Baja California Sur Road Trip (Mexico) – Episode 853

Hear about travel to Baja California Sur in Mexico as the Amateur Traveler talks to Rebecca Agiewich, the Ambivalent Part-time Expat, about her recent road trip south of the border.

Why should you go to Baja California Sur?

Rebecca says, “Someone should go to Baja California Sur for the beautiful nature and outdoor activities that are available, especially if you’re interested in water-related activities. So we’re talking diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, swimming,  boat tours, and seeing all kinds of marine life. On the Sea of Cortez side, although now it’s called the Gulf of California, you have this amazing and unique juxtaposition of the sea on one side and then the desert on the other side, and it’s so striking and so austerely beautiful.”

Our adventure begins in Cabo San Lucas, a lively town known for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-class resorts. But if you’re looking for a more immersive experience in nature, Rebecca recommends visiting Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. This protected area is home to a diverse marine ecosystem, perfect for snorkeling or diving enthusiasts. 

Next on the itinerary is Santiago, a charming town nestled in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. This hidden gem offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring remote canyons (like San Dionisio Canyon) with hot springs and natural waterslides. 

Afterward, we make our way to La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur. Here, you can relax on Playa Balandra, a pristine beach known for its turquoise waters and stunning rock formations. For more beach time, head to Playa El Tecolote, a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.

For a memorable experience, consider taking a boat tour to Isla Espiritu Santo, where you can swim with sea lions and explore hidden coves. 

While in La Paz, be sure to check out the local dining scene and a walk along the Malecon. If you’re interested in history, visit the Museo de Antropologia e Historia de Baja California Sur, where you can learn about the region’s indigenous cultures. 

If you’re visiting during the winter months, don’t miss the chance to embark on a gray whale-watching expedition at Magdalena Bay. Witnessing these majestic creatures up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss. You may be lucky enough to reach out and touch one if the whales are in the mood the day of your visit.

Heading east, we arrive at La Ventana, a coastal paradise known for its superb kitesurfing conditions. Spend your days on the beach or explore the natural beauty at Rancho Cacachilas. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Punta Gorda Trail is a must-visit destination offering exhilarating trails and stunning vistas. 

If you have more time than a week, you can extend your trip further north to Loreto, a historic town with a rich cultural heritage. Explore Bahía Concepción, a series of picturesque bays perfect for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Lastly, the Cave Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past.

Continuing our loop, we head back south to Todos Santos, a charming town filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and a thriving culinary scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Punta Lobos, known for its fishing.

You can sit at the beach in Cabo San Lucas and think you have seen Baja California Sur, but the region has more to show the adventurous traveler. 

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Show Notes

Rebecca Agiewich
BreakupBabe: A Novel by Rebecca Agiewich
Baja California Sur
Cabo San Lucas
Welcome to Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park…
Cabo Pulmo National Park
Sierra de la Laguna
Santiago, Baja California Sur
La Paz
Todos Santos Official Website
Baja Sierra Adventures
San Dionisio Canyon
Santa Rita Hot Springs – Baja Sur’s Best Kept Secret – This Rare Earth
Playa Balandra
Isla Espiritu Santo Tours
Gray Whale Watching Expedition at Magdalena Bay
Playa El Tecolote
Mack Fisher, La Paz
El Cantón Chilango, La Paz
Bismarkcito, La Paz
HarkerBoardco, La Paz
Seven Crown Malecon, La Paz
Hotel and Suites El Moro, La Paz
Vrentino Baking & Co
La Ventana
Rancho Cacachilas
The Punta Gorda Trail Mountain Biking Trail – El Sargento
Hotel Nomada, La Ventana
Las Palmas, El Sargento
Todos Santos
Punta Lobos
The Green Room
Cerritos Surf Town, El Pescadero
Loreto
Bahía Concepción
San Ignacio
Museo de Antropologia e Historia de Baja California Sur (La Paz)
The Cave Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco
Sea of Cortez Cruise – Baja Sur, Mexico with UnCruise

Community

John on Travel to Toronto, Ontario – Episode 852

Really enjoyed Erin talk about my adopted hometown. Like Erin, I too moved here from Ottawa and have come to really love the city. A couple of minor corrections. Erin spoke about the Toronto sign at Old City Hall, one of Toronto’s oldest buildings. Old City Hall is across the street from New City Hall and that is where the Toronto sign is. The Bata Shoe Museum was built by the Bata family who made their money making shoes – Bata brand is sold worldwide. Casa Loma was built by Sir Henry Pellatt who went broke building the palatial home.

And I disagree with Erin’s comment that downtown Toronto doesn’t have much to offer – there’s so much including the St. Lawrence Market, amazing restaurants and the oldest buildings. Very vibrant as so many condominiums have been built in the core with tens of thousands now living downtown. Personally, I would avoid Yonge Dundas Square and the Eaton Centre – very touristy and offers nothing that one wouldn’t see in a mall anywhere else. Agree that the neighbourhoods are best to visit to experience the city. The Beaches is another one.

Lots of other great museums to visit including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the new Little Canada Museum near Yonge Dundas Square (perhaps the only reason to go in the area). Erin also didn’t mention Toronto’s Path system. A huge underground city connecting 75 buildings and more than 1,200 stores, restaurants and services. Best to visit during the workday Tuesdays through Thursdays. You can go from Union Station to the Eaton Centre and beyond. Also fun to visit the Yorkville neighbourhood which is full of high end stores and good restaurants. So much to see and do!!

Chris Christensen

Amateur Traveler Podcast and blog – Lowell Thomas Award, Travel+Leisure SMITTY Award, NATJA award
California Travel
BloggerBridge.com – connect with content creators and influencers

Skype: ChrisTwice | twitter @chris2x

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