Planning a day out from Cabo San Lucas? This tour to Balandra Beach, La Paz, and Todos Santos promises a well-rounded experience blending natural beauty, local culture, and charming towns—all for around $125 per person. With a solid 4.5-star rating and enthusiastic reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this trip worth the early start and long hours. Here’s what makes it special, what to keep in mind, and how it could fit into your Mexican adventure.
What we love most about this tour is its balance of stunning scenery, informative stops, and the relaxed pace that allows you to truly enjoy each location. The calm waters of Balandra are a standout, offering an almost surreal setting for swimming and photos. The visit to La Paz gives you a taste of local history and culture, topped with free time to explore independently. Finally, Todos Santos offers a peek into Mexico’s artistic and historic sides, highlighted by the iconic Hotel California.
One thing to consider: this is a long day—roughly 12 hours—so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with early mornings and full itineraries. Plus, the group can be up to 100 guests, which may mean some business, but also a lively atmosphere. If you’re after a comprehensive day trip that hits beaches, towns, and cultural sights, this tour offers great value for the price.
Good To Know
- Stunning scenery at Balandra with shallow, safe waters perfect for all ages
- Cultural insights through guided tours of La Paz and Todos Santos
- Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup included
- Long but rewarding day with approximately 12 hours of exploration
- Excellent guides, particularly praised for their knowledge and friendliness
- Good value considering lunch, transportation, and multiple stops included
What to Expect from This Full-Day Tour
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If you’re curious about what this tour involves, here’s a detailed look at each component. We’ll also share insights from reviews to help set expectations.
Pickup and Early Start
The day begins early, around 5:00 am, with pickup from Panchos Statue at Cabo San Lucas. This might sound daunting, but it’s the only way to make the most of such a packed schedule. Expect a long ride—roughly 12 hours total—so pack snacks and water. The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is crucial given the Mexican sun and the long drive.
Stop 1: Balandra Beach – The Jewel of Baja
The highlight of the trip for many is Balandra Beach, and for good reason. Located 27 km east of La Paz, it’s often described as Mexico’s most beautiful beach. The shallow, crystal-clear waters stretch up to 500 meters from shore, meaning you can wade far out with water up to your knees. It’s ideal for swimming, floating, or just soaking up the peaceful landscape.
The beach’s signature feature is the Mushroom, a uniquely eroded rock formation that looks like a giant cap or mushroom. It’s the quintessential photo subject, especially against the backdrop of red-hued hills and desert landscape, dotted with prickly cacti. Reviewers frequently mention how magical and serene they found Balandra—Nelida_M called it “truly an amazing site to see and enjoy.”
Beyond beauty, Balandra’s surrounding mangroves are protected areas, adding a layer of ecological significance. You’ll have about 3 hours here, plenty of time for a swim, a walk, or just relaxing on the soft sand dunes.
Stop 2: La Paz – A Cultural and Historic Tour
After Balandra, the group heads to La Paz, a city renowned for its vibrant local culture. The tour includes some free time for you to explore, along with a guided sightseeing segment. Notable sights include the Mission of Nuestra Señora de La Paz—a historic church—and the House of Culture.
The guides are praised for their knowledge about local history. As one reviewer, Angela_G, mentions: “Ed had so much knowledge about the history of La Paz and Todos Santos. Very interesting.” During this segment, you also see old government offices and take a stroll along the lively boardwalk, which is perfect for people-watching and snapping photos.
The stop is about 3 hours, with optional shopping at Casa del Artesano, known for its original pearls and handcrafted souvenirs.
Stop 3: Todos Santos – Mexico’s Artistic Soul
Before heading back, the tour pauses in Todos Santos, a charming Magic Town famous for its arts scene and colonial architecture. The visit focuses on the Hotel California, the legendary hotel that’s become a must-see for visitors. You get about 2 hours here, enough time for quick sightseeing or grabbing a coffee in local cafes.
Reviewers like Nancy_K appreciated this stop, saying it “offered a nice balance of history and local charm.” It’s a relaxed, scenic way to wrap up the day before heading back to Cabo San Lucas.
Practical Considerations
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Transportation & Group Size
The vehicle is air-conditioned, which makes the long hours more comfortable, especially in warm weather. The group size can be up to 100 travelers, so expect a lively, potentially bustling atmosphere, but also plenty of opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Meal & Refreshments
Lunch is included, typically a sandwich or similar, which reviewers found to be a nice surprise amid a busy day. You’ll also want to bring snacks, water, and sun protection.
Timing & Duration
The early start is necessary to fit everything in. While the day is lengthy, it’s designed to maximize your experience across different environments—beaches, towns, and cultural sites. Keep in mind, reviews mention the potential for some confusion with pickups, so double-check your details.
Price & Value
At $125 per person, the tour offers good value considering the transportation, multiple locations, and included lunch. While it’s a long day, many reviews highlight how well-organized and informative the experience is, making the price worthwhile for those wanting a comprehensive tour.
Authentic Insights from Reviewers
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Several guests praised the guides, especially Ed and Carlos, calling them knowledgeable and friendly. Others enjoyed the stunning scenery—Brittany_W noted that it’s a “LONG day, but the views and experiences make it worthwhile.” Some reviewers appreciated the balance between structured tours and free time, allowing personal exploration.
Highlights from reviews:
- “Our tour guides Carlos, Alexis & Agusto were absolutely great.”
- “Ed was a great tour guide. I enjoyed La Paz the most.”
- “Beautiful sites and scenery. I really enjoyed La Paz and Todos Santos.”
- “Everything about this tour is fantastic.”
Challenges noted:
- The long hours can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions.
- The pickup/drop-off process could be confusing for some, so clear communication is key.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
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This experience caters best to adventurous travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and culture. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with a full day of travel and want to see diverse sights without the hassle of organizing separate trips. It’s perfect for group travelers, families, or couples seeking a comprehensive taste of Baja California beyond the beaches of Cabo.
If you’re primarily after luxury or relaxation, this might feel a bit rushed. However, if you love scenic drives, cultural insights, and iconic landscapes, this tour hits many marks.
Final Thoughts
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This tour to Balandra, La Paz, and Todos Santos offers a well-rounded day that balances stunning natural scenery with cultural exploration. The calm waters of Balandra are a highlight, especially for those who appreciate peaceful beaches and unique geological formations. The visit to La Paz lends a local flavor, enriched by guides who bring the city’s history alive. Meanwhile, Todos Santos provides a relaxed, artsy finale to a lengthy day of sightseeing.
While the long hours and group size might not suit everyone, the value for money, knowledgeable guides, and diverse experiences make it a worthy choice for travelers eager to explore beyond Cabo’s typical tourist spots.
If you’re seeking a full-day adventure that delivers scenic beauty, cultural insights, and a taste of Baja’s wild landscapes, this tour is a compelling option.
FAQ
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What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 5:00 am, with pickup from Panchos Statue in Cabo San Lucas.
How long is the total trip?
It’s approximately 12 hours, including travel, stops, and free time.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch is provided, typically a sandwich or similar.
What type of transportation is used?
An air-conditioned vehicle is used for the entire day.
Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, making this suitable for families and all ages.
How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 100 travelers, so expect a lively atmosphere.
What are the main sights visited?
Balandra Beach, La Paz (including cultural sites and free time), and Todos Santos (Hotel California and local charm).
Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a guided tour with a set schedule, so modifications are unlikely.
How physically demanding is the tour?
Moderate—some walking at each stop, but plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery.
What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a camera for the pictures.
In all, this tour offers a rich mix of Baja California’s natural beauty and cultural charm, making it a fitting choice for curious explorers eager to see more than just Cabo’s beaches.