Baja California Sur:
The Mexico You Haven’t Seen
Travel Differently
June 12-19, 2027
Eight-day cultural immersion • Limited to 12 travelers • Registration deadline: May 2, 2027
Beyond resorts and tourist itineraries lies a richer Baja California Sur, one shaped by local traditions, remarkable people, and stories rarely shared with visitors. Hosted personally by professors Lydia Gil and Sergio Macías.
“Like a National Geographic trip — only better! … I returned home inspired, infused, and invigorated! ”
— 2026 Traveler
Why Travel with Lydia & Sergio
As educators, we've spent our careers helping students understand language, culture, identity, and place. Over the years, Baja California Sur has become much more than a destination for us. It has become a home.
We invite you to magine a week in BCS designed to feed your curiosity and restore your well-being. A week with space to learn and explore, to connect with others and with yourself.
Together, we'll wander the streets of Todos Santos and La Paz, meet local artisans, ranching families and cultural leaders, and gather around meals in community. We'll venture into the Sierra de la Laguna to discover the region's mining and ranching history. We’ll explore food, art, and living traditions through hands-on experiences, such as cheese-making and clay modeling. And at our beachside retreat, you'll have plenty of time to swim, read, journal, or simply slow down and savor the landscape.
Participate in Spanish, English, or both. This trip is fully bilingual, so you can switch languages at will, whether you're practicing your skills, building confidence, or conversing with ease.
Created and led by university professors, this cultural retreat invites intellectually curious travelers to go beyond the surface of Baja California Sur, to engage with its people, ideas, landscapes, and living traditions while having every detail thoughtfully taken care of.
We can't wait to welcome you to beautiful Baja California Sur: The Mexico You Haven’t Seen.
-Lydia & Sergio
“ I returned home not only with great memories and beautiful photos, but also with new friendships that I hope will last for years to come.”
-2026 Traveler
You'll return home with:
A deeper understanding of contemporary Mexico
Relationships with extraordinary people
A renewed sense of curiosity
Stories you'll tell for years
Memories created through shared experience
“Sergio and Lydia were phenomenal guides. Knowledgeable, kind, and passionate. They led us through a meaningful blend of history, language, and hands-on cultural experiences.”
— 2026 Traveler
Trip Details: Baja California Sur
June 12-19, 2027
What’s Included
8 days / 7 nights in a private luxury apartment with full kitchen, patio or terrace, pool access, Wi-Fi, and A/C — a short walk from world-famous Cerritos Beach
Daily communal meal featuring the celebrated flavors of Baja California Sur
Visits to La Paz, Todos Santos, El Triunfo, Isla Espíritu Santo, and the Sierra de la Laguna
Culinary experiences exploring local ingredients, traditions, and cooking
Art galleries, museums, and artisan workshops
Morning seaside meditation
Cultural conversations led in English and Spanish
Ample free time to hike, rest, shop, or explore
Transportation and fees for scheduled activities
Round-trip airport transfers SJD ↔ Cerritos (for arrivals before noon on the first day and departures before noon on the last day)
What’s Not Included
International or domestic airfare
Travel insurance
Entry visas or departure taxes (if applicable)
Alcoholic beverages
Activities, transportation, or meals not listed in the itinerary
Optional private or semi-private Spanish language classes
Sample Itinerary
Día 1: La llegada y Cerritos
Día 2: El Triunfo
Día 3: Sierra de la Laguna
Día 4: Todos Santos
Día 5: La Paz
Día 6: Isla Espíritu Santo
Día 7: Todos Santos Art Walk
Día 8: Cerritos y el regreso
Learn about traditional ranching life
Savor the flavors of Baja California Sur cuisine
Create alongside local artists and artisans in hands-on workshops
Explore museums, historic towns, and cultural landmarks
Engage in meaningful conversations about culture, identity, food, and sustainability
Connect with artists and community leaders
Registration Deadline: May 2, 2027
Limited to 12 travelers
BOOK FOR ONLY
$200
“We began our days with a meditation beside a magnificent Cardon cactus, then off on any number of adventures, learning about the area’s history and culture through encounters with its people – ranchers, bakers, activists, painters … even its whales! … and with our fellow travelers.”
-2026 Traveler
Relax in thoughtfully selected coastal accommodations that blend comfort, privacy, and luxury. Enjoy spacious living areas, air-conditioned rooms, high-speed Wi‑Fi, beautifully landscaped garden spaces, and access to a resort-style pool. Located just a two-minute walk from the beach and several beachfront restaurants, your home base offers the perfect setting to relax, recharge, and experience Baja California Sur at your own pace.
Where You’ll Be Staying
“Our two professors had thought of everything, from where to take a secluded sunset walk, which museums/galleries were truly outstanding, where to go for mouth-watering local cuisine. We were “off the beaten path” in wonderful ways, yet still had time to relax and unwind most evenings on Cerritos Beach.”
-2026 Traveler
Choose Your Accommodation
Booking on your own?
Your own bedroom in a 2-bedroom apartment
$2,995
You’ll have your own bedroom and share the apartment with another participant.
Your own private 1-bedroom apartment
$3,495
The entire apartment is yours. Limited availability.
Booking with another participant?
Shared bedroom in a 2-bedroom apartment
$2,500 - per person
You and the person you’re booking with share a bedroom. The apartment is also shared with another participant or couple.
Shared 1-bedroom apartment
$2,895 - per person
You and the person you’re booking with share the apartment and bedroom. Limited availability.
Shared 2-bedroom apartment
$2,995 - per person
You and the person you’re booking with each have your own private bedroom and share the apartment.
A $200 USD non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
The remaining balance must be paid in full by May 2, 2027.
We strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance.
“Accommodations were also first class. I would not hesitate to vacation with Tonalli, again.”
-2026 Traveler
Professional Development Opportunities
Educators may request a certificate of completion for professional development hours at no additional cost. Individual consultation for classroom implementation and curriculum integration is available for an additional fee.
“Our trip to Baja California Sur was packed with rich cultural and natural experiences, topped off by stunning Baja sunsets. The activities were not only fun but also deeply educational.”
-2026 Traveler
Everything You Need to Know About the Journey
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Led by two professor guides, this small-group bilingual immersion combines experiential learning, language exchange, and authentic engagement with the culture and communities of Baja California Sur.
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Yes. Baja California Sur is widely regarded as one of Mexico's safest and most welcoming destinations for travelers. Our journey takes place in carefully selected locations where Lydia and Sergio have developed trusted relationships over many years. Throughout the trip, we handle transportation and logistics, stay in secure accommodations, and travel together as a group, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the experience with confidence.
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The itinerary is thoughtfully curated to include cultural, culinary, and community-based experiences, along with hands-on activities that offer a deeper understanding of BCS. Through Tonalli's local partnerships, you'll have opportunities to meet ranching families, artists, community advocates, and entrepreneurs, gaining insight into the region's people, traditions, and way of life.
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No. This experience welcomes curious adults interested in experiential learning, cultural immersion, and connection.
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Yes. Your professor guides accompany the group throughout all scheduled activities.
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No. One guide leads in English and the other in Spanish, so you can participate in either language or move between them as you wish. We welcome all levels of language experience, from complete beginners to fluent speakers.
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You'll stay in thoughtfully selected luxury accommodations within walking distance of Cerritos Beach. Full kitchens, a pool, modern amenities, and spacious accommodations provide the perfect balance of comfort, privacy, safety, and independence.
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Scheduled activities are comfortably paced and accessible, while free time allows you to explore more active or leisurely pursuits tailored to your interests and energy level.
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Yes. While the itinerary is rich with cultural experiences, there will also be opportunities to explore independently, hike, swim, and relax at your own pace.
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Absolutely. Many participants join on their own. The small-group format creates a welcoming atmosphere where travelers quickly form connections through shared experiences.
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Participants may request a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes.
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Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and clothing suitable for both cultural activities and seaside relaxation. A detailed packing guide will be shared before departure.
“The trip was bilingual, meaning you could participate in every aspect of it either in English, Spanish, or a mix of both. For someone (like me) looking for opportunities to practice their Spanish but without pressure, this trip was truly amazing.”
-2026 Traveler