EL BANDITO UTV Expedition

El Bandito 8 days - 7 Nights

ChatGPT Image Sep 2, 2026, 01_48_55 PM.png

EL BANDITO 2027

8 Days • 7 Nights • June 18th - 25th, 2027
+ 3 Days in Cabo

Eight days. The entire Baja Peninsula. California to Cabo.

El Bandito is the ultimate Off the GRID Expeditions Baja adventure - taking you from Tecate all the way to Cabo through more than a thousand miles of constantly changing terrain.

From the pine forests of the Sierra de Juárez to the giant rock formations of Cataviña, the Sea of Cortez, Scorpion Bay, Pacific beaches, historic missions, mangrove trails, and the East Cape of Southern Baja, this expedition delivers just about everything Baja has to offer.

And when the trail ends, the adventure doesn't. We'll finish with 3 days in Cabo while the UTVs begin their journey back north.

Mountains. Desert. Beaches. Cabo.

Trip Overview

Trip Date - June 18th to 25th, 2027

Trip Price (per customer-owned UTV, 2 people) hotels, Breakfast & Dinner, trail guides, trail mechanics, and chase support trucks. 8 Days, 7 Nights.

Deposit (due at booking)

Balance (due 45 days before expedition)

Includes: hotels, Breakfast & Dinner, guides, mechanics, and support trucks.

Deposit - $1500.00

Buy Now

Detailed Itinerary

$ 9,200

$ 1,500

$ 7,700

ChatGPT Image Sep 2, 2026, 01_51_55 PM.png

Pre-Trip Instructions

Once you have registered and your deposit is in, you will receive a registration link. This link will include the individual trip driver and passenger info, Baja Insurance link, hotel details for the night before the trip, parking information for your tow vehicle, UTV Baja prep details, personal preparations, and some FAQ. Please include a registration, Baja Insurance, and a copy of your passport in the UTV in a clear zip-lock bag.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1 Tecate To San Quintín

June 18th, 2027

We start early and cross the border at Tecate, heading immediately into the pine forests and mountains of the Sierra de Juárez.

We'll run the Compadre Trail toward Valle de Trinidad before climbing into the mountains toward the legendary Mike's Sky Ranch. From there, the adventure continues through remote ranch country as we work our way west toward the Pacific.

We'll eventually hit the fast-running section we like to call "El Baja Talladega," meet up with our chase crew, and continue toward San Quintín, where we'll spend our first night at The Old Mill.

2 San Quintín To Cataviña

June 19th, 2027

Leaving San Quintín, we'll start with approximately 50 miles of off-road trail before making our way toward El Rosario and Cataviña.

This is where Baja starts looking like another planet.

We'll ride through incredible cactus forests, giant boulder fields, and the famous Dr. Seuss-style Cirio trees before heading west toward the Pacific.

The Cataviña loop gets more technical as we descend into massive rock formations, navigating rocks, ruts, sand washes, and tight twisting trails.

It's technical, beautiful, and exactly what Baja exploration is all about.

3 Cataviña To Bahía De Los Ángeles

June 20th, 2027

Today we're headed for the Sea of Cortez and Bahía de los Ángeles.

Depending on trail conditions, we'll choose between two routes. One option takes us through Fred's Tractor Trail, a narrow, steep, rocky mountain pass. The alternative takes us through the notorious Chapala silt beds.

Either way, expect a serious Baja driving day.

After crossing Highway 5 and stopping near Coco's Corner, we'll pick up sections of legendary Baja 1000 racecourse filled with whoops, ruts, rocks, and fast desert terrain.

Our final stretch takes us into Bahía de los Ángeles for the night.

4 Bahía De Los Ángeles To Scorpion Bay

June 21th, 2027

Today is one of the biggest days of El Bandito - approximately 240 miles through some of the most remote country in Baja.

We'll leave Bahía de los Ángeles and follow long, fast trails along the Sea of Cortez before making our way toward San Francisquito, where, time permitting, we'll stop for an unforgettable trail lunch overlooking the water.

From there, seemingly endless Baja trails lead us toward El Arco and San Ignacio.

After a stop at the historic San Ignacio Mission, we'll continue across salt flats, sandy washes, and hard-packed backcountry roads toward the Pacific.

The final miles bring us into San Juanico - better known as Scorpion Bay - where we'll settle in for the night.

5 Scorpion Bay To Loreto

June 22nd, 2027

This morning, we say goodbye to Scorpion Bay and head south along the hard-packed beaches of the Pacific Ocean.

For miles, we'll run right along the water's edge before turning inland and beginning another crossing of the Baja Peninsula.

This is a driver's trail - fast, flowing, rally-style corners, incredible scenery, and plenty of room to let the UTV work.

Our route eventually climbs into the mountains above Loreto and takes us to the historic San Javier Mission, one of our favorite stops in Baja.

After exploring the mission, we'll descend out of the mountains toward Loreto and the Sea of Cortez, where we'll spend the night overlooking the water.

6 Loreto To San Carlos

June 23rd, 2027

Time to cross the peninsula again.

Today's route brings a completely different style of terrain with fast soft whoops, narrow trails, cactus, thick vegetation, and tight mangrove sections.

These trails are fast and fun - but stay focused. Some sections get narrow enough that the vegetation feels like it's reaching inside the UTV.

We'll stop for lunch along the beach before continuing toward San Carlos on Magdalena Bay.

Tonight we'll stay along the bay at Villas Mar y Arena, known for its waterfront setting, incredible views, and fresh seafood.

7 San Carlos To La Paz

June 24th, 2027

San Carlos to La Paz has become a favorite for a reason.

Today gives us a little bit of everything - fast whoops, jumps, tight corners, racecourse sections, mangrove trails, Pacific water crossings, and wide-open Baja terrain.

We'll weave our way around Pacific coastal inlets before stopping for lunch on the beach.

After lunch, the route becomes more challenging as we climb onto harder-packed upper trails and begin another crossing of the peninsula.

Eventually, the Sea of Cortez appears again as we descend toward La Paz.

We'll finish with a drive through this beautiful waterfront city before arriving at our hotel near the marina for our final night on the trail.

8 La Paz To Cabo

June 25th, 2027

The final trail day of El Bandito takes us through the East Cape of Southern Baja toward Cabo.

Today is less about racing the clock and more about taking in the final miles.

We'll follow remote trails overlooking the Sea of Cortez, including narrow cliffside sections with spectacular views. We'll make stops along the East Cape to enjoy the water, take some photos, and soak in the fact that we just crossed the Baja Peninsula from California to Cabo.

Eventually, we'll roll into Cabo, completing one of the greatest UTV adventures you can experience.

The machines get loaded onto our transporter and begin their journey north.

But we're not done yet.

CABO & TRANSPORTATION - JUNE 25th - 28th, 2027

Arrival in Cabo: June 25, 2027
Cabo Stay: June 25th - 28th, 2027 (3 Nights)

After eight unforgettable days traveling the Baja Peninsula, we’ll arrive in Cabo on June 25 and transition from the trail to three days of relaxation.

Your three-night stay in Cabo is not included in the trip package. You are free to choose and book any hotel or resort in Cabo that you prefer. Upon arrival in Cabo on June 25, the UTVs will be loaded onto our transporter and begin their journey north toward Tecate.

Return Transportation & Flight Information - June 28

Flight information for the designated Cabo-to-Tijuana flight on June 28 will be provided via email so everyone can book the same flight. Airfare is not included in the trip package and must be booked separately by each participant.

Upon arrival at Tijuana International Airport, transportation back to Tecate will be provided.

Staying Longer in Cabo

Want to stay a little longer? No problem.

If you choose to extend your Cabo stay beyond June 28, we can arrange, at an additional cost, to transport your UTV across the U.S. border and securely store it until you return.

Please contact us directly if you would like to arrange this option or have any questions regarding flights, UTV transportation, or your extended stay in Cabo.

8 Days on the Trail. 3 Nights in Cabo. California to Cabo.

$

Trip Cost

Trip Price (per customer-owned UTV, 2 people)

$ 9,200

Deposit (due at booking)

$ 1,500

Balance (due 45 days before expedition)

Includes: hotels, food, guides, mechanics, and support trucks.

$ 7,700

Trip Includes

Guided trails from the border every step of the way
Pre-run and mapped course for your Lowrance GPS unit
Hotel accommodations for all nights
Breakfast and dinners provided for all nights
Lead UTV guiding the group with hazard call-outs via radio
Sweep support UTV with parts and tools for trail breakdowns
On-the-trail mechanics ('Baja Ninjas') for any issues
Chase trucks with tools, welders, wheels, tires, emergency fuel & medical equipment

Not Included

Lunches (stops provided; bring snacks)
Fuel
Manufacturer-specific spare parts (bring your own belts, rear axles, etc.)
Parts from Off the GRID Expeditions
Mexican auto insurance (www.bajabound.com)
Personal gear and cooler

Trip descriptions and trails are subject to change without notice due to trail conditions, weather, hotel status, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Dates: June 18th to June 25th 2027

Cost: $9200.00 per customer-owned UTV. This covers two people per UTV: hotels, food, guides, mechanics, and support trucks. (See Trip Included/ Excludes for details)

Deposit: $1500.00 Balance 45 days before the expedition.

Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights.

Terrain: 65% gravel roads, 10% hill climbs, 15% beach riding, 10% Hyw fast-paced driving style.

Our goal at Off the GRID Expeditions is to have a good time. With that said, being prepared and having the right tools/equipment can make everyone’s day much more enjoyable!

Stock UTV’s are very capable and impressive machines… they are also a lot of fun to customize! Although heavy modification isn’t necessary, there are basic items that you must have when going on a OFF the GRID run.

Here’s a list of required items for our Expeditions:
(Note: some expeditions might require more items, based on specific trail or location needs. See Run descriptions for more details.)

UTV prep is a must prior to any run. If one vehicle has a problem, we all have a problem.
All services done on vehicle. (oil change, air cleaner, brakes, nut and bolt )
All tires aired to proper pressure. ( 1 Spare in required on vehicle)
All equipment and parts securely tied down in UTV.
Full Fuel Tank. (Spare gas can be carried but must be safe and secure on UTV )
Tools, Jack and tow strap securely fastened in UTV.
Helmet with wired speakers for Intercom system. Yes helmets are 100% mandatory.
Radio - Mounted VHF radio, with weatherman programmed frequency 151.625 (see below)
Intercom - We highly recommend a wired intercom so you can clearly hear the radio and can easily transmit on the radio while driving. (see below)
GPS - Lowrance GPS Unit only- No exceptions (We provide the GPS file the morning of the expedition) (see below)
Drivers licence - Vehicle Registration - Insurance
Off Road lights - Some good light so you are comfortable driving at night. LED lights are recommended.
At least one full size spare. (Must be tied down and secure)
Jack (if it's a good one)
Tools / Tow strap (Bring only the basics we’ll have the rest)
Food / LOTS of Water - Dinner and breakfasts are included and we will be stopping for lunches however snacks for the trail are suggested. (beef jerky, candy, chips, etc)
Mexican Auto Insurance for you're UTV www.bajabound.com No you're USA insurance wont work in Baja
So why do we need a GPS?
The GPS is your life line when navigating these technical trails of Baja. Every turn has a surprise and without a well planned trail you would be lost in minutes. The GPS not only displays your exact route but it is also use for milage calculations for turns or and potential hazards as well as waypoints
Communication is key..
We use a VHF 55w radio with a preprogrammed channel to communicate from Utv to Utv. The operating channel is weather man (151.625) please make sure you have this preprogrammed into you're unit. All communication systems must wired into push to talk intercom system to your helmet. The VHF radios allow us to call out any potential hazards, milage, and just general communication amongst the group. Example ( Hazard mile 45.2 on right or "hey dude with the blue Can-Am you have a strap hanging under your Utv" )
Why because they save lives ......
Helmets are mandatory no questions asked. I know some ride with only head sets but with Off the GRID Expeditions you need to wear one. Goggles or full face shield as well !!!! You only have one head on your shoulders so use it wisely and protect it....

To prepare for your adventure, packing doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's what you'll need:

Luggage: A carry-on size soft duffle bag is sufficient.

Check the weather in Baja California using your smartphone. Given the possibility of getting into the ocean, don't forget your bathing suits. Additionally, pack sandals or flip-flops, comfortable driving shoes, pants, shorts, and a few T-shirts. An all-conditions jacket is essential for chilly days. Your evening attire is your choice, but keep in mind that we'll be driving in the open air, so you may get a little dirty. If rain is in the forecast, a good rain suit will certainly be helpful. For hot days, Off the Grid Sun SPF 60 shirts work wonders to keep you cool. In the summer months, remember to pack sunblock and a hat.

Cooler and plenty of snacks for. the trail. We do stop for lunch, carry you through in case of any trail issues..

Cancellations initiated by the participant received in writing to Off The Grid Expeditions with more than 60 days notice before tour start date will receive their deposit as a credit to be used towards future tours with Off The Grid Expeditions. The credit expires 1 year after issued.
Cancellations initiated by the participant received in writing to Off The Grid Expeditions with 60 or less days notice before the tour start date will forfeit their deposit as a cancellation fee. Any balance payments can be held on file as a credit to be used towards future tours and services with Off The Grid Expeditions. The credit expires 1 year after issued.
Cancellations initiated by the participant received in writing to Off The Grid Expeditions with 30 or less days notice before the tour start date will forfeit their deposit and any balance payments as a cancellation fee.
Cancellations initiated by Off The Grid Expeditions due to conditions beyond their control including but not limited to fires, weather, terrorism, civil strife, floods, earthquakes, or natural catastrophes, etc. will be credited towards a future trip in full amount of balances paid.