Compare Baja: A Whale of an Adventure by Thomson Family Adventures vs Highlights of Bolivia by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,090 | $ 2,399 |
| Price Per Day | $ 343 | $ 300 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners |
| Description |
This itinerary in the southern part of Mexico’s sunny Baja Peninsula provides an experience that cannot be matched. On this Mexico family vacation, you'll witness an extraordinary Baja whale watch! Experience hordes of magnificent gray whales using Magdalena Bay as their breeding and birthing ground at the tail end (no pun intended!) of their migration from the frigid and distant waters of Alaska. Two whale-watching excursions deliver an incredibly close view of these majestic giants breaching the surface – so close, in fact, that you may just get the chance to reach out and touch them! |
Expect the unexpected on an adventure through Bolivia, a country experiencing a surge in popularity due in part to its stunning landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of its indigenous populations. Explore the historic capital of Sucre and sky-high La Paz, experience life at a traditional hacienda, and watch the sunset from atop the sweeping Uyuni Salt Flats. |
Day 1: Depart home / Arrive San Jose del Cabo
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Santo Vino
Welcome to Mexico’s Baja! Bordered by both the wild Pacific Ocean and the protected Sea of Cortez, this finger-like desert peninsula is a haven for exotic plants, birds and animals (both terrestrial and marine) and home to friendly and welcoming people. Whether vacationing with teens or with youngsters—the Baja offers unexpected delights and adventures for all ages.
Days 2-4 – Todos Santos
An undiscovered gem, Todos Santos is back-dropped by the Sierra de Laguna Mountains and rimmed with gorgeous beaches and lush gardens. It’s an official Pueblo Mágico—one of Mexico’s 50 off-the-beaten-path towns known for their “magical” ambiance. During your time here, you and the kids will have the chance to make local friends and fully explore this fascinating, less-traveled area—on foot, by horseback, and in the water.
Todos Santos Historical Tour
Horseback ride on the beach
Fun with local kids
Hang Ten! Learn to surf
Beach time
Friends Across Borders Meeting (pen pals)
Dinners at Landi's and La Casita Tapas & Wine Bar
Hike striking desert cliffs overlooking the ocean
Beach Picnic
Mexican cooking lesson
Days 5-6: La Paz
Cross the peninsula, arriving in La Paz on the Sea of Cortez. Jacques Cousteau once called the Sea of Cortez— one of the planet’s most bio-diverse ecosystems—“the aquarium of the world” and “the Galapagos of North America.” Our adventure at Los Islotes today is a trip highlight—an unforgettable nose-to-nose (literally!) encounter with the local sea lions that thrive in these nutrient-rich waters.
Transfer to La Paz
Kayaking in picturesque, tranquil Balandra Bay
Swimming with sea lions
Dinner at El Bismarkcito
Day 7: La Paz / Magdalena Bay
Magdalena Bay is one of the best places on the continent to view the seasonal migration of California gray whales. From the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska, the grays begin their southbound journey in autumn, swimming more than 4,000 miles to the Baja coast. From late January through mid-March, the 35-mile-long Magdalena Bay, sheltered from the wild Pacific by barrier sand islands, serves as the whales’ breeding and birthing ground. During our time here, two whale-watching excursions will put you and your family right in the thick of things... you’ll be so close to these magnificent mammals, it will take your breath away.
Magdalena Bay whale watching
Day 8: Magdalena Bay
Meals: Dinner
Magdalena Bay – more whale watching
Transfer to Todos Santos
Day 9: Todos Santos to San Jose del Cabo / Arrive home
After a fond farewell, a Thomson Family Adventures representative will help with your transfer to the airport in San Jose del Cabo for your international flight home. Hasta luego...!
Day 1 La Paz
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
This adventure travels to high altitude, medically defined as anything over 8,000 ft (2,440m).
Day 2 La Paz/Sucre
Catch a flight to charming Sucre, then enjoy an orientation walk around the main square. This afternoon, relax at a local café, explore on your own, or opt to take an immersive tour of Sucre with a local expert that focuses on the city’s stunning colonial architecture and historic sites, best viewed from the ubiquitous rooftop terraces.
Day 3 Potosi Countryside
Enjoy free time this morning before travelling into the southern highlands to our historic hacienda. Surrounded by lush agricultural fields and rolling hills, this working farm offers unique opportunities for cultural exchanges with the resident family. Get a glimpse into daily life here while lending a hand at the dairy and in the fields, and step back in time during visits to the property’s private rooms, chapel, and museum. Cap off your experience with an authentic farm-to-table dinner featuring an array of local specialities.
Day 4 Potosí/Uyuni
Make the short drive to the centre of Potosí and enjoy a guided tour of the Casa Nacional de la Moneda, the old silver mint and now a museum dedicated to Bolivian art and history. Take a scenic drive to Uyuni, gateway to the world's largest salt flat. Learn about the industrialization of salt and the geographical history of the region while driving across this mirror-like landscape.
Note: During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.
Day 5 Uyuni
Journey deeper into the salt pans to explore their varied geographical features. Along the way, stop for a visit to the small community of Coquesa, located at the base of the Tunupa Volcano on the edge of the Salar. After this, have lunch on Incahuasi Island before continuing our exploration of the desert and its pans. Cap off the day with a sunset picnic on the salt flats before returning to the hotel.
In rainy season (approximately January to early April), it is not possible to visit the Coquesa community, and a box/picnic lunch will be provided instead, as well as a visit to the Train Cemetery.
Day 6 Uyuni/La Paz
Catch a flight to La Paz and enjoy free time to explore before joining the group for an optional dinner.
Day 7 La Paz
Awake in lofty La Paz, the highest capital city in the world. Spend the morning at leisure, or opt to take an excursion to see the stunning maze of canyons and spires in the Valley of the Moon. This afternoon, set out by foot, van, and cable car to discover this sky-high city with your guide. Explore vibrant squares, historical landmarks, and lively markets, learning about the balance of old and new along the way. In the evening, enjoy an interactive culinary experience at a popular local restaurant, including demonstrations on how traditional foods such as quinoa are integrated into modern fusion dishes. With a local chef as our guide, we’ll sample a variety of dishes and discuss the growing popularity of La Paz as a culinary destination.
Day 8 La Paz
Depart at any time.
