Heading to the city of La Paz, you’ll be welcomed by swaying palms, sandy coves and colonial architecture that displays the city’s history, dating back to the 16th century.

If the seas are calling you, don your swimsuit and make a splash to tick off bucket-list experiences, such as snorkeling among sea lions or whale sharks. Whichever type of day trip to La Paz from Los Cabos you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Bellow is everything you need to know about visiting La Paz, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Los Cabos.

How to get to La Paz from Los Cabos?

La Paz is located on the Baja California Sur peninsula on the western side of Mexico. It is approximately 160 kilometers from Los Cabos.

From Los Cabos to La Paz by car

The journey to La Paz by car is extremely easy and takes approximately 2 hours. Simply leave the city in a northerly direction and follow Route 19 all the way to the seaside town.

The drive is especially scenic as this route follows the coastline in parts.

From Los Cabos to La Paz by bus

You can make the jaunt to La Paz via public transport. Board a direct bus to the city from Los Cabos, which takes between 2 and 3 hours, and operates several times per day. You’ll pay between US$15 and US$30 for a ticket.

Guided tour to La Paz from Los Cabos

Another option is to book a guided excursion to La Paz. These transport you by bus to the city and escort you around the most renowned sights.

You’ll be picked up from your accommodation between 7 AM and 8 AM, and tours generally last around 10 hours, returning you to Los Cabos in the late afternoon.

What is the typical itinerary?

There are several different types of day trips to La Paz, each of which has its own unique itinerary. However, they mostly all begin with a convenient hotel pickup. From there, you’ll journey alongside cacti-lined deserts and dramatic mountain ranges to the city of La Paz.

When you reach the metropolis, you may embark on a tour of its most celebrated landmarks. These include archaeological monuments, historic artifacts and palm-lined beaches.

Alternatively, your La Paz day tour may take you away from the city to explore the seas beyond, which are brimming with life. You might head to Espiritu Santo Island, where sociable sea lions are waiting to meet you.

Alternatively, your tour may enable you to discover the marine life that flourishes closer to La Paz. You’ll be served a Mexican feast in a picturesque location, such as one of the region’s many exquisite beaches, before beginning your return to Los Cabos.

On the way, most excursions make a stop at the famous Hotel California for a quick photo opportunity.

What kinds of tours are available to go to La Paz?

Day trips to La Paz cover a wide range of interests. Whether it's historic architecture, water activities or marine mammals you’re interested in, you’ll find an excursion to suit you.

Day trip to La Paz from Los Cabos

A day trip to La Paz is filled with colonial architecture, artisanal crafts, geological history and pristine beaches. Reaching the city from Los Cabos, you’ll embark on a tour of its highlights, which include its 18th-century Jesuit church — Nuestra Señora del Pilar.

Other sights along the way of your fascinating excursion include the Malecon, as well as the Museum of Anthropology and History. Here, you can see handmade tools from the tribes who lived in the region approximately 40,000 years ago and learn about the town’s mining history.

Snorkeling tour to La Paz from Los Cabos

Alternatively, explore the seas surrounding La Paz on a snorkeling tour. You’ll head out from the bustling city in search of tranquil waters and the equally calm leopard-spotted whale sharks that drift peacefully below the surface.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, feast on a traditional Mexican lunch on the beach while bonding with your group.

Day trip to Espiritu Santo Island from Los Cabos

Just off the coast of La Paz lies Espiritu Santo Island — also known as "Galapagos of the Sea of Cortez.” This stretch of land, located in the Gulf of California, was formed by volcanic activity over 9,000 years ago and is now home to a thriving colony of over 300 sea lions.

On a day trip to La Paz, you can opt to travel to this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site to snorkel among the friendly marine mammals and learn about their habits.

How much does a day trip to La Paz from Los Cabos cost?

Day tours of La Paz city cost around US$110 per person and take place as part of a small group. This includes the services of a bilingual tour guide, as well as a tasty local lunch.

If you are more of a nature fiend than a city slicker, you may opt to join a snorkeling tour. You can expect to pay between US$260 and US$300 per person, which includes all necessary equipment.

Alternatively, visit Espiritu Santo Island to swim with its resident colony of sea lions. The cost per group of up to four participants is US$1,570, which is approximately US$390 per person.

What will you see and do?

Museum of Anthropology and History

The Museum of Anthropology and History has been offering visitors an insight into the Baja California Sur region for over 50 years, originally opening in 1981. There is a wide array of artifacts from various time periods, including tools carved by human hands dating back 40,000 years.

There is also a plethora of fossils on display, showing signs of life in the province from 60 million years ago. You’ll also find an exhibition that dives deeper into the gold and copper mining trades, which took the area by storm in the 19th century.

Espiritu Santo Island

Approximately 30 kilometers from the city of La Paz lies Espiritu Santo Island and its sister — Partida Island. These two islets are separated by a narrow canal and are known for their rocky, volcanic terrain.

The waters around Espiritu Santo Island are exceptionally clear and quiet, creating an ideal home for the colony of friendly sea lions that populate this section of the ocean.

The island is uninhabited and the area surrounding it is protected in order to preserve its flourishing coral reefs. As well as sea lions, you can also spot manta rays, dolphins and turtles in the turquoise seas surrounding the island.

Hotel California

On the return to Los Cabos, many La Paz day tours make a stop at the world-renowned Hotel California. Blasted into stardom by the 1970s “Eagles” song of the same name, the hotel was originally built in 1948 by a Chinese immigrant.

During the 1950s, there were several sightings of a beautiful woman during the night who disappeared into thin air, by guests of the hotel. This cemented the hotel’s reputation as a place where the spirits of the dead dwell.

When is the best time to visit La Paz?

You can enjoy a day trip to La Paz at any time of the year, thanks to the region’s tropical climate.

If you wish to avoid the crowds, you should consider planning your excursion between October and December. During this time, you can expect temperatures to range between 26 and 34 degrees Celsius with very little rain.

Travel tips

The conditions in La Paz are tropical throughout the year, so ensure you are well prepared with sunscreen, a sun hat and plenty of water.
If you are embarking on a snorkeling tour, remember to bring your swimsuit and a towel.
Bring a waterproof phone case with you on your La Paz day tour if you’ll be venturing into the ocean. This will provide you with the opportunity to snap a unique shot alongside playful sea lions and graceful whale sharks.

La Paz: Day Trips and Tours from Los Cabos