ABOUT
Don Guadalupe Loya Arce passed away in 1911.
In the year of 1920, Don Jose Murillo, son of Don Guadalupe followed his footsteps. He had the passion of cattle dealing and liked to explore. In 1957, at the age of 60, Don Murillo retired ranching and wholeheartedly dedicated his last 40 years to the Guadalupe Canyon with his sons.
Don Jose Murillo lived to the age of 100 years old. He passed away in 1997.
In the early 1940’s, Don Guadalupe’s Grandson, Don Jose Loya Espinoza, first experienced the amazing hot spring oasis canyon his grandfather encountered. In 1956, Mr. Loya Espinoza was granted ownership of the 537 hectare of land by the Mexican government (“Terrenos Nacionales de Mexico”). Don Loya Espinoza had a vision to create an all natural camping area for tourist. It would take him more than 20 years of hard work and dedication, to create this unique destination for those who love adventurous trips and are seeking an unforgettable experience with nature.
Cañon de Guadalupe Founders: Don Jose Murillo (left) and Don Jose Loya (right)
In the 19th century Don Guadalupe Loya Arce, a highly regarded cowboy, discovered a natural desert paradise during an expedition exploring the Pacific Baja California Peninsula with family and fellow cattle ranchers.
In the middle of, what is now called Cañon de Guadalupe; a lush oasis emerged with beautiful waterfalls, healing mineral hot prings, refreshing natural swimming pools and magnificent palm trees. Guadalupe Canyon was a paradise in its most natural form, complete with the historical rupestrian paintings from the Cucapa tribes which were the last known natives of the area.
Don Loya Espinoza suffered from arthritis and soon discovered the healing qualities of the mineral hot springs. He channeled the healing waters to a variety of hot tubs of all sizes built by hand using river rocks and cement. Today thousands of tourists visit Guadalupe Canyon from different states all year long to experience the healing waters.
Don Jose Loya Espinoza lived to the age of 89 and passed away in 2011.
After many decades of hard work and dedication, Don Jose Loya Espinoza’s sons, Mario Loya and Ernesto Loya (passed away in 2022) continue the legacy of promoting the Canyon as one of the jewels of Baja California. The family is proud to offer the favorite getaway for Mexican families and the thousands of visitors that come every year to enjoy this natural desert paradise.
“A CANYON THAT SHOOTS BEAUTY”
Cucapa tribe