How to Spend 1 Week in Baja California Sur: A Complete 7-9 Day Itinerary

You’re planning to visit Baja California Sur in 7, 8 or 9 days and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re in the right place!

In this guide, I share the exact itinerary I followed, plus the different options you can add or swap depending on your travel style.

This itinerary covers the essentials of a week in Baja California Sur: La Paz, Loreto, Bahía Concepción, the Sierra de la Laguna, San José del Cabo, and Todos Santos.

You’ll get a mix of pristine beaches, charming towns, natural wonders, and unique experiences like swimming with sea lions or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

I’ll also share my best travel tips, how I organized the driving days, and my top hotel recommendations.

So, what are the best places to visit in Baja California Sur in 7, 8, or 9 days?

Let’s find out!

Baja California Sur in One Week

1) La Paz (2 days)

Your Baja California Sur trip begins in La Paz, a charming coastal city that serves as the perfect base to explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

Should You Rent a Car in Baja on Arrival or Wait?

You have two options when it comes to renting a car:

• Option 1: Rent it right away when you arrive in La Paz.

Having a car is incredibly practical for visiting the beaches, and it saves time when you’re trying to maximize your short itinerary. The downside? You won’t really use it on Day 2 if you’re heading to Isla Espíritu Santo.

• Option 2: Wait to rent the car.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can delay renting it until the end of Day 2 or early in the morning of Day 3. But keep in mind that Day 3 is a long travel day (La Paz to Loreto takes about 4.5 hours), so any time saved is precious.

To book your car, I recommend Booking.com Cars. It’s the easiest way to compare prices, with free cancellation and affordable full insurance options!

Day 1: Exploring La Paz

Start your day by heading toward the beaches north of La Paz.

Most travelers want to visit Balandra Beach, famous for its turquoise water and the mushroom-shaped rock. It’s stunning, but access is limited to protect the ecosystem.

• There are two daily shifts (8:00–12:00 and 1:00–5:00) with a cap of 450 people per shift.
• Entrance costs 120 pesos for foreigners and 60 pesos for Mexican citizens and residents.

You’re supposed to buy your ticket on the official ANP website (click here). But the system doesn’t always work.

We tried to purchase ours and the payment failed, even with a Mexican card. When we arrived, the waiting line was more than an hour long, so we decided not to wait.

Instead, we went up to Cerro Balandra, a short and easy hike with phenomenal views over the entire bay. You can’t swim from there, but it’s free, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful.

But it was actually my second time in La Paz, so I had already visited Playa Balandra — which made skipping it this time much easier.

• If you want all the details about visiting Balandra Beach, including the short hike to the viewpoint, you can read My Complete Balandra Guide here!

After that, we headed to Tecolote Beach, just a few minutes away. It was the perfect alternative.

We found a beachfront restaurant, ate a huge seafood tostada, walked along the long stretch of sand, laid down our towels, and even took a nap.

And if you feel like getting on the water, you can even rent a kayak — about 200 pesos for 30 minutes or 400 pesos for an hour.

If you prefer something quieter, you can also go to Pichilingue Beach, another lovely option with calm, clear water.

Later in the afternoon, we drove back to La Paz to enjoy the Malecón. It’s ideal for strolling, people-watching, and soaking in the relaxed Baja vibe.

For the evening, my personal favorite is Harker Board Co. Go up to the second-floor terrace — it’s the best spot to enjoy the view of the Malecón, the water, the sunset, and a tasty Baja Brewing craft beer.

Day 2: Isla Espíritu Santo

On the second day of your 1-week Baja Sur itinerary, a visit to Isla Espíritu Santo is an absolute must!

This island, designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful and ecologically significant places in Mexico.

It’s often regarded as one of the best things to do in Baja California Sur, especially for nature lovers and adventurers (a.k.a., my kind of people).

Located just a short boat ride from La Paz (1h-1h15), Isla Espíritu Santo offers a combination of breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and pristine beaches.

The turquoise waters surrounding the island are home to a vibrant array of marine life, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. One of the highlights is swimming with playful sea lions at Los Islotes—a truly unforgettable experience!

Before heading out, I was worried about the water temperature because this isn’t the Caribbean after all! But don’t worry; the tour provides wetsuits to keep you warm, so you can fully enjoy the experience without freezing.

The island is truly beautiful, with impressive rock formations and quiet, hidden coves. You can relax on peaceful beaches, enjoying the calm and natural surroundings far from any noise or crowds. Most tours even include a freshly made lunch on the beach!

Getting to La Paz, Baja California Sur:

• By plane: Fly into Manuel Márquez de León Airport with domestic flights operated by Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris. The flight from Mexico City takes about 2 hours.
• By bus: Direct buses reach La Paz from Tijuana (23h), Mexicali (24h30), Tecate (22h)
• By ferry: Ferries arrive in La Paz from Mazatlán (13h) and Topolobampo (7h).

Staying in La Paz, Baja California Sur

Here are my suggestions for hotels in La Paz for different budgets:

• Hostel Casa Esterito: The best budget hotel in La Paz, very quiet, only two blocks from the malecon. Good breakfast, very clean, spacious rooms. I only spent one night there, but I liked it very much. From only 24 usd in a shared room or 49 usd in a private room
  

• Hotel Catedral La Paz: This is the best value for your money hotel in La Paz. Modern design hotel, tastefully decorated, right next to the cathedral. Inner courtyard, rooftop terrace with pool and nice view. Breakfast included, from 141 usd per night

• Casa al Mar: Hotel with contemporary vibes, ideal for a stress-free weekend. Excellent location and beautiful view of the boardwalk. Breakfast included, from 195 usd per night.

• Orchid House Baja: An option for refined tastes. Ideal for a romantic getaway, space for adults only. Incredible views and privacy. Swimming pool and bar inside the complex. Continental breakfast included, from 490 usd per night.

2) Loreto (2 days)

Day 3: Loreto

Loreto is a quiet little seaside town, perfect for a break during a Baja California Sur road trip. If you only have two days in your itinerary, you will have to make some choices, but the region has more than enough to enjoy each day fully.

After leaving La Paz, we drove toward Loreto.

To break up the almost five-hour drive, we stopped in Las Pocitas at Restaurant y Artesanías Regionales Don Manuel, a place I was really looking forward to because I had read so many positive reviews.

The décor is rustic, but I was expecting the generous and flavorful food you usually get in traditional ranch-style restaurants in Mexico. After ordering the machaca (130 pesos) and a coffee, it wasn’t quite what I had imagined.

But right across the road, there’s a Pemex gas station, which is always useful in a region where gas stations are few and far between, and the coffee break still felt good.

We continued driving, stopping here and there for photos between the mountains and the coastline (it honestly felt like being in a western movie!) — and we eventually arrived in Loreto.

Loreto was founded in 1697 and was the first capital of the Californias.

The historic center is small but very charming, with its main plaza lined with restaurants, the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, one of the most important churches of the colonial era in the peninsula, and the Malecón, which runs along the Sea of Cortez and can be walked in about thirty minutes.

Day 4: Bahía Concepción and Mulegé

Still in my pajamas, I just put on a jacket, grabbed a cup of coffee, and headed to the Malecón to sit on a bench and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen!

The atmosphere was great, with several people walking along the Malecón and greeting me with a warm “buenos días”. It truly felt like being part of local life.

The sky turned pink and purple, reflecting beautifully on the water. I ended up staying there for at least an hour!

That day, we decided to explore further north toward Bahía Concepción.

• On the way from Loreto to Playa El Requesón, you’ll find Playa La Picazón, a beachfront seafood spot with kayak rentals. I didn’t stop this time, but it looked perfect for breaking the drive.

I had seen many photos of Playa El Requesón, located about 1 hour 15 minutes from Loreto, and it looked so idyllic online that I absolutely wanted to see it with my own eyes.

The beach is pretty, the water is clear and incredibly calm — almost like a lake — but it wasn’t as spectacular as the photos I had seen.

There were also several RVs and motorhomes lined up from travelers spending the winter there, which takes away a bit of the postcard-perfect vibe.

At the end of the beach, there is a small path that goes up a hill. We climbed it without really knowing what to expect, and the view from the top was beautiful.

On one side, you see Bahía Concepción stretching out into the distance, and on the other, you get a view of El Requesón with stunning colors. With a drone, it would have been incredible!

When we were ready to head back, we suddenly realized — like total beginners — that we didn’t have enough gas to make it back to Loreto.

I asked a motorcyclist where the closest station was, and he recommended going to Mulegé, about forty minutes further north.

Even though we had originally planned not to go that far, we didn’t have a choice!

In the end, it wasn’t a bad thing at all: Mulegé is a small village built around an oasis, with palm trees, fruit trees, murals, cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

We stopped for a guacamole break, and we even had very sweet company — a calm dog who only wanted cuddles.

From Mulegé, we drove all the way back to Loreto, which took around two hours, and we arrived just before sunset.

Getting from La Paz to Loreto:

The drive from La Paz to Loreto takes around 4.5 hours, making it manageable in one go. This way, you can maximize your first day exploring Loreto.

You can also stop at Las Pocitas (about 1h30 from La Paz), where there’s a Pemex gas station and a small spot to grab coffee and breakfast before continuing your trip.

Staying in Loreto:

• Depa del Carmen: A great budget apartment in the very center of Loreto, just one block from the main square yet surprisingly quiet, with a charming little patio. Modern, extremely clean, and recently renovated, it includes air conditioning, a separate bedroom, and a flat-screen TV. A perfect option if you want space, privacy, and excellent value close to shops and restaurants. Around 65 usd per night.

• Coco Cabañas Loreto: Individual bungalows (1 or 2 bedrooms) arranged around the pool, ideal for a relaxed stay. A great mid-range choice in Loreto, very clean and well equipped, with a living room, kitchen, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking. The property features two outdoor pools, a garden, BBQ area, and some units with sea-view balconies. Easy walk to the waterfront and the main square. Friendly, helpful staff. Around 100 usd per night.

• Hotel 1697 Loreto: A charming small hotel right on the main square of Loreto. Rooms are simple, calm, and spacious, many with private terraces overlooking the plaza. You’ll find air conditioning, a minibar, and a seating area. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, bar, and breakfast is included. A very comfortable and convenient option for exploring Loreto on foot. Around 200 usd per night.

• La Mision Loreto: A beautiful 5-star oceanfront hotel with elegant, spacious rooms offering private balconies and breathtaking sea or mountain views. The property has a large pool, an additional pool area, hot tub, bar, and a soothing spa with massages and beauty treatments. Excellent breakfast and very comfortable beds. One of the top luxury stays in Loreto. Around 300 usd per night.

3) Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve (2 days)

This 560-square-mile ecological gem is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals, making it the perfect spot to dive into Baja’s wild, unspoiled nature.

While there are several ranches in the region, I chose Rancho Sol de Mayo for its ecological cabins and immersive environment.

Day 5: Arrival at Rancho Sol de Mayo

We left Loreto early in the morning because the drive to Rancho Sol de Mayo takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Before arriving, we made a stop at the Mirador Santiago for a great view over the lagoon.

Rancho Sol de Mayo sits right inside the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve, a protected natural area famous for its dramatic desert scenery and biodiversity.

The ranch was opened to the public in 2010 by Don Prisciliano and his wife. Today, you’ll probably meet his son, also named Prisciliano, who is incredibly friendly and even walked us to our cabin.

We stayed in one of the ecological cabins, which were comfortable and well equipped, and had something I absolutely loved: a rooftop terrace with a sky full of stars at night and an amazing sunrise in the morning.

And the silence… well, almost silence: pure peace, interrupted only by the occasional donkey braying in the background like it’s giving a nightly desert concert.

Day 6: Hiking the Cañón de la Zorra

I woke up early, made myself a hot coffee, and went straight to the rooftop terrace to watch the sunrise. The sky turning pink over the desert while the ranch slowly wakes up is the perfect way to start the day.

Then we headed to the Cañón de la Zorra, and because we slept on-site, we had access to the canyon at sunrise, long before any visitors arrived from outside.

We were the first ones to reach the 40-foot waterfall.

Wanting to explore further, we kept going along what we thought was the trail… until we got lost, as usual.

We followed footprints, then I even tried following donkey droppings, thinking they might indicate a path — they did not.

So we decided to simply follow the stream. I loved climbing up and down the rocks like a kid, even if my knees quickly reminded me I’m not one anymore.

While we were heading back to the starting point, we came across fresh natural pools, and it made me so happy: a real gift from nature, completely empty and all ours. What a luxury!

By the time we returned to the ranch, it was lunchtime and we were obviously starving, so we went straight to the restaurant. It’s a bit pricey, but the food is excellent and made with great ingredients.

A sweet little dog kept us company the whole time, trying his best to get a bite.

Getting from Loreto to Rancho Sol de Mayo:

To reach Rancho Sol de Mayo from Loreto, you need to drive back south through La Paz and continue toward Santiago along the Carr. Transpeninsular / México 1.

The drive is about 494 km and takes roughly 6 h 30 min so leaving early is recommended.

Staying at in Sierra de la Laguna

Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo is a unique eco-lodge located right next to the Cañón de la Zorra waterfall, one of the most beautiful nature spots in Baja California Sur.

The cabanas are rustic but comfortable, set in complete desert tranquility. We stayed in the cabana with a kitchen and a rooftop terrace, and it was absolutely worth it.

One of the biggest advantages of staying here is getting early access to the waterfall and trail, before day visitors arrive — perfect to enjoy the natural pools in peace. Around 130 usd per night.

• Check out my full experience at Rancho Sol de Mayo here!

4) San José del Cabo (1 day)

Day 7: Cabo Pulmo Hike

Before starting the next part of your Baja California Sur itinerary, I really recommend stopping at Tostado Café at the entrance of Santiago, run by Camille from Toulon.

They serve excellent coffee, fantastic cookies, and a delicious croque-monsieur!

Our plan was to make the most of the drive from Santiago to San José del Cabo, and we first thought about stopping inside Cabo Pulmo National Park to do one of these short hikes:

• Playa El Arbolito to Cabo del Shiro: 1.5 miles round trip (2.4 km)
• Cerro Los Frailes: 2 miles round trip (3.2 km), with beautiful views of the Gulf of California

But Camille warned us that the road wasn’t in great condition. The direct highway takes about 1h15, while the coastal road — sandy, uneven, and not ideal without a 4×4 — takes closer to 3 hours. We hesitated, but in true Baja spirit, we chose the adventure!

After about 1h15, we reached Playa Los Frailes, almost empty and completely remote.

Finding the way up was an adventure: we got lost a few times and ended up with plenty of sharp spines on our legs, but the views from the top (the Gulf of California, the beach, the desert, and the Sierra La Laguna mountains) were absolutely worth it.

We thought Camille had exaggerated because the first part of the road seemed fine… until the second stretch from Los Frailes to San José del Cabo: two hours of bumpy, sandy terrain where you can’t go fast — I definitely wished we had a 4×4.

But hey, it was a budget-friendly Baja Sur trip, so we embraced the adventure.

We had planned to explore San José del Cabo and maybe even stop in Cabo San Lucas to see Medano Beach or Playa los Amantes. But after the long road and the hike, we were completely exhausted.

We bought guacamole and beers and enjoyed the sunset from our balcony at the Park Royal Homestay Los Cabos. After so many days on the road, it felt almost odd to suddenly be in a tourist-style hotel, but the comfort was definitely appreciated!

Sometimes things don’t go as planned — and honestly, that’s perfectly okay.

Getting from Sierra de la Laguna to San José del Cabo:

There are two ways to reach San José del Cabo from the Sierra de la Laguna.

• The fastest route is the main highway, about 1h15, ideal if you prefer to arrive quickly and enjoy more time in town.
• The second option is the coastal road through Los Frailes, around 3 hours on a sandy, not fully paved road. This route only makes sense if you want to stop along the way or do the Los Frailes hike.

It really depends on whether you’d rather spend more time in San José del Cabo or take the scenic route for the hike.

Staying in San José del Cabo:

• Aloha Surf Hostel: The best budget stay in San José del Cabo, simple but very pleasant and relaxed, run by the friendly Joe and his mother Mathilda. Great central location close to downtown and the Mercado, with a well-maintained kitchen and bathroom. Perfect if you want to take surf lessons — Joe is an incredible surfer and a very patient teacher. Dorm beds from around 25 usd.

• Hotel Colli: A great value 3-star hotel, perfectly located in the center of San José del Cabo, ideal if you want to explore on foot. Clean, comfortable rooms, free parking, and a very good price for the area. Some rooms even have balconies with city views. From around 80 usd per night.

• Park Royal Homestay Los Cabos: A quiet hotel facing the golf course, with a family-friendly vibe, a pool, and bright rooms equipped with a full kitchen — super practical for longer stays. Very clean, with a restaurant and pool bar. Only a 5-minute walk from a large grocery store. From around 179 usd per night.

• Casa Natalia Boutique Hotel (Adults Only): A romantic boutique hotel perfectly located on Plaza Mijares in San José del Cabo. Individually decorated rooms with spacious terraces, a heated pool, and in-room spa services. Excellent onsite restaurant and Palapa bar. From around 240 usd per night.

• Viceroy Los Cabos: A spectacular 5-star luxury hotel with ultra-modern design, high-end amenities, Italian furnishings, and premium bedding. Features 4 restaurants, 3 bars, a full gym, bikes, several pools, and stunning sea views. Ideal for a luxury stay near San José del Cabo. From around 700 usd per night.

5) Todos Santos (1-2 days)

Todos Santos is a touristy village in a good way, with plenty of restaurants, little boutiques, and art galleries.

Accommodation can be quite expensive, but we found a hostel with a very chill vibe. They have tents, dorms, and two small houses. We chose one of the little houses: private, cozy, and with a terrace that was just perfect for morning coffee.

Day 8: Todos Santos and sunset at Playa La Cachora

Since we hadn’t had time to visit San José del Cabo the day before, we decided to at least take a short walk around the historic center.

Around Plaza Mijares, you’ll find souvenir shops, galleries, restaurants, cafés, and of course the Misión San José del Cabo, founded by the Jesuits in 1730 — a lovely spot for a photo.

Everything was very clean and well maintained, almost a bit too polished for my taste, but still pleasant to see before getting back on the road.

Coming from San José del Cabo, we drove about 62 miles to reach Todos Santos. The road is smooth and easy, and honestly, after the horrible dusty stretch between Santiago and Los Cabos, cruising on a smooth highway felt like pure luxury!

The goal for the rest of the day was simple: wander around town, eat some tacos, and enjoy the sunset.

We first stopped for lunch at Taco Santo Chilote, one of the cheapest options in town: simple, tasty, and good value for money.

I didn’t go this time, but on my first visit to Todos Santos I stopped at Tequila’s Sunrise Bar & Grill and loved it. Their margaritas have even won international contests, so it’s definitely worth trying if you’re in the mood for a drink.

We wanted to enjoy our last evening of the Baja Sur trip fully. Nothing fancy, just a peaceful, relaxing moment; so we decided to head toward the beach to unwind.

Getting to Playa La Cachora wasn’t very obvious. I recommend going by car and parking at the end of Calle Pericúes, just before the La Poza Boutique Hotel.

From there, you can walk and eventually find a small access that leads straight to the beach. Just make sure to head back before sunset, as there is absolutely no lighting on the path.

The beach was the perfect spot for a beer and guacamole while watching an amazing sunset. I felt privileged to enjoy such a beautiful and safe beach with almost no one around.

It’s quite a change from the crowded beaches of the Riviera Maya!

Day 9: Hike at Punta Lobos and drive back to La Paz

The next morning, even though the hostel was so pleasant that we could easily have stayed longer, we checked out early after our morning coffee to make the most of the day.

Wanting to squeeze in one last experience before returning to reality, we headed to Punta Lobos for a coastal hike before driving back to La Paz.

The trail is easy to follow from the parking area and climbs gradually up along the cliffs.

On one side, you have views over the beach; on the other, powerful waves crashing against the rocks below. If you’re afraid of heights, this trail might not be the best fit, but for me it was definitely one of the best ways to finish this amazing Baja California Sur road trip.

After the hike, we drove back to La Paz (about 1 hour and 15 minutes) to return the rental car and get ready for the flight.

We stopped at a car wash on the way to the rental agency. It wasn’t really necessary, but after those dusty, uneven roads, I preferred returning the car spotless just to avoid any potential issues with the agency.

While we waited, we walked to a small local spot called Mama Nalita, a family restaurant serving traditional Oaxaca food. The owner was incredibly sweet, the atmosphere was warm and the food was truly delicious — a lovely final stop before heading to the airport.

Getting from San José del Cabo to Todos Santos:

The drive from San José del Cabo to Todos Santos takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes via Highway 19. It’s a scenic route along the Pacific coastline, so it’s a beautiful and easy drive.

If you’re curious, you can also make a quick stop in Cabo San Lucas. It’s much more touristy and lively, with a completely different vibe from the relaxed atmosphere of Todos Santos.

Staying in Todos Santos:

• Todos Santos Hostel: A budget option located about a 10-minute walk from downtown. In addition to shared dorms, you can find tents, private rooms and a small house. From 19$ USD per night. Strengths: outdoor common areas, shared kitchen, very good wifi, friendly atmosphere. Ideal for budget travelers in Baja California Sur.

• Gallo Azul: Small hotel with bohemian style, located in the heart of Todos Santos, right next to the central plaza. Spacious and tastefully decorated loft-style rooms, from 105$ USD per night. Pros: own restaurant with good pizza, terrace, excellent location. An option with character, ideal if you are looking for something central and with local charm.

• Guaycura Boutique Hotel, Beach Club & Spa: Located in a historic house in downtown Todos Santos. Elegant rooms with Mexican decor, some with terrace or views. From 205$ USD per night. Strengths: rooftop pool, private beach club, spa, gourmet restaurant. An excellent choice if you are looking for comfort and luxury services in the heart of downtown.

• Baja Nomad Hotel (Tribu Todos Santos): Adults-only boutique hotel, located between Todos Santos and El Pescadero, surrounded by nature. Designer rooms, some with private pool. From 285$ USD per night. Strengths: Total tranquility, exclusive design, spacious rooms, ideal for couples to unwind.

• Todos Santos Boutique Hotel (The Todos Santos Inn): Located in a charmingly restored old colonial mansion. Elegant rooms with period furniture, some with private patio. From 570$ USD per night. Strengths: Historic architecture, tranquil gardens, excellent location in the heart of town. A luxury option with a lot of personality.

Is 7 Days Enough to Explore the Best of Baja California Sur?

If you stick to the area around La Paz and Los Cabos, you can absolutely enjoy a well-rounded short itinerary in 7-9 days.

However, keep in mind that distances in Baja California Sur can be significant. For example, the drive from Loreto to Rancho Sol de Mayo takes 6 hours and 40 minutes—a long stretch to consider when planning your trip!

I even thought about extending my route to visit the Mulegé Oasis, just 1 hour and 48 minutes from Loreto, but I had to stop myself since every kilometer you go, you eventually need to double back…

That said, with this 7-9 day Baja Sur itinerary, I’m confident you’ll cover a maximum of the region’s must-see spots while keeping road distances manageable.

If you have more time—10 days or even 2 weeks—you can enjoy the activities (hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, boat tours, etc.) at a more relaxed pace, without having to compromise.

You’ll also have the flexibility to explore farther afield, like the stunning Mulegé Oasis, the pristine Cabo Este beaches, the coral reefs of Cabo Pulmo, gray whale watching in Bahía Magdalena, or even kitesurfing at Los Barriles.

I’ve been to Baja California Sur twice, and I still haven’t come close to seeing everything I want.

It’s a region that truly has something new to discover every time. Many travelers spend 3 weeks or even a month here because it’s such a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts!

Do I Really Need a Car for a 7-Day Baja California Sur Road Trip?

Yes, you absolutely need a car for a 7-day Baja California Sur road trip.

Public transportation in the Baja Peninsula is extremely limited, and many of the places on this itinerary (beaches, canyons, viewpoints, remote towns) are simply not reachable without your own vehicle.

Before planning the trip seriously, I wasn’t even sure myself.

I honestly thought I could do the whole Baja Sur itinerary by bus to save money but once I started digging into the logistics, it became clear that it’s simply not realistic.

The good news is that driving in Baja is actually very pleasant: the roads are quiet, there’s hardly any traffic.

Coming from Mexico City, it felt like a completely different world!

When it comes to renting a car, my go-to choice is Booking.com Cars, and here’s why:

• Easy price comparison across multiple rental agencies: Instantly find the best rate with just a few clicks!
• Free cancellation in most cases: Flexibility is key, so you can book without worry if plans change.
• Full insurance coverage at a lower cost than rental companies: Enjoy peace of mind and save money with comprehensive coverage included.

Simply click the green button below to find your rental car at the best price:

Is Baja California Sur Safe for Travelers?

Yes, Baja California Sur is generally safe for travelers, especially if you stick to popular tourist destinations like La Paz, Todos Santos, San José del Cabo, and Loreto. These areas are perfect for exploring and enjoying a safe, memorable trip.

Here are some handy tips for Baja California Sur—and honestly, they’re the basic rules I always follow during my road trips around Mexico!

• Stick to Tourist Areas: Explore bustling centers and avoid venturing into remote, unfamiliar areas unless, of course, you know where you are going (like Rancho Sol de Mayo).

• Be Mindful of Your Belongings: Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive clothing. Carry valuables like money and phones in a front-facing fanny pack or in front pockets, and always stay aware of your surroundings.

• Avoid Driving at Night (very very important): Roads outside major towns are poorly lit, and livestock like cows, goats, or donkeys often wander near highways. Potholes and unmarked speed bumps (“topes”) add to the risks of nighttime driving.

• Download Maps Offline: Cell service can be spotty, especially in remote areas. Download Google Maps offline or Maps.Me before your trip so you can navigate seamlessly.

What budget should I plan for a 9-day Baja California Sur road trip?

For this Baja California Sur itinerary, your main expenses will be car rental + gas, accommodation, food, and at least one tour (for example, an Espíritu Santo Island tour).

Here’s a rough idea of the budget to plan (excluding international flights):

Budget trip: around 700–900 USD per person

• Shared compact car with basic insurance.
• Simple hostels or guesthouses (around 30–60 USD per night for two).
• Mostly tacos and small local restaurants (about 15–25 USD per day for food).
• One big tour like Espíritu Santo, plus a few small paid activities.

Comfortable trip: around 1,000–1,400 USD per person

• Better car or 4×4, more comfortable for dirt and sandy roads.
• Mix of hostels and nicer hotels or eco-cabins (60–120 USD per night for two).
• Meals in cafés and restaurants (around 25–40 USD per day for food).
• One or two organized tours (Espíritu Santo, whale watching, or another boat trip).

In the end, what will really change your budget are: the type of car you choose, the level of comfort for accommodation, and the number of tours you decide to book.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Baja California Sur?

Baja California Sur is great year-round, but November to April is the best time to visit.

The weather is sunny and mild, with cooler mornings and evenings—perfect for exploring without the desert heat. Whale season from January to March is an added bonus.

Avoid late August to early October due to hurricane season, and be prepared for scorching summer temperatures.

For the best experience, visit in January–February: cool weather, no rain, and plenty of whales. We even spotted some from the coast, far in the distance! Of course, it wasn’t like when I went whale watching in Mazatlán, but it was still an amazing moment.

Remember, the Pacific coast is cooler and breezy, while the Sea of Cortez side is hotter and more sheltered.

Find the Best Flights and Prices for Your Baja California Sur Adventure

There are three international airports in Baja California Sur: Los Cabos, Loreto, and La Paz.

For this itinerary, I chose La Paz because it’s literally at the heart of the route, making it the most convenient starting point.

Loreto has very limited flight destinations, while Los Cabos was significantly more expensive—at least when flying from Mexico City. Choosing La Paz was a no-brainer!

For the best deals on flights to La Paz and domestic routes across Mexico, be sure to use our flight comparison tool, powered by Skyscanner. It’s the fastest way to find unbeatable prices and secure your spot on the perfect flight!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico

• La Paz (Mexico): Top 15 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Balandra Beach (La Paz): Complete Guide to Visit the Beach & Mirador
• Hiking in Todos Santos: Punta Lobos Trail (Baja California Sur)
• Los Frailes Trek (Baja California Sur): Hiking Guide, Tips and Where to Stay

• Mazatlan: The Best 31 Things to Do and Must-See Attractions!
• Where to stay in Mazatlan? Your Guide to the Top 5 Best Hotels
• The Ultimate Whale Watching Guide in Mazatlán
• El Faro de Mazatlan: opening hours, prices, what to see
• Visiting Mazatlan Observatory: Activities and Opening Hours
• The 15 Best Restaurants in Mazatlan (Dine Like a Local!)

• Itinerary: 8-10 days in Mexico – From Mexico City to Oaxaca
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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