Mexican Lifestyle and the Pacific Mexico City and a road trip in Baja California

From one world to another, from the city to the ocean, this journey is a mix of contrasting moods. The focus is on lifestyle and sensual pleasures, the common thread in the choice of accommodation, and the diverse range of experiences. First, you stay in Mexico City. A chaotic, sprawling capital, it combines Aztec ruins with futuristic skyscrapers, traditional tianguis (markets) with designer galleries and farm-to-table restaurants with fashionable terraces. The clash of history and urban spaces is dizzying and delightful. A short hop by plane and you arrive in Baja California. The southern one, which no longer has much in common with its US neighbour. Here you set off on a road trip, from the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean, along the Transpeninsular Highway. This desert eco-region with vast expanses of arid landscapes, is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors and untouched nature, with its cacti, beaches, wild islands and majestic sierras. Cabo Pulmo, your first stop, exudes an end-of-the-world atmosphere and is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. It's a haven for nature where you can really get away from it all. Next, you head north, reaching the rural setting and peace and quiet of Rancho Cacachilas, a 14,000-hectare (34,600-acre) ranch where life is simple and you soak up the beauty of the mountains, the sierra and La Ventana Bay. Then comes La Paz and the gentle charm of a small port on the Sea of Cortez. On the other side of this beautiful gulf - also known as the Vermilion Sea - the peninsula backs on to the Pacific Ocean. Jacques Cousteau called it the "Aquarium of the World". It's home to marlin, turtles, manta rays, fin whales and whale sharks. They all live here together and you see them when you go snorkelling. All that remains now is to discover the Pacific Ocean. So you head south, towards Todos Santos, a small coastal town that, in the arid landscapes of Baja California, appears like an oasis of greenery and freshness. Cooled by a mild breeze from the open sea, its acquifer is a source of fresh water enabling fruit trees and flowers to be grown. It’s a picturesque and wild end to your trip, at the crossroads of the desert and the ocean.

Your journey

You fly to Mexico City where you spend the first few days. From there, a quick flight gets you to southern Baja California in no time, to San Jose del Cabo to be precise. Everything runs smoothly, of course. Getting around the peninsula is so much easier with a rental car, which gives you the freedom to go where you want. To guide you, our mobile app will have saved your itinerary and will act as a GPS, adding recommandations located nearby. The hotels on your journey are all in a perfect location with a special touch that sets them apart from the run of the mill accommodation. In Mexico City, you take the pulse of the capital in a small, arty hotel with a relaxed atmosphere. In Cabo Pulmo, you stay just steps from the beach, in a hotel looking out over the wide open sea, with its own PADI dive centre. The ranch where you stay next is totally unique. With thousands of acres of unspoiled landscapes you can enjoy beautiful hikes against the backdrop of the sierra, along with delicious meals with an authentic local flavour. In La Paz, Spanish colonial style takes centre stage, with sea views. Finally, in Todos Santos, the journey ends on a particularly original note, in a collection of small, cheerfully eclectic casitas where hummingbirds flit around the gardens. To fill your days, we have planned several tours and some sightseeing. First you have a Mexico City market tour with a private guide and dinner at one of the capital’s top restaurants. We have taken care of the reservation. Then you enjoy a snorkelling trip in Cabo Pulmo National Park and a street art walk in La Paz. Finally, at Rancho Cacachilas, you take part in various activities to do with nature or life on the ranch. For any last-minute requests or slight hitches, you have the contact details of our on site Concierge, who can be reached at any time during your trip.