeles.

Activities: [+ info]

Camping
Kayak
Windsurf
Mountain bike
Scuba Diving
Whale Watching

Services:

In Bahia de Los Angeles there are dozens of camping and trailer sites along the whole bay. In addition, there are some rustic hotels and motels, shops, internet, commerce, sport fishing, and eco-tourist guide services, gas stations, a community museum and restaurants. We should mention that, due to the location of this community, water and electrical services are highly appreciated resources, so you should not consider inhabitants strange because of their capability to adapt to such issue.

WHALE SHARK

It is the biggest mammal of the ocean, it can weight more than 10 tons, and can measure up to 15 mts. it has become a spectacular attraction in Baja California, for tourists as well as for the locals.

The name for this peculiar specimen comes from the physical characteristics similar to those from sharks. However, its organism works in a different way, since they are bearded mammals that feed themselves with plankton as many other whales.

Groups of whale sharks gather together every year in the so called Canal de las Ballenas (Whale Channel), in the Bahia de Los Angeles village, from May to November, and the season with the highest recorded number of whale sightings is from June to September.

Due to the fact that Whale Shark actually swims at a surface level, it is amazing to watch this friendly and inoffensive mammal from a boat and when it swims next to it can be one of the greatest and most unforgettable life experiences.

CALIFORNIA GULF ISLANDS

As part of the incredible view of Bahia de los Angeles, there is a wide biological and ecological richness in these islands. Its climate is related to cool flows from the Pacific Ocean, which sends humidity condensations. The flora is one of the most important elements in this site, with almost 2,700 species of plants. The California Gulf islands represent an important place for several sea bird species nesting, such as sea sparrows; likewise, there are reproductive colonies of California Sea Wolf. The islands altogether were declared as a Protected Natural Area on august 2 of 1978, but it was not until late 1995 that operations started, there currently are personnel, infrastructure, and a management and work program for the development of several projects leading to the sustainable use of natural resources.

How to get there:

You may visit the islands by hiring a specialized guide in Bahia de los Angeles. For further information please contact the Regional Directorate’s office to protect the Flora and Fauna area of the California Gulf islands or a service provider within the Bahia de los Angeles area.

Main islands [+ info]

Angel de la Guarda
Granito
Estanque
Las Animas
San Lorenzo
San Esteban
Salsipuedes
Coronado
Turners
El Piojo
Raza
Mejia
La ventana
Cabeza de caballo
Partida

SAN FRANCISCO DE BORJA ADAC MISSION [+ info]

This mission site, named by the Cochimi Adac indians, was discovered since the year 1758 by priest Jorge Retz, a missionary from Santa Gertrudis, who immediately incorporated it to its mission as a visit site thus starting to evangelize the region.

The first church was made from adobe. After expelling the Jesuitas from Mexico, Franciscano priests, headed by Fray Junipero Sierra, established themselves here for five years, building a portico made of cantera stone in 1773, which still bears the code with Franciscan Monks’ emblem on the supported arch.

Later on in 1776, Dominico priests began to build a majestic construction with cantera stone that still exists nowadays. The mission was abandoned in 1818, after the extinction of the Cochimi Indians, mainly due to diseases brought from Europe.

Throughout the state of Baja California, there are a few buildings that greatly honor missionary architecture, and the religious faith symbols such as the Mission de San Francisco de Borja-Adac.

How to get there:

It is located 35 kms., away the Nuevo rosarito village; at 168 kms. South of Cataviña and 93 km. north of Guerrero Negro by the Transpeninsular highway #1. Departing from Nuevo Rosarito, take the unpaved road for 35 kms. towards northeast. It is at 635 kms. to south if departing from Tijuana. Another access is by taking the unpaved detour located just before getting to Bahia de Los Angeles which is a 33 kms. road usually in good condition.

Important:

Take care on unpaved roads towards the Mision and cave paintings, as well as to other sites of such zone, thus we highly recommend you: driving a high 4 X 4 vehicle, taking plenty of water and food, first aid kit and basic mechanical equipment along with a spare tire and, if possible, hiring a local guide in Guerrero Negro or Bahia de los Angeles.

SANTA ROSALILLITA [+ info]

We may find this peculiar and typical Baja Californian little town if we continue going south by the transpeninsular highway #1 at approximately 52 kms. south the Parador Punta Prieta, which shows the turning road to Bahia de los Angeles. This little town is mostly inhabited by fishers.

Activities:

Sport fishing
Camping
Kayak
Surf
Windsurf

OCEAN OASIS [+ info]

After crossing the mythical Cirios Valley, home to enormous endemic plants such as the boojum, tree and giant cardon cactus, the Sierra de San Borja Mountains give way to reveal a horizon as incredible as it is unique. Set in one of the most remote areas on the peninsula, steep mountains and craggy islands shelter this breathtaking bay of ocher-colored desert terrain met with the cobalt blue Sea of Cortez. The union creates a unique landscape unlike any other in the world whose beauty delights all who venture into the bay.

How do I get there?

At Punta Prieta Rest Stop on Federal Highway #1, continue east for 66 kilometers (41 miles). At the end of this guidebook, you will find a list of tourism service providers that can take you there.

An abundance of wildlife can be admired here in this ideal spot for sport fishing (scad, mahi-mahi, cabrilla sea bass, croakers, among others). Rightly named Los Angeles Bay, meaning Bay of Los Angeles, this area also has all the best tourist facilities to ensure that your stay will be a truly enchanting experience. In town you can hire locals to take you on a boating tour of the nearby islands. Some islands even allow camping as long as you first obtain permission from the Regional Management Office of Flora and Fauna in Protected Areas on the Gulf of California Islands (Ph. +52 01 646 172 5905). For your comfort, the town offers its guests a wide variety of restaurants, hotels, RV, parks, stores and internet services.

The Islands [+ info]

Declared Protected Natural Areas since 1978, the coastal archipielago of Los Angeles Bay is home to an endless number of marine birds and some groups of sea lions. Of volcanic origins and covered in brushwood, saguaro cacti and bushes, each island has a unique geological composition and ecosystem. The islands form one of the regions with the greatest variety of endemic species in the country. Delving into their crystal-clear waters means coming in contact with intrepid dolphins. When scuba diving you can explore the ocean floor and observe fish such as the whale shark (found between May and November).

MONTEVIDEO CAVE PAINTINGS [+ info]

Depart from Bahia de los Angeles south bound towards the Transpeninsular Highway #1 and, at approximately 10 km., turn left to the unpaved road which runs to Mission de San Borja Adac and, after enjoying a captivating rural road, you will get to a group of big rock structures, where you will feel the excitement of discovering the most diverse combination of cave paintings within the peninsula, which are several displays of abstract patterned paintings found on a wide area.

What to do:

Cave watching

How to get there:

Take the unpaved detour which runs to the Mision de San Francisco de Borja Adac, after a 3km. distance, take detour to the left and continue for 8 km. until arriving to the cave paintings.

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