Ecological & Adventure Tours of Baja California

About our guide: Lic. Francisco Detrell Rodríguez

EcoTur is owned and operated by friendly, knowledgeable and bilingual, Francisco Detrell. He speaks Spanish and English, and has over 30 years of experience in this business. Francisco is a native of Ensenada, Baja California and has been exploring the peninsula since his teens. His interest in Baja California began with off road surf adventures to the south of Ensenada years before the Baja Peninsular Highway was constructed.

Francisco attended university in Baja California and studied Tourism. Upon graduation, he began work as an advisor with the Baja California Secretary of Tourism before starting his own company. His knowledge of this magnificent peninsula, it's secret spots and it's people goes beyond most anyone associated with the tourism business in Baja California.

His resume includes work and lectures with universities in both the U.S. and Mexico. He worked with Lonely Planet as the guide & advisor for their travel T.V. show, "Lonely Planet Travel". Currently he is a guest speaker for A-16 Outdoor Stores in California and also leads tours for many university-funded students tour programs in California. Francisco also lectures and leads tours at the International Spanish Institute in Ensenada.

The philosophy of EcoTur is to work with ecologically sound companies and individuals. Also, he supports working with the local people in order to make them an active part of the economy and their environment. This will help keep the fragile environment which is Baja California together for future generations to enjoy.

Circuits

Kayaking Trips

Bahia de los Angeles Kayak expedition

Paddle through the beautiful Bay of L.A. and visit it's numerous islands. Snorkle in it's clear and warm waters, and hike it's mountains. This is one of Baja's premier kayaking locations.

Cave Painting Trips

Mural Cave Painting of the Sierra de San Francisco

This physically challenging trip offers the opportunity to witness the most significant cave paintings in the world. This 10,000 year old artwork is found in a step walled canyon that offers an incredible backpacking and camping experience. Participants must be in good physical condition. Burros will be used to pack in supplies and an extra mule will be available for safety transport. Also, if you are experienced at horse or mule riding, we can arrange for the trip to include mule transportation for an additional cost.

Whale Watching Trips

The Gray Whales

Thank you for your interest in what has been truly a trip of a lifetime for our small groups of Baja California Adventurers over the past seven years. We pride ourselves on leading safe, enjoyable and personable whale watching trips to Baja California. We are committed to a small group and friendly atmosphere. We limit our group size significantly. Eight people plus two leaders travel together in one 15 passenger Ford Van. Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammon’s Lagoon) is located approximately 500 miles down the Baja California Peninsula. Guerrero Negro is a very small town made up of a population of 7900 people. The Salt Works and Fishing comprise the majority of the economy. Tourism only comes during whale watching season.

Baja Missions Trips

Mission Tour Sierra de la Giganta

Visit the most beautiful oasis of the Sierra Giganta and the sites of the oldest missions of the peninsula. This tour is directed to mountain bikers, hikers and the general public. The degree of difficulty varies according to each person's ability. Easy to difficult. Riders may board the chase vehicle at any time during the trips. We will visit all archaeological & historical sites while on the tour including Baja's oldest missions, Loreto & San Javier. You'll also meet visit ranchos, and meet the ranchero's who work here, from Baja's oldest families, and view Baja's oldest grape vines planted by the first missionaries in the 1700's.

Santa Maria Oasis

The Oasis of the Mission of Santa Maria is well known, but few people have been there. Very few! Imagine Blue Palm Trees surrounded by two exuberant springs forming the Oasis of Santa Maria. The Jesuits, in 1767, chose this beautiful area to establish their last mission in Baja California. Without question, the best attraction of the area is "La Poza de la Escuadra", a huge natural pool surrounded by gigantic granite rocks. This tour is rated medium in physical difficulty and is geared for the self-sufficient day hikers and mountain bikers.

Bahia de los Angeles & San Borja circuit

During this trip we will visit the beautiful beaches of Bahía de Los Angeles and the museum of the area. We will also visit an ongoing project for the protection of marine turtles. From there we will view the incredible Pinturas Rupestres of Montevideo and Las Tinajitas. Finally we will camp at Mission de San Borja (founded in 1759) which is situated in the middle of an oasis surrounded by a forest of giant Cardon cactus. An enjoyable trip for the whole family.

Hiking & Biking Trips

Stargazing at the national Observatory in San Pedro Mártir

Visit the National Observatory of Mexico and enjoy the flora and fauna of San Pedro de Martir National Park. Camping and day hiking are the activities. This is a very relaxing trip.

La Lobera Circuit

Combine a visit to Mission San Vicente Ferrer with exploration of the petroglyphs in La Llave and La Lobera caves and you will have a great adventure. Both mountain bikers and hikers welcome.

Waterfalls of San Pedro Mártir National Park

This remote location offers backpacking through a riparian zone of Alder, Oaks, Pine and exotic ferns. The stream that we follow to a magnificent waterfall is filled with Rainbow Trout and abundant swimming holes. Participants must be in excellent physical condition.

Picacho del Diablo

A summit attempt of the highest peak in all of Baja, Picacho del Diablo. Backpack and climb through pristine Pine and Aspen forests to reach the incredible views of the Sea of Cortez to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. This trip is only for experienced backpackers in excellent physical condition.

Backpack Trips

Backpacking through the beautiful Sierra of San Pedro Martir. Visit Aspen Groves, viewpoints and the blue bottle (beginners and intermediate).

Canyon Guadalupe & Oasis

Enjoy your own private hot spring in the middle of your campsite. Located in a remote canyon of the Sierra de Juarez this area provides excellent cave paintings and petroglyph opportunities as well as wonderful day hiking.

Laguna Hanson | Guadalupe Canyon | laguna Hanson

Backpack down the easy trail to Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs, then hike back through the canyon up to Laguna de Hanson lake in the middle of Baja's high mountain pine and fir forests (only for experienced backpackers).

Ranch Hand Trip

Baja Rancho La Mentada. Be a Baja Californian Cowboy for a weekend! Or at least have fun trying to be one! Enjoy:
-Private accomodations
-Excellent food
-Transportation through dirt roads
-Horseback exploration

Archeological and natural Circuit

This trip consists of viewing cave paintings in La Rumorosa, visiting the panoramic observation point of the spectacular Tajo Canyon, and finally, we will camp at Laguna de Hanson. This is an enjoyable trip for the whole family.

Backpack trip

Sierra de Juárez. Day hiking exploration through Rancho San Luis, Viewpoints, and Laguna Hanson lake.