Gold Coast Loop

Product Details

Combine the best of Baja with a taste of Mexico's mainland, including the magnificent Copper Canyon. Watch migrating gray whales, kayak the Sea of Cortez, join a guided trek to the highest waterfall in Mexico, and bask on the beaches of San Carlos.

Why buy this?

A few days spent at our hidden beach camp, within hiking distance of tidal hot springs and slot canyons, allows time for optional activities such as snorkeling, sea kayaking, mule trekking, or an excursion in a local fisherman's boat. We’ll board the morning train to the Copper Canyon. Rated as one of the greatest rail journeys in the world, this train crosses 37 bridges, and passes through 89 tunnels. Spend a few days experiencing the Copper Canyon at your leisure--options include hiking to hot springs, joining a tour to Basaseachic Falls (the highest in Mexico), and hiring a bike, or horse and guide, for off-the-beaten-track exploration. After rejoining the bus in El Fuerte, it's off to the beaches of San Carlos, before last-minute souvenir shopping in Hermosillo.

Itinerary

• Day 0: San Francisco (drive)
• Day 1: Ensenada (drive)
• Day 2: Ojo de Liebre (drive)
• Day 3: Playa Escondida (camp)
• Day 4: Playa Escondida (camp)
• Day 5: Playa Escondida (camp)
• Day 6: La Paz (hostel)
• Day 7: La Paz/Topolobampo (drive)
• Day 8: Copper Canyon (hostel)
• Day 9: Copper Canyon (hostel)
• Day 10: Copper Canyon (hostel)
• Day 11: El Fuerte (drive)
• Day 12: San Carlos (camp)
• Day 13: San Carlos (camp)
• Day 14: Nogales (drive)
• Day 15: San Francisco

What you get:

• All camping fees included
• Accommodation our custom designed Sleeper Coaches
• 60% of meals (food kitty is not optional)

What you don’t get:

• Hotels (4 nights)
• Copper Canyon Train Ride
• Ferry from La Paz to the mainland
• Mexican Tourist Card
• 40% of meals
• Guided hikes
• Sleeping Bag
• Tent
• Cost of optional activities (kayaking, mule rides, boat trips, whale watching-seasonal)

How it works

Our sleeper coaches make it easy to meet people. By day, play cards at one of the dinettes, enjoy a casual conversation with your neighbor on our custom designed couches, or take a nap in a cozy bunk. At night, the coach easily converts and is spacious enough for up to 36 passengers to sleep comfortably. On drive nights you will sleep on the bus. On camp nights you may sleep on the bus or camp out. The bus will be parked nearby. The campsites we stay at range from remote and rustic to full service with toilets and showers. A tent is highly recommended for this trip. A sleeping bag is required. This trip includes 4 nights in a hotel. The cost is not included in the price and we do not recommend advance reservations. The meals we prepare together are mostly vegetarian. Your drivers will do the shopping and organize the menu but everyone participates. We visit some of the most stunning places in North and Central America. Please help to preserve the splendor of these places by respecting our minimal impact ideals. The diversity of our riders adds to your experience. Look forward to coexisting peacefully with people of every age, race, creed, color, religion, persuasion and hairstyle. Generally, showers are available, but not always daily.

Cancellations and refunds

You are required to put down a deposit to hold your spot. The deposit goes toward the full cost of the trip. The balance can be paid to the driver at departure. If you cancel with more than 10 days notice, your deposit is transferable to another trip, less $10. If you cancel with less than 10 days notice, you lose your deposit.