A 2-week Road Trip Through Baja California

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It feels as if it was yesterday when we came out of that Madrid-Los Cabos flight and embarked ourselves into new Mexican adventures. Marlene, Alba and I weren’t truly aware of what we were about to experience, or how many friends we would make on this trip, for that matter. Friends that are very dear to us, still to this date.

The year was 2021, Easter Holidays, and the pandemic was still amongst us. Many of our friends or colleagues looked down on us for even traveling at this point, but we were tired. We had been working non-stop for almost two years. We needed a change, time to recharge, time to be together. We logged off our laptops as we boarded on that plane to Mexico on a Friday afternoon and didn’t look back. The holiday mood hadn’t sinked in yet, but we were excited.

12 hours later and a few movies behind us, we landed in Los Cabos. Our 4X4 car was awaiting and it was time for us to shake things off for the better. 2 weeks circuling Baja California Sur, also known as the ‘boot’ of Baja, ahead of us. Oh, the thrill of it. We have heard Baja is charming, full of beautiful sea creatures and desert like surroundings. Gorgeous food and gorgeous people inside out. It was time to get on the road and get this party started.

We would do it all over again. And that’s why we are giving you the tour, so that you can do it, too.

 

First Weekend in Los Cabos (2 nights)

Landing and spending the weekend in Los Cabos was certainly memorable. However, I would not say Cabo San Lucas nor Cabo San Jose are truly representative of the Baja culture, nor even the people.

Los Cabos are a fun weekend destination for those seeking sun, margaritas and partying until til the sunrises. It’s certainly not for the heart fainted, and whilst we enjoyed our time there, it was probably our least favorite of all of our stops in BCS. Having said that, there’s plenty you can do here. Our recommendations:

  • Stay at Bahia Hotel Beach House

  • Eat & Drink til the sun sets at SUR Beach House

  • Grab a Sunset Whale boat Tour with any of the many tour operators in front of SUR (they are there until 5pm)

  • Taco your way into the night at La Lupita Taco & Mezcal

  • Continue into dangerous fun at Vas que vuelas Mezcaleria

  • Dance the night away at many of the clubs available! There are options for all tastes, from low key salsa bars to Ibiza-size clubbing by the beach side

Cabo Pulmo National Park (2 nights)

Cabo Pulmo is Baja’s best kept secret. Many will come to Baja and never even enter it. We advise you against that thought. Much to our surprise, Cabo Pulmo was a haven for wildlife. The biggest and oldest cactus I’ve ever seen where here. The most deserted paradise beaches I’ve ever seen where here. The most incredible shabby chic stay I’ve ever been in was also here. Southern-style bungalows with crystal clear waters and desert like hills. A dream, and our first pinch-me moment of the holidays. Our recommendations here:

  • Stay at Baja Bungalows

  • Dive at Pulmo Beach Resort Dive Center

  • Eat & Drink at Tito’s; though if you have an amazing place to stay, we would recommend you stock up on groceries and just enjoy living the desert life for a few days. Cabo Pulmo is a peaceful place to connect with nature. Sit back and relax.

La Ventana & La Paz (4 nights)

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and the biggest city you'‘ll find around BCS. A hub for business wo/men and adventurers alike, la Paz will serve many purposes. I got my diving certification here and I could not speak highly enough of the care and attention I received here. If you don’t have a purpose in mind, we suggest 1-2 nights here whilst visitng nearby beach towns, and 1-2 nights in laid-back La Ventana, a kite-surfers paradise.

Whilst in La Paz:

  • Get up early and hike from Playa Escondida to Playa Balandra, one of the most scenic walks and white sand beaches I have ever seen

  • Have a Drink at Harker Board afterwork, this is where most travellers and locals go

  • Taco your way into the night at Taco Fish La Paz or if you’d like a different cuisine, visit Paciana for an italian pizza and wine kind of night

  • Refresh yourself with homemade icecream at Michoacan at any time of the day

  • Dive with Cortez Expeditions. Nor only they are attentive, they care about the marine life. Plus they will stop to spot animals any time. We saw so many whales on our expeditions, I still dream of it.

  • Swim with Sea Lions at Isla Espiritu Santo. You can also snorkle or dive, if you prefer it. This was by far one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had.

Whilst in La Ventana:

  • Kite or windsurf by El Sargento Beach

  • Celebrate your water activities with a refreshing beer and delicious asian-mex snacks at La Tuna BCS

  • Drink local beer at Joe’s Garage Brewery

  • Dine jumbo seafood at Marlin

  • Stay at VentusBay

La Ventana is magical place and one of those spots that will make you fell in love with Baja. It’s rugged, laid-back and enchanting. A bit too windy to my taste at times, but nevertheless full of gorgeous people and hip but relaxed places to hang out and let the time go by. After a few days here, it was time for our final destination before heading home.

Todos Santos (2 nights)

Todos Santos was the cherry on top of our trip. Don’t let the modern and perhaps more ‘american’ style fool you, this is a charming if you care to explore it further.

Known as the ‘artists’ town of Baja, Todos Santos where painters and artists alike come to show. There is plenty of great restaurants on offer and we had the best night out of our trip whilst staying here. Our recommendations:

  • Caffeine yourself at Doce Cuarenta Casa de Cafe - There’s a few in town but we suggest heading to the roastery for a full-experience

  • Shop til you drop in the main street in town, but make sure you stop at Nomad Chic

  • Brunch at Bleu, tucked away behind an art gallery

  • Dinner at Jazamango

  • Drinks at Jardin Alquimia

  • Drive to Cerritos Beach and try the Chocolatera clams by the seafront, a local delicacy

  • Watch the sunset at The Green Room whilst listening to live music barefoot in the beach

And just like that…it was time to go home. Sad because it wass over, but happy, and above all thankful, because it happened.

TCB xx