La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and one of the most fascinating destinations on the peninsula.
Unlike other tourist cities, it retains an authentic character, offering visitors a glimpse into everyday local life.
Easily accessible from Mexico City via a short flight, La Paz is well-equipped with accommodations to suit all budgets. The small airport, which handles domestic flights, is located close to the city, and the centre can be reached in just a few minutes by taxi, readily available outside the airport entrance.
At the heart of the city stands the grand Cathedral, founded by Jesuit missionaries in the 18th century, overlooking one of the most important squares in the historic centre. The area still boasts a distinctly colonial charm, with its large red-brick historic buildings, and opens onto the malecón, the beautiful seafront promenade. The malecón is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants, offering a perfect spot to enjoy extraordinary sunsets over the turquoise sea.
La Paz is renowned for its fiery sunsets, and first-time visitors often wonder if the breathtaking display of colours in the sky is a stroke of luck or a special welcome. However, these stunning sunsets occur every evening, painting the tranquil, transparent waters of the bay in vivid hues.
To immerse yourself in local life, simply stroll through the inner streets of the city centre, filled with shops frequented by locals, or visit the Mercado Bravo, where you can also sample some local delicacies.
The cuisine in La Paz is delicious and naturally seafood-based, but also features meat and a notable use of cheese. Vegetarians, and especially vegans, should check for plant-based options in advance to avoid disappointment. That said, it has become easier to find vegetarian and vegan dishes with a local twist in recent years.
La Paz is also home to some of the most stunning beaches in all of Mexico, including the highly photographed Playa Balandra.
Famous for its shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters, Playa Balandra is recognised as a natural monument of the Gulf of California and is a protected area. Here, you can spot numerous species of wild birds, admire vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and explore the extraordinary mangrove ecosystem nearby.
The mangroves can be visited by paddleboard, starting directly from the beach.
There are also other easily accessible beaches that will captivate you, including more remote and wild ones that can be reached by driving just a few kilometres off-road through the desert landscape.
If you’re travelling with Baja California Travel, all these beaches will be marked in your travel materials, complete with GPS points to guide you.
From La Paz, you can easily reach Isla Espiritu Santo, a protected marine park that is home to countless fish species and 40% of the world’s marine mammal species.
With a bit of luck, and during the winter months, you may spot whales, orcas, and often dolphins.
Near the island, you can swim with sea lions basking lazily in the sun on the rocks of what is known as La Lobera or La Guarderia. This area hosts a permanent colony of around 500 individuals, where mothers give birth to their pups. The name Guarderia (meaning nursery) reflects the shallow waters around the rocks, which provide a safe haven for the pups to learn to swim, away from predators.
While sea lions may appear clumsy on the rocks, they are incredibly fast in the water. Often, especially the curious pups, they swim close to tourists. These friendly animals have long interacted with humans, but it’s important not to climb onto the rocks where they live. The large males are territorial and may not appreciate overly intrusive visitors.
A boat excursion to Isla Espiritu Santo typically includes a lunch break on a deserted islet, often on a stunning beach with white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The meal features freshly caught local fish, but vegetarians or vegans should inform the organisers when booking the excursion.
During the winter months, the water temperature is cool. For snorkelling at Isla Espiritu Santo, or swimming in general from December to April, those sensitive to the cold may want to use a short-sleeved wetsuit.
Another thrilling experience in the capital of Baja California Sur is swimming with whale sharks in the bay of La Paz.
This activity is only available during certain months of the year and is regulated to ensure the world’s largest fish is not disturbed.
Your guide will explain the behaviour to follow to avoid upsetting this beautiful yet shy marine creature. The experience is almost dreamlike and one you’ll never forget.
Skip to content
