General: All of our trips begin in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico - airport code (LTO). The first scheduled day of all our itineraries is the arrival day and guests can arrive any time on this day. Likewise the final day of the itinerary is the departure day and guests can leave anytime on that day.
Airline Flights: At writing Alaska Airlines, (800) 252-7522, offers direct flights between Los Angeles International airport (LAX) and Loreto airport (LTO) on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and Friday (check alaskaair.com for added flights). During the winter/spring season demand is high so it is important to make reservations as early as possible. When scheduling flights on the homeward leg of your itinerary be sure to allow plenty of time between connections between your international and domestic flights as you’ll need to clear immigration and customs upon re-entering the US regardless of your final destination.
Travel Agent: We recommend Elizabeth Holmes Travel in Seattle for your travel arrangements. They are familiar with flights to Baja and our itineraries and can help you find the best airfare. Contact them at 1-800-588-8361or on the web at http://www.elizabethholmes.com.
By Bus From Cabo: Aquila Transportes operates service between San Jose del Cabo (SJD) and Loreto. Cabo to La Paz (2 hours) and then La Paz to Loreto (4.5 hours) with the overall cost for the whole trip at roughly $60. The bus services in Baja use modern, comfortable long-haul buses with air conditioning (and movies!). In bound we usually suggest over-nighting in La Paz then continuing on to Loreto the next day (the first scheduled day of the trip). La Paz is a thoroughly Mexican city with a charming Malecon (seaside drive) / hotel district and the bus ride from there to Loreto is very scenic. This option can often save money on a more direct flight as well as add another positive dimension to your vacation. Call our office for advice about making bus connections between Los Cabos airport (SJD) and Loreto as well as information about our favorite places to stay in La Paz and Cabo.
By Car: From San Diego the approximate driving time to Loreto is 16 hours (you will need to buy Mexcian insurance for your car). The driving time between Cabo and Loreto is six hours.
Rental Cars: Weekly vehicle rentals are available from any of the major car rental agencies in Los Cabos or La Paz and there's a Budget car rental agency in Loreto. Secure parking is available at the La Pinta hotel in Loreto.Hotel: We use the beachfront Desert Inn Hotel in Loreto (011-52-613-135-0025). All rooms have balconies facing the sea with a great view of Isla Carmen. The hotel has a beach, a pool and a decent restaurant. It is quietly off the main roads but a short walk from restaurants and shopping in the town center. The hotel has a secure luggage check for items not brought on the kayaking trip.
Health Concerns: No immunizations or vaccinations are required for Mexico and as general rule conditions in Baja are more hygienic than mainland Mexico. For your protection our trip water comes from purification plant in Loreto. On the trip fresh fruits and vegetables (organic when available) are good quality and plentiful. The range of restaurant food in Loreto is very good and safe (ask our group service representative or your guides for advice). Bottled water is readily available.
Safety; Although Loreto has grown over the past several years it still has the feel of small town and it is by all standards a very safe place. That said it is still prudent to use the same level of awareness and common sense that you would in any North American city
Weather: Loreto and vicinity weather in is generally mild in the winter with day-time temperatures averaging 70F to 85F and night-time temperatures 50F to 60F between December and mid-March. Spring day-time temperatures average 75F to 90F degrees and night-time temperatures average 50 to 65 degrees between mid-March and May. While In October and November, air temperatures range from 80F to 90K degrees and water temperatures range from 70F to 75F. Loreto is Sonoran desert and the possibility of rain is very small, but on rare occasions it can happen. Wind is a possibilty anytime but is more common from December through February. Sea of Cortez water temperatures range from 68F degrees in December to 75F degrees in May which typically requires the use of a 3mm shorty wet suit for extended snorkeling (available for rent).
Advice: If you have any questions give our office a call. We’ve traveled the Baja from border to tip and personally used all of the modes of transportation and routes listed above. We're happy to advise you on your travel plans and tell you about some of our favorite Baja places.
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