RUN BAJA FAQS
Why here?
Located on a long peninsula almost entirely separated from the rest of Mexico, Baja California Sur has its own unique identity - one that is unlike anywhere else. While the resorts of Cabo San Lucas are familiar to many Americans, those who venture beyond find long stretches of undeveloped coastline, unbelievably turquoise waters, rugged mountains, the biggest cacti on earth, wide swaths of protected natural areas and everything from fishing villages and ghost towns to chic boutique hotels and very, very cool restaurants at the end of any given dirt road. The sunsets are epic, the trail networks astoundingly good and that dry desert air turns everything you ever knew about coastal running on its head. We won’t go so far as to call it undiscovered - it certainly isn’t - but once you get out there it sure does feel that way!
What’s included in the trip cost?
The trip price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers, 6 nights accommodation, all meals from dinner on the first day until breakfast on the final day, transportation, drivers, experienced trip leaders, local logistics team, 6 organized, supported runs, a half day boat trip, a traditional temazcalli experience, drinking water and Rogue Expeditions swag. In short, just about everything is covered from the moment you land until the moment you leave!
What isn’t included in the trip cost?
The cost does not include alcohol, tips, personal purchases or transport to/from unscheduled destinations.
How far do I have to be able to run?
All routes are adjustable in terms of distance and plans will be tweaked according to the ability mix of the group. Daily maximums are listed on the itinerary and there is no time or pace pressure. We will take it day by day and clearly explain each run as they come along so you can adjust to suit your needs!
Keep in mind that many people end up running quite a bit more during our trips than they would at home - when running is your only responsibility for the day, you'll be amazed at how much more you can do! For those who want *more* distance than we have scheduled, there will be ample opportunity to log a few extra miles each day.
What sort of terrain will we be running on?
All six runs take place on a mix of single track trail and dirt roads. While none of these routes are particularly technical or steep, we recommend doing at least a little bit of trail running in preparation, and bringing trail shoes.
What time of day will we be running?
Aside from the arrival day shakeout (which happens around 4pm) runs will take place mid-morning, after breakfast and before lunch. Although temperatures should be very pleasant, please expect full sun exposure each day and make sure you’ve got protection!
What will we do when we aren’t running?
The beauty of this trip is that there is very little driving and plenty of time to kick back and soak up that Baja vibe! We’ll do a half day boat trip to Isla Espíritu Santo with the option for snorkeling, visit an amazing cactus sanctuary, explore the abandoned mines around El Triunfo, experience a traditional Temazcalli ceremony, enjoy some beach time and get treated to some of the best dining experiences in the area.
Can my non-runner spouse/friend come too?
It’s possible, as long as they understand that each day is primarily scheduled around that day’s run and that our guides won’t be able to arrange alternate activities for them. We suggest contacting us prior to registration to see if it’s a good fit.
What is the accommodation like?
The first two nights are spent at a sleek boutique hotel, located in a beautifully renovated historical building right in the center of Todos Santos. Expect minimalistic, modern rooms, a sparkling courtyard pool, a great rooftop hangout area and the ability to wander town at your leisure. The next two nights will be spent at a quiet mountain property in the historical mining town of El Triunfo with a collection of comfortable cabins and plenty of outdoor gathering space near the pool - we’ll have the whole place to ourselves! The final two nights will be spent at a gorgeous ecolodge located on a remote stretch of the Sea of Cortés; here you’ll find whitewashed adobe rooms (some built straight into the hillside!), impeccable design, attentive staff and sweeping views of the ocean from every angle.
What is the weather like?
December and January are about as good as it gets in this part of the world! Typical high temperatures are around 75F / 24C while lows are around 50-60F / 10-15C (though nighttime temps can dip near the freezing mark in the mountains!). Sunshine is abundant and the climate is very dry - expect very little humidity and very strong sun exposure.
Can I have my own room at hotels?
Possibly! We occasionally have a limited number of single rooms available after the balance due date (3 months prior to departure). The boutique properties that we use only have so many rooms, so we cannot guarantee how many will be available until we know the final group size. You can indicate your interest when you register and we will offer single rooms in the order in which you registered.
What sort of food will we be eating?
Breakfasts will generally be served at our accommodation and offer plenty of options from pastries and fruit to a variety of egg dishes. Post-run lunches will be casual and delicious; we’ll visit some of our favorite local establishments where you’ll find a wide range of tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, cold beer and fantastic salsa bars and also enjoy an upscale, ocean-front feast one day. Dinners will be multi-course affairs, from an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant and a sunset dinner on the beach to a private dinner hosted at a family home and a couple of memorable meals overlooking the Sea of Cortés. You can expect exceptionally fresh seafood, sustainably raised local meat, plenty of healthy veggies, handmade tortillas and vibrant Baja flavors.
Seafood features heavily in Baja cuisine, but there can be other arrangements made for those who don’t eat it. Most special diets - vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free - can be accommodated, but if you require a combination of special requirements or have severe food allergies of any sort, please check with us before signing up so that we can ensure that this trip is a good fit for you.
What sort of vehicles will we be traveling in?
The group will travel in a comfortable air-conditioned passenger van with a professional driver.
How much should I tip?
Your entire trip will be spent with drivers and guides who will go above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for everyone. Although tips are never expected, they are always appreciated and completely at your discretion. Any group gratuities will be split evenly amongst the team.
If I change my mind or something comes up, can I cancel?
We know that life happens, and on occasion a participant will have to back out of a trip. As most of our costs are paid well in advance, we have set a cancellation policy that applies to all trips. You should obtain travel insurance to cover potential cancellations on your part.
If you cancel:
Within 30 days of signup (but more than 90 days from departure): Full refund
90+ days from the trip start date (but after the 30 day grace period): Deposits are non-refundable
61-90 days from the trip start date: 50% of total payment refunded**
60 days or less from the trip start date: No refunds
*If you register using a transfer credit, you may transfer again without penalty within 30 days of signup but will not be eligible for a refund
**This only applies to participants who have paid their balances on time. If you do not pay the balance by the due date and cancel after the fact, your deposit is non-refundable.
Can I switch to another trip?
If you wish to transfer your deposit from one trip to another you must notify us at least 120 days prior to your original departure date. A fee of $150 per person will apply and will be deducted from your original deposit. If you notify us less than 120 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply. Deposit transfers may only be made once, and must be made to another trip departing within 12 months of your original departure date.
What if Rogue Expeditions cancels the trip?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had never cancelled a trip and we hope that going forward we never have to again. But, it is a possibility and here is what happens if it happens:
If we cancel a trip due to low participant numbers, you will be notified no later than 60 days prior to departure and will receive the option of a full refund or transfer to an alternate trip.
If a trip is canceled at the last minute due to external events outside our reasonable control (natural disasters, terrorism, etc) we will issue full refunds less any unrecoverable costs. This type of scenario is unlikely but always a possibility - get that travel insurance!
You can check out the full Booking Terms & Conditions here.
How do I sign up?
A $600 deposit will hold your spot and can be paid using the sign up button on the Details page as soon as the trip is open. Balances are due three months prior to departure.
Who should I contact for more info?
Feel free to contact Allison Macsas at allison@roguexpeditions.com with any questions!