Turtles and Conservation
Known for its wide virgin beaches and semi-desert surroundings, San Cristóbal is perfect for adventurers — whether exploring dunes on off-road vehicles, horseback riding along the coast, or trekking through trails lined with giant cacti. The beach is a prime spot for humpback whale watching in the winter and is home to one of the region’s most important conservation projects: ASUPMATOM, an organization dedicated to protecting sea turtles. Every year, hundreds of turtles nest on these beaches, and thanks to the efforts of volunteers and conservationists, hatchlings are monitored and released to help ensure the species’ survival. Participating in a turtle release is one of the most magical experiences in Baja California Sur. asupmatoma.org
Farm to Table
Nestled between Todos Santos and Cerritos, Pescadero is an agricultural oasis in the middle of the arid landscape. Its proximity to the ocean and fertile land has made it one of the main producers of mango, poblano peppers, and tomatoes in Baja California Sur, with fields that beautifully contrast the surrounding desert and mountains. Pescadero is also a coastal getaway, with beaches like San Pedrito, ideal for surfers and travelers seeking tranquility. Its calm atmosphere, combined with the growing presence of boutique hotels and fine dining, has turned it into a refuge for those seeking a more intimate and authentic Baja experience.
Surf and Relaxation
Just 15 minutes from Todos Santos and under an hour from Cabo San Lucas, Cerritos is one of the most iconic destinations along Baja California Sur’s Pacific coast. Known for its consistent waves and laid-back vibe, it’s a paradise for surfers of all levels. Its mild surf also makes it one of the few Pacific beaches in Baja safe for swimming, making it ideal for families and travelers wanting to enjoy the sea. During winter, humpback whales can often be seen near the shore. Though rustic, the beach area offers places to stay, restaurants, and beach bars serving fresh seafood and cocktails with your feet in the sand.
Magical Town
In the historic center of this Pueblo Mágico — a title it proudly holds with all the credentials — you’ll find the Mission of Santa Rosa de las Palmas, founded in 1723. The town flourished as a major sugarcane hub thanks to underground streams, but by the mid-20th century, its agricultural industry collapsed, turning it into a “ghost town”.
This oasis, located on the Tropic of Cancer between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra La Laguna mountains, began to attract American artists in the 1960s. They opened studios and galleries along what were then sandy streets shaded by palm and eucalyptus trees.
The legend of the Hotel California helped boost its fame, and in recent decades, Todos Santos has transformed significantly. Its once hippie vibe has become more refined, turning it into a favorite hideaway for urban entrepreneurs, surfers, and travelers in search of a fun, bohemian lifestyle. Today, it boasts a vibrant art scene, galleries, organic markets, and an exceptional food scene nestled among orchards and mango groves. Its cobblestone streets invite visitors to stroll past old brick mansions and artisan stalls, making it the perfect place to spend a day — or a lifetime.
Adventure Playground for Thrill Seekers
About 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of El Triunfo and 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of La Paz, La Ventana is one of the world’s top destinations for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to steady winds from November to March. It’s also a launching point for ocean safaris in search of orcas, devil rays, and even blue whales. Its bay, surrounded by desert mountains, offers a striking contrast between sea and desert. Beyond water sports, it’s a great place for yoga retreats, meditation, or wellness treatments — like those offered at Casa Tara. casatararetreat.com
Another great option is Rancho Cacachilas, a regenerative tourism project offering workshops and adventure camps, mountain biking trails, sustainable honey production, and cheese-making. Perched in the mountains overlooking the coast, it also includes a dedicated research area. ranchocacachilas.com
A Journey into the Mining Past
This charming town, located in the Sierra La Laguna, flourished during the mining boom of the 19th century and was once considered the most prosperous town in Baja California Sur. Surrounded by majestic mountains and semi-desert, it preserves its mining legacy through chimneys like “La Ramona,” designed by the famed French engineer Gustave Eiffel. Strolling through its streets feels like stepping back in time — with ruins of old mining estates, quaint cafés, delicious artisan ice cream shops, and world-class attractions like the Museum of the Cowboy of the Californias (MUVACA) and the always entertaining Silver Route Museum, whose restaurant, El Minero, is home to what many call the best paella in Baja Sur.
Oasis, canyons, and waterfalls
Located 40 minutes north of San José del Cabo, the picturesque town of Santiago is a refuge from mass tourism that surprises visitors with its rich history and lush nature — but above all, with the hospitality of its locals.
The first Jesuits arrived in the area in 1724 and settled around one of the 171 oases found in Baja California Sur. Santiago flourishes with palm trees, orchards, and natural springs, nestled in the arid landscape at the foot of the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve — declared a UNESCO site in 1994 for its ecological significance. The area is home to more than 700 plant species, including 100 endemic ones, and shelters pumas, gray foxes, deer, and over 100 bird species, including the golden eagle.
Just outside of Santiago is Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo, the gateway to the famous Fox Canyon (Cañón de la Zorra). The site offers 37 kilometers (23 miles) of hiking trails and interpretive walks. It’s easily accessible and home to a stunning 15-meter (49 ft) waterfall surrounded by crystal-clear pools, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
The artistic and bohemian side of Los Cabos
Once known in the 16th century as Puerto de San Bernabé, today San José del Cabo is the city from which we set off to explore the region. Beyond its beautiful beaches and estuaries that shelter migratory birds, San José has grown inland, toward the mountains and desert, with social, gastronomic, and adventure projects that reflect the creativity and talent brought by artists and travelers from different parts of the world, many of whom now call this place home.
San José was once a haven for pirates and a landmark for captains of the Manila Galleon — the longest-running and most prosperous trade route in history, which, from the 16th to the 19th century, brought all kinds of goods, stories, and knowledge that helped shape what we now call Mexico.
At the heart of the town lies a mission founded by Jesuits in 1730. Walking its streets is a joy, especially on Thursday nights when they celebrate the Art Walk.
Hotel El Ganzo is a boutique property that blends design, art, music, wellness, and cuisine. It’s more than just a place to sleep — it’s a destination in itself, adorned with artworks created by local and international artists in residence. It features a recording studio and live music events, establishing it as a cultural icon. Its wellness offerings include a spa, gym, yoga, and meditation classes, while its restaurant stands out for its signature cuisine based on local ingredients. It also boasts a rooftop bar with an infinity pool and views of the Sea of Cortez, as well as access to a beach club. elganzo.com
Explore San José del Cabo’s historic center, visit the 18th-century Jesuit mission, and discover its bars, restaurants, and more than 15 art galleries — especially during the Art Walk held every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., from November to June.
I wake after a night filled with memories, one where we bathed beneath a waterfall under the stars. At dawn, we departed from the oasis of Santiago, heading toward La Paz; the crescent moon was still visible as the first rays of sunlight traced the silhouettes of hills scattered with shrubs and palms.
I led our caravan down sandy trails in a land that feels untamed, protected by fences whose barbed wire blushes before the thorns of desert cacti. I’ll admit it — I had grown used to urban comfort. I had been lost, living subdued. I ignored the GPS and chose instead to follow my nearly faded instincts; I had to trust my sense of direction and belonging, to hear the mermaids’ song calling toward the Sea of Cortez. The group trusted that I knew where I was leading them, but secretly, I savored being lost… at least until we found ourselves.
Curiosity drove us to navigate through the morning mist aboard our Porsche Cayennes in search of hidden treasures: the feeling of freedom and the euphoria of being fully present. And then I saw beyond comfort. I felt as if I had lived deceived, destined for loneliness. Everything became clear, mysteries unraveled, and I found the answers. The world — still so wild — called me by name. I realized that luxury cannot be bought with money; true luxury is taking the time to be with yourself and your loved ones; it’s about experiencing the remote and the untamable; it’s feeling at home no matter where you go.
Luxury is the space where man and machine become one. It’s that moment when you know you are exactly where you’re meant to be, doing exactly what you’re meant to do; it’s the blend of awe and joy; it’s when the destination no longer matters — only the thrill of living life along the way.
Gray Whale Watching
About 180 kilometers (112 miles) from the capital, along the Pacific coast, lies a small fishing village that recently opened up to the world to share one of the animal kingdom’s most awe-inspiring migrations. Every year from December to March, gray whales travel from the icy waters of the Arctic to the warmer shores of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
There are four famous whale-watching spots: Ojo de Liebre Lagoon in Guerrero Negro, San Ignacio Lagoon in the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, Estero de la Soledad in Puerto Adolfo López Mateos, and Puerto San Carlos in Magdalena Bay. What makes Puerto Chale so special is that it’s still under the radar, offers an excellent chance to spot large numbers of whales, and is close to the capital. After mingling with dolphins and gray whales, you can enjoy some of the freshest and tastiest shrimp tacos and clam aguachiles imaginable. barbarita-tours.com
The World’s Largest Aquarium
The Gulf of California, better known as the Sea of Cortez, was famously dubbed “the Aquarium of the World” by explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau due to its incredible biodiversity. It’s a vital migratory corridor for whales, orcas, and whale sharks. Sailing these waters with friends aboard a catamaran, encountering marine life and anchoring overnight in a quiet bay facing an untouched beach — this might just be the best experience Mexico has to offer.
The Sea of Cortez borders four Mexican states and includes one of the country’s most beautiful beaches: the protected natural area of Balandra. Off the coast of La Paz, you’ll also find over 900 islands, including the volcanic Espíritu Santo Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to 900 species of fish and 32 types of marine mammals — including the world’s only friendly sea lion colony — the Sea of Cortez is a diver’s paradise. bajaadventureco.com
Honor its name
In 1830, La Paz became the capital of Baja California Sur, establishing itself as a key Pacific port for maritime trade. Today, it’s one of Mexico’s trendiest cities, thanks to its rich historical heritage, exceptional beaches, vibrant food scene, and deep connection to nature.
Its seaside walkway is one of the longest and most beautiful in Mexico, stretching about 5.5 kilometers and lined with more than 50 public art sculptures inspired by marine life, history, and the culture of southern Baja. Among the most iconic are La Paloma, La Ballena Jorobada, La Perla, and Jacques Cousteau, honoring the French oceanographer who explored and cherished this region.
The history of this port on a privileged bay along the Sea of Cortez dates back to 1533, when Spanish explorer Fortún Ximénez arrived and was dazzled by the abundance of pearls. However, it wasn’t until 1720 that Jesuit missionaries established the Mission of Our Lady of the Pillar of La Paz, seeking to evangelize the Pericú people.
Hotel Indigo La Paz is a recently remodeled boutique hotel with elegant rooms offering views of the marina, golf course, and beach — all part of the exclusive Puerta Cortés development. Located just outside the city on the bay of La Paz, its restaurant Barco is considered one of the best in all of southern Baja. The beach club feels like an oasis, perfect for spending the day eating, sipping drinks, enjoying spa treatments, or watching the sunset from the pool or jacuzzi. ihg.com
Luxury and Sophistication
The most cosmopolitan destination in the region lies at the southern tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula. Cabo San Lucas is world-renowned for sportfishing and is the epicenter of entertainment, nightlife, fine dining by award-winning chefs, and luxury resorts in the area. To top it off, it’s home to one of the peninsula’s most iconic natural landmarks: The Arch, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.
Like other points in the region, Cabo was originally inhabited by the Pericú people before the arrival of Spanish navigator Francisco de Ulloa, who explored the area in 1537 on behalf of Hernán Cortés. In 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo mapped the region, though no settlement was established. By the 17th century, it had become a refuge for English pirates raiding Spanish galleons traveling between the Philippines and New Spain — including the infamous privateer Francis Drake.
In the 1970s, the Mexican government identified the area as a key site for tourism development and established the tourist corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo with support from the National Fund for Tourism Development (FONATUR). This corridor spans 33 kilometers (20 miles) along the Transpeninsular Highway.
Today, the Los Cabos tourist corridor boasts over 18,000 hotel rooms, with more than 80% of its accommodations rated four and five stars. The area is home to major international luxury brands and a thriving real estate industry.
Traveling independently, feeling the land of Baja Sur beneath my skin, has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life. But doing it alongside some of my favorite people — passionate and sensitive creators who master a wide range of artistic expressions — has made it all the more unforgettable. I now understand Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s words: “Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.” Beyond any belief, philosophy, or worldview, there is an undeniable force — whether it’s chance or destiny — that becomes an essential part of life on the road.
Here, at the southern tip of Baja California Sur, where the desert surrenders to the sea and the wind writes stories in the sand, a group of artists, creators, and dreamers hit the road with a mission: to find the essence of this land and turn it into art. We took more than just photos, sounds, and scribbled notes; we took the golden light, the endless waves, the echo of the past, and the whisper of the wind. We took the long conversations, the playlists, and the silences along sandy trails and coastal highways. We also carried with us the laughter, the wonder, the freedom, and the thrill of not knowing what awaited us at the end of the road. But best of all, we came away with the certainty that a journey isn’t about the miles you cover — it’s about the stories you create along the way; the ones that redefine you and reignite your joy for living every moment to the fullest.
On this route, we found inspiration in every encounter, every landscape, every moment that made us pause and take in the grandeur of this corner of the world. The dust of the road clings to us, but it’s not a burden. It’s a reminder that we were here, that we left a part of ourselves in every turn, and that a part of Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, stayed with us. Because a road trip doesn’t end when you return home — it ends when you see the familiar as if it were new, again and again.
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Musicians, composers, and producers, as well as founding partners of the digital marketing agency Sensei Media. Together, they form the pop rock duo MADISON, one of Mexico’s most well-known independent music projects. With over 40 million views on YouTube, more than 35 million streams on Spotify, and sold-out shows at venues such as the Lunario of the Auditorio Nacional, they’ve shared the stage with some of the most important Ibero-American artists.
Studied communications at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, and film at the University of Valencia in Spain. He has directed, written, and edited music videos, TV series, commercials, short films, feature documentaries, and advertising campaigns that have earned him several accolades, including a Bronze Lion at Cannes. He teaches Acting for the Camera and has led multiple courses and seminars.
Photographer, co-founder and director of ”Revista 192”, an independent Mexican fashion and culture publication. Her work focuses on lifestyle themes including fashion, travel, portraiture, and nude photography. She has over 15 years of experience doing shoots for various media outlets, as well as visual campaigns for premium national and international brands.
Producer and host of AMOMéXICO on Grupo Fórmula, consultant for the German Cooperation Agency (GIZ), curator of B2B, B2C, and B2B2C experiences, publicist, and speaker. He has produced multimedia content in over 100 countries, authored the book ”Viajar Para Vivir,” and published more than a thousand reports, columns, and guides. He is also a producer, host, and screenwriter for various documentary formats and programs for some of the world’s most prominent media outlets.
| Route | Distance Approximate | Driving Time | Road condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José del Cabo → Cabo Pulmo | 120 km | 2 h | Paved until La Ribera, then dirt road |
| Cabo Pulmo → Santiago | 60 km | 1.5 h | Mostly dirt roads |
| Santiago → El Triunfo | 80 km | 1.5 h | Paved with some curves |
| El Triunfo → La Ventana | 45 km | 50 min | Paved and in good condition |
| La Ventana → La Paz | 40 km | 45 min | Paved and without dangerous curves |
| La Paz → Todos Santos | 80 km | 1 h | Paved and in excellent condition |
| Todos Santos → Migriño | 45 km | 40 m | Paved and overlooking the Pacific |
| Migriño → Cabo San Lucas | 40 km | 35 min | Paved, but with rush hour traffic |
Exploring the southern tip of Baja California Sur on a road trip is the best way to discreetly experience its great diversity of destinations and personalities, from pristine beaches to towns with mining history, hidden canyons, and vibrant coastal cities.
Drive during the day. Some roads don’t have lighting, and wildlife often crosses at night.
Moderate your speed. Roads can be narrow with sharp curves, especially on stretches like El Triunfo–La Paz.
Check your vehicle. Before departing, make sure it’s in good mechanical condition, especially if you plan to drive on dirt roads.
Plan your stops. Not all areas have gas stations; fill up your tank in San José del Cabo, La Paz, or Todos Santos, as stations are scarce in more remote destinations like Cabo Pulmo or La Ventana.
Tires and suspension. If you plan to visit Cabo Pulmo or explore dirt road areas, it’s ideal to travel in a vehicle with good suspension.
Food and water. Never forget to bring enough water and snacks, especially if you’re visiting places like Cabo Pulmo or Santiago.
ATMs. Most destinations accept cards, but in more rural places like Santiago or La Ventana, cash works better.
Apps on your phone. Waze, Google Maps, and Maps.me work well on most routes, but it’s best to download maps in advance.
We shall not cease from exploration,
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.– T.S. Eliot
