La Paz Mexico Travel
La Paz Mexico: La Paz is undoubtedly a place that offers top quality services without losing the charm of a small city, safe and welcoming, but cosmopolitan at the same time, surely a city that covers all your needs. It is the perfect place to enjoy beaches, landscapes, water activities, adventure, and promenades almost exclusively, thanks to its tranquility and unique features that make it a place away from the hustle and bustle.
Here you can enjoy activities such as the sighting of the gray whale, swimming with whale sharks, or diving, and snorkeling at Espíritu Santo Island. You can also take a quiet walk visiting the De Todos Santos “Magical Town” and its majestic surroundings.
At first glance, La Paz is a sprawling, slightly dingy city, but after an hour or so you’ll discover there’s a lot more to it. Laid-back, old-world beauty can be found on a stroll along the waterfront malecón or in the older architecture around the Plaza Constitución; chichi restaurants, cafes, and bars cunningly hide in between the cracks. It’s a surprisingly international town – you’re as likely to hear French, Portuguese or Italian here as English or Spanish, and yet paradoxically it’s the most ‘Mexican’ city in all of Baja. Its quirky history includes American occupation and even being temporarily declared its own republic.
What is La Paz Mexico known for?
La Paz (pronounced [la ˈpas] ( listen), Peace) is the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and an important regional commercial center.
How do you get to La Paz Mexico?
There are two main options for getting to La Paz: Fly into San José del Cabo and commute two hours north, or fly from Mexico City into La Paz. Flights from major US cities to Los Cabos can be as little as $350 and up to $550.
Is La Paz Mexico dangerous?
La Paz Mexico Real Estate
With the Sea of Cortez on one side and the Sierra Laguna mountains on the other, La Paz is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and watersport aficionados. Located 160 km (100 miles) north of the more famous city of Cabo San Lucas, this traditional town is a must-visit. La Paz itself is a bit sleepy, but fear not, it’s far from boring.
These suggestions of 21 things to do in La Paz will keep you on your feet. We decided to spend a week in and around La Paz and enjoyed every single day of our November visit. Planning a trip to Baja California soon? Check out these top 5 things to do in La Paz, it’s one of the best places to visit in Mexico! (Don’t miss the traveler resources section at the end of this post)
1. Stroll Around the Old Town
Where La Paz stands today was visited by Hernan Cortez back in 1535, but the city only started to develop in the mid-19th century thanks to the expansion of the pearl diving industry. Most of the buildings and architecture reflect that period and give the old town its distinctive character.
The main square of Jardín Velazco, also called the Plaza Constitución, is one of the places in La Paz popular with the locals. It’s a great place for people-watching. Sit on one of the numerous benches and watch families walking by, seniors chatting together and sharing stories long past.
The old town and Jardín Velazco are centered around Revolución de 1910 and Calle 5 de Mayo. You can wander the area independently or go on a 2-hour free English walking tour. This is one of the best things to do in La Paz and a great way to get your bearings.
2. Rent a Kayak at Balandra Beach
Several beaches north of La Paz are easily accessible within an hour drive, but Balandra Beach is probably the most protected and ideal for kayakers. Free of motorboats, you can enjoy kayaking through the inland mangroves, explore the shallow bay, and even get out to the sea.
Kayak rental is possible from $15USD / hour, or book a full day or multi-day kayak excursion from $60USD. The mouth of the bay tends to see strong waves and currents and can be challenging for novice kayakers. Watch for the stingrays that sometimes hide in the sandy bay floor.
If you are looking for other beaches to visit without kayaking, check out Playa El Coromuel, Playa El Caimancito, Playa El Tesoro and Playa Pichilingue, and Playa Tecolote. Tecolote offers more amenities (restaurants & restrooms) than other places.
3. See the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de La Paz
The Cathedral was built in 1861 by the Dominicans and stands across Jardín Velasco. The tall front of the Church is one of the main things to see in La Paz and will get your attention as soon as you arrive at the square. The inside of the Catedral de Nuestra Senora is worth visiting, so feel free to step in. The entrance is free.
Besides its importance as a Catholic church, musical events such as classical and religious performances are sometimes held in the building. The Catedral de Nuestra Senora is at the corner of Revolución de 1910 and Calle 5 de Mayo.
4. Visit the Whale Museum
Given their regular presence in the Sea of Cortez, it’s no wonder La Paz has a museum dedicated to whales. The Museo de la Ballena is at the corner of Corner Calle Obregón and 16 de Septiembre, a short distance from the Malecón. You can’t miss it thanks to the massive whale skeleton exhibited in front of the building.
The Whale Museum is on the small side but provides extensive information on whales, porpoises, and dolphins. A worthy stop for every one.
The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday 10 am – 6 pm, and closed Monday, as well as on holidays (January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th). Entrance tickets are 120 to 160 Mexican Pesos ($6 – $8), which includes a 45 minute guided tour (English-speaking guide available).
5. Check Out The Local Artwork
A white-washed historical building on the city plaza, the Governor’s Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) hosts rotating exhibits from the Centro de Artes, Tradiciones y Culturas Populares de Baja California Sur. Local painters, potters, glassmakers, and artists get a chance to feature their artwork, and you get to watch them as they showcase their creative talent in front of you.
The center, located on Calle Francisco I. Madero in front of the Jardín Velasco is open Monday through Friday 8 am – 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 6 pm, with free entrance.
Flights To La Paz Mexico
There’s no doubt that Mexico offers something for everyone: scenic landscapes, breathtaking marine life, fascinating history, and a world-class food and drink scene. But would you believe there’s one city in this perennial holiday hot spot that offers all of the above and is relatively unknown? Welcome to La Paz. Located two hours north of Los Cabos, the capital city of Baja California Sur in northwest Mexico could very well be the country’s most underrated destination.
La Paz is home to about 245,000 residents—including a large ex-pat community—and offers a plethora of outdoor activities for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend stop from Los Cabos or coming in direct via Mexico City, give this list of the best things to do in La Paz’s top priority.
Things To Do In La Paz Mexico
Every year from October 31 to November 2, Mexico explodes with music, art, dance, and partying as people across the country pay tribute to deceased family members. In La Paz, Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) celebrations mostly takes place in the historic city center. Expect an abundance of marigold flowers, altars adorned with old photographs of the dearly departed, live music, costume contests, and women dressed as La Calavera Catrina: a Mexican folklore figure brought to life via skull face paintings and ornate dresses and hats. Mexico’s Day of the Dead may sound like a tourist spectacle, but La Paz’s smaller-scale festivities make it easier for travelers to party without getting lost in the action—before you know it, you’ll be celebrating death like a local, too.
Renowned explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau once described Mexico’s Sea of Cortez as “the aquarium of the world,” and he couldn’t be more spot on. A trip to La Paz isn’t complete without a swim with the region’s sea lions. Book a half-day excursion with local tour operator The Cortez Club to the waters of Los Islotes—a 90-minute boat ride from the mainland on the southern end of the Sea of Cortez. Sea lions measure six to eight feet in length, but anxious snorkellers need not worry: they’re generally friendly and curious mammals.
Travel tip: The Cortez Club doesn’t have an action photographer onboard, so be sure to pack an underwater camera to capture your sea lion adventure!
Hotels In La Paz Mexico
Think you’re brave enough to swim right beside a five-tonne creature? If the answer is yes, then swimming with whale sharks is a must-add to your bucket list. Despite their intimidating name, whales sharks are neither whales nor sharks, but fish—the largest fish in the world, in fact. The whale sharks that feed in the waters around La Paz measure 25 to 30 feet in length, but don’t worry: these gentle giants only eat krill and plankton, and aren’t considered dangerous. Because whale sharks are endangered, the Mexican government highly regulates its whale tours, which run from October 1 to April 30. Book a half-hour swim with The Cortez Club and see these magnificent beasts up close!
For a fun night out, be sure to stop by La Miserable: a two-room bar dedicated to all things mezcal. The distilled spirit is harvested from the agave plant and cooked inside earthen pits lined with lava rocks—during your tasting session, you’ll learn that tequila is a type of mezcal the same way bourbon and scotch are types of whiskey. La Miserable also features chic Instagram-worthy décor—think vintage photographs, retro paintings, and weird memorabilia—and quirky local snacks like fried crickets. New to mezcal? Try a few sips of Rey Campero Espadin: a fruity mezcal with smokey tones.
