A Great Loop Around Part of the Vizcaino
There are many great places and wonderful business establishments along this loop. We have only included the ones we know and like, and some that others have suggested. We are always discovering new places and hope that others will share their favorites with us at info@bahiaasuncion.org This page will remain a work in progress.
The Vizcaino Peninsula and San Ignacio
San Ignacio and San Ignacio Lagoon
The beautiful colonial town of San Ignacio is located in a lush palm oasis just off of Baja's main highway. From Bahia Asuncion it can be reached by driving the70 miles to Vizcaino and then 46 miles south on Highway 1. It is one of the most charming towns in Baja California Sur. It is a place to visit one of the best preserved missions, a small museum, swim or kayak in the river, and just enjoy the ambiance and people in the central plaza. It is also the place to plan a whale watching tour, or perhaps a tour to the famous cave paintings in the mountains, and more.
The photos are of the entrance to San Ignacio, one view of the peaceful central plaza, and the Misión San Ignacio Kadakaamán. San Ignacio is one of our favorite places.
Links to A few of theSan Ignacio Acomodations --- And There are More Hotels
Hotel Posada
There is no webpage for Hotel Posada. For many years, we have enjoyed this family owned and run inexpensive hotel. To find the Hotel Posada, pass in front of the mission on the road that leads to the road for the lagoon. Hotel Posada is located on the right a few blocks from the mission. This picture is over 5 years old and will be replaced soon.
Proprietor: Antonio Fischer
615-154-0156 or 615-154-0373
Proprietor: Antonio Fischer
615-154-0156 or 615-154-0373
Casa Lereé
Beautiful Historic Building with Rooms for Rent
Casa Lereé Web Page
Even if one is not staying atCasa Lereé, it is a place to visit to learn about the history of San Ignacio and shop at the great gift shop
Proprietor: Juanita Ames
Beautiful Historic Building with Rooms for Rent
Casa Lereé Web Page
Even if one is not staying atCasa Lereé, it is a place to visit to learn about the history of San Ignacio and shop at the great gift shop
Proprietor: Juanita Ames
Ignacio Springs B & B
Located on the Rio San Ignacio --- A Unique Place on the River with Separate Yurts and Cabanas
Ignacio Springs Web Page --their web page is temporarily down as they change hosting services so please check their Facebook
Additional Tourist Services are Available
Proprietors: Gary and Terry Mercer
Located on the Rio San Ignacio --- A Unique Place on the River with Separate Yurts and Cabanas
Ignacio Springs Web Page --their web page is temporarily down as they change hosting services so please check their Facebook
Additional Tourist Services are Available
Proprietors: Gary and Terry Mercer
Both of the above links have good links to other places and services
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San Ignacio Lagoon and Grey Whales
Our favorite place to go whale watching is the San Ignacio Lagoon which is approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the town. The magnificent Gray Whales migrate from as far away as the Bering Sea each winter to lagoons in Baja where they give birth and mate. Usually, whale watching is best January through March. During the season, for the protection of the whales, only authorized boats with trained guides are allowed on the lagoon, and only a certain number of boats are allowed in the viewing area at one time. For the benefit of the whales, the birthing area is totally off limits. While never guaranteed, often these huge creatures come close enough to the small boats to be touched. Sometimes it is a mother who will push her baby up to see the tourists. The guides are very respectful and do not chase the whales. They will stop moving and allow the whales to decide when and if they want to approach. Beware, we have been sprayed by more than one whale as they are quite playful at times. Also, bring protection for your camera as when the boats are moving quickly, cameras might get wet. And, if the tide is low, you might need to wade out to the boat. Life vests are provided along with instructions that are for the safety of the tourists and the whales.
Part of the road is now paved, but most of it is dirt and can be a little rough. We prefer to drive out there on our own and join one of the authorized touring organizations. A few photos of the scenery along the route.
Part of the road is now paved, but most of it is dirt and can be a little rough. We prefer to drive out there on our own and join one of the authorized touring organizations. A few photos of the scenery along the route.
Links to Some San Ignacio Whale Watching and Tourist Companies
There is a dirt landing strip to accommodate small planes, or one can ride in one of the tour vans from the town of San Ignacio. Lots of different packages are offered. I am sure we have forgotten some good companies, and hope to hear from others about other companies. We would also appreciate any personal experiences. info@bahiaasuncion.org
Kuyima Eco Tours. We have enjoyed their services a lot so we have stayed loyal to them. While we have no personal experience with the other companies, we have heard good reports.
Cabañas San Ignacio
Pachicos Eco Tours
Baja Eco Tours
Kuyima Eco Tours. We have enjoyed their services a lot so we have stayed loyal to them. While we have no personal experience with the other companies, we have heard good reports.
Cabañas San Ignacio
Pachicos Eco Tours
Baja Eco Tours
A Few Photos of Whale Watching at the San Ignacio Lagoon
Back to Bahia Asunción via The Coastal Route
A part of this approximately 116 mile (186 kilometer) route is on pavement, but 60+ miles are on a dirt road. Usually parts of the dirt road are in very good shape and other parts can be very washboardy. In some areas, the locals use the smoother salt flats when they are not wet. Following a local person or their tracks is always advisable, and one needs to know the capability of their own vehicle. Gas is usually available in places from barrels, but it is a good idea to fill up in San Ignacio. This route will take you to a beautiful estuary, small villages known for surfing and/or fishing, and miles and miles of open space and empty beaches.
Campo Rene and Estero de Coyote
Approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of San Ignacio on the main highway is the turn-off to to Camp Rene and Abreojos. There is the restaurant, El Crucero on the corner. Following this road approximately 48 miles (78 kilometers) there is the well marked turn off to Campo Rene. Campo Rene is approximately 2-3 miles from the turn-off. Located on the beautifully peaceful Estero de Coyote, Campo Rene has about 10 rustic one room cabins for rent. The shared bathrooms and showers are quite nice. There are also several Cabanas for camping, a community kitchen and a very nice restaurant that overlooks the estero. It is a great place for fishing, bird watching and yes, coyote watching. Across the road from Campo Rene are several miles of empty beach. It is also a very nice place to just relax. It is one of our very favorite places to spend a couple of days.
On to Abreojos
Following the main road, aproximately 9 miles from the turn off to Campo Rene is the fishing village of Abreojos. Abreojos is well know to the surfing community. It is described on surfing websites as a place with consistent surf, best in the summer and seldom crowded. It is also a good place for sportfishing. The time of year and water temperatures dictate what one can catch.
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Credit for this photo goes to the I ♥ Punta Abreojos Facebook Page. At this time, please look at that open facebook page to see many, many great photos of this lovely village and beach areas. Our old photos from there were lost, and in the near future, we will have new photos to add. Our last trip around this loop was before the inception of this web site.
Accomodations
Chelo's Restaurant and Hotel
Located on the Main Street
Proprietor: Chelo Diaz
The owner is very active with the women's and environmental groups in town.
Photo to follow and more restaurants
Accomodations
Chelo's Restaurant and Hotel
Located on the Main Street
Proprietor: Chelo Diaz
The owner is very active with the women's and environmental groups in town.
Photo to follow and more restaurants
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Around the Point to La Bocana
The fishing village of La Bocana is located about 9 miles from Abreojos. The faster and smoother route, IF it has not rained, is a route on the salt flats next to the the lagoon. In Abreojos, look for the street, Miguel Dominguez. Follow the lagoon north to La Bocana. WARNING---STAY ON THE HIGH GROUND FOLLOWING THE ESTABLISHED TRACKS. DO NOT GO ON ANY SIDE PATHS EVEN IF THEY LOOK SOLID, YOU WILL GET STUCK. La Bocana is best known for its sport fishing. Fishing guides and the sport fishing boats are available through the fishing co-op.
For Good Information about La Bocana and Available Services, Please check out the following links.
Baja Bocana B & B
Located at the far north end of Calle Erizo.
Web Page with Lots of Information
Rooms and a Separate House for Rent
Other Tourist Services Provided
Proprietors: Les Heil and Blanca Portella
Located at the far north end of Calle Erizo.
Web Page with Lots of Information
Rooms and a Separate House for Rent
Other Tourist Services Provided
Proprietors: Les Heil and Blanca Portella
Vamonos Sport Fishing
Contact for Directions
Web Page with Lots of Information
Camper Trailers Available or Hook-ups for Your RV
Other Tourist Services Provided.
Proprietors: Scott and Kim Goodman
Contact for Directions
Web Page with Lots of Information
Camper Trailers Available or Hook-ups for Your RV
Other Tourist Services Provided.
Proprietors: Scott and Kim Goodman
On to Bahia Asunción
It is approximately 52 miles (83 Kilometers) from La Bocana to Bahia Asunción on a dirt road that can be very good, or quite washboardy in areas. After a rare rain storm, areas can be very difficult and are slow to drain. Much depends on your vehicle, but the locals drive all types of vehicles along this route. There are also areas where one can drop down to the salt flats, but again, please follow what the locals are doing and be very careful. Salt flats can be dangerous.
It is a beautiful drive with lots of places to sidetrack a short distance to empty beaches where some like to camp in isolation. When camped anywhere along this coast, you will probably be visited by the private security who patrol this coast 24/7. Their job is to protect the area from lobster and abalone poachers. The local fishing co-ops have the concessions and please remember, that it is illegal for anyone else to fish for any shell fish. If you need assistance, these security men will help, and often they just enjoy conversation.
Approximately 25 miles (40 Kilometers) before Bahia Asunción is the quaint and friendly very small fishing village of San Hipolito, followed in another 5 miles (8 kilometers) by Punta Prieta. While there are no tourist services, both of these villages are worth a visit. There is a very pretty road that goes by the lighthouse that connects these two villages. It can be a bit soft, but very doable.
The road from here into Bahia Asuncion is usually in quite good shape as these villages are a part of one of the fishing co-ops in Bahia Asunción and the children attend secondary school in Bahia Asuncion.
It is a beautiful drive with lots of places to sidetrack a short distance to empty beaches where some like to camp in isolation. When camped anywhere along this coast, you will probably be visited by the private security who patrol this coast 24/7. Their job is to protect the area from lobster and abalone poachers. The local fishing co-ops have the concessions and please remember, that it is illegal for anyone else to fish for any shell fish. If you need assistance, these security men will help, and often they just enjoy conversation.
Approximately 25 miles (40 Kilometers) before Bahia Asunción is the quaint and friendly very small fishing village of San Hipolito, followed in another 5 miles (8 kilometers) by Punta Prieta. While there are no tourist services, both of these villages are worth a visit. There is a very pretty road that goes by the lighthouse that connects these two villages. It can be a bit soft, but very doable.
The road from here into Bahia Asuncion is usually in quite good shape as these villages are a part of one of the fishing co-ops in Bahia Asunción and the children attend secondary school in Bahia Asuncion.
Just a Few Photos from the Drive from La Bocana to Bahia Asunción
