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Santiago to Baja California Sur: La Paz and Todos Santos

Santiago → La Paz (Baja) → Todos Santos

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
"Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico - La Cantina Cantina.jpg" by Sharon Hahn Darlin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Vista del centro de La Paz (La Paz)
Photo: Parallelepiped09, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sea of Cortez, whale sharks & desert coast Best season (general guide): Nov–Apr

Baja California Sur is a long desert peninsula between the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez, known for its marine life. This route spends four nights in La Paz and two in Todos Santos. From Santiago you'll connect through Mexico City.

How to pace it: Spend days one to four in La Paz (Baja): day one, the Malecón; day two, Espíritu Santo boat trip; day three, whale shark tour (seasonal); day four, Balandra Beach. Then spend days five and six in Todos Santos: day five, across to Todos Santos; day six, galleries and the Pacific beaches.

La Paz is a laid-back city with a long seafront promenade, the Malecón, perfect for an evening walk. Balandra Beach, north of town, has shallow turquoise water and a mushroom-shaped rock.

Boat trips go to Espíritu Santo, an uninhabited island where you can snorkel with sea lions. The islands and protected areas of the Gulf of California are listed by UNESCO. In season, licensed tours take small groups to swim with whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz, following strict rules.

Todos Santos is about an hour away on the Pacific side. It is a small town with galleries, cafés and old buildings, and the beaches nearby are good for surfing. Swimming can be dangerous because of strong currents, so check local conditions.

November to April is the most comfortable time, with mild weather. Whale shark season in the Bay of La Paz usually runs from autumn to spring.

Seafood is a highlight in La Paz, from fish tacos at street stalls to ceviche by the water. Sunsets over the bay from the Malecón are a nightly ritual for locals and visitors alike. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in the calm morning water.

Good to know: Hire a car to explore the coast. Book whale shark and island tours with licensed operators. Bring sun protection and plenty of water.

Carry cash for small beach cafés.

Suggested outline

  1. Santiago

    Start

  2. La Paz (Baja)

    By air · 4 nights suggested

    A relaxed city on the Sea of Cortez, with the Malecón, Balandra Beach and Espíritu Santo.

    Malecon La Paz Baja California Sur
    "La paz malecon 1702p1.jpg" by Carlos Valenzuela, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

  3. Todos Santos

    Overland · 2 nights suggested

    An artsy Pacific town with galleries, surf beaches and seasonal turtle releases.

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · La Paz (Baja) — Arrive; the Malecón· Santiago → La Paz, Baja (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · La Paz (Baja) — Espíritu Santo boat trip
  3. Day 3 · La Paz (Baja) — Whale shark tour (seasonal)
  4. Day 4 · La Paz (Baja) — Balandra Beach
  5. Day 5 · Todos Santos — Across to Todos Santos· La Paz, Baja → Todos Santos (overland)
  6. Day 6 · Todos Santos — Galleries and the Pacific beaches
  7. Day 7 · Todos Santos — Travel home from Todos Santos· Todos Santos → La Paz (overland), then La Paz → Santiago (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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La Paz (Baja)

More about La Paz →

Plan the trip: La Paz

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Todos Santos

Nearest airport: La Paz Search fares · La Paz ↗

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