3 DAY, 2 NIGHT BAJA EXPEDITION:
HIKING + WINERIES + BREWERIES + BAJA CUISINE
April 19-21, 2024
The Ensenada region of Baja California, only an hour and a half south of the border from San Diego, offers spectacular hiking through the coastal and woodland landscapes in full spring bloom as well as an explosion of wineries, breweries and fine Baja-Fusion cuisine in the Guadalupe Valley. This trip combines the highlights of all of these for a small group of 8 guests who will also enjoy fabulous ocean-view lodging in one of the area’s premiere coastal communities.
GO member Mike Wilken, your guide, is an anthropologist and naturalist who lives in Baja California and has worked in the region for over 32 years. Dr. Gerry Chavez, driver and co-guide, is a local geographer with an extensive knowledge of the environments of the region. Both are happy to share their knowledge of native plants and wildlife, geology, native cultures and history for interested guests.
The $470 per solo person and $940 per pair cost includes a 3 day trip with transportation starting from the Tecate border and throughout the trip, three meals, ocean-view vacation home lodging, and an artisanal beer tasting. Guests cover four no-host meals, and any extra wine and beer purchases.
This trip is designed for 8 guests. Lodging is double occupancy in our comfortable ocean-view vacation home with extra sofas, living areas, kitchens, and garden spaces. Our transportation is in a 12-passenger van with room in the back for luggage.
Cancellation Policy - 100% refund if cancelled at least 21 days beforehand, 50% refund if less than 21 days to 14 days notice, no refund if less than 14 days notice unless canceling party finds a substitute.
MIGRATORY DOCUMENTS and crossing the border: Walking into Mexico: By parking on the US side of the border, you will avoid the long lines coming back, since you will walk back through the quick pedestrian entry at the end of trip. We will meet you on the US side and walk you through customs to our van. You will need to have a US passport and get a Mexican tourist visa (FMM) for this trip. You get it online, and there should be no cost because you are only going to be in Mexico for 3 days. Instructions will be sent to participants.
US Citizens must have a US passport for land-based border crossing back into the US. Non-US citizens should bring all necessary documents for re-entry into the US.
For more information, feel free to contact Mike Wilken: mikewilken@yahoo.com
HIKES EVERY DAY: Professor's Park and Las Piedras Environmental Education Center is an easy 2 mile loop trail near Tecate with trails through well-preserved chaparral vegetation, giant boulders and views to Mount Cuchumaa (Tecate Peak). Your guides Mike and Gerry will enhance your experience through their knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology, and indigenous history of the area.
Las Piedras Environmental Education Center
Trails through beautiful chaparral habitat at the base of Mount Cuchuma. Learn about traditional uses of native plants along the way.
Punta Banda trail follows the rugged mountain that forms the dramatic tip of the Bay of Ensenada, passing through fields of native Shaw’s agave plants and rare, beautiful coastal succulent scrub habitat. Our picnic spot provides breathtaking views of the Pacific coast. Approximately 4 hour hike including lunch.
Optional morning hike into coastal hills in the Ensenada region. Leaving from our host's home, we will take an easy 2 mile out-and-back hike into the hills overlooking Ensenada Bay. Enjoy panoramic views and the chance to learn more about the ethnobotany and natural history of the region. (Or just relax at our lodging and hang out in the fabulous ocean view gardens!)
DINING AND TASTINGS: Animalón Restaurant (group will decide on exact restaurant, the following are some examples)
Agua de Vid Restaurant
Wineries
The Guadalupe Valley is Mexico’s premiere wine-producing region.
Cava Sol y Barro
Clos de Tres Cantos
Casa Magoni
Cervecería Wendlandt, a hip and popular brewery right on the waterfront just minutes away from the Baja House.
BAJA HOUSE AND THE MEXICO HOUSE, which share the same garden and views. See a description of the Baja House here:
airbnb.com/h/baja-ocean-view-villa-rustica
We will also stay at The Mexico House, right next door with equally spectacular views:
EXPEDITION ITINERARY
Three days/two nights, April 19-21
Meals and tastings included in the expedition are indicated as "provided" otherwise they are no host (each guest pays own). Actual wineries and restaurants may change as we find out what each group prefers. We reserve the right to make minor changes as necessary to the published itinerary.
Day 1: Friday, April 19
9:00: Arrive to the US side of Tecate, leave cars in fenced parking lots ($5-10 a day) and meet 5 mins away at the Worthy Market on the first day. Guide will meet you there and walk you over border to get paperwork stamped and take you to the van.
10:00 Ethnobotanical hike at Parque del Professor in Tecate
12:00 Visit Tecate Community Museum
1:00 Lunch at Lugar de Nos
2:30 Leave for Guadalupe Valley
3:30 Visit Guadalupe Valley artisanal winery for wine-tasting and tour
4:45 Leave for the coast
5:30 Arrive at Vacation Home lodging, freshen up
7:00 Dinner along coast (Planta Baja?)
9:00 Return to the Baja House and the Mexico House, relax around bonfire
Day 2: Saturday, April 20
8:00 Breakfast at the Baja House (provided)
9:00 Leave for Punta Banda hike, spectacular coastal hike with panoramic vistas
10:30 Arrive at trailhead
12:30 Picnic lunch (provided) (Deli Loop)
1:30 Return trip to trailhead
3:00 Depart
4:30 Arrive in Ensenada, tasting at local brewery (provided)
6:30 Dinner (Mahi Mahi?)
8:00 Return to our lodging
Day 3: Sunday, April 21
8:00 Breakfast at the Baja House (provided)
9:30 Optional hike from the Baja House (or just stay and relax)
11:30 Pack up and leave the Baja House
12:00 Guadalupe valley
1:00 Lunch at Baja Fusion-style restaurant in Guadalupe valley (no host) (Finca Altozano)
2:30 Visit artisanal winery for tour and wine tasting
4:00 Leave for Tecate
5:00 Arrive at Tecate pedestrian border crossing, easy walk through customs and return to your vehicles.
The magic gardens of the Baja House, relax and enjoy!
Mike Wilken, your guide, is the author of the award-winning book Kumeyaay Ethnobotany.
