Baja California Sur offers stunning desert landscapes meeting the Sea of Cortez, perfect for outdoor adventures like surfing, diving, and whale watching. It's known for its vibrant culture, fresh seafood, and luxurious resorts in Los Cabos, along with charming, laid-back towns like La Paz and Todos Santos.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$50/day
Mid-range$150/day
Luxury$600/day
Known For
BajaLos CabosCabo San LucasSan Jose del CaboLa PazSea of CortezGulf of CaliforniaPacific CoastMexicoMexican Baja
🇲🇽 Country Information: Mexico
CapitalCiudad de México
CurrencyMexican peso ($)
LanguageSpanish, English (in tourist areas), Indigenous languages
Phone Code+52
Electricity127V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterNot recommended
Tipping
- Restaurants: 10
- 15% of the bill, especially if service charge is not included
- Taxis: Tipping is not customary for short rides, but you can round up the fare or tip a small amount for longer rides or good service
- Bellhops/Porters: 10
- 20 pesos per bag
- Tour guides: 10
- 20% of the tour cost
- Housekeeping: 20
- 50 pesos per night
Money & Payments
- ATMs are widely available, especially in cities and tourist areas, but fees may apply
- Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger establishments, but cash is preferred in smaller towns and markets
- It's advisable to carry a mix of cash for smaller purchases and credit cards
- There is no black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or small towns
- Politeness and greetings are highly valued; always say "Hola" and "Gracias"
- Punctuality is more relaxed than in some Western cultures, especially for social gatherings
- It's customary to shake hands or give a light kiss on the cheek (between women, or a woman and a man) as a greeting
- Avoid public displays of affection that are overly passionate
- When eating, keep hands visible on the table, but don't rest elbows on the table
LGBTQ+ Information
Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights have advanced significantly in Mexico, with same-sex marriage legal nationwide and broad anti-discrimination laws. However, attitudes may vary by region, and discrimination can still occur.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- The legal drinking age is 18
- Drug laws are strict, even for small amounts of marijuana; possession can lead to severe penalties and imprisonment
Special Laws
- It is illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces outside of designated areas
- Carrying a valid ID (passport or driver's license) is recommended
- Be aware of potential scams and pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas
Common Phrases
NoNo (NOH)
YesSÃ (SEE)
HelloHola (OH-lah)
PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)
Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)
Good morningBuenos dÃas (BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs)
Good afternoonBuenas tardes (BWEH-nahs TAR-dehs)
Good evening/nightBuenas noches (BWEH-nahs NOH-chehs)
Climate
Mainly arid desert with coastal influences.
Climate Zone: Arid Desert Hot
Getting There
- Fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) or La Paz International Airport (LAP)
- Buses available from major Mexican cities
Getting Around
- Taxis and ride
- sharing apps (Uber, DiDi) are common
- Car rentals are popular for exploring
- Local buses available in larger towns
Health & Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations recommended (Hep A/B, Tetanus)
- Consult doctor for traveler's diarrhea prevention
- No malaria risk in Baja California Sur
Staying Connected
- eSIMs available from major Mexican carriers (Telcel, AT\&T Mexico, Movistar)
- Airalo and Nomad eSIM work well
Local Cuisine
Lobster in Butter
regional_speciality
Considered a star of Baja California Sur's gastronomy, this dish features fresh lobster cooked and served in rich butter. It showcases the region's ex
Tacos Gobernador
must_try
A very popular taco in Baja California Sur, this variety is typically made with shrimp and melted cheese. It offers a combination of fresh seafood and
Almejas Chocolatas (Chocolata Clams)
regional_speciality
These large clams, named for their brown shell color, are often prepared 'tatemadas'—slowly roasted over hot stones covered in rosemary. They are a st
Ceviche
snack
A refreshing dish featuring raw seafood (like fish or shrimp) marinated in lime juice, mixing acidity with fresh flavors. It is often served with chop
Beef Machaca Burritos
breakfast
Beef machaca is dried, shredded seasoned meat that is often rehydrated and cooked with eggs, making it a common breakfast item. When wrapped in a tort
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Book 2–6 months in advance
The prime whale watching season (January to March) sees high demand, especially for reputable operators, and tours often have limited capacity in protected areas like Laguna San Ignacio.
Book 6+ months in advance
These specialized dive trips have very limited availability (small number of boats) and run only during a specific season, making them one of the most capacity-constrained bookings in the region.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book 1.5–4 months in advance
Smaller, highly-rated boutique hotels and unique vacation rentals in popular towns have limited inventory and sell out quickly, particularly during the high season (Winter/Spring).
Book 2–8 weeks in advance
Top-tier, well-known restaurants, especially those with scenic views or celebrity chefs in Los Cabos, book out quickly, particularly for prime dinner times on weekends.
Fun Facts
- 1. Baja California Sur's coastline, bordered by two seas, is Mexico's longest, stretching over 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles).
- 2. The region is home to the cardón cactus, which is the world's largest species of cactus and can grow to heights of 21 meters (70 feet).
- 3. Baja California Sur features more islands than any other state in Mexico, predominately located in the Gulf of California.
- 4. The Sea of Cortez, which borders the state, has earned the nickname El Acuario Del Mundo, meaning "The aquarium of the world."
