Written by: Jennifer Dyer

The small town of Todo Santos, is a beautiful, remote oasis located on the Pacific Ocean, one hour North of the big tourist town of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. To experience Baja Sur’s charm, deep in heritage, culture, cuisine and traditions, Todo Santos and its surrounding, like Cerritos and Pescadero, are a must! Dive into this region of Southern Baja, and let your curiosity for raw, untouched landscape captivate you. 

Todo Santos and its surrounding small towns has everything an adventurer wants and needs in a holiday retreat. From the lush, surf-able beaches of Cerritos, to the high desert landscape with scenic views of  Pescadero and Todo Santos, to horseback riding the beach at sunset, this area is breathtaking and full of friendly adventure. 

This region of Baja Sur is absolutely perfect for a couples romantic getaway, family holiday fun, girls staycation, and backpacker/nomad friendly with a lot of camping/RVing and even van rentals to be one with Bajas natural elements. 

•History & location

•Why visit Cerritos | Local activities,  accommodations 

•Why visit Pescadero | Local activities,

accommodations 

•Why visit Todo Santos | Local activities, accommodations  

History & location 

Todo Santos is a town on the Pacific coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, backed by its lush Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. Todo Santos is a unique desert oasis on the Tropic of Cancer, nestled amongst ancient orchards of mangos and palms. Todo Santos is blessed with the most favorable climate in Baja Sur, because of its microclimates. Todo Santos is a haven for surfers, travelers, artists, craftsmen and adventurers seeking natural raw beauty and a healthy lifestyle. Todo Santos is a ‘Pueblo Magico,’ which is named to the most special towns by the mexican government. This region is booming with diversity, culinary excellence, culture and touristic activities. 

Todo Santos is only a 52 mile car ride from La Paz, an incredible beach town on the Sea of Cortez. For reference the public bus ride takes about 1 hour and a half, and if you rent a car and are driving, the estimated time takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. I wrote an article on La Paz a few months back, if you haven’t read it please track back in my travel blog post and make sure to! La Paz is another beautiful family friendly destination for all adventurer’s. 

I would recommend you either fly into San Jose de Cabo or La Paz airport. If you’re flying from an International destination, San Jose de Cabo would be an easier option considering flight time, layovers and convenience. You can rent a car, uber, bus or even rent a Rig from Vans Baja @van.baja for whatever experience you’re looking to enjoy. If you choose to fly into La Paz, I want to mention it is also an International airport, but is smaller and accompdates less flights then San Jose. If I were you I would price out both and check both airports availability based on where you’re flying from, price point, and layover statuses. 

For all things accommodations, charters, concierge work and creative events of coarse, I can assist. But if you want another  opinion to assist, I recommend Nina from Viu Baja Sur. I work with her for concierge work. If you contact her, let her know I referred you!

Why Visit | Cerritos, Pescadero, Todo Santos

**Cerritos 

If you want an authentic Baja Sur experience you need to visit this region.

If we were looking at a map, and you were driving from Cabo, your first stop on this 3 town adventure would be Cerritos. Cerritos is a quant beach town, with adorable surf shops, cozy restaurants and venues. Very hometown feel with adorable friendly businesses. Cerritos is a very laid back town, yet busting with adventure. I recommend checking out Los Sagrados @lossagradossantuario, Pescadero a Caballo @pescaderoacaballo or Equus del Sur @equus_delsur for beautiful mountain and sunset beach horseback rides. More on this below.  

Cerritos, is specifically known for its surf town, cool boho vibes and raw ambiance. Checkout Siempre Mar @siempre.mar for some surf lessons which is nestled in a cute boutique hotel that I personally love, So Far So good @hotelsofarsogood. The most gorgeous boutique hotel, across the street from the sea. Also attached to the hotel is a delicious breakfast and coffee joint, go in and meet the owner Sandra, who makes the most delicious matcha with fresh coconut milk, you’re welcome in advance. Uvas y hojas (English translation,grape leaves) is the cafe with vegan breakfast, mocktails, coffees, all while being surrounded by the most incredible library one could ever ask for. A lot of old Hollywood inspired magazines and books, a fun place to spend your morning. Sandra also hosts different activities like yoga classes, movie nights, live music nights etc. a must when you’re in the area! Lastly, I have to mention doing a pottery, ceramics class with Jack from @offgridjackpots. He is located at Hotel So Far so Good, and is a perfect activity for anyone who loves to get their hands a little dirty with local mud from the earth. He teaches a fun class and you get to learn how to mold clay.

In addition, a gorgeous vacation property I would recommend that’s on abnb and Vrbo is Acueducto in Cerritos @acueductobaja. This luxury property is highly artistic, playing with dualities and the 4 natural elements. Each room has a designated element, also an ether region of open space divides the property to bring the mountain airflow down to the base of the property where the pool overlooks the sea. The ether represents the spiritual substance in which we live, move, and have our being and out of which can be made or whatever we desire. There are five rooms in this incredible luxury property, and at times the company rents out rooms separate, which can be a great opportunity to stay in the house without paying for the house entirely. They offer Chef services for your convenience, which is lovely.

Cerritos Beach Dog Non Profit @cerritos_beach_dogs is a project you also should visit while in Cerritos. I love this project because it’s a rescue for homeless stray beach dogs. The sanctuary takes care of them, provides them shelter, food, and whatever veterinary services they need, then puts them up for adoption!! You can pop in, meet the pups and also support their cause by grabbing a coffee from their on premise coffee shop!

**Pescadero 

The town of Pescadero is up next on our list. This is another quant city, with a lot of delicious local cuisine, activities and venues. For a local ranch experience visit Los Sagrados horse and donkey sanctuary, as mentioned above. This sanctuary rescues local donkeys that are being captured, killed and sold on the black market to china, interestingly enough they do this to get a substance called ejiao which is put in skincare. Los Sagrados has dozens of donkeys as well as rescued horses you can ride and take lessons with. A perfect family friendly activity. Los Sagrados also offers special events, like kids camp, yoga, retreats, glamping at the ranch itself and equestrian therapy. 

If you want more of a luxury resort with all the amenities you could dream of I would recommend staying at Mas Olas Resort and Spa by Kimpton @masolastodossantos. Mas Olas is a five star ocean front resort and spa. This resort has two well known restaurants both being farm to table based, Botanica restaurant @botanicamasolas which is nestled in their beautiful botanical and herbal gardens, and Kahal restaurant which is a luxurious seaside dining experience @kahalrestaurante. This Kimpton property offers 3 large pools, hot tubs, bike riding paths, large gardens to enjoy and rest in, pilates studio, yoga studio, workout facility, lap pools, and spa equipped with steam room, sauna, hot tubs and an exclusive botanical spa to make herbal oils, and rituals. 

Make sure to pop into Punto Pescadero @puntopescaderobcs for the perfect breakfast, lunch outdoor restaurant. Everything is fresh, made to order with a natural ambience. This is a great spot to also pop on Wi-Fi and get some work done if need be. The location is ideal, being right off the highway. After a great meal, head to the local market across the street Agricole Tienda de Campo @agricole.tiendadecampo and pick up some fresh pastry’s, vino, fruits, vegetables and whatever else you need for your staycation! This market reminds me of Trader Joe’s in the USA! Highly recommend trying their mini burritos as the perfect afternoon snack or takeaway. 

Lastly, the most delicious fish tacos I have ever had are at a local taco restaurant called Los Claros @losclarosmx. One taco is around 20-30 pesos which is a steal. They offer fresh grilled or fried fish tacos, as well as my favorite, fried cornflake fish taco. You’re welcome in advance! 

**Todo Santos 

Todo Santos is the largest town out of the other two discussed above! Bursting with life, there are countless restaurants, local markets, hotels events and local events going on weekly. Make sure to put Oystera @oystera_ts and Vino Park @vinopark_ts on your restaurant list for Todo Santos. Being right next door to eachother, Oystera offers fresh caught sashimi style fish, oysters and cuisine. The ambiance is world class, with gardens and fountains all around the premise. Vino Park offers a gorgeous outdoor terrace, with stunning views of their vineyards. The most fresh pizzas complimented with delicious wine pairings.

The perfect place for family time, a romantic getaway, or a girls evening out. 

If you’re looking for accommodations in Todo Santos, I would highly recommend two locations! First, I love the ambiance of Santa Rosa hotel @_santarosahotel. This hotel has a lot to offer as it has a beautiful central pool, hot tub, and welcome area. They serve fresh coffee and pastries in the morning, which is lovely. This is walking distance to downtown Todo Santos, which is convenient. A very homey, well put together Hotel. Next I would also recommend Hotel Perro Surfero @hotelperrosurfero which is a pet friendly surf and wellness based hotel. Hotel Perro Surfero offers co working spaces as well which is incredible for digital nomads. Beautiful common areas as well as overall accommodations. If you want to hire a private chef for your convenience while staying in Todo Santos and surrounding towns write to Temporada Baja Project @temporadabajamx. They offer high end professional chef and catering services to make your holiday more enjoyable and relaxing. Lastly, if you are a Pilates girlie, or have a bachelorette or girls vacation make sure to check out the Pilates studio, Pilates 52 @pilates52. 

All in all this region of Baja Sur is one of my absolute favorites. There is so much to offer truly anyone who comes! Its natural beauty is captivating. If you have any lingering questions, comments, or inquiries please let me know. I come to Baja Sur monthly on business for my digital marketing platform and know the area very well.

Thanks for reading! Next article will be on Cabo San Lucas!

Jennifer Dyer