Backyard Bog Blog

For travellers docking in the historic town of Loreto, Baja California Sur, the call of the desert is loud. But if you’re looking for something more heart-pounding than a casual stroll, the trek through Tabor Canyon (Cañón Tabor) is a must. We recently tackled this canyon on December 16, 2025, as a shore excursion from Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam. If you are a cruise passenger looking for a self-guided or guided "off-the-beaten-path" adventure, here is everything you need to know about this rugged Baja gem. The Terrain: Arid Beauty & Hidden Oases The landscape of Tabor Canyon is a striking contrast of colors. Imagine towering purplish and orange boulders stacked against a backdrop of arid grasses, wildflowers and crawling wild fig trees. As you climb higher, the canyon reveals its secrets: hidden pools of water tucked between the rocks, offering a cool reflection of the Baja sun. It is breathtakingly beautiful, but don't let the scenery distract you—this trail d...

In December 2025, I cruised from San Diego, CA down the Mexican Riviera and the Sea of Cortez . This 12 day itinerary featured Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo , Mazatlán , Loreto , Pichilingue (La Paz) and Cabo San Lucas as the ports of call. I was looking to do self-guided activities that offered adventure, value and a break from the typical cruise shore excursions. To prepare for the first port of call, Puerto Vallarta, I read some travel blogs and talked to friends who have traveled to Puerto Vallarta, before trying the hike between Boca de Tomatlan and Playa Las Ánimas . This hike was attractive for its scenic offerings of jungle and coastal views full of fishing boats and pelicans. Overall, the duration of the hike, beaches along the way and access by public transportation made this option attractive for my time frame. My partner and I disembarked at the Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port at 8:30am with an all aboard time to be back on the ship at 4:30pm. Our plan was to take the public...