The Mission Trail Expedition with the Baja Outback allows visitors to learn about the history of the Jesuit missions in and around the region, including the very first mission built in Baja at Loreto in 1697. Just a short distance up the road on highway Number One, the mission in Mulege built in 1705 is truly set in the middle of an oasis. La Purisima is the eighth mission in the chain, and a stop at the San Javier Mission regarded as the most beautiful chapel in Baja is absolutely worthwhile. This expedition includes a visit to the cave and rock mural paintings providing a first hand history lesson that predates that the oldest human existence in America, found in the San Javier Mountains, and painted some 7,500 years ago.

Day 1: Our Baja Outback crew and Humvee caravan will be waiting. Upon arrival in Loreto, all guests will be smoothly transferred to the determined hotel. Welcome You To Loreto! Enjoy a “welcome dinner” with the Baja Outback Nature-Guide and Trip Director who will subsequently introduce the Mission Trail Expedition, issue a guide kit with informational packets about the beautiful Baja and its habitats, maps, and an outline of what will take place in the next few days during the expedition. D

Day 2: Begins with a foot-tour in the traditional downtown area of Loreto. Loreto was the first and oldest Mission of the California’s founded in 1697 by Jesuit Juan Maria de Salvatierra. You can still visit the original mission and a small regional museum as well. Afterwards, participants drive themselves up the coast in a caravan of Humvees to the pristine beaches found in magnificent Mulege. The Mission of Mulege was founded in 1705 and was not finished until 1766 some 51 years later. B, L, D

 

Day 3: Making an unforgettable visit to the mountain range which houses cave and rock mural paintings created some 7500 years ago. This interesting look at native peoples in the Baja Peninsula provides a memorable, first-hand history lesson that predates the earliest settlers of the area. Be sure to bring the cameras…B, L, D

Day 4: Upon returning to Loreto, participants will visit the mission site called “La Purisima.” This is the 8th mission site of the California’s region, and was founded in 1717 by Jesuit Nicolas Tamaral. Very little remains stand today at the original mission site. In addition to “La Purisma,” guests will visit San Miguel and San Jose de Comondu, about two miles apart. In 1750 the Austrian father Franz Inama began the construction of a temple. A large part of the church was demolished, with large sections of walls lying in ruins around the building, allowing for scope in the magnitude of the original structure. The last mission before returning to Loreto will be a visit at the incredible San Javier Mission. Not only a mission, but the beautiful chapel was built on a mountain spring back in 1699, by Father Piccolo. After this profound day of Mexican culture and tradition in the Baja Peninsula, the staff from the Baja Outback will wish the participants the best and a farewell, “Adios y Gracias!” for sharing the History of Baja with us! B, L

B, L, D Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner