Prehistoric Rock Paintings of Baja
Not far from the whale-rich world of San Ignacio Lagoon lies the arid mountain canyons and wondrous ancient rock paintings. Hidden in secluded caves and shaded overhangs, you can find wildlife, humans, and other iconography depicted in white, yellow, red, and black. While Spanish missionaries may have discovered many of these prehistoric paintings in the 18th and 19th centuries, they remained largely obscured on the global scale until Erle Stanley Gardner wrote a Life Magazine article. Following this, UNESCO declared the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco as a World Heritage Site in 1993. These paintings are just as remarkable as the Tassil d'Anger in Algeria, Altamira in Spain, or Lascaux in France. On Baja Unbound's Cave Painting tour, you hike into the stunning volcanic rock canyons with cowboys and gear-carrying mules accompanying you. This active trip is best-suited for physically fit travelers, as the uneven trails and hot weather can be taxing. You also have the option of riding horses rather than hiking as well. We hike about 5 miles with a 1100' drop on our first day, and the following days include some challenging climbs into the caves and hikes through the canyon base. Our last day includes a return climb back out of the canyon. Each evening, set up camp near a palm-studded oasis. Camp is simple but comfortably immersed in nature with delicious meals prepared for you. Gather around a campfire, lighting up the dark sky each evening, and join the group in musings about the history behind the cave paintings and the cultures that grew out of their heritage.
In the book The Cave Paintings of Baja California, author Harry Crosby says, “In the sierras of central Baja California, hidden in most forbidding terrain, thousands of brilliant paintings survive in caves and shelters. Here, prehistoric people created giant images, heroic assemblages of men and animals. The Painters’ time passed, they laid down their brushes and disappeared, the art was lost to sight, and their existence was reduced to the breath of a legend.” This is a splendid introduction to the artistic legacy of the region.
On this amazing hiking journey, you travel to the equivalent of North America’s Lascaux caves. While no one knows why these great murals were painted, it is hypothesized that it was done in the context of shamanic rituals among these hunter-gatherer people. As one looks at the paintings, some on ceiling surfaces over 10’ above the ground, the natural question is “How did they reach those surfaces to paint them?” Scaffolding is the logical answer, yet such sophisticated engineering is not something we might normally associate with hunter-gatherer people. There are images of people, deer, big horn sheep, rabbits, snakes, birds, and even though over a week’s walk from the sea, marine creatures such as whales and dolphins!
Besides being in a remote part of the world, the other reason few visit these paintings is that getting to them is challenging. The trails are steep and rough. However, our trips offer you the advantage of mules that carry the weight of our camp, leaving you free to hike unencumbered. If you are in moderately good shape, get out and walk several miles a week, or ride a bike regularly, etc., then you may be a good fit for these trips. You also need to bring a sense of adventure, as this is rugged country where our itinerary is only a guideline. Travel logistics are simple as we provide transport to and from Loreto. We invite you to join us on what will no doubt prove to be one of the most amazing, thought-provoking vacation adventures you have ever enjoyed.
Note: Most people would consider this a difficult hike. Please be sure to read the trail descriptions here and in the FAQ. The rewards of this trip are great for those in good physical condition. On our first day of hiking, we follow a switchback trail with loose gravel and rock, and drop about 2200' (670 meters). Accessing the actual rock art sites sometimes requires scrambling and using arms and legs to climb through boulders or trails of loose rock. It is essential that participants have good balance and recent experience hiking on uneven surfaces in mountainous terrain.
For those who consider the hiking too difficult, it is possible to instead ride on horses or mules. We recommend previous riding experience, and you should be able to mount and dismount on your own. The mules are restricted to the main trails that access the canyon and our camping areas. In order to view the actual rock art sites, which are located above the main canyon floor, you must be capable of navigating narrow trails with loose rock, sometimes using hands and feet to pass through boulders.
On the last day of our hike, we climb out of the canyon, ascending about 2200' (670 meters). More details on the physical demands of the trip are found in the FAQ section below. Again, most people would consider this hike to be difficult in nature.
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Itinerary
Day 0
Welcome to Loreto in Baja!
Arrive in Loreto, headquarters for Sea Kayak Adventures’ operations in Baja! We have been based in this lovely town since 1993 and consider ourselves part of the fabric of the community. We are proud that we employ over 20 Mexican guides and support staff, support a number of local businesses, buy all our supplies locally, and generally have a large economic impact within Baja California.
On your arrival, catch a quick cab ride to our tour hotel. Drop off your bags and head out to explore this tranquil colonial town. Founded in 1697 by Jesuit Missionaries, it is the region’s oldest permanent settlement. Located on the Sea of Cortez, Loreto today remains idyllic in many ways. There are gorgeous beaches, whale watching opportunities, snorkeling, superb hiking, and it is our base for kayaking tours to the nearby Islands of Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Enjoy the town and waterfront promenade before we gather for an evening orientation meeting.
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.
Day 1
Drive to San Francisco de la Sierra via Santa Rosalia and San Ignacio
After breakfast, depart from Loreto toward Santa Rosalia, a historic French mining town still littered with mining machinery, French architecture, and large industrial facilities. We tour the Museum of Mining History and stop by the Santa Barbara Church, renowned for being designed by the Eiffel Tower's Gustave Eiffel. We finish our tour at the El Boleo Bakery before relaxing with a fresh lunch at a local restaurant.
Next, we drive toward the old mission town of San Ignacio. Learn more about Baja California's Spanish heritage as we tour the local mission.
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.
Day 2
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.
We will descend over 1000' on a rugged trail bordered with canyon walls and cacti, ultimately reaching Arroyo San Pablo. At our waiting campsite, our guides prepare a delicious meal; after, we gather around a campfire for stories and shared excitement for tomorrow's adventures.
Hiking Distance: Six miles; 2200’ descent
Day 3-4
In Santa Teresa Canyon and Arroyo San Pablo
Explore the surrounding cave paintings and arroyos throughout the next three days. Your days are filled with hiking through stunning landscapes, excursions into ancient caves, and picnicking under palm trees.
Look forward to visiting Cueva de la Soledad--a cave decorated with human figures, or "monos," as well as deer and birds depicted in red and black. One wall is decorated with an intriguing checkerboard, lined with yellow and featuring red and black boxes. It's a bit of a scramble to reach the cave situated high above the canyon, but the setting itself adds to the thrill of discovery.
We also visit Cueva de las Fleches, or the Cave of the Arrows. This cave is aptly named, as it features human figures oddly pierced with arrows. While many cave paintings feature animals pierced with arrows, human figures punctured with arrows are a much rarer depiction. Further, Cueva de las Flechas is known for its sophisticated portrayals of human figures. Attempt to unravel the painting's symbolism or story as you wander the dim cave.
One of the most stunning and dramatic caves we visit is Cueva Pintada--the Painted Cave. Stretching 500' (160 meters) from the base, scholars believe the ancient painters crafted scaffolding in order to reach the cave ceiling's heights. Well-preserved and extensive, Cueva Pintada has no equal. Observe images of beasts, birds, and humans--as well as the surprising sea lion or giant whale--in a cave holding three times as many figures as Baja's other cave paintings. Lying remote and relatively undiscovered until the late 1880s, Cueva Pintada retains its sense of mystery.
Neighboring Cueva Pintada lies Boca de San Julio, perhaps Baja's most beautiful cave with its sunlit walls and surrounding mountains. Boca de San Julio houses depictions of a pregnant deer, a buck seemingly mid-leap, and potentially a large sea lion.
Lastly, we visit Los Muertos, a cave known for its small depictions of human figures situated on a backdrop of vivid white lines resembling musical staffs. The overall effect is that of humans playfully representing musical notes skipping across two musical bars.
Hiking Distances: Two - Four miles each day. +/- 500' (150 meters)
Day 5
Hike out to Guadalupe Ranch, Return to Loreto
Rise early and visit any caves remaining on our "must see" list before climbing up the Arroyo San Pablo. Our journey continues to Guadalupe Ranch before taking us to the village of San Francisco de Sierra. As we walk, take in the unique surrounding landscape and remember some of the incredibly rare sights you've seen here.
Our van meets us on the rim and transports you back to Loreto. Arrive by late afternoon, settle into your lodgings for the evening, and rejoin with the group for our delicious farewell dinner at our local favorite, La Palapa.
Hiking Distance: Six Miles. 2200' elevation ascent.
* Be sure to read all of the FAQs for this tour in order to better understand the physical requirements.
Day 6
Return home or extend your stay
Catch your return flight home or extend your stay with more Baja adventures. Join us for some sea kayaking in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park or one of our many other single-day trip extension options.
Note: The above itinerary is one of several possible. If you have a small group of six or more people who would like to explore other areas with other cave paintings, we are happy to organize a custom expedition for you.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| Dec 06, 2026 to Dec 10, 2026 Lowest TIer Price | $2,390£0€0$0$0 | $2,390£0€0$0$0 |
| Dec 13, 2026 to Dec 17, 2026 Lowest Tier Price | $2,390£0€0$0$0 | $2,390£0€0$0$0 |
| 2027 | ||
| Mar 22, 2027 to Mar 26, 2027 Lowest Tier Price | $2,390£0€0$0$0 | $2,390£0€0$0$0 |
| Apr 07, 2027 to Apr 11, 2027 Lowest Tier Price | $2,390£0€0$0$0 | $2,390£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
2026/2027 Season Prices
- 2 guests: $2990 pp
- 3-5 guests: $2690 pp
- 6-8 guests: $2390 pp
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Fully escorted guided tour, including professional naturalist guides to accompany you
- All meals from breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day
- Camping gear
- Transportation while on tour
- All National Parks & Biosphere Reserve access fees required by itinerary
- Taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare
- Hotels before and after the tour
- Transportation to and from the Airport
- Meals in town
- Gratuities
- Extra souvenirs you wish to purchase
We are at the mercy of nature and other factors outside of our control. In these cases, we may alter the itinerary to mitigate these issues. Should weather, trail conditions, or other factors prevent the performance of this tour as written, we will do our best to provide a comparable itinerary and experience. We recognize this isn’t ideal; however, we have no control over nature, and we’ve found that most people prefer to still have a trip going, versus no trip at all. The safety and security of our trips is our top priority. Our guides will inform you as soon as any changes are made. ROW Sea Kayak Adventures reserves the right to modify and alter trip itineraries and will not provide any refund in these circumstances. For this reason, we highly recommend you purchase travel insurance.
Reviews
FAQ & More
How many people visit these cave paintings each year?
Fewer than 500 people make it to these remote canyons annually.
When is the best time to go?
We offer these trips from mid-November to early January and from late January through April, when the weather is most conducive to hiking.
How difficult is the hiking?
This is considered a difficult hike. The first day’s hike leading down to the depths of the canyons is a challenging day, dropping over 2000' (600 meters). We recommend the use of hiking poles. The distance is around two miles down, and the trail is comprised of dirt and loose rock. The elevation is not high, starting at about 3000’ (970 meters), so altitude is not an issue for most people. Once in the canyons, the hiking is more level, but is still on loose rock or riverbed cobblestones. Some of the climbs to the caves require travel over some steep stretches where hands and feet are needed to climb. On the last day, we hike back out of the canyon, slow and steady. We estimate the climb to be around 2200’ (670 meters).
If I’m not up for hiking, can I ride a horse?
Yes, if you think the hike may be too difficult for you, riding a horse or mule is an option. If you choose this option, we request that you bring your own riding helmet.
What gear do I need to bring?
Sea Kayak Adventures will provide you with a detailed packing list prior to your trip. We provide all of the necessary camping equipment for you to fully enjoy your adventure. For this particular tour, we highly recommend a broken-in pair of hiking shoes or boots as well as a pair of trekking poles for navigating the steep canyons. If you have any questions or need help deciding what to bring, you can call or e-mail one of our friendly Adventure Consultants at any time for some extra advice!
What is the weather like?
During the days expect temperatures between 70-90 degrees, depending on the month you visit. It will be warmer in April than in February, for example. At night, it cools down to 40-55 degrees. Packing clothing items that will allow you to layer is essential. We also recommend sun protective clothing for this adventure, as it will help shield your skin and face from direct sunlight.
What is the camping like?
We provide roomy 3-person backpacking-style tents for every 2 people. Many nights, people sleep out under the stars. We bring along a small portable kitchen and cook over propane stoves, serving ample but simple meals. There is limited water, plenty for drinking, but not for washing up. We take a small portable toilet and carry our human waste out of the canyons. We are proud to practice Leave No Trace camping techniques.
What is the minimum age for these trips?
We suggest a minimum age of 12 years old, but only if the youngster has had extensive hiking and camping experience.
How do I get to Loreto?
The Loreto Airport (LTO) is serviced by Alaska Airlines direct from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The flight from LAX to LTO is typically in the morning. Depending on where you are traveling from, you may need to arrive in Los Angeles a day early and stay overnight in a hotel near the Airport. Many LAX Airport hotels offer a free shuttle service to and from the Airport. WestJet has seasonal Saturday service (mid-February to May) direct from Calgary (YYC) to Loreto (LTO). As flight options for Loreto are limited, we recommend making your reservations as soon as your ROW Sea Kayak Adventures tour is confirmed.
Note: Loreto is also accessible through San Jose del Cabo(SJD) and LaPaz(LAP); however, both of these options will involve an additional internal flight or a long bus ride (5-7 hours) North through the Baja Peninsula.
Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?
Our tour costs are based on double occupancy on any included hotel nights. Solo travelers who would like their own single hotel room can pay a single supplement (see "Dates & Rates" above for the single supplement price for this tour), or can be matched up with another solo traveler of the same gender if one is available and willing to share. If we are unable to pair you with another solo traveler, we must apply the single supplement charge to cover our hotel costs. Solo travelers will always have their own tent during kayaking tours, at no additional cost.
What are the physical requirements for this trip?
This trip requires you to be in good physical condition, with good balance and sure-footing. You should have recent experience walking on rocky trails and uneven surfaces. If you choose to ride a mule, you must be able to mount and dismount on your own. As well, this is a camping trip, and we want to be sure that you are prepared, both mentally and physically, for the challenges it will present, and have clear expectations about the trip.
For more details on the elevations and distances hiked, see the itinerary and the FAQ "How Difficult Is This Hike?"
We do require that anyone over 70 or with any health or weight concerns consult us before signing up to make sure you are up to fully participating.
Reviews
Thank you for offering such an unique experience.
The Cowboys and Caves tour was quite an amazing and challenging expedition into the Sierra de San Francisco Mountains. The remoteness and shear beauty of Santa Teresa Canyon made this a once in a lifetime adventure. During our three days deep inside the Canyon we were surrounded by shear 2,000’ canyon walls, palm oasis, multiple cactus species, pooling water and 5 spectacular cave painting sites. Each one unique requiring the traversing of narrow trails to access wooden board walks with interpretive panels. Our cowboys, Jose, Javier, Lupe and young Antonio were local guides leading us down into the canyon. Their attentiveness to our comfort/safety and care of livestock should be complimented. These hombres went to extreme measures to insure we navigated the trails safely both on foot and atop of their sure footed mules. Guests without riding experience were safely guided up and out of the canyon. There were even times when they appeared out of nowhere to lend us an extra hand over car sized boulders. This trip is for individuals who are in shape and can tolerate high temperatures. Pro tip- Hike with the heaviest weight socks to avoid blisters. I was considering the heat and brought mid-weight socks and earned myself 2 blisters. Our SKA adventure guides, Jennifer and Rafa were top notch always smiling and engaging us with tons of factual information. The meals were expertly prepared and tasty. They were constantly checking on our well being to make sure we were hydrated and offereing precautionary electro lights. I would not hesitate traveling with this pair anywhere again. My only suggestion to improve the trip would be to overnight at Hostel Buena Adventura. It is closer to the canyon rim allowing for an earlier start to beat the heat. Thank you for offering such an unique experience. Can’t wait to join you at Whale Camp in 2027.
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