The Hardy River is a unique water stream in Baja California as the only one that can be navigated upstream, which is an important part of ecotourism, on top of having a pair of tourist camping grounds at its shores: Mosqueda Camp and Baja Cucapah.
This information was released by the Ministry of Tourism (Secture) delegation in Mexicali, Baja California's capital, who also pointed at the high potential for aquatic sports, ecotourism and fishing for sport; all these activities are attractive to foreign tourists, and what better chance to partake in them than Memorial Weekend.
Located only 45 minutes away from the city if you take the Mexicali-San Felipe highway, the Hardy River is a 26 km offshoot of the Colorado River. Discovered in 1826 by English explorer and naval lieutenant Sir William Hale Hardy, the river offers a number of recreational activities in its two main camps.
The first one, Rancho Baja Cucapah, is located at the KM 48 of the highway, visitors can explore part of the Colorado River's delta zone and learn from the Hardy River's history by sailing "La Bruja", a wooden ship for 21 passengers that slowly cruises the waters, offering the chance to appreciate the region's flora and fauna; the trip back is by way of a "train", in reality a fun little vehicle pulled by a tractor.
A different option is to rent a bike and pedal through the mountain, admiring the Sierra Cucapá and enjoying the Canopy Tour, a thrilling ride that includes three hanging bridges and two zip lines.
For those looking to enjoy the water, boating equipment is also available, as are floating tubes to let visitors drift placidly along the current. Kayaking is also possible in one of the river's calmest parts. There is a pool area where children can play safely, and two ample, totally equipped tourist cabins are available for renting. Finally, a restaurant-museum offers its specialty: Corvina ceviche.
On the other hand, Mosqueda camp is located on KM 53.5, offering visitors a camping area in front of the river, field or at the lagoon's shores, including tents and grills to enjoy a nice BBQ, with restroom and shower areas in all three of them. They also offer an annual rental fee so people can install or build their own cabin, or park their motor homes.
Their restaurant is open to the public Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering delicious Mexican cooking.
This field also has an airstrip for small or private planes, with 24 hour security.
You can get more information on these two destinations by calling Mexicali's Ministry of Tourism on these numbers: (686) 566-1116 and 566-1277. You can also visit www.descubrebajacalifornia.com, where you'll also find information about other tourist destinations within the state.
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editorial@sandiegored.com
Translated by axel.alcala@sandiegored.com
