2 days of sea lions, islands and sunsets in La Paz

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   Morning

   Isla Espíritu Santo

   An uninhabited island in the Gulf of California, in a national park and a World Heritage area, with white beaches, coves and rocky reefs. A large sea lion colony lives on Los Islotes, off the island's northern tip, and snorkelling with the females and pups is a highlight of many tours. Go with a licensed operator who follows the rules, and keep your distance from the animals.

   Go when Morning, as early as the boats leave.

   Local tip Go with a licensed operator, wear a rash vest and reef safe sun cream, and keep well back from the sea lions. Boats do not sail when the port is closed for wind or storm, so keep a spare day.

   

   About 32 min by car or transit16.8 km
2. 2
   MorningBest early

   Playa Balandra

   A white bay of very shallow water on the Sea of Cortez, a collection of small beaches, with a rock formation known as the Mushroom (El Hongo). A daily limit on visitors applies and can change, so check ahead, go early and follow the rules of the protected area.

   Go when Morning, as early as you can.

   Local tip A daily limit applies, so go early, check ahead and follow the rules of the protected area. Wade across the shallows slowly and stay off the plants.

   

3. Lunch

   A beach lunch of ceviche

   Raw fish cured in lime juice with onion, tomato and chilli, eaten with tostadas on the sand.

   Local tip Ask for the chilli on the side and eat it soon after it is made.

   About 33 min by car or transit17.7 km
4. 3
   MorningIndoor

   La Paz Cathedral

   The cathedral on the plaza at the heart of the old town of La Paz. Start here to get your bearings, and then wander the streets around the plaza. It is a working church, so stay quiet during services.

   Go when Morning, before the heat.

   Local tip It is a working church, so cover your shoulders and stay quiet during services. Use the plaza as your starting point for the old town.

   

   About 8 min walk0.7 km
5. 4
   Evening

   La Paz Malecón

   The waterfront road and walk along the bay, about five kilometres long, with a cycle lane, benches, shops and places to sit. A long, easy stroll as the light softens, with the town on one side and the bay on the other.

   Go when Late afternoon into evening (about 6:43 PM).

   Local tip Walk it slowly and stop wherever you like. A cooling night wind often blows in summer, so bring a light layer.

   

6. Dinner

   Seafood by the water

   Grilled fish, shrimp or a seafood cocktail at a table near the bay, as the town cools.

   Local tip Ask what came in today, and drink plenty of water.

   

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from La Paz MalecónAbout 53 min by car45.3 km

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   Morning

   El Triunfo

   A former silver and gold mining town in the hills, with a tall brick smokestack called La Ramona, built in 1890 for the mining company, once thought to be designed by Gustave Eiffel though that is not proven. Some old buildings have been restored as museums and cafes.

   Go when Morning, before the heat builds.

   Local tip Look up at the smokestack and walk among the old buildings. Check ahead on which museums are open.

   

   About 50 min by car41.3 km
3. 2
   Midday

   Todos Santos

   A small town on the Pacific side of the peninsula, in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, with old brick buildings around a plaza and a historic theatre. Walk the few central streets slowly, and stop for a cold drink in the shade.

   Go when Midday, with a long, slow lunch.

   Local tip Walk the few central streets and sit in the shade of the plaza. Some places close in the afternoon, so check ahead.

   

4. Lunch

   A garden lunch in town

   A plate of salad, grilled fish or a quesadilla in a shaded courtyard, with a fruit drink.

   Local tip Choose a table in the shade, and drink plenty of water.