Hike desert palm oases with a biologist
Experience hosted by Michael
4.5 hours
Includes food, drinks, tickets, equipment
Up to 10 people
Hosted in English, Spanish
What you'll do
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 El Esterito 1.
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. If you find you are still hungry after the ceviche, we can visit the restaurant El Dorado where you can purchase excellent seafood. This palapa restaurant is located on a beautiful sandy beach where you can observe local fishermen, or enjoy a pleasant swim (weather permitting).
1:00pm: We will meet at the restaurant El Esterito 1.
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. If you find you are still hungry after the ceviche, we can visit the restaurant El Dorado where you can purchase excellent seafood. This palapa restaurant is located on a beautiful sandy beach where you can observe local fishermen, or enjoy a pleasant swim (weather permitting).
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 El Esterito 1.
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…
1:00pm: We will meet at the restaurant El Esterito 1.
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…
Michael's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practising good hygiene and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
What's included
- FoodFreshly prepared ceviche of locally caught fish served on a tostada with sa...
- DrinksPurified filtered drinking water to fill your personal drinking containers.
- TicketsPaid entrance to the private properties were El Silencio and El Ojo de Agua...
- EquipmentAppropriate field guides to identify the various plants and animals we may...
From $60
/ person
Book for a private group
- 14 Reviews
- Identity verified
I have received a Master's in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona through the Marine Sciences program. Originally from Caborca, Sonora I have always had a profound appreciation of the Sea of Cortez, and the people who call this region home. I speak both English and Spanish at a mother tongue level, and am in effect bicultural. As a former educator at the University of Arizona, I have taught and coordinated numerous field trips to the coast addressing conservation and ecology issues pertinent to the Gulf of California and the surrounding Sonoran desert. I hope to inspire and share my appreciation and understanding of the ecology of the region of San Carlos with you!
I have received a Master's in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona through the Marine Sciences program. Originally from Caborca, Sonora I have always had a profound appreciation of the Sea of Cortez, and the people who call this region home. I speak both English and Spanish at a mother tongue level, and am in effect bicultural. As a former educator at the University of Arizona, I have taught and coordinated numerous field trips to the coast addressing conservation and…
Where you'll be
El Silencio and El Ojo de Agua are located on private property with limited access. The microclimate at these locations is wetter and cooler than the surrounding desert creating an oasis with an abundance of native fan palms amongst lush vegetation. The habitat resembles tropical deciduous forests found further south and here many tropical species find their most northern distribution. This is a unique experience, unlike most tourist activities!
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 14 reviews.
We loved our guided hikes with Michael. Been coming down to San Carlos for almost 25 years and learned as about the flora and fauna of this incredible area. He is super interesting, friendly and super informative - showed us out-of-the-way places most visitors never get a chance to see.
We loved our guided hikes with Michael. Been coming down to San Carlos for almost 25 years and learned as about the flora and fauna of this incredible area. He is super interesting…
The hike with Michael was excellent! He was very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the land. It was a well curated and personable experience. Michael is a great educator and helpful in recommending local gems. We can’t recommend this enough!
The hike with Michael was excellent! He was very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the land. It was a well curated and personable experience. Michael is a great educator…
A magnificent experience where you enjoy every moment with excellent natural landscapes that with the detail of Michael's narration become unique understanding how wonderful the places are visited!
You have to live it and take advantage of the comfort of the current climate!
//
Una experiencia magnífica donde disfrutas de cada momento con excelentes paisajes naturales que con el detalle de la narración de Michael se vuelven únicos entendiendo lo maravilloso de los lugares que se visitan!
Tienen que vivirlo y aprovechar la comodidad del clima actual !
A magnificent experience where you enjoy every moment with excellent natural landscapes that with the detail of Michael's narration become unique understanding how wonderful the pl…
Michael is very knowledgeable of the flora and the terrain. We stopped to discuss local plants and how they survive in this oasis. San Carlos is a beach surrounded by ocean, but we visited fresh water springs and the lush shelters thus created.
Michael is very knowledgeable of the flora and the terrain. We stopped to discuss local plants and how they survive in this oasis. San Carlos is a beach surrounded by ocean, but we…
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Activity advisory
Expert industry partners
Every adventure follows industry guidelines. We partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, expert leaders in adventure travel, to define best practices and standards for safety.
Know your comfort level
Please note outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 10 guests ages 10 and up can attend.
What to bring
Good hiking shoes with ample ankle support.
We will be outdoors the entire time, therefore wear the appropriate clothing for the time of year.
We will be outdoors the entire time, therefore wear the appropriate clothing for the time of year.