Standing together: The San José de Comondú wildfire
The flames are now gone. But the loss remains.
San José de Comondú wildfire of July 9, 2026.
For years, our mission at Baja Adventures and Nakawe Project has extended beyond protecting the wildlife and ecosystems of Baja California Sur. Regenerative tourism is also about safeguarding the people, traditions, landscapes, and stories that have shaped this peninsula for centuries.
Today, one of the places we cherish most and love to explore needs our help.
On the afternoon of July 9 2026, a devastating wildfire swept through San José de Comondú, one of Baja California Sur’s most culturally and ecologically significant regions. Driven by dry conditions and strong winds, the fire spread rapidly through the historic oasis, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
San José de Comondú destroyed by the wildfire of July 9, 2026.
The fire severely impacted the ancient palm oasis, destroyed or damaged at least 75 homes, and left many families without shelter, crops, livestock, tools, or the means to continue their daily lives. For many, generations of history disappeared in a matter of hours.
One of the homes in San José de Comondú destroyed by the wildfire of July 9, 2026.
Why Comondú Matters
Comondú is far more than a beautiful destination.
Since 2022, the people of San José de Comondú have welcomed us not simply as visitors, but as friends. They have opened the doors of their homes, shared their stories, traditions, and knowledge, and invited us to experience a way of life deeply connected to the land.
Leopoldo Sanmiguel and Regina Domingo, expedition leaders at Baja Adventures, leading an iexpedition with KÜHL in San José de Comondú, Baja California Sur, in 2024 w
Today, as the community begins the long journey of recovery, we stand with them. The landscapes can heal, homes can be rebuilt, and palm groves can grow again, but preserving the spirit, culture, and resilience of Comondú requires all of us.
From everyone at Baja Adventures, thank you to the families of Comondú for your generosity, trust, and friendship. We are honored to share your story, and we remain committed to supporting this extraordinary community for many years to come.
The historic Misión de San José de Comondú
San José de Comondú is one of the oldest continuously inhabited oasis communities on the Baja California Peninsula and home to the historic Misión de San José de Comondú, founded by Jesuit missionary Father Julián de Mayorga in 1708. Long before the arrival of the Jesuits, Indigenous Cochimí communities depended on this oasis as a reliable source of freshwater in an otherwise arid landscape. For centuries, its springs have sustained agriculture, ranching, orchards, and human settlement, making Comondú one of the peninsula's most remarkable examples of the enduring relationship between people and the desert.
Leopoldo Sanmiguel, founder of Baja Adventures, leading an interpretive expedition at the historic Misión de San José de Comondú, Baja California Sur, in 2023.
Long before the arrival of the Jesuits, Indigenous Cochimí communities relied on the oasis as a dependable source of freshwater in an otherwise arid landscape. For centuries, its springs have sustained agriculture, ranching, and human settlement, making the oasis not only a cultural landmark but also one of the peninsula's most remarkable examples of the enduring relationship between people and the desert.
Leopoldo Sanmiguel and Regina Domingo, expedition leaders at Baja Adventures, on a expedition with KÜHL in San José de Comondú, Baja California Sur, in 2024
The region is deeply connected to El Camino Real, the historic route that linked the missions of Baja California and became the backbone of exploration, communication, and cultural exchange across the peninsula. Even today, sections of this ancient trail are still traveled by mule, preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The palm oasis of San José de Comondú before the July 2026 wildfire, a lush freshwater refuge nestled within the arid landscapes of the Baja California Peninsula.
The surrounding landscapes tell the geological story of Baja California itself. Towering volcanic mesas, dramatic canyons, and remarkable basaltic rock formations reveal millions of years of Earth’s history while creating habitats for an extraordinary diversity of life.
Ecologically, Comondú is equally irreplaceable. Its oasis functions as a biodiversity hotspot, providing water and shelter for countless birds, reptiles, mammals, pollinators, and native plants. These fragile desert oases represent some of the rarest ecosystems in North America, acting as islands of life surrounded by vast desert landscapes.
View from the oasis toward the dramatic basaltic rock formations surrounding Comondú.
But perhaps Comondú’s greatest treasure is its people.
Families have lived here for generations, preserving traditional ranching practices, local gastronomy, craftsmanship, oral histories, and a profound knowledge of living sustainably in one of the world’s most challenging environments. Their culture is an essential part of Baja California Sur’s identity.
Ramona, from Hacienda La Ramona, shares the history and traditions of the Pitaya Festival in San José de Comondú, reflecting on her memories and her lifelong participation in one of the community's most cherished celebrations
The Immediate Needs
The first wave of emergency assistance has already begun. Thanks to the incredible generosity of many people, food and clothing have been arriving steadily.
Firefighters and emergency response teams working to contain the wildfire near San José de Comondú on July 9, 2026.
Today, the greatest community needs include:
Clean water
Generators
Refrigerators
Propane tanks
Stoves
Mattresses
Cots
Cleaning supplies
Building materials
Medical supplies
Our team will travel to Comondú alongside Hacienda la Ramona people and local community leaders to assess needs directly and ensure support reaches families transparently and effectively.
We are not involved for recognition or publicity. We simply want to stand beside a community that has welcomed us into their homes, shared their traditions, and inspired so much of the work we do through regenerative tourism.
Looking beyond emergency relief
Recovery will not end once the fire is extinguished.
View from the basaltic rock formations overlooking the oasis of San José and San Miguel de Comondú.
Over the coming months, we will launch a series of regenerative expeditions to Comondú designed not only to explore this extraordinary region, but to directly support its recovery.
Together, we will walk sections of the historic Camino Real, discover the spectacular basaltic formations and canyons that define this landscape, and spend time with local families learning about traditional ranching culture, regional gastronomy, oral history, and the stories that have shaped this oasis for centuries.
Leopoldo Sanmiguel hiking among the basaltic rock formations of Comondú, Baja California Sur.
Every expedition will contribute directly to the local economy by supporting community businesses, guides, artisans, accommodations, and family-run projects while helping preserve both the natural environment and the living cultural heritage of Comondú.
We believe tourism can become a powerful force for regeneration, one that leaves communities stronger than before, rather than simply passing through.
How you can help
If you are an individual, business, or organization that can contribute supplies, logistics, funding, or expertise, we would love to connect you directly with the community.
Every contribution, regardless of its size, helps a family begin again.
And when the time comes, we invite you to join us in Comondú, not simply as visitors, but as partners in rebuilding one of Baja California Sur’s most extraordinary cultural and ecological treasures.
Some places deserve more than admiration.
They deserve our commitment.
Let’s help Comondú rebuild, regenerate, and preserve its remarkable legacy for future generations.
Regina Domingo riding a mule along El Camino Real- Comondú, Baja California Sur
If you would like to donate supplies or make a financial contribution to support the community, please contact Hacienda La Ramona or the Nakawe Project team. We will ensure that your donation is connected directly with the families and community members facing the most urgent needs during the recovery process. Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference.