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Desert Inn

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A simple hotel with pool catering well for visitors to the whale watching town San Ignacio in Baja California. 

The Desert Inn is a five minute walk from San Ignacio’s pretty tree-shaded plaza which hosts the little town’s ornate and imposing Jesuit mission church. The economy here is dedicated to whale-watching but there’s also a palm-defined green lagoon with good bird spotting opportunities.

The mission-style accommodation is mostly on one level with rooms connected by an arched terrace, and is set beside lawns in extensive grounds studded with a fountain and dazzling bougainvillea among other tropical foliage.  Most of the guest rooms face a decent-sized, lounger-fringed swimming pool , good for splashing around in rather than swimming. The fairly basic rooms are spacious and airy and although the décor is unremarkable the hotel serves its purpose as a comfortable, friendly option in a good location. Some guest rooms are intentionally dark to keep them cool, a respite in the fierce Baja heat. There’s also a large restaurant on site.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Most memorable experience: Going by fast boat on Usumcinta river to Yaxchilan where howler monkeys and a deserted site made an unforgettable impression. I could go on and on –…

    PH Victoria Oct 2026
  • "Mayan sites were really fantastic. Teotihuacan was excellent and Mildred was a very good guide. She enhanced the day."

    SP, London Apr 2015
  • A trip into the Sian Kaan biosphere with a community based tour company was a beautiful way to celebrate a 14th birthday for one of our girls.</p>

    CL, Stafford Aug 2019
  • Highlights?: Tours of Mexico City & Chichen Itza, followed by our stay at Tulum.

    ER, Surbiton Jan 2018
  • Whale watching in San Jose Del Cabo

    CS, Epsom Mar 2016
  • Most memorable experiences: "Visiting our parents' house in Lomas de Chapultepec. Francisco persuaded the owners that we were genuine, which was quite an achievement. In sightseeing terms it is difficult…

    HG, Sherborne Mar 2015
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Our Expert's Opinion

Steve Yates
Steve Yates - Travel Expert

Steve has travelled extensively over the years, experiencing destinations in many different ways. From backpacking through basic hostels, hitchhiking and taking overnight buses, to enjoying stays in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and lodges, he has developed a deep appreciation for every style of travel

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Bartolome, Galápagos

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    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

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    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

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