We could all use an escape right now and these Baja travel narratives will immerse you in the adventure, people, culture, and history of the peninsula. From discovering cave paintings on mule, to exploring the marine life of the Sea of Cortez, to walking the perimeter of the entire peninsula, there’s plenty to keep you entertained while sheltering at home. The links below will take you directly to Amazon where you can purchase the book.
Into A Desert Place
By Graham Mackintosh
Graham Mackintosh brings us the ultimate Baja adventure with his humorously self-deprecating but valiant tale of his walk around the entire coastline of the peninsula. Both couch potatoes and avid adventurers will relate to Mackintosh and his entertaining account of his remarkably epic journey. Into a Desert Place has become a modern Baja classic and made Mackintosh one of the most beloved Baja explorers of his time.
The Cave Paintings of Baja California
By Harry Crosby
With the appearance of a coffee table book, and the content of an explorers log, this book features Herry Crosby’s beautiful color photographs of the cave paintings of Baja California, along with the personal accounts of his experiences exploring over 200 of the peninsula’s greatest rock art sites along the peninsula. Crosby is largely credited for introducing most of the world to the cave paintings of Baja with the publication of this book in 1975. It’s a must read for lovers of art, natural history, Baja, or adventure.
The Log from the Sea of Cortez
By John Steinbeck
Perhaps the most famous book ever written in English about Baja California, Steinbeck’s travel journal chronicles his boat trip circumnavigating the peninsula with friend and marine biologist Ed Ricketts. Steinbeck’s observations about the abundant marine life of the Sea of Cortez, and his existential observations about the world have made this log a perennial classic.
Almost an Island
By Bruce Berger
With his three decades of exploring the peninsula, Bruce Berger infuses history, politics, and humor along with a memorable cast of characters in this entertaining look at the peninsula. Both novice and seasoned Baja travelers will find value in this entertaining book. If you can’t take a road trip along the peninsula right now, this is the next best thing.
God and Mr. Gomez
By Jack Smith
This humorous tale of Los Angeles Times columnist Jack Smith building a home along the coast in Baja California has been a cult classic since the 70s. With plenty of missteps along the way, this heartwarming tale and lively cast of characters will remind you of the benevolent soul and vivacious spirit of Baja California.
Enchiladas, Rice, and Beans
By Daniel Reveles
The charming border town of Tecate comes alive in this book with a colorful cast of characters and beautifully evocative writing. Daniel Reveles was a beloved longtime Tecate resident, and author of numerous books about the people of the Pueblo Mágico. Reveles was an expert at painting a picture of a truly magical place with his lively characters, whimsical stories, and descriptive writing.
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