Self-drive Mexico: Baja California

This morning you will have an early start, however this will be rewarded with a real once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the Teotihuacán pyramids, commonly known as the City of Gods, from the sky. Exploring by hot air balloon is the best way to appreciate the impressive scale and grandeur of the ancient site. You will also have a chance to walk around the Teotihuacán pyramids on foot after. You will then have the rest of the day at leisure.

Coyoacán is one of the capital's prettiest districts with tree-lined streets and plazas, a vibrant arts scene and some wonderful cafés and restaurants. Today's tour will introduce you to this arty part of town and its highlights like the Blue House, Frida Kahlo's Museum.

You'll be taken to the airport very early for your flight to La Paz, the capital of the Baja Peninsula. There, you'll pick up your hire car and head into town to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day at leisure.

Shared excursion to Isla Espíritu Santo. You will be amazed by the variety of seabirds, including the blue-footed booby. The waters surrounding the island often surprise the visitor with schools of dolphins, jumping stingrays and whales. The highlight for many is snorkeling with the fun-loving sea lions.

Today, you'll have a day at leisure in La Paz. Some of the peninsula's prettiest beaches are a 20-minute drive out of La Paz; you can arrange a tour to visit them or drive there yourself. Your Mexico specialist will be able to give you further ideas.

Self-drive to Loreto, a journey of approximately four hours. The Bay of Loreto National Park is home to dolphins, whales and pelicans. The city is backed by the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, where trails lead to prehistoric cave paintings.

Today you'll enjoy a watching tour in Loreto National Marine Park, where you might see blue whales.

Today, you'll have the day at leisure in Loreto. The town itself is easy and well worth exploring on foot. You could visit the mission church of Loreto, built in 1697, and the former monastery, now the Museum of the Missions, where you can learn about the Jesuit missions. Alternatively, feel free to organize another whale-watching tour independently.

Self-drive to Puerto Lopez Mateos, a journey of approximately two hours. Located toward the northern end of Magdalena Bay, it's one of the breeding grounds of migratory gray whales. Here, you'll have a chance to spot them on a whale-watching excursion. This part of Baja California is famous for having one of the "closest" experiences with the whales, as the panga boats are allowed to get extremely near, sometimes within touching distance.

This morning, you'll have another opportunity to go on a whale-watching excursion, where you might see gray whales before driving to Todos Santos, a journey of approximately four and a half hours.

At leisure in Todos Santos. The town boasts several art galleries with ever-changing collections; we recommend the Galeria de Todos Santos which focuses on regional artists. There are also a number of excellent cafés and restaurants, worth stopping in to have a light meal or coffee.

Another day at leisure in Todos Santos. Wander around the galleries and craft shops, or head down toward the ocean to view a glorious deserted surf beach.

Drive to San José del Cabo Airport and leave the car here. You'll then catch your overnight flight back home.