Tour to La Paz Playa Balandra Malecón and Todos Santos

Discovering La Paz and Beyond: An Honest Look at the Tour to Playa Balandra, Malecón, and Todos Santos

If you’re planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas and want to experience something beyond the usual beaches and resorts, this tour to La Paz, BCS offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, local culture, and delicious food. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on the details, it looks like a solid option for travelers craving a full day of sightseeing, paired with comfortable transportation and a taste of local flavors.

What we really like about this experience is the opportunity to visit Balandra Beach, often called the most beautiful in Mexico, and to enjoy a relaxed stroll along La Paz’s lively Malecón. Plus, the visit to Todos Santos, with its charming streets and iconic Hotel California, adds a cultural and historical touch. However, one thing to consider is that the tour starts quite early—at 4:50 am—which might be a stretch if you’re not an early riser. That said, if you’re up for a full day with a mix of scenery and local sights, it’s a pretty good fit.

This tour seems best suited for those who want a comprehensive day trip that balances beaches, local culture, and good food without having to worry about planning every detail. It’s not overly strenuous but does require moderate physical activity—think walking on beaches and exploring towns. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy a mix of nature and culture, this is probably a solid choice.

Key Points

• Stunning Beaches: Access to Balandra Beach, renowned for its white sands and crystal-clear waters.
• Cultural Highlights: Visiting the Malecón in La Paz and the charming Pueblo of Todos Santos.
• Comfortable Transport: Round-trip, air-conditioned transfers from San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas.
• Tasty Food: Includes a local meal with options like fish tacos and ceviche—great for foodies.
• Flexible Timing: Free time at beaches and towns allows you to explore at your pace.
• Limited Group Size: Max 14 travelers, which means a more personalized experience.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Bright and Early

The day kicks off at 4:50 am from Cabo San Lucas, so be prepared for an early start. The benefit here is that you beat the crowds and get to enjoy some of the best sights in the cooler morning hours. The transportation is air-conditioned, which is a must when leaving such a lively resort town at dawn. The group is limited to about 14 people, keeping it intimate and manageable.

First Stop: Balandra Beach

You’ll spend around 2 hours here, giving you enough time to soak in the views, paddle in the shallow waters, and snap plenty of photos with the famous fungus rock formation. Many consider Balandra to be the most beautiful beach in Mexico, thanks to its calm, shallow bay, and soft white sands. The water is famously clear, perfect for just floating around or taking pictures.

What’s great about this stop is that admission to the natural area is included, so you won’t have to worry about extra fees. Keep in mind, though, that children under 12 and those over 55 might not be able to access this particular natural area, according to the tour’s policies.

Playa El Coromuel

Next is Coromuel Beach, which offers a quieter, cleaner environment—ideal if you’re looking to escape the crowds. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here, giving you time to relax, take more photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s a smaller, less crowded alternative to Balandra but no less beautiful.

La Paz Malecón and Lunch

After some beach time, the group heads to the Malecón de La Paz, a lively stretch filled with local restaurants, shops, and seaside views. The included lunch lasts about an hour and offers a variety of options like fish tacos, ceviche, and more. These local dishes are a highlight, giving you a taste of regional flavors in a casual setting.

Post-lunch, you’re transferred to a designated spot at the seawall to capture photos with the lyrics of La Paz, adding a fun, local touch to your visual memories. The Malecón is always bustling, with street performers and vendors making it a lively spot to soak up the local vibe.

Visiting Todos Santos

Finally, you’ll explore Todos Santos, known as a Magic Town. The visit lasts around 50 minutes, but it’s enough time to walk its charming streets, see the Mission of Our Lady of the Pillar, and peek inside the iconic Hotel California. Many travelers find this town inspiring—full of artsy shops, galleries, and colonial architecture.

The highlight here is the chance to see a different side of Baja California, away from the beach scene, with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a good way to give your trip some cultural depth without feeling rushed.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $99 per person covers a lot: air-conditioned transportation, light breakfast (like bacon, ham, cheese, granola bars, or chocolate), bottled water, and all admission fees for the natural areas. Plus, the lunch at the local restaurant is included, with options to suit various tastes, including vegetarian and children’s menus.

On the flip side, sodas or additional drinks at lunch aren’t included, and tips for guides and drivers are optional but appreciated. You’ll want to bring some cash for extras or souvenirs.

Transportation and Timing

Starting early means you get the full experience, but it might be a long day. The round-trip transportation ensures stress-free travel from your hotel, and the small group size means a more personalized feel. The total duration is about 11 hours, so pack comfortable shoes and be ready for a full day of exploring.

Considerations for Travelers

While most parts are accessible for moderate physical activity, be aware that some walking and beach time are involved. If you’re traveling with small children or have mobility challenges, it’s worth considering whether the early start and walking are suitable for your group.

Authentic Feedback and Expectation Setting

From what we gather, travelers appreciate the stunning beaches and the chance to see a different side of Baja, with many mentioning how beautiful Balandra truly is. One review noted, “The fungus rock formation was an emblematic sight, and the water was perfectly clear.” Others praise the local lunch, calling it “delicious and filling,” which adds value to the overall experience.

Some travelers mention that the early start can be challenging but agree that it pays off with better views and fewer crowds. The free time at beaches and towns allows for personal discovery, which many find refreshing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy beach days, cultural stops, and good food, all wrapped into one. If you prefer a laid-back, relaxed pace but want to see several highlights, this tour should fit well. It’s not overly strenuous but does require moderate activity, so those with mobility issues or early risers should weigh that into their decision.

It’s a good option for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a balanced day without the hassle of planning. Families with older children might also find this appealing, especially if they’re interested in beaches and local culture.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially older children who can handle moderate activity and early mornings. Keep in mind that certain natural areas may have age restrictions, and beach visits require supervision.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
The tour begins very early at 4:50 am, so plan accordingly. The early start helps avoid crowds and captures morning light for photos.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a hat, and perhaps a waterproof camera or phone for photos. Since bottled water and breakfast are provided, just pack some cash for extras.

Can I expect to have free time?
Yes, you get free time at Balandra Beach and Coromuel Beach, plus a short visit to Todos Santos, giving you chances to explore or relax on your own.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a meal at a local restaurant is part of the package, with a variety of options, including vegetarian and children’s choices.

What does the transportation look like?
It’s an air-conditioned vehicle with a small group size, making the ride comfortable and more personal.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of La Paz and nearby highlights. It delivers a good mix of natural beauty, cultural sights, and tasty food, all within a manageable day. The early start might be a hurdle for some, but it’s a small price to pay for avoiding crowds and seeing the best of what this part of Baja California has to offer.

If you love beaches, scenic towns, and local food, this trip is likely to leave you with plenty of great memories—and plenty of photos. It’s a practical choice for those who prefer a guided experience that packs in a lot without feeling rushed. Just remember to pack your patience and your camera.

Happy travels!