With the Sea of Cortez on one aspect and the Sierra Laguna Mountains on the opposite, La Paz is a paradise for outside fans and watersport aficionados.
Situated 160 km (100 miles) north of the extra well-known metropolis of Cabo San Lucas, this conventional city is a must-visit. La Paz itself is a bit sleepy, however concern not, it’s removed from boring.
Throughout my memorable time in La Paz, I snorkeled with whale sharks, paddled a kayak within the sea, went horseback driving within the mountains, and did all the sights on the town. I can now say it’s one in all my favourite locations in Mexico and I can’t wait to return and discover extra enjoyable issues to do in La Paz, Mexico.
21 Greatest Issues to Do in La Paz
These ideas of 21 issues to do in La Paz will preserve you in your ft. I made a decision to spend every week in and round La Paz and loved each single day of our November go to.
Planning a visit to Baja California quickly? Take a look at these high 21 issues to do in La Paz. It’s one of many best places to visit in Mexico! (Don’t miss the Mexico travel sources part on the finish of this publish.)
1. Stroll Across the Previous City
The place La Paz stands immediately was visited by Hernan Cortez again in 1535, however the metropolis solely began to develop within the mid-Nineteenth century because of the enlargement of the pearl diving business. A lot of the buildings and structure mirror that interval and provides the outdated city its distinctive character.
The primary sq. of Jardín Velazco, additionally known as the Plaza Constitución, is without doubt one of the locations in La Paz widespread with the locals. It’s a terrific place for people-watching. I spent a whole lot of time sitting on one the quite a few benches and watching households strolling by, seniors chatting collectively and sharing tales gone.
The outdated city and Jardín Velazco are centred round Revolución de 1910 and Calle 5 de Mayo. You’ll be able to wander the realm independently or go on a 2-hour free English strolling tour. This is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in La Paz and an effective way to get your bearings.
2. Hire a Kayak at Balandra Seashore
A number of seashores north of La Paz are simply accessible inside an hour drive, however Balandra Seashore might be essentially the most protected and supreme for kayakers. Freed from motorboats, you’ll be able to get pleasure from kayaking by the inland mangroves, discover the shallow bay, and even get out to the ocean.
Kayak rental is feasible from $15 USD / hour, or e-book a full day or multi-day kayak tour from $60 USD. The mouth of the bay tends to see robust waves and currents and might be difficult for novice kayakers. Look ahead to the stingrays that typically disguise within the sandy bay flooring.
An alternative choice is to e-book a tour with an area and revel in a small group kayak journey with meals, drinks, and gear included.
If you wish to paddle across the mangroves, turtles, dolphins, and sea lions of the Pure Protected space of El Magote, take a look at this highly-rated trip.
In case you are searching for different seashores to go to with out kayaking, take a look at Playa El Coromuel, Playa El Caimancito, Playa El Tesoro and Playa Pichilingue, and Playa Tecolote. Tecolote presents extra facilities (eating places & restrooms) than different locations, and it turned out to be one in all my favourite locations in La Paz.
3. See the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de La Paz
The Cathedral was in-built 1861 by the Dominicans and stands throughout Jardín Velasco. The tall entrance of the church is without doubt one of the foremost issues to see in La Paz and can get your consideration as quickly as you arrive on the sq.. The within of the Catedral de Nuestra Senora is value visiting, so be at liberty to step in.
In addition to its significance as a Catholic church, musical occasions comparable to classical and non secular performances are typically held within the constructing. This is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in La Paz. The Catedral de Nuestra Senora is on the nook of Revolución de 1910 and Calle 5 de Mayo, and yow will discover it on the map here.
Handle: Revolución de 1910 S/N, Zona Central, 23000, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
☞ SEE ALSO: Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas – A Checklist of the High 21
4. Go to the Whale Museum
Given their common presence within the Sea of Cortez, it’s no marvel La Paz has a museum devoted to whales. The Museo de la Ballena is on the nook of Nook Calle Obregón and 16 de Septiembre, a brief distance from the Malecón. You’ll be able to’t miss it because of the large whale skeleton exhibited in entrance of the constructing.
The Whale Museum is on the small aspect however offers intensive data on whales, porpoises, and dolphins. A worthy cease for everybody, and I loved it very a lot.
The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday 10 am – 6 pm, and closed Monday, in addition to on holidays (January 1st, Could 1st and December twenty fifth). Entrance tickets are 120 to 160 Mexican Pesos ($6 – $8), which features a 45 minute guided tour (English-speaking information out there).
Handle: Antonio Navarro 855, Zona Central, 23000, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
5. Verify Out the Native Paintings
A white-washed historic constructing on the town plaza, the Authorities Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) hosts rotating reveals from the Centro de Artes, Tradiciones y Culturas Populares de Baja California Sur.
Native painters, potters, glassmakers, and artists get an opportunity to characteristic their paintings, and also you get to observe them as they showcase their inventive expertise in entrance of you.
The centre, positioned on Calle Francisco I. Madero in entrance of the Jardín Velasco, is open Monday by Friday 8 am – 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 6 pm, with free entrance.
Handle: Francisco I. Madero S/N, Zona Central, 23000, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
6. Discover the Museum of Anthropology & Historical past
The Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia is an interesting museum positioned at Altamirano and 5 de Mayo. It options well-researched exhibitions of La Paz and Baja Sur historical past, from the Paleolithic period to the time of the missions, masking the affect of the Spanish colonization and the way it impacted the unique inhabitants.
In case you’re a historical past buff, this is without doubt one of the issues to do in La Paz that you just received’t wish to miss. Observe that the majority (if not all) descriptions are in Spanish, which I assumed was a great way to follow the language. Entrance prices 65 pesos (round $3) and is open Monday to Sunday 9 am – 6 pm.
Handle: Calle Ignacio Altamirano s/n, Zona Central, 23000, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
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7. Store on the Market
Odor the flavours of Mexico as native individuals store for recent fruits, meats, and greens on the Mercado Francisco I. Madero.
Take a look at the leather-based items, hats, and quinceañera clothes. Seize snacks and recent juices from the meals stalls (comedors) on the entrance of the market, and take a couple of minutes to admire the surface mural.
The Mercado is a long-standing establishment in La Paz, and amongst one of many locations to go to in La Paz to get pleasure from an affordable and attractive Mexican breakfast and lunch. Head to the nook of Revolucion De 1910 and Santos Degollado Monday to Sunday in your fill of yummy meals.
8. Calm down on the Malecón
The 5-km (3-mile) lengthy waterfront Malecón is an area favourite and can be yours too. Joggers get pleasure from their run alongside the shore on Sunday afternoons, whereas households and {couples} stroll right here every day.
The Malecón can be the right spot for watching unimaginable sunsets because the purple, yellow and orange rays illuminate the sky above the ocean and marina. One other one of many high issues to do in La Paz! (Hanging out on the Malecon is without doubt one of the greatest things to do in Puerto Vallarta as properly!)
9. Bike In and Round La Paz
Hire a motorcycle for 30 pesos an hour ($1.50) and revel in a leisurely trip on the 5 km (3 mile) bike lane alongside the Malecón, whereas having fun with the ocean views and stopping on the waterfront eating places for a break. Or, hit the coastal or mountain trails of Baja California for a day of mountain biking.
These searching for an prolonged biking journey would possibly wish to take into account the 370 km (230 mile) Pichilingue Peninsula coastal loop path north of La Paz. Actually, this was somewhat lengthy for me, however I hope to strive a part of it on my subsequent go to.
Mountain biking excursions begin from $60 relying on trails and length. For these wanting some train, mountain biking is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in La Paz.
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10. Snorkel with Whale Sharks
One of many high issues to do in La Paz is snorkeling with whale sharks. Whale sharks – tiburón ballenas in Spanish – are the most important recognized fish, as much as 13 m (42 ft) lengthy. They’re current round La Paz between October to March.
Whereas it sounds scary, whale sharks solely eat plankton and care little about people. They’re massive, although, particularly while you’re within the water with them.
Swimming by the large fish is a unbelievable expertise. Nevertheless, ensure that the tour operator respects the laws that shield the welfare of the animals, together with the strict “no touching” coverage, in addition to a restricted quantity of individuals within the water at one time.
Sunrider Tours is a extremely rated firm that follows the laws on defending the wildlife, but ensures you’ve got a good time! Hop aboard a 33-foot catamaran and revel in snorkelling with whale sharks (in small teams of 5 solely), snacks on board, and an English information. This is without doubt one of the most memorable issues to do in La Paz, and at $80, it’s value each penny.
Discover out extra about this wonderful journey here.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta – Don’t Miss Out!
11. Go Whale-Watching in Magdalena Bay
From January to March, grey whales come to Baja California to benefit from the heat water of Magdalena Bay’s protected lagoon the place they provide beginning to their younger.
Happening a whale-watching cruise offers you the perfect probability of seeing the whales breed and lift their offsprings. Day cruises begin at $130, although multi-day cruises are additionally out there.
Different whales migrate to the Gulf of California all year long: March to July to see the blue whale (the most important whale on this planet), February to June for the humpback whale, and October to February for the pilot whale (calderon negro).
This is without doubt one of the issues to do in La Paz you received’t wish to miss.
12. Swim with Sea Lions on Los Islotes or San Rafaelito
A cluster of smaller islands, Los Islotes is residence to a number of hundred California sea lions. A gaggle of 250 stay there within the winter however the summer time months can see over 350 with new pups arriving yearly.
If you wish to have a look at sea lions up shut, Los Islotes is without doubt one of the foremost locations in La Paz the place you are able to do so. Observe that there are laws that restrict the variety of guests to Los Islotes in an effort to shield the location’s ecosystem.
An alternative choice for observing sea lions of their pure habitat is at San Rafaelito. Whether or not in Los Islotes or San Rafaelito, ensure that so as to add a go to to the ocean lions as one in all your high issues to do in La Paz. A combo tour together with a visit to Espíritu Santo Island and the Sea Lions begins from $120.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
13. Sail to Espíritu Santo Island (among the best issues to do in La Paz!)
Espíritu Santo Island, or Isla del Espíritu Santo because the locals name it, is a few one-hour boat trip north of La Paz. The island is residence to a wealthy and assorted marine life.
The encircling reefs are teeming with sea creatures: Moorish idols, rainbow wrasse, parrotfish, rays, turtles, sharks, and the occasional pod of dolphins or whales passing by!
The island was declared a part of a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1995, and it’s no shock that this space is a paradise for divers and snorkellers.
Most of the actions in La Paz like whale watching, swimming with whale sharks, or snorkelling with sea lions might be mixed with a visit to Espíritu Santo Island.
Some boats allow you to land on the island, the place you’ll be able to then discover the volcanic rock formations, kayak across the island, or simply chill on the distant seashores. Even when you don’t land on Espíritu Santo Island, cruising the Sea of Cortez is unquestionably among the best issues to do in La Paz.
In case you’re all in favour of crusing to Espiritu, take a look at this popular trip, or should you’d moderately be on extra of a pace boat, take a look at this tour. Each embrace snorkelling and lunch.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things to Do in Guanajuato
14. Scuba Dive within the Sea of Cortez
Jacques-Yves Cousteau named the realm the “the world’s aquarium,” and by all requirements, the Sea of Cortez presents gorgeous diving alternatives. You’ll see manta rays, dolphins, wholesome reefs, shipwrecks, sea lions, and extra.
High diving spots embrace Espíritu Santo island and Los Islotes. I went to each, and so they had been each unbelievable. Visibility is greatest from Could to October.
Ebook your 2-tank dive boat journey from round $100 by one of many many dive facilities in La Paz. And should you’re not but licensed, enroll in a PADI class and begin exploring the marine world. Among the best diving in Mexico is discovered right here within the Baja — get pleasure from!
In case you’re planning a visit to the Yucatan, you’ll be able to truly scuba dive in cenotes – that is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Cancun!
15. Be taught to Prepare dinner Mexican Meals
Why not discover ways to cook dinner yummy Mexican cuisine your self? Buen Provecho presents 5-hour cooking courses for $80 in San Bartolo, a few one-hour drive from La Paz.
An alternative choice is the downtown-based El Nopal Spanish Academy which presents a $20 lesson as soon as a month. Undoubtedly, that is the tastiest of all of the actions in La Paz! I’ll admit that I loved the consuming as a lot, if no more, than the cooking.
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16. Benefit from the Nightlife
If you wish to social gathering, La Paz presents a few nightclubs alongside the Malecón. In any other case, Cabo San Lucas is the place to go for Springbreak-esque leisure.
However should you want a chilly cerveza whereas having fun with views of the ocean and listening to native musicians, then La Paz is your best choice.
The Malecón sees many of the nightlife motion, with mariachi bands strolling round, bars the place you’ll be able to meet locals, or nightclubs enjoying disco.
A few favorite bars embrace Cafe-Bar KM-0 (Paseo Álvaro Obregón), La Morante Art Bar (Avenida Revolucion de 1910), Cava Sur – Restaurant & Wine Bar (Calle Ignacio Allende), and Bob Marlin (Calle Ignacio Allende).
17. Discover on Horseback
A number of ranches provide horseback driving alternatives that take you alongside the ocean, by cacti, and previous fishing villages. Most of those ranches are genuine working operations, and a visit is an effective way to see conventional Mexican ranchers.
A 3-hour horse trip with Rancho El Cajon is about 500 pesos ($25).
18. Brush Up On Your Spanish
Need to enhance your Spanish? Enroll in courses at both Se Habla…La Paz or El Nopal Spanish School and begin chatting with the locals because of your new language expertise.
Talking with the residents is an effective way to study Mexican tradition and traditions, and no matter how poor your Spanish-speaking abilities are, the locals will recognize your efforts.
19. Pattern Recent Seafood
Given its proximity to the ocean, it’s no shock that La Paz is a superb place for recent seafood. Consuming tasty meals is unquestionably one of many high issues to do in La Paz.
One of many native delicacies is the chocolate clams, bought within the streets by the native fishermen. A must-try! Different locations to get pleasure from nice Mexican food are Rancho Viejo (Márquez de León 228) and Tacos el Estadio (by the Cathedral).
☞ SEE ALSO: Must-Try Food in the Yucatan Mexico
20. Hike within the Sierra Laguna Mountains
Whereas deserts and seashores could be the primary draw of Baja California, the mountain ranges are unimaginable and provide many adventurous issues to do in La Paz.
The Sierra de la Laguna close to the city of Santiago are residence to distinctive climbing alternatives, together with waterfalls and sizzling springs. Pack your climbing sneakers and discover Canyon del Zorro (Fox Canyon) or the Aguas Calientes (Scorching Water).
Ebook a information or tour firm to search out your strategy to the “secret” swimming swimming pools. Day hikes price from $60, whereas multiple-day treks are round $400+.
For one thing somewhat nearer to La Paz, get pleasure from a 10-12 hour day journey consists of hikes to stunning view factors and you actually get to see just about all the main websites round La Paz in a single day. Be taught extra about this highly-rated hike here.
21. Strive Kitesurfing in La Ventana
In case you’re feeling lively, head to La Ventana and discover ways to kitesurf. An exhilarating wind and watersport, kiteboarding will see you browsing the waves of the bay. Given the ability of the kite in windy situations, ensure that to take correct coaching earlier than heading out by your self.
La Ventana is about an hour drive from La Paz, and the windy season runs from October to April. Skilled riders can lease gear from $120 for a full day. Inexperienced persons can look into lesson packages, with costs various on expertise and length.
High Lodges, Hostels & B&Bs in La Paz
I stayed in a number of locations throughout my time in La Paz, and I additionally requested most of the foreigners I met the place they most well-liked to remain. Listed here are a few of the greatest.
Funds
Peace Hostel MX – rated “Glorious” 8.9/10. Only a brief stroll to the Malecon, and that includes a sport room, backyard, lounge, and breakfast. Double rooms right here go for round $36/evening within the excessive season. Click here to be taught extra and e-book this hostel.
Pension Baja Paradise – rated “Glorious” 8.7/10. In case you’re travelling with a canine, excellent news this place is pet pleasant! There’s a shared kitchen, BBQ amenities and a terrace. Rooms are small, however satisfactory and at $35 for a double room within the excessive season, you actually can’t complain. Click here to be taught extra and e-book this hostel.
Midrange
Casa Juarez B&B – rated “Great” 9.4/10. Lovely, fashionable, vibrant rooms, outside pool, nice breakfast and glorious location. Probably the greatest locations to remain in La Paz. Double rooms from $65 within the excessive season. Click here to be taught extra and e-book this B&B.
Hotel Catedral La Paz – rated “Great” 9.2/10. Boasting a stupendous outside pool (with bar), unbelievable views of La Paz and comfy beds, it is a best choice lodging. A unbelievable breakfast is included and the meals on the onsite restaurant is nice. Click here to be taught extra and e-book this lodge.
High Finish
Hyatt Place La Paz – rated “Very Good” 8.4/10. Providing all the normal facilities you’ll be able to anticipate from the Hyatt lodge chain, together with trendy rooms, massive outside pool, health heart, onsite restaurant and bar, and golf course (shut by). The situation is correct on the water, a few 10 minute drive from La Paz. Click here to be taught extra and to e-book this lodge.
FAQs About What to Do in La Paz, Mexico
Listed here are solutions to some continuously requested questions in regards to the many enjoyable issues to do in La Paz, Mexico.
It could be overshadowed by Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo farther south, however don’t skip La Paz in your journey to Baja California Sur. There are a lot of enjoyable La Paz actions, comparable to whale watching and scuba diving, and lots of sights in La Paz, which has attractive seashores and several other museums.
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur. Well-known La Paz sights embrace the Malecon (walkway alongside the ocean) and colonial period buildings like the federal government palace. Pure areas are a few of the different high issues to see in La Paz, with many seashores and islands close by.
It’s a captivating small city, however nature is the primary attract La Paz. The preferred La Paz actions revolve across the Sea of Cortez, together with whale watching, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
It’s completely secure to swim in La Paz. In contrast to the large waves and powerful currents of the Pacific Ocean on the opposite aspect of the Baja California Peninsula, the Sea of Cortez is mostly calm and flat. In actual fact, its seashores are a few of the greatest locations to go to in La Paz.
Due to the significance of the vacationer business, many individuals converse English. Even when your Spanish expertise prolong barely past “gracias,” you should not have any drawback speaking throughout your journey to La Paz.
Now You Know What to Do in La Paz and Baja California!
La Paz can simply be explored by your self — strolling or biking your approach round. If you wish to dive, snorkel with whale sharks, or head to Espíritu Santo Island, reserve a tour by one of many tour operators advisable above.
Not solely they know the perfect spots to discover, however they’re educated about marine life and the native historical past. Whereas I like exploring on my own, the excursions I took in La Paz offered me with experiences that wouldn’t have been attainable alone. I received to satisfy some fascinating and informative locals as properly.
This native experience is particularly important when trekking within the mountains, scuba diving, or collaborating in any of essentially the most adventurous issues to do in La Paz. Security is necessary, so at all times guarantee your information is respected and educated.
Beside La Paz, Todos Santos is one other favorite of Baja California Sur because of its historic centre, wildlife, and browsing alternatives. And you may simply spend a number of days in La Ventana and Los Barriles having fun with water sports activities comparable to windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayaking.
Go away touristy Cabo San Lucas behind, and discover the various wonders of Baja California Sur — you received’t remorse it!
Observe: Except in any other case acknowledged, photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock. Goats On The Street sources royalty-free photographs from this firm. Be taught extra here.
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