Escape to sunny Baja California

Hop on our affordable backpacker bus tour of Baja, Mexico . . . it has it all! Watch leaping dolphins and soaring manta rays from our private beach camp; snorkel through turquoise waters; stand in the shadows of towering cacti; and explore remote villages. Here's the details: http://www.greentortoise.com/adventures/baja.mexico.whales.beach.html Our affordable Baja camping holiday departs San Francisco on Friday night, with brief stops in Los Angeles and San Diego. Once south of the border the next day, you can sample fish tacos, shop and celebrate with fresh lime margaritas in Ensenada. Kick back on the adventure bus with your new friends and take in the cactus-coated landscape as the Tortoise travels through northern Baja. Wake up to a fresh continental breakfast in the stark desert of central Baja. If in season, we may watch whales at Ojo de Liebre before dining under the stars by a freshwater lagoon near San Ignacio. Take a dip in the fantastic swimming hole, or visit the sleepy town square and the beautiful Mission San Ignacio. Our final night drive brings us to Playa Escondida, our hidden, private beach camp where the Sierra Gigante meets the Sea of Cortez. By night, you can camp right on the beach in your own tent or under the stars; by day, numerous activities await you! A short hiking trek will take you through the narrow slot canyons for panoramic views of our beach and surrounding islands. The snorkeling here is some of the best in all of Mexico and should not be missed ÂÂ- bring your mask and snorkel, or rent some gear at the beach! A two-hour hike from camp brings you to tidal hot springs nestled in an azure cove. Other optional activities include a coastline boat trip to a small fishing village, sea kayaking to offshore islands, or a mule ride into the surrounding mountains. To wrap up our stay in the area, we enjoy an authentically prepared Mexican meal at Rancho San Cosme. Our journey home begins with a breakfast stop at Cataviña, where cave paintings are nestled within the cacti and boulders. We arrive in Ensenada in time for dinner and last chance souvenir shopping, then cross the border for early morning drop-offs in San Diego and Los Angeles, and roll home to San Francisco through California's Central Valley. Call 415 956 7500 ext 2 and ask for Ryn . . . I'll be happy to help plan your trip! Hasta Pronto!