El Bandito UTV Expedition 8 days 7 nights

El Bandito UTV Expedition

1600 Miles - Cali to Cabo

With extensive planning, these tours are designed for you to simply show up and enjoy yourself. Whether you’re a Baja race veteran or a first-time visitor, our professionally guided tours ensure you have a stress-free adventure, removing the "what if" factor from your experience of Baja.

Trip Overview

View Itinerary

Trip Date - May 8th -15th, 2026

Trip Price (per customer-owned UTV, 2 people) hotels, Breakfast & Dinner, trail guides, trail mechanics, and chase support trucks. The 3rd and 4th passengers are extra. 8 days 7 nights on trail, 3 days in Cabo while UTVs are transported back north to Tecate Baja California

Deposit (due at booking)

Balance (due 45 days before expedition)

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

Deposit - $1500.00

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Detailed Itinerary

$ 8,900

$ 1,500

$ 7,400

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. Email copies to Connor@offthegridexpeditions.com.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1 Tecate to San Felipe

May 8th, 2026

Welcome to Baja. Day one is an endurance day of driving, with trails offering a variety of terrains. Putting in the miles on day one allows us to travel further down the Baja Peninsula. Starting in the pine forests of Teacte, north Baja, at an altitude of 4500 feet, you'll experience some of Baja's best-maintained trails. This serves as an excellent introduction to Baja. Lunch will be in "Valle T" before heading down Hwy 3 to San Felipe's top. Although El Diablo dry lake may be wet this time of year, it's still an excellent spot for capturing drone footage of all the UTVs side by side. Afterward, we'll tackle the famous San Felipe washes, which are technical and challenging, requiring careful driving. The final stretch into San Felipe includes the notorious ZOO Road, known for its high-speed videos online with whoops the size of Volkswagens. We'll stay at the El Cortez Hotel, an epic beachfront hotel with a beautiful restaurant and bar on the sand.

2 San Felipe to Bahía de los Ángeles

May 9th, 2026

Day two starts with breakfast overlooking the sea of Cortex. After breakfast, you get to drive just inches from the coastline down the beach for miles and miles before stopping at Hwy 3. From here, we have a Hwy drive down to Gonzaga Bay. Even the Highway drive can be adventurous, as the view of Cortez is breathtaking. Stopping for Fuel and Lunch at the pristine Gonzaga Bay is a nice treat. Saddle up as we head south to the historic Coco’s Corner before running the fast yet washed-out trails. Keep your A game on, as there are several “G” outs and washouts along the way. The sometimes wet, slimy Frog Canyon lies ahead. This lush green valley, situated between the mountains and often featuring several water crossings, is a beautiful sight, a little wet, but easily passable. The trail opens up to sandy washes before transitioning to hard-packed dirt, leading to the El Crucero check-up point. A few miles of sand whoops lie ahead that are best just driven slowly to a good pace. The trail then becomes a little more technical and bumpy before checking in at Hwy 12 (the road to Bahía de los Ángeles). The Hwy drive will end us in Bahía de los Ángeles.

3 Bahía de los Ángeles to San Ignacio

May 11th, 2026

Saying goodbye to the beautiful views and hospitality of Bahía de los Ángeles is never easy. Today, we begin the drive south alongside the Sea of Cortez, making a few stops at the beach to take it all in, through San Rafael and El Barril, and then descending into the uncharted beachfront of San Frrcisquito for our trail lunch stop. We pass through the Sierra de San Francisco mountains and Punta Baja before heading inland to begin our peninsula crossover to Highway One. Refueling in Viscano, and quite possibly an ice cream or two. We then decide as a group to do more off-road trails or run down the highway to San Ignacio to the hotel.

4 San Ignacio to Scorpion

May 12th, 2026

Short, almost effortless day. A quick 100 miles of riding on soft, loamy trails that will eventually turn into gravel roads will allow us to make fast time on the trail. This will be a well-deserved day after putting in some big mile days before. The lower route into Scorpion Bay will wind us through the sault flats and through soft sandy twists and turns. This is always a crowd pleaser. Ending in Scorpion Bay. Aka San Janico is a beautiful coastal town mainly known for its fishing and famous right-hand surf break. Stunning oceanfront homes line the point of the bay. Lunch today will be at the point overlooking the ocean. After lunch, we check into the Scorpion Bay hotel and enjoy the hotel and stories from the past days.

5 Scorpion Bay to Loreto

May 13th, 2026

With no doubt, ear to ear smiles as we ride the beaches of the Pacific as far as the eye can see. The hard-packed beach sand makes for some fun times. This is definitely a good drone video part of the trip. As we end the beach ride, we’ll cut over the dunes and head toward Loreto. The mountain road that leads us over the peninsula is definitely more rocky and has numerous hidden ruts, but it also features several broad, open sections. Part of today's journey will take us through La Purisima, San Isidro, and Comondú, several sights along the way (Cerro El Pilon), a prominent mountain will be visible as we drive through the town, stopping to check out the mission Comondú, another well-preserved mission. We conclude the off-road trail with some slow passes and rocky hill climbs before driving down the highway to the hotel, located beachfront on the Cortez.

6 Loreto to San Carlos

May 14th, 2026

Traveling back into the mountains of Loreto, our first stop for the day will be at the San Javier Mission, nestled in the beautiful mountains of Loreto. We will take the time to tour the mission, which was completed in 1758 and is commonly known as “The Jewel of Baja California” due to its beauty. Afterward, we’ll hit the dirt trails, taking us back to the Pacific for some well-deserved high-speed trails. With looming cacti on either side of the trail, these sandy, uneven trails are fast and extremely fun. Zig-zagging south toward San Carlos has often been remarked on as one of the best trails in Baja. Ending Day 6 in San Carlos, at a beachfront hotel for another delightful meal.

7 San Carlos to Lapaz

May 14th, 2026

Day six was only the introduction to epic trails, as today we ride from San Carlos to Lapaz. This 240-mile day will be filled with adventure. Fast trails, undiscovered beaches, and views most only dream of will be around every corner. Trails are quick, but always keep an eye out for the occasional “G” out and uneven sand whoop. A multitude of terrain today but all perfectly paced trails. Trail lunch today, beachside on the Pacific Ocean, is in store for us. Our last stage of the day will yet again take us across the peninsula into the city of Lapaz. Once we reach the city limits of Lapaz, we’ll drive through the town as a group to the Hotel located in the private marina.

8 Lapaz to Cabo

May 15th, 2026

Serving up some spectacular views today to end the trip. Lapaz to Cabo is a slower-paced route that traverses the mountains and follows the coastline. We have a few routes planned for our last day, so depending on trail conditions and how the group is doing, we'll save it for a surprise. Be assured, you won’t be disappointed. Ending in Cabo San Lucas at the airport for easy transport, loading, and each person's hotel destination in Cabo.

Note: As we arrive in Cabo you're UTV will be loaded and transported right away. Please make sure you have all you're personal belonging you are flying with.

9 Cabo stay and flight back

May 16th, 17th & 18th 2026

Note: Where you choose to stay in Cabo is up to you. We end the trip next to the San Lucas International airport, where the transport trucks will be waiting for us. Taxis will be called and will take you to your hotel of choice (this is not included), or you can arrange your own transport. The arrival time for the transport truck is hard to predict, but we aim for 3 pm to 5 pm.

Flight back to Tiajuna: Flight back to Tecate on May 18th 2026 - flight info will be email to you directly. You need to book this flight to be on the same flight with Off the GRID Expeditions personal . If you have made other arrangements with us directly on this, please contact us so we can discuss the details. Once we arrive in TJ, Off the GRID Expeditions will provide shuttles to Tecate.

Dates: May 8th - 15th 2026

Deposit: 1500.00

Cost: $8900.00 per customer-owned UTV. This covers two people per UTV, hotels, food, guides, mechanics, and support trucks. (3rd and 4th passengers are extra)

Duration: 8 days 7 nights on trail, 4 days in Cabo while UTVs are transported back north to Tecate

Terrain: Terrain: 60% gravel roads, 10% hill climbs, 20% 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....

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.

Flight from Cabo to Tecate to retrieve your UTV. We'll update you on the flight info.
Snacks and drinks. You are responsible for snacks along the way. You will also want to bring plenty of bottled water and beverages for consumption while out on the trail. Please make sure everything is secured.
Gas. We will be stopping for gas on several occasions, for which you will be responsible for purchasing. On some expeditions, additional gas will need to be carried. We will notify you via pre-event email if you need to carry additional 5 to 10 gallons of gas.
Lunches and chase refueling. Off the GRID Expeditions will pay for the lunches and chase truck fuel, as most lunches are on trail or supplied by the chase team. At the end of the trip, the total amount is divided evenly among the number of UTVs and paid back to us.
Cash, small bills. Please make sure you have cash. Most gas stations do accept credit cards, but not all of them do. The recommended amount for a full peninsula trip is $2500.00.
Passports and driver's licenses. You will need your passport to enter back into the USA.
Insurance. You will need insurance for your UTV. We will provide the link to the insurance company after you have signed up. There is a discount rate set up.
Special Note: Absolutely no illegal drugs or guns are allowed in Baja. Prescription drugs need to have valid documents with them.