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Yes indeed, it can be hard to garner the energy needed to leave Cabo in search of greener pastures. Pretty much whatever you want to see can be found in Cabo or within a 30 minute drive. However there are some great side trips that are just a short distance from Cabo that are well worth the effort.
To get a better perspective of the Cabo, the Cape area and the rest of the Baja Peninsula take a peak at this awesome view of BAJA FROM SPACE.
Cruising the waters off of Cabo in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean is another great side trip. Check out the web site of CRUISE WEST for additional information.
A few of Carlos Fiesta's favorite choices...
Drive Time: Approximately one hour each way.
Looking for a slower pace with a small town artsy flavor? Todos Santos will definitely delight your tastebuds, and it's only about an hour away from downtown Cabo San Lucas! An hour away, but years removed from the faster pace of Cabo ... now that's a tough option to pass up.
Half the fun of an excursion to Todos Santos is the pleasant drive up the coast. The 2 lane blacktop runs just inland from the coast, and views of the blue Pacific can be enjoyed during much of the drive. The road is in excellent condition, and does not have nearly as much traffic as Baja Highway One does between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Many visitors to Todos Santos, after initially admiring it from the perspective of a map of Baja, are surprised upon arriving in town that it is not a coastal town. Yes, it is close to the ocean, but the actual town itself hugs both sides of Mexico Highway 19, which runs about a mile or two east of the Pacific Ocean. The town does offer some excellent empty beaches both north and south of town, but most visitors head for downtown to explore the heart of this very special village.
Todos Santos is a lot like Cabo was 20 years ago. Quite streets, many of them dirt, a few quaint shops, and several places to pull up a warm plate and a cold drink. And, unlike the Cabo of yesteryear, Todos Santos offers a good selection of artist galleries with something for everyone. The town is easily explored on food, so decent walking shoes are a good idea.
The Hotel California, located mid town, has been reported by many to be the Hotel California in the song by the same name sung by the Eagles. It is currently closed and looking for a new owner (got a million bucks?). But don't fret...if you want a T-shirt to inform the folks back home that you visited the hotel, a small shop across the street can accommodate you!
Todos Santos is the perfect place to escape the crowds of Cabo, and eating is the perfect reason to go. There are several places in town that offer good breakfasts, and taking in a lunch at a courtyard cafe is a wonderful way to slip into Todos Santos time. After one margarita you might start considering looking for a home here. Don't laugh...it happens more often than you think.
If you are a beach hound, you'll love Todos Santos beaches. They are usually empty, and most of them offer excellent shell collecting. For a quiet day relaxing seaside, try the beautiful San Pedrito beach about 10 minutes south of town, via a good dirt road.
There is really no other town in all of Baja like Todos Santos. For further information the town, shopping, restaurants and more drop by the TODOS SANTOS section of Baja Expo.
If you like bookstores, you'll love the quaint bookstore on the main street, just west of the Hotel California (on the north side of the street). The selection of books and other items for sale is unique, making this is a great place to pick up a gift for that special person in your life.
CABO SIDE TRIPS
TODOS SANTOS * SAN JOSE * EAST CAPE * BUENA VISTA
LA CANDELARIA * EL TRIUNFO * LA PAZ * SANTIAGO
TODOS SANTOS
Road surface: All paved - 2 lanes.
DON'T MISS:
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SAN JOSE DEL CABO
Drive Time: Approximately 30 minutes each way.
Road surface: All paved - 4 lanes.
You whizzed right by it on the way into Cabo San Lucas from the airport...the jewel of the Cape. This "other half" of Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo, is a wonderful town with plenty to offer the Cabo visitor.
The heart of San Jose del Cabo is just east of Baja Highway One, about a mile in from the glimmering Sea of Cortez. Chances are good that if you weren't looking for it as you headed down the highway for Cabo you wouldn't even know it existed. And you would miss one of Baja's class acts.
San Jose del Cabo has a long history as a watering hole and village, and the fresh water river and estuary runs east of town today just as it did 500 years ago when the Indians set up camp here.
The estuary is quite large and is full of wild growth and birds. The best place to view the estuary is from the road that accesses the hotels, just south of town. There is a parking lot next to the Presidente Intercontinental Hotel.
Today's San Jose del Cabo slowly began taking shape in the mid 1900's. Then, when the Mexican government built the airport for Cabo San Lucas just 7 miles down the road from San Jose, growth was inevitable.
Much of the frenzied development that is taking place 20 miles down the coast in Cabo San Lucas has missed San Jose del Cabo. The town does offer a few excellent beachfront hotels, a fun 9 hole golf course, and miles of mostly empty beaches. But the growth is much more moderate than in Cabo.
Clean streets, friendly locals, and an excellent selection of shopping and restaurants combine to make Sam Jose del Cabo a "don't miss" while visiting Cabo. For further information drop by the SAN JOSE DEL CABO section of Baja Expo.
DON'T MISS:
The town square is located at the very center of town, where the town road makes a hard right turn. Park where you can, and enjoy walking the streets on either side. A Visitor's Center by the town square has brochures for a variety of things to do.
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EAST CAPE
Drive Time: Approximately one hour each way.
Road surface: Part paved - part dirt.
There is a dirt road that heads northeast up the coast from San Jose del Cabo that has caught the imagination of many adventurers. Informally known as the East Cape Road, this road travels through the most spectacular stretch of coast on the entire Baja Peninsula.
For dozens and dozens of miles this poor excuse for a road skirts the coast all the way up to Buena Vista. For the truly adventurous, the road continues past Buena Vista and ultimately connects to the blacktop, south of La Paz. For Baja aficionados seeking to get back to nature, this road has your name on it.
As is to be expected, the first portion of this road closest to San Jose del Cabo has seen some degree of development over the last few years. But the few scattered new homes soon become scarce, and before long the road is well removed from civilization. Beautiful empty beaches, an occasional ranch, and miles and miles of open space and coastline welcome those who dare to trek this for from civilization.
The only problem (some say it is the Capes only salvation) is that this dirt road is often in terrible shape. One minute you are breezing along at a comfortable 30 miles per hour, the next minute you are crawling over boulders in a wash at a snails pace. There are times that the road is totally impassible.
Visitors looking for a fresh view of The Cape sometimes indulge in the "East Cape Loop", heading up the Cape on the dirt road, and then returning to Los Cabos via the blacktop on Highway One. Almost anyway you slice it, a trip up the East Cape Road is a full day excursion.
Don't expect much in the way of services on the East Cape. There are a few places to eat, and even a few places to spend the night if you run short of time in this corner of paradise. But bring along whatever items you really need.
If you get up through the toughest part of the road and feel a cold beer is a just reward for your efforts, a stop at Tito's in Cabo Pulmo is the perfect place to stretch your legs and soak in the warm Baja sun.
Those who want the flavor of the East Cape Road without all of the adventure usually head up the blacktop from San Jose del Cabo to Buena Vista (see article below).
For additional information on this unique area drop by the EAST CAPE section of Baja Expo.
DON'T MISS:
After traveling the East Cape Road for a few hours the Sea of Cortez begins to entice the traveler for a refreshing dip. Although there are several places along the road to stop and go swimming, the small village of Cabo Pulmo offers sandy beaches and one of the finest places to snorkel in Baja! The coral reefs here start in shallow water and head out into deeper realms for serious divers. The water is clear and warm, and sea life is abundant!
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BUENA VISTA
Drive Time: Approximately one hour 20 minutes each way.
Road surface: All paved - 4 lanes to 2 lanes.
Looking for a coastal adventure but don't like the idea of leaving the blacktop? The twin coastal towns of Buena Vista and Los Barriles are an easy half day getaway, and they are located right on Baja Highway One, an hour north of Los Cabos.
Buena Vista holds a lot of the history of the original gringo Baja. This is where the pilots used to fly down to go fishing in the 60's and 70's, and the fly-in resorts here were the only places to stay.
Today Buena Vista still offers good fishing plus mile after mile of beautiful beach. The one drawback is that the secret about this beautiful location seems to have gotten out, and private homes are popping up on the shores of many of these beaches.
There are several restaurants just off of the highway where you can enjoy a good meal, and even a cold drink. There are several places where you can pull your car right up towards the beach, and swim in the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez.
If you are even remotely keen on the idea of owning a home in Paradise, Buena Vista is a solid contender. Because it is less than an hour from Los Cabos airport, having a second home here can be very practical. There are many nice coastal communities in southern Baja, but only a few this close to an International Airport!
For more information on this upper East Cape area check out the BUENA VISTA section of Baja Expo!
DON'T MISS:
If you want to step back in time to the quiet days when the fly-in resorts were the only thing happening in Buena Vista, head on over to the Rancho Buena Vista Hotel. This oceanfront resort is located on a beautiful slice of beach, and the adjacent bar is a good place to pull up a margarita and watch the seagulls fly by! The photos on the walls of the bar share a special time in Baja's history.
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LA CANDELARIA
Drive Time: Approximately one hour each way.
Road surface: Graded dirt.
Flying into Los Cabos International Airport many visitors are amazed by the tall and rugged mountains that sit behind Cabo San Lucas, running as high as 7,000 feet above sea level. The Sierra de la Laguna mountains are indeed a unique part of the Cape's geography.
These beautifully rugged mountains look completely void of civilization, and it is almost beyond comprehension that there are people that live up in these mountains. Yet it is not only possible, but it is a fact that a small number of people have inhabited these mountains for many years.
The Cabo visitor who would like to view a small taste of this remote mountain life can take a dirt road north of town to the small village of La Candelaria, approximately 15 miles north of downtown Cabo San Lucas. The road is graded, and unless there have been recent heavy rains, is open year round.
Finding the beginning of the road is the hardest part. Coming from downtown Cabo, head away from town and then turn left at the signal where Highway 19 crosses over Highway 1. After traveling about a mile and a half on Highway 19, the dirt road spurs off of the blacktop and then heads due north. After another 2.8 miles take the right fork and continue heading uphill.
La Candelaria is known for the Indian inhabitants who claim to have special healing powers. These local healers are called "curanderos" and are highly respected by the local people. Their culture has changed little during the decades that have transformed the coastal Cape significantly.
In addition to the unique people of La Candelaria, the area is dotted with small gardens, cultivated by the local residents. The waters of a small stream that runs through the area help support a small population of bamboo, corn, tomatoes, mangos and other fruits and vegetables.
DON'T MISS:
If the road conditions are good it is possible to make this a "loop trip". You can return to Cabo San Lucas by taking a dirt road that begins 3 miles south of La Candelaria west, and connecting to Highway 19 fifteen miles north of Cabo.
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EL TRIUNFO
Drive Time: Approximately one hour and 40 minutes each way.
Road surface: All paved - 2 lanes.
Few Baja travelers are even aware that there is a historic mining town less than 2 hours from Cabo San Lucas. For the history or camera buff, it is one of southern Baja's special treasures.
El Triunfo (The Triumph) is located almost due north as the seagull flies from Cabo San Lucas. Although it can be reached by taking Baja Highway One north past Los Cabos airport and Buena Vista, if one is coming from the town of Cabo San Lucas Highway 19 is probably the faster way to get there.
In 1862 silver and gold were discovered in the hills south of La Paz, and soon prospectors from Mexico and the United States set up a camp and a mining operation. For many of those who missed the gold strike in California in 1849, El Trinfo provided a second chance.
The camp soon grew into a town of over 10,000 people, at the time the largest collection of human beings on the Peninsula. While some of these folks did strike it rich, many others did not. The mines operated on and off through 1926 at which time it was officially closed.
The remains of the mining town are evident to anyone who passes up or down Baja Highway One. The road runs right through the center of town, with the ruins of old buildings standing on both sides of the highway.
The tall chimney from the original smelter can be seen from miles away, and this stately monolith proves to be an excellent subject for photographers. There are also many old buildings that make interesting subject matter for photos.
Although the hordes of miners are gone now, there is a very small population of locals who run a small market just off the highway. This is a good place to obtain a cold drink and a snack.
Mining still takes place on a very small scale in El Triunfo, but it is a secret as to how much of the mother lode is still being discovered. For a glimpse into the history of southern Baja El Triunfo is hard to beat!
For further information on El Triunfo drop by the EL TRIUNFO section of Baja Expo.
DON'T MISS:
Crawling into the old brick caverns at the base of the smokestack reveals layers of soot inches thick that dates back to the 1800's. Look, but don't touch!
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LA PAZ
Drive Time: Approximately two hours each way.
Road surface: All paved.
La Paz is the largest city in Baja California Sur, and is located on the large Bahia La Paz. The bayside city offers many cosmopolitan amenities, as well as some unique natural features.
Tourist to La Paz gravitate to the seaside Malecon, the road and walkway that run for miles along the bay near the heart of the city. Shops, restaurants, watersports and nightlife are all available here along the oceanfront area.
La Paz has been blessed with some of Baja's best beaches! Although the beaches in town are nice and receive plenty of activity, the beaches northwest of town are absolutely spectacular! Clear and calm aqua-blue seas combined with white sandy beaches draw locals and tourists to these delicious beaches just 15 minutes from downtown.
For visitors with a bit more time and imagination, the islands off of La Paz are a true natural wonderland. Isla Ispirito Santos and Isla Partida are a short panga ride from the mainland. Both offer beautiful empty coves and desolate sandy beaches. And just a bit further to the north the small island of Los Islotes allows snorkelers to take a first-hand swim with the local seal population.
Shoppers who want to get away from the typical tourist shops of Los Cabos will appreciate the hundreds of stores and shops in the La Paz shopping district. Everything you can imagine is offered for sale here, and the prices are very competitive. Most establishments take U.S. dollars and credit cards!
Each evening at sunset locals and visitors gather along the Malecon to drink in the delicious sunsets that are some of the best in Baja. With the bay in the foreground and the mountains in the background, it's no wonder this tradition is one of the city's favorite traditions.
Nightlife in La Paz may not rival that of Cabo San Lucas, but there are plenty of places to drink, dance and party the night away. Disco may be out of favor in the U.S., but John Travolta is 'stayin' alive' in La Paz!
For a town with a population of almost 200,000 La Paz is amazingly accommodating and friendly. Although there is a bit of the big city fast pace noticeable throughout town, especially a bit inland, it is notched down a bit from most large towns. And the traditional afternoon "siesta" is still very much alive and napping in many parts of La Paz.
For additional information drop by the LA PAZ section of Baja Expo!
DON'T MISS:
If you want to spend a few relaxing hours and maybe take in a lunch at an incredible picture-perfect beach, take the main road along the boardwalk (Highway 11) northwest about 15 minutes to Playa Tecolote. This great beach seems a zillion miles removed from civilization, and offers 3 good restaurants and a host of watersports options! This is also a good stepping off point for a panga to the offshore islands!
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SANTIAGO
Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes each way.
Road surface: Paved.
Located approximately 30 miles north of Los Cabos Airport, Santiago is a Mexican village with a population of just under 3,000 inhabitants. It was originally established as a mission site in 1723, but was abandoned later that century. Farming on a small scale has kept the local population in the area.
Visiting Santiago today is like stepping back to a slower time, where camera-toting tourists are the exception and the way of life is slow. Palm leaves, used to make palapa roofs, are a main product of the village and can be seen in various stages of production as one drives through town.
A small zoo is one of the main focal points in town, and a fox, monkeys, coyotes, parrots and duck can be viewed in the park. The hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during summer, and until 5:00 p.m. during the rest of the year. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.
Adventurers who really want to get a feel for the town can stay overnight at the 6 room Casa de Huespedes Palomar, south of the Plaza on the east side of Calzada Misioneros, for under $20 per night. Now this is getting away from it all!
Beyond Santiago to the west there are 3 different hot springs to explore and enjoy. Agua Caliente hot springs are fairly easy to find, taking the dirt road 5 miles past the zoo. Santa Rita and El Chorro hot springs are a bit harder to find, but asking locals for directions will get you there.
Those looking for an off road adventure can take a loop trip from Santiago west to Agua Caliente, and then south to the small town of Miraflores. From Miraflores a paved 1.5 mile road heads back to Baja Highway One.
The nearby village of Miraflores is well known for it's leather work, and Curtiduria Miraflores sells many handmade leather items including belts, bags, hats and more. If you are interested in leather saddles you have come to the right place!
Probably 95% of the tourists who visit Los Cabos never escape the Tourist Zone. If you want to see a small piece of the real Mexico, Santiago and Miraflores are a good place to start.
DON'T MISS:
Even if you don't stay at the Casa de Huespedes Palomar in town, the restaurant there is a great spot to pull up a plate. The dining area is decorated with fossils from the surrounding hills, and the menu includes hamburgers, seafood, and Mexican food. The perfect place for a well deserved pit stop!