Punta Lobos
Todos Santos, Mexico, 23362
On a small bay 10 minutes from “downtown” Todos Santos, this heavenly beach is where local fishermen (who keep a yellow chapel on the sand) launch their panga boats—and where hikers take on the Old Port of Todos Santos trail, a roughly 4-mile (6.5-kilometer) out-and-back coastal stunner. Though the beach is serene, the waters can be rough for swimming.
The basics
Even in Todos Santos, where beautiful beaches trace the coastline, Punta Lobos stands out with a scenic and relatively easy hike from the beach to the summit of a small promontory overlooking the ocean. Bring a bathing suit and hiking boots for a comfortable hike. Punta Lobos lies at the end of an unpaved road off Mexican Federal Highway 19. You’ll need a car with some clearance to reach the beach without a sweat.
Things to know before you go
Dogs are allowed on the hiking trail.
Follow leave-no-trace principles: Don’t litter and pack out your trash.
Pack plenty of water and sun protection, as the Baja sun is unforgiving.
The beach has a beach club, hotel, restaurant, and parking areas.
Download an offline map before hiking the trail, as Wi-Fi can be spotty.
How to get there
Punta Lobos is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) southwest of Todos Santos. Driving is the best way to reach the area—it's a roughly 10-minute drive along Highway 19 and the Camino Al Faro unpaved road. Besides driving, you can also reach Punta Lobos by bicycle (15 minutes) or by walking (45 minutes to an hour), though you'll work up a sweat in the heat. Parking is free near the Old Port ruins.
When to get there
Generally, the best time to visit Todos Santos is from November to April when the weather is pleasant enough to get outdoors and stay there. The best time to hike the Old Port of Todos Santos trail is either in the morning, before the scorching temps and crowded paths, or during the evening well before dark. Visit from December to April to spot whales along the coast.
Hiking the Old Port of Todos Santos trail
Start the Old Port of Todos Santos trail behind the yellow chapel on Punta Lobos beach. From there, the path climbs, offering scenic ocean and mountain views, with some steep sections requiring rock scrambling. The hike ends atop a hill with panoramic ocean views, ideal for watching the sunset and whale spotting. The trail passes above multiple coves, but most are too rocky or have unsafe water for swimming.
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