Southern Baja California Sur for Nature-Loving Families - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in La Paz, Free Day to Explore

Welcome to La Paz! Your family is going to enjoy this southern part of Baja California Sur. The state's capital, La Paz, has an old-fashioned charm and is the perfect place for nature lovers, especially those who enjoy aquatic settings. Upon arrival, you'll pick up your rental car and head to your accommodations to get settled.

Spend the afternoon easing into your time in La Paz and stretching your legs on a scenic walk down the Malecón La Paz, the city's waterfront promenade. All along this 3-mile (5 km) boardwalk are great restaurants, ice cream parlors, and rooftop bars to enjoy a sundowner. En route, enjoy the sweeping views of the Baja California Peninsula, whose clear waters are home to a remarkable diversity of marine species, including the gray whale.

Day 2: Wildlife Tour & Snorkeling at Espíritu Santo Island

After a good night's rest, get ready for an ocean adventure today at Espíritu Santo Island, off the coast north of La Paz. This well-preserved, protected natural area is a paradise of pristine beaches and crystal-clear seas. Today you'll visit the sea lion colony, snorkel in the coral reefs, and observe frigate birds and gray herons. Kids will love the variety of natural life on display, and younger ages and less-confident swimmers can opt out of the snorkeling without missing any of the fun.

Day 3: Hike the El Camarón Trail

Lace up your hiking boots today for a 6-mile (10 km) guided hike along the El Camarón Route, part of the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains north of La Paz. Your guide will tell you all about the natural history, flora, and fauna you see as you take your time on the hike, going as fast or slow as you and your kids need. Take photos or rest stops wherever you want. Admire the landscape that has been formed by erosion, as well as a desert oasis surrounded by palm trees. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, to keep everyone energized and happy.

Day 4: Sandboarding at the Mogote Dunes

The whole family will love today's adventure: sandboarding at the Mogote Dunes, just 30 minutes from La Paz. Appreciate all kinds of flora and fauna in the vicinity, such as black and red mangroves and the ocean views from the top as you fly down on the sandy slopes on your board. This activity is suitable for most active people and is a great way to have a laugh with your kids.

Day 5: Drive to Punta Arena, Afternoon Beach Time

This morning, load up the car and drive south down the coast to Punta Arena, where you'll have the rest of the afternoon to spend at the beaches of Los Barriles and Punta Arena de La Ventana. Be as active or relaxed as you like, depending on your kids' needs. Los Barriles is an excellent beach for kitesurfing and windsurfing; join in or lie back under a beach umbrella and watch the kitesurfers pirouette as you relax. There is also very good snorkeling to be had at this beach. 

Punta Arena is a lovely public beach with views of Cerralvo Island. Set up camp here for some wild camping: there are no camping facilities, so you'll get back to nature. The beach is totally pristine, and activities include dolphin-watching from the shore. At night it is quite dark, so be prepared with a flashlight and enjoy the adventure. 

Day 6: Hike the Oasis Trail

Hit the hiking trails again today with an approximately four-hour hike along the Oasis Trail. Start early to enjoy the first rays of the sun and the cool of the day. Your guide will share stories of the region's diverse nature along the way and help you spot the animals and birdlife that flourish in these desert landscapes. At the end, you'll reach an oasis where you can refresh after the long walk. Curious kids will love the variety of desert vegetation you can see along the way.

Day 7: Mountain Biking Tour, Drive to Santiago

Cover more ground quickly today on a mountain biking adventure through the desert. Participate in a cross-country tour with spectacular views of the sea, and feel the adrenaline as you make steep descents and zoom along narrow paths. Don't worry about getting lost; this is a guided two-to-three-hour tour. It's best suited to older kids who are confident on a bike. After the biking tour, a short drive takes you to your next overnight destination, the inland town of Santiago.

Day 8: La Zorra Canyon & Santa Rita's Hot Springs

Water babies will love today's adventures at La Zorra Canyon and the hot springs near Santa Rita. La Zorra Canyon is a protected natural area where a beautiful oasis contains a well of clean, fresh water fed by a lagoon. Be careful going down, and be prepared to help younger kids as it's steep. At the end of the tour, you'll arrive at the Sol de Mayo Waterfall, where you can swim and enjoy the birdsong all around.

Continue on to the nearby freshwater pools and hot springs at Santa Rita, which are one of Baja California's off-the-beaten-path natural wonders. You can swim in the refreshing cold pools and soak in the mineral-rich hot springs. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as iguanas, hummingbirds, and pygmy owls.

Day 9: Snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo, Drive to Los Cabos

Today, go snorkeling off Cabo Pulmo, a protected marine park and UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site known for its hard coral reefs. After a boat ride, dive in at Navajas Reef, where you'll find a variety of tropical fish and white coral. Kids can marvel at the schools of fluorescent fish and colorful underwater plants, while more experienced divers like parents and teens can dive in Chopitos or Carrizal, shallower areas, to observe hard and pink coral and other marine animals. After the snorkeling trip, it's time to get back on the road and continue to Los Cabos, the southernmost point of the peninsula.

Day 10: Free Day in Los Cabos

After all the hiking, biking, and swimming on the trip thus far, you and your kids will appreciate a free day to chill out in or explore Los Cabos. Enjoy a day at the beach sunbathing at Playa Medano, listening to music, and cooling off in the sea when you like. Alternatively, get more active with water activities such as surfing, kayaking, and riding a wave runner. Choose an activity to suit your kids' energy levels and abilities.

Day 11: Spider Road ATV Adventure

You'll enjoy a different kind of outdoor adventure today: riding an ATV along the so-called Spider Road. Led by a guide, travel along 15 miles (12 km) of trails on a semi-automatic Honda 420 ATV. Appreciate the beauty of the mountains, the vegetation, and splendid viewpoints with unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and the rock formations and cliffs, including the dramatic Arch of the Pacific.

Day 12: Free Day in Todos Santos, Drive to La Paz

Spend today as you please around Todos Santos, a small town in the Los Cabos area with gorgeous beaches as well as interesting culture. The beaches of Todos Santos are famous among surfers, and you or your kids can take a surfing lesson if you're keen to give it a try. Horseback riding is another popular activity: learn about local ranchero culture while taking in the views. Animal-loving kids won't want to miss this. Todos Santos is a small town, so you can comfortably stroll through the cobblestone streets and visit its museums before making the drive back to La Paz at the end of the day.

Day 13: Day Trip to Balandra & San Rafaelito 

Visit more beautiful Baja California Sur destinations on your last full day of the trip. Your day will begin at the San Rafaelito Lighthouse, famous for its many sea lions at certain times of the year. It's also a nice place to snorkel among coral reefs. After San Rafaelito, visit Playa Balandra, a beautiful beach where you can rest in the shade of an umbrella and refresh with a swim. Check out the Balandra Mushroom Rock, a curious natural formation and if you and the kids are feeling energetic, hike up to Balandra Hill, from where there are sweeping views of the ocean and bays below.

Day 14: Depart La Paz

It's time to say farewell to California Baja Sur as you've reached the end of this incredible trip. Depending on your time of departure from La Paz, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing or beach time before your flight or onward travel. Have a safe trip!

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