Explore Cabo
Around the Cape in Seven Days
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Travelers with a week or more can experience the many dimensions of the lower Baja peninsula by making a circular route around the Cape Region via paved highways Mexico 1 and Mexico 19. Extending a total distance of approximately 564 kilometers (350 mi), this route takes visitors along the lower slopes of the Sierra de la Laguna, through the sierra’s former mining towns, across the plains of La Paz, and along the coastlines of the East and West Capes as well as the Corridor between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
It’s possible to complete the loop by bus, but expect to do a fair amount of walking to get from the stops along the highway to the scenic coastal areas. A rental car affords more flexibility and convenience, and you can park easily in all of the towns along the route.
This loop can be comfortably driven in two or three days, but since there are many towns worth exploring and activities to enjoy at each stop, most travelers prefer to allow a week or longer. For more of an adventure, consider widening the loop by taking the sandy Camino Rural Costero, or Rural Coastal Road.
Day 1
Arrive at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD); transfer to a hotel in downtown San José del Cabo and spend the evening around town. Browse the art galleries and Mexican fire opal stores downtown before sitting down to a leisurely dinner at a restaurant serving alta cocina mexicana.
Day 2
Drive to Cabo Pulmo via Mexico 1 (1–1.5 hrs), exiting at La Ribera and heading east to pick up the coastal road. The last few miles will be on dirt road. Head straight for the beach and spend the rest of the day snorkeling the live coral reef that comes all the way into shore. Order fish tacos and an icy michelada for dinner at the palapa restaurant on the beach, or stop by Nancy’s Restaurant and Bar for a more upscale experience. Book your activity of choice for the next morning: Fishing, kayaking, and diving top the list.
Sidetrip: At Santiago, head west to reach the Cañon de la Zorra and a 30-foot waterfall, just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
Alternate Route: To avoid the off-road driving and relatively primitive accommodations, skip Cabo Pulmo and stay on Mexico 1 until Los Barriles, popular with anglers, windsurfers, and kiteboarders.
Day 3
Spend the morning out at sea, and in the afternoon continue north along Mexico 1 to La Paz (1.5–2 hrs). Check in to a downtown hotel and walk the malecón at sunset. Seek out seafood at Mariscos Moyeyo’s or arranchera at Rancho Viejo, then head to Casa de Villa or Las Varitas for drinks and live music.
Day 4
Take a panga shuttle to Isla EspÃritu Santo for a day of kayaking and snorkeling, or book a day of diving. Alternatively, paddle or drive to a few of the beaches along the Pichilingue Peninsula. Enjoy the views from one of the waterfront seafood restaurants at Playa Tecolote. Spend the next morning exploring the Museo Regional de AntropologÃa e Historia in downtown La Paz, and shopping for pottery and other crafts.
Depart La Paz in the afternoon, heading south on Mexico 1 to Mexico 19, which leads to Todos Santos (1 hr). Check in to a hotel in town, such as the Todos Santos Inn, or a vacation rental near the beach, such as Los ColibrÃs. For dinner, choose casual Mexican fare at Miguel’s or Barajas Tacos, or something more upscale at Tres Gallines.
Sidetrip: Travelers with extra time can add a day for a whale-watching tour in BahÃa Magdalena, approximately 3.5 hours by car from La Paz.
Day 5
Walk the historic district in Todos Santos, with brick buildings and colorful facades that date back to the town’s status as Baja’s sugarcane capital in the late 19th century. Admire the artwork in a few of the town’s dozen galleries.
Drive north along the coast to Playa La Pastora or south along Mexico 19 to Playa Los Cerritos, at Km 64, to stroll the beach in the afternoon. Continue south along Mexico 19 to reach Cabo San Lucas before dark (1 hr). Check in to a hotel in downtown Cabo San Lucas or a resort along the Corridor, such as the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar. Make a reservation at Nick-San Restaurant for outstanding sushi, and later taste Baja California’s best wines at Sancho Panza Wine Bistro and Jazz Club Restaurant.
Day 6
Hire a water taxi, paddle a kayak, or rent a WaveRunner to visit Playa del Amor, or plan a day of fishing or diving out of Cabo San Lucas. Wander the shops and enjoy afternoon cocktails at The Nowhere Bar or the Giggling Marlin along the marina. Take a nap so you can rally for the nightlife at Cabo Wabo or El Squid Roe after dark.
Day 7
Schedule a massage for your last morning in paradise. Take a dip in the pool, hit the shops, and return to the airport with sand in your shoes.
by Joe Cummings and Nikki Goth Itoi from Moon Baja, 7th Edition, © Joe Cummings and Avalon Travel
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