Nature and Wildlife at Coyote Cal's

Whale Watching
The Pacific coast is the migration route of the California Gray whale, and the home of many playful dolphins. Coyote Cal's International Hostel is the best place for whale watching in Baja. See the longest migration of any mammal on the face of this planet, some 7,500 miles. From Alaska, down the Pacific coast, along the Baja coast to lagoons at San Ignacio, Magdalena and Scammons Bay. Their average speed on this journey is 4 MPH. They mate and prepare for the long journey home, only to return the following year (Gestation period 12 months), to have their young. If you have never witnessed this I can assure you that it is in one word, "Awesome!" The voyage south takes 4 months between December and January. The return journey and viewing from our location is between February through March.

Many people have watched in awe as they blast water from their enormous lungs, up to twenty feet in the air, breach the water, sometimes 40 times in one sighting and put on a display which is truly breathtaking. Some have been known to spend an entire week just swimming around the lagoon in front of Coyote Cal's. I guess they like it here as much as we do! Bring your camera (binoculars are here), for some close-ups and join us for this fabulous show. For whale watching check the event calendar for migratory schedules.

Coyote Cal's Hiking

The Mountain | The Volcano (Mt. Flush) | Sea Caves | The Castanza Trail

The best way to appreciate the beauty of Baja and the surrounding countryside is to employ the mode of transport preferred by earlier hikers in the area, such as famous pioneers and explorers as Walker and Crockett. Experience sea caves to mountains and volcanoes to a wave sculptured coastline complete with blow holes. Amidst "agave" and "manzanita", the coast of Baja is and probably will remain to be a truly unspoiled paradise, for many years to come.

Equipment you'll want to bring/wear if you're gonna go hiking; a comfortable pair of closed toe walking shoes or boots, walking stick, water, sunscreen and a hat. And don't forget your camera!

Flora and Fauna
You don't have to go to far to enjoy the local flora and fauna You can kick back on one of the decks with a pair of binoculars, go for a stroll along the coast or into the hills and canyons surrounding Coyote Cal's.

Cactus
Local vegetation includes many beautiful varieties of cactus, agave (century plant), as well as medicinal herbs and fresh spices to enhance your meals. Among the cacti are Nopal which grows wild in the surrounding area. The fruit of this cactus is called Prickly Pear and when ripe it reddens. Mmmm. Super fine thorns and kind of irritating. Gloves are a good idea.

Sage
There are over 30 varieties of Sage in Baja. Pineapple Sage grows wild all over this area and is plentiful. Help yourself.

Lechusa
A soft pliable indiscriminate looking bush. If you break a stalk a white milky liquid will reveal itself. It has a distinctive medicinal smell The stalk can be boiled into a tea. I have been told that it controls Diabetes, high blood pressure and stomach ulcers.

Cantilla
Also known as ephedra, from which Ephedrine is derived. Boiled into a pleasant tasting tea, this cleanses your liver and kidneys. When you live in Mexico and stay at Coyote Cal's you party. A lot. Cleansing of the liver is a pretty good idea!

Agricultural Paradise
Because an Ejido is an agricultural co-op they grow everything from Asparagus, to tomatoes, zucchini, artichokes.... and more, you get the idea :) You can pick enough for personal use without anyone blinking an eye. If you fill up the bed of your pickup truck, however, you may attract a little attention. It doesn't get any fresher than that.

Olives, grapes, bananas, citrus fruits, figs, peaches, melons, avocado and other fruit are also plentiful. They are also extremely cheap and can be purchased in any store in town. There's three stores in this bustling metropolis!

Birds, Bugs and Rabbits..
The local wildlife is also interesting. Baja is the home of some of the best quail hunting in the world. It's not uncommon to see a dozen or so wandering across the property, especially in the morning. And hundreds of rabbits that call Baja home, and if you're lucky you may spot a coyote roaming the hills.

Bird species include many aquatic birds and a variety of eagles, hawks and vultures. You will awaken to a chorus every morning. Gnat catchers, mocking birds, morning doves and hundreds of humming birds enjoy Baja's plants and insects. On the 21st of March, like clockwork, we are invaded by thousands of swallows. They build there nests, raise their young and disappear, only to repeat the process the next Spring.

We also have our share of interesting local insects and reptiles; tarantula hawks, a variety of butterflies and moths, stick beetles and mantises, scorpions and tarantulas. Do I have your attention? I am primarily shoeless here and I have not had an incidence since I've been here the past fourteen months. Basically, if you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone. It is a good idea however to shake out your shoes in the morning. Scorps like to hide in the toes. This could prove to be a little unpleasant, but not life threatening.

Reptiles
Lizards are plentiful and small, but snakes however can be relatively large. Although not dangerous to humans, the largest is probably a King snake. I have seen them four to five feet long. Rattlesnakes on the other hand can be nasty, but at least they give you plenty of warning to get out of their way. I have only seen one since I've been here.

Dolphins
Last, but certainly not least, are the Dolphins which constantly swim up and down the coast. If you've never seen a dolphin in the wild I can assure you it is a wonderful experience. Don't be surprised to be visited while your surfing. They like to join in on the action. Of course there are also seals that enjoy the lagoon and will serenade you throughout the evening.

Coyote Cal's ... Nature's gifts for you to enjoy.

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