Historic Cave Paintings and Murals of Baja

Arrive in Loreto

After collecting your luggage at the airport, grab a cab to the hotel, where you can relax and simply drop your bags before heading out to explore lovely Loreto. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, it’s the oldest permanent settlement in the region, having been established by Jesuit Missionaries in the late 17th century. We’ve selected Loreto as our base of operations due to its sun-drenched beaches, outstanding hiking and whale watching opportunities, as well as its proximity to the islands of Loreto Bay National Marine Park, which we visit on our kayaking tours. 

We’ll congregate in the evening for a brief orientation meeting where you’ll have a chance to meet your guides and your fellow travelers. 

Note: This Baja hiking adventure requires you to be in good physical condition, and most people would consider this a difficult hiking trip. Some accommodation can be made for those wishing to ride a mule on the tour instead of hiking. In this case, you need to be able to mount and dismount on your own. However, the mules cannot take you to the actual cave painting sites, and to reach these requires scrambling and walking on trails with loose rock. You need to have good balance and be sure-footed. The first day includes a descent of over 2200' (700 meters) in just a few miles on a rough trail. On the last day, we return by climbing up this same switchback trail. The location is quite remote, and medical help is a long way away. Please inquire with your Adventure Consultant for more information.

ACCOMMODATION : Not Included

MEALS INCLUDED : None

Drive to San Francisco de la Sierra via Santa Rosalia and San Ignacio

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to depart Loreto for the spectacular drive to the port town of Santa Rosalia. This atmospheric former mining settlement was established by the French company, El Boleo, in 1884 as they developed copper mines in the region, and it retains touches of this legacy in its wooden buildings. In the heart of town, you can still see some of the huge industrial structures that were used up until 1954, including mining equipment, machinery, and vintage locomotives. 

The old mining company offices now house the Museum of Mining History, which we’ll visit for an insight into the people and events that have shaped Santa Rosalia. Also on our itinerary is a visit to the prefabricated iron church of Santa Barbara, which is said to have been designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) and first appeared at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris. No visit to Santa Rosalia is complete without a stop at the famous El Boleo Bakery, which will be followed by lunch at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey northwest to the mission town of San Ignacio. Here, you’ll discover the fascinating history of Baja California’s missions while wandering through this 18th-century settlement.

Back in our vehicle, we leave the coast and drive northwest to continue our exploration of Baja missions. After another couple of hours, we arrive at tranquil San Ignacio, an old mission town. We spend an hour or so learning about the history of the California missions and visiting the Spanish Mission, constructed in 1786. We continue on to the small pueblo of San Francisco de la Sierra, where we have dinner and stay in a simple hostel for the night.

ACCOMMODATION : Hostal Buenaventura

MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch, Dinner

San Ignacio, San Francisco de la Sierra, Guadalupe Ranch, and hike into Santa Teresa Canyon

We get up early to begin our hike. The air is crisp and clean in this small village, where the elevation is around 3000’ (1000 meters). We're met by our cowboys and mules, and while they pack up, we get our permit from the Mexican archaeology authorities and begin our hike to the canyon rim.

Within a couple of hours, we’re perched on the rim of Santa Teresa Canyon, ready to start our descent.

Juxtaposed against their red and brown hues are palm-dotted oases that seem otherworldly as they come into view.

As we descend into the Arroyo San Pablo, we’ll make our way to our camping area, where you can settle in beside the campfire as your guides prepare a delicious meal. Spend the evening listening to stories of the adventures had and what awaits over the following days. 

Hiking Distance: Six miles; 2200’ descent

ACCOMMODATION : Camping

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Santa Teresa Canyon + Arroyo San Pablo

The next two days will be spent hiking through the canyon’s steep-sided gullies and exploring its mural-adorned caves. There will be plenty of time to rest beneath the palm trees as we enjoy meals together in an environment that feels a world away from our everyday reality. 

A highlight will be the Cueva de la Soledad, which requires a bit of a climb to reach due to its setting high above the floor of the canyon. Take note of the human figures (known as “monos”) that are depicted on the cave walls, together with deer and birds. As we explore further, the cave reveals an unusual checkerboard mural featuring ochre yellow lines that are colored in with red and black.

Also of note is the Cueva de las Flechas (“Cave of the Arrows”), which is named for the human figures with arrows pierced through them that can be seen. It’s worth noting that while it’s common to see images of animals with arrows in them in the paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco, seeing the same in human figures is unusual. Each artwork we encounter is shrouded in mystery, with plenty for us to interpret regarding its meaning and symbolism. 

One of the most spectacular caves we will visit is the Cueva Pintada (“Painted Cave”), which features such a high ceiling that it’s believed the painters built scaffolding using native palms to reach it. It preserves the most impressive collection of paintings in the region, with images of humans, birds, beasts, and even sea mammals depicted. Due to its remote setting, it was largely overlooked by missionaries, and it’s thought that it didn’t become known to the outside world until the late 19th century. 

Not far from the Cueva Pintada is Boca de San Julio, which many people feel is the most beautiful of the painted caves in the Sierra de San Francisco. Facing south, it enjoys all-day sunlight, which only adds to its appeal. Look out for the pregnant deer and arched buck that can be seen leaping, together with an image of a healthy sea lion. 

Boca de San Julio is not far from Los Musicos, a cave that features a mural of human figures set across white lines resembling musical staffs. Some interpret this as the human figures being musical notes dancing along a score. 

Hiking Distances: Two - Four miles each day.  +/- 500' (150 meters)

ACCOMMODATION : Camping

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike out to Guadalupe Ranch + Return to Loreto

We’ll make an early start to the day and stop to see any caves that we haven’t already ticked off our “wish list”, with the knowledge that we’re among the few privileged enough to see these cave paintings. Before the heat of the day sets in, we’ll begin our hike back up the Arroyo San Pablo and ascend to Guadalupe Ranch, then on to the village of San Francisco de Sierra. 

Once we’re back on the rim, our van will meet us for the drive back to Loreto, with it expected that we’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel, where you can enjoy a refreshing shower and rest before meeting the group for a farewell dinner at the local restaurant, La Palapa. 

Hiking Distance: Six Miles. 2200' elevation ascent.

ACCOMMODATION : Not Included

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch

Flight home or onward travel

It’s time to say goodbye to your group as you make your own way back to Loreto International Airport or continue your travels through Baja California. We offer a variety of single-day Trip Extensions, as well as multi-day sea kayaking adventures through Loreto Bay National Marine Park. 

Note: The above itinerary is a guide only, and we are happy to organize a custom trip if you have a small group of six or more people who would like to visit other destinations.