Mexico coast route: from Baja California to Cabo San Lucas
Travel 3502 km along the most varied coasts of Mexico, from Baja California to the Baja California Peninsula, passing through La Paz, Punta de Mita, Cabo San Lucas and the Marietas Islands. This route contrasts desert beaches with turquoise waters and spectacular cliffs.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Baja California: Desert meets ocean
- End
- Islas Marietas & Playa del Amor
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Baja California: Desert meets ocean — Arid peninsula where golden dunes descend steeply into the blue waters of the Pacific and Sea of Cortez.
- Balandra: Caribbean-like beach in desert — Beach with crystal clear waters and white sand surrounded by desert cliffs, with a Caribbean appearance in the heart of Baja California.
- La Paz: Baja California Sur capital — Port capital with picturesque boardwalk, strategic point to explore virgin beaches and sighting marine life.
- Punta de Mita: Excursion departure point — Coastal peninsula in Nayarit that serves as a base for excursions to nearby islands and migratory whale watching.
- Playa del Divorcio: Landscape transformation — Gray sand beach and volcanic landscape that contrasts dramatically with the white sands of other Mexican coasts.
- Baja California Peninsula — Long peninsula between Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California
- Islas Marietas & Playa del Amor — Island group off Nayarit coast featuring the hidden beach Playa del Amor
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- To get to Isla Mujeres from the mainland, take a ferry in about 20 minutes from Cancun.
- Transport
- Balandra is about 30 minutes from La Paz in Baja California Sur. It is a protected natural area with access in limited time slots.
- Timing
- Access to Playa del Amor (Islas Marietas) is strictly controlled and depends on the waves, tide and weather conditions. It is not guaranteed to be able to enter even with a reservation.
- Transport
- Excursions to Playa del Amor depart from Punta de Mita. You can only enter with authorized operators and time on the beach is limited.
- Avoid
- In Playa del Divorci (Cabo San Lucas) there are strong waves, powerful currents and it is dangerous to swim.
- Transport
- To get to Playa del Amor in Cabo San Lucas, use a water taxi, boat, or kayak from Cabo San Lucas.
- Timing
- In Holbox, between May and September is whale shark season. Many travelers come to see them up close.
- Tip
- Holbox has less tourist construction than Cancun. Many streets are sandy and the main transportation is bicycles and golf carts.
- Timing
- During the season, sea turtles come to Cancun beaches to lay eggs. The nests are protected and the hatchlings are released into the sea.
- Tip
- In Holbox, the low tide creates long sand bars that go deep into the sea with clear, shallow water.
Video on this route
Wonders of Mexico | Better than the Maldives? The Most Beautiful Beaches in Mexico | 4K