San Carlos Desert Palm Hike: Biologist-Guided Exploration
5.0
11 Ratings
Esterito Bahia San Carlos
Embark on a biologist-guided hike through San Carlos Desert Palm, exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the region's unique microclimate oasis.
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ojo de Agua La manga - NOTE: The hike described to Canyon El Silencio and El Ojo de Agua involves desert hiking and is only possible in the cooler months of the year.

1:00pm: We will meet at the restaurant Mariscos El Esterito.

1:00pm-1:30pm: We will leave the restaurant and drive in our own vehicles to the property where the first trailhead is located.

1:30pm-2:30pm: We will hike to Canyon El Silencio, taking time to observe the geology of the canyon as well as the unique species of plants and animals we may encounter.

2:30pm-3:00pm: We will return to our vehicles and drive to the property where the second trailhead is located.

3:00pm-4:30pm: We will hike to the spring of El Ojo de Agua. This mountainside spring has water year-round and harbors mosses and ferns. In addition, we will see many Mexican fan palms and stunning views of the coastline.

4:30pm-5:30pm: We will reconvene under a shady palapa and enjoy freshly prepared ceviche from locally caught fish served on a tostada with sauces of your choice.

What's Included
  • Dinner included
  • Field guides provided for flora and fauna identification
Additional Information

This isn’t your typical touristic adventure. Instead, you’ll be joined by a local biologist who will guide you in discovering and classifying the different plant and animal species found in the area. Our trip will take us to the El Silencio canyon and the El Ojo de Agua spring. Both of these trails are privately owned and lie within the limited access confines of the Cajón del Diablo Reserve, a protected area. The microclimate in these spots is damp and chillier compared to the desert surroundings, forming a natural paradise filled with native fan palms mingling with rich flora. This environment is similar to tropical deciduous forests located farther south and serves as the northernmost habitat for many tropical species.

Location
Esterito Bahia San Carlos
Head west along the main road of San Carlos (Blvd. Beltrones) towards the iconic mountain known as Tetakawi. Take a right at the roundabout by the Santo Valle supermarket towards the Bahia San Carlos. The restaurant Mariscos El Esterito will be on the right side just after crossing a little bridge.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
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Eike
Mar 23, 2024
Great tour to learn about the canyons of the Sonora desert - Michael is super friendly and an infinite source of information about the local landscape, animals and plants. He will be as excited about the tour as you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bdhdydysbekrkrbrbrbr
Feb 20, 2024
Views, exercise, plants, education, and ceviche! - This is the best tour we’ve ever done. Michael is the best guide, the most knowledgeable, the most fun, the most adventurous. Although he speaks perfect English, he was willing to let us practice our Spanish with him. He was very patient. You will explore hidden treasures of Mexican culture and geological significance. You’ll learn about plants and birds! And lastly, you’ll get your steps in ;) Check this experience off on your bucket list when you visit or you’ll miss the best experience this place has to offer. P.S. Look up his other adventure on a boat- we loved that one, too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Phillip_o
Feb 8, 2024
Best local guide you can find. You will not see these sites outside of a tour like this. - Michael is an expert guide and naturalist. His knowledge of plants, animals, and the geology of the landscape far exceeds this local area. He knows how all of the systems are interconnected and can explain them! The hike can be hot some times of the year, but it is worth the trek. It was sometimes a scramble, but my fit 70-year-old parents loved it! We had near-perfect weather in February for our hike. I would recommend starting in the morning if possible. Michael is very easy to communicate with. He is completely fluent in both English and Spanish and he will respond via the Viator booking messages in person to manage any questions or changes.
Review provided by Viator
527jeaninew
Feb 1, 2024
Hiking with Michael - What a great day Michael was fantastic and took time to answer and talk about any and everything we wanted. We loved him so much that we did his boat island tour the following weekend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Troyo916
Apr 21, 2023
Hiking with a Biologist - Our afternoon hiking with Michael was fantastic. He not only knows the biology of the area he shares the culture and history. He helped us connect to the area on several levels. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B_rodge12
Mar 8, 2023
The perfect guide! - Micheal was an amazing guide! Prior to even booking a trip he was very helpful with answering all our concerns and questions traveling to a new country. He gave great recommendations and communicated well with our group prior to the hike. His directions were perfect and he even drove us around in his personal vehicle and pointed out interesting views on the tour. He brought his own hiking carrier for our daughter to use and was great with her and patient as she hiked with us. We were able to go on private land thanks to his connections with the locals. And took us to places off the beaten path to look at plants and wildlife up close. Micheal was very knowledgeable and prepared with his ID books and knew the area well. After hiking to the hot springs he set up a table and chairs and provide yummy drinks, beer, and ceviche to top off this great experience! He also provided recommendations on where to snorkel in San Carlos. Highly recommend this trip and hope to be back someday for more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leslieoppbeckman
Jan 3, 2023
So delightful! - Amazing hike to two off-the-beaten-path locations. Michael is a walking encyclopedia of local knowledge and so enthusiastic about and respectful of the local environment. We loved it so much, we’re doing a second hike with him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliet
Dec 28, 2022
Incredible tour- gorgeous oasis - This was an incredible experience. It was very memorable. Michael is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic- his love of the desert and people is clear. The places we saw were gorgeous. And sunset cerviche was the best meal ever!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guide50197296061
Dec 26, 2022
Highly recommend it - The hike was definitely worth the time. The guide (Michael) speaks perfect English and is very knowledgeable about the area. We were introduced to many interesting plants and animals. The trail is nice and peaceful unlike the US national parks where everything is crowded. The food he provided was really good too. Highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor