A Bucket List Baja California Sur Itinerary: Backpacking on a Budget

Is Baja California Sur expensive? Steal our Baja California Sur itinerary: backpacking on a budget, tailored by activities and what things cost, with prices.

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If you’re looking for a mixture of ethical wildlife encounters, beautiful beaches, pristine natural areas, remote islands, mountainous landscapes, and adrenaline activities, Baja California Sur is the destination for you. With so many exciting places to explore, it can be hard to whittle your list down to a manageable Baja California Sur itinerary. While this stunning state at the southern tip of the paradisical Baja California peninsula is vast, it’s totally possible to navigate without a car.

This post contains everything you need to know about travelling Baja California Sur on a budget, including cheap transportation, affordable accommodation, and free activities. We’ve also compiled a comprehensive breakdown of costs, budget recommendations, and money-saving tips to help you stretch your budget further.

Baja California Sur on a Budget

Leave the Mexican tourist trail and swap packed resort towns like Cancún and Tulum for deserted swimming beaches, empty hiking trails through cacti-strewn mountains, and charming oceanside colonial towns in Baja California Sur.

It’s no secret that Baja California Sur is our favourite part of Mexico. But you might not know that Baja California Sur is one of the most affordable states in Mexico too.

If you only know of Baja because of Cabo then you’re probably not aware of how affordable the rest of the state can be. But Baja California Sur is so much more than the Spring Break party town of Cabo San Lucas. From the charming town of Loreto to Todos Santos’ colonial centre and La Paz’s diverse marine life, there’s something for every traveller and budget.

It’s totally possible to travel Baja California Sur for as little as $30 a day and still experience the region’s experience its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere without breaking the bank.

Lured in by some of the best whale watching in the world, we spent the longest part of our Mexico and Central America trip in Baja California Sur and got to know the state well. As backpackers, we picked up lots of handy budget tips, as well as some great cheap recommendations and money-saving hacks, that we’re going to share with you here in this Baja California Sur itinerary.

Baja California Sur Backpacking Itinerary

Despite what you may read online, it is not necessary to rent a car in Baja California Sur. In fact, it’s completely possible to see all the major sights in Baja California Sur without a car at all. Of course, having a rental car can give you more flexibility but it’s also an expensive way to travel, especially if you’re visiting in high season.

Most state-wide transportation in Baja California Sur consists of buses. Comfortable coach-style buses run various routes between cities while classic buses can shuttle you around towns and between accommodations and attractions. This is the cheapest way to travel Baja California Sur.

While buses do restrict you to places on the public transportation network, it’s easy to pick up a tour to get you to those harder-to-reach destinations.

We are thorough planners and like to amalgamate lists of all the things to do in a location before we go. This often ends up with us having multiple theoretical routes with different transportation options for one trip. We didn’t want all our hard work to go to waste, so we’ve created this ultimate guide to creating an itinerary for Baja California Sur with tailored routes for every timeframe, budget, and interest. This is based on our own experience backpacking in Baja California Sur but with added improvements and extra recommendations to make your trip the best it can be.

Baja California Sur Itinerary Map

We’ve marked the highlights of a Baja California Sur trip on the map below.

Where to go in Baja California Sur on a budget

Luckily for those without a car, the top Baja California Sur destinations are all easily accessible by public transportation and tours. These are all the best tourist destinations in Baja California Sur that shouldn’t be missed off your itinerary. Here are the places we’d recommend visiting:

We’ve also listed some more off-the-beaten-path places and hidden gems if you fancy extending your itinerary too.

Baja California Sur Itinerary Highlights

1. La Paz

The vibrant capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz is nestled in a large bay on the stunning Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) and is a great place to start your Baja California Sur itinerary. The city is compact with a charming historic centre and sprawling waterfront with a Malecón (seaside promenade) that is great for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. La Paz is home to an abundance of quaint cafes and al fresco restaurants where you can try Baja-style fish tacos, sip a margarita, and watch the sunset.

The surrounding area is full of sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and remote islands, perfect for hiking, snorkelling, and diving. Travellers can enjoy Mexico’s most beautiful beach, Balandra Beach, or try their hand at kitesurfing at La Ventana.

Beyond the city, La Paz is also the gateway to the paradisical Isla Espíritu Santo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning islands, dramatic landscapes, and hidden coves.

Perhaps the biggest draw to La Pas is its abundant marine life (which was the reason for our visit). Here you can swim with whale sharks, snorkel with sea lions, dive at pristine coral reefs, and go whale watching in the winter months.

How long to spend in La Paz: 4-7 days.

Highlights

Where to stay in La Paz

La Paz was one of our favourite stops in Baja California Sur. It’s a really authentic city with some incredible marine activities on offer and we’d definitely recommend starting here to get a flavour of Baja California Sur. Despite being the capital, we found it to be pretty affordable as it’s not been developed for tourism in the way other places like Cabo have.

Our highlights included snorkelling at the stunning Isla Espíritu Santo, relaxing on Balanra Beach, and swimming with whale sharks and sea lions. These activities are easy to do with a licensed tour company and booking a combo tour is more affordable than booking them separately. You can also visit beaches like Balandra by public bus rather than by using a tour which can save you money too.

While you could easily spend your entire trip here, there are some other really cool destinations. La Paz is really well linked via public transportation and it’s easy to get a bus from here to pretty much anywhere else in the state.

2. Loreto

A sleepy town north of La Paz, Loreto is perfect for travellers seeking a slower way of life or a relaxed vacation. Popular with American expats and vacationing families, Loreto is one of the oldest cities in Baja California Sur with a charming centre and Malecón.

Loreto is the gateway to Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the best place in Mexico to see blue whales, as well as its abundant marine life and diving opportunities. Hiking in Tabor Canyon and the ancient La Pinguica cave paintings are popular day trips.

How long to spend in Loreto: 3-5 days.

Highlights

Where to stay in

We loved the laid-back vibe in Loreto. It’s smaller than other cities like La Paz but with many of the benefits they offer like a charming colonial centre and beautiful beaches.

Loreto Bay National Marine Park is stunning and you could easily spend days island hopping and wildlife watching. Observing ginormous blue whales was a real bucket list moment for us.

Due to its more remote location on the coastal side of the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, Loreto is harder to get around without a car but the city centre is well connected by bus to other cities in the state and there are plenty of tours available to see the sights.

3. Magdalena Bay

The cheapest and most easily accessible of the three grey whale sanctuaries in Baja California Sur (the other two lagoons being San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre), Magdalena Bay is one of the only places in the world where grey whales approach boats so close that you can touch them.

The bay is a popular whale watching spot with day tours leaving from three ports on the mainland: Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, San Carlos, and Puerto Chale. Alternatively, you can stay in a camp, immersing yourself in a desert camp, being able to see whales from shore, and going out in the lagoon when there are no other boats.

Other activities Magdalena Bay offers travellers include sport fishing, swimming with bait balls, hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching.

How long to spend in Magdalena Bay: 2-4 days.

Highlights

Where to stay in

Camping on a remote island after a day of epic grey whale watching in the lagoon will stay with us forever, it’s truly a magical experience.

There are a variety of ways you can visit Magdalena Bay. We really would recommend budgeting to spend a couple of nights in a camp. It’s not cheap but it’s really the best way to experience the wonders of Magdalena Bay.

We did 3 days with two 6-hour whale watching tours and 2 nights in camp. While we could have stayed forever, this gave us a good amount of time to settle in and see a lot of whales. As wild animals, sightings are not guaranteed (although are highly likely) and more time means a higher chance of meeting a ‘friendly’ or seeing epic behaviours.

We negotiated our transportation as part of our package so had transfers from La Paz and to Loreto included, which saved us money on buses.

If you have limited time or a smaller budget, a day trip to Magdalena Bay from Loreto is a popular option. You can also visit on a tour from Cabo with an overnight stay in one of the mainland port towns.

4. San José del Cabo

The quieter little sister of Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo couldn’t be more different. With a charming colonial centre filled with cobblestone streets, colourful plazas, and historic architecture, San José del Cabo has a more relaxed, traditional vibe. Although downtown is nestled inland, there’s also a sprawling Hotel Zone with boutique hotels lining beautiful beaches.

Whale watching is possible from San José del Cabo but not as popular. The appeal here is the city’s vibrant art scene with numerous independent galleries and studios offering stunning artistic pieces that reflect the region’s natural beauty and historical events. The regular Thursday evening Art Walk is not to be missed.

How long to spend in San José del Cabo: 3-5 days.

Highlights

Where to stay in San José del Cabo

Pretty much all transport between the northern and southern parts of the state transits between La Paz and its hand bus depot. From here, you can choose to head east to San José del Cabo or along the Pacific Coast via Todos Santos to Cabo San Lucas. You might have a preference depending on your arrival and departure airports as San José del Cabo can be a great place to end your Baja California Sur trip due to its proximity to Los Cabos Airport.

Our highlight here was attending the completely free San José del Cabo Festival, a lively traditional event of parades, performances, and fireworks.

San José del Cabo is much cheaper than the commercialised city of Cabo San Lucas. Transportation between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is easy and cheap by public bus, so it doesn’t really matter which you want to visit first.

5. Cabo San Lucas

A lively party town and popular Spring Break destination, Cabo San Lucas feels more like America than Mexico. The city is fully geared towards tourism with a vibrant mix of luxury beachfront resorts, lively restaurants and bars, and incredible water activities.

Cabo is one of the best places in the world to watch acrobatic humpback whale displays off the coast, from the shore or on a boat trip with a responsible company.

Besides whales, Cabo has a variety of activities on offer so there’s something for everyone – from hiking to epic viewpoints and snorkelling in the sea to zip-lining through desert canyons and shopping in luxury malls or artisanal markets.

How long to spend in Cabo San Lucas: 5-7 days.

Highlights

Where to stay in

Cabo San Lucas is probably the most expensive place in Baja California Sur. We cut costs by staying in a self-catering apartment in a more residential part of town for most of our visit.

Budgeting so you have some money for a whale watching tour with a licensed company here is a must. We went out a couple of times and each trip was different. We saw babies and adults breaching, a heat run (where males compete for a female), and plenty of cool whale behaviours. Morning is the best time to go out as you can avoid the party boats that clog up the coast and scare off the whales.

Cabo was also the location where dan got his PADI Open Water qualification, with Lucy joining for his last two dives. Although visibility wasn’t the best, we did see some cool corals, a sandfall, plenty of fish, and a sea lion.

As the most popular town in Baja California Sur, Cabo San Lucas is well connected to a variety of cities in the state. There are also countless tours on offer so it’s easy to find something to fit your budget.

6. Cabo Pulmo

If you’re keen on diving and snorkelling like we are, it’s worth budgeting for a trip to Cabo Pulmo. Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with incredible underwater landscapes and a variety of marine life, including large pelagic species. The park is Cabo Pulmo is famous for its ‘living reef’, which has been protected since the 1990s, and is one of the most impressive coral reef systems in North America. Offering crystal-clear waters and colourful corals, Cabo Pulmo is remote and untouched.

Here, you can encounter an array of marine species, including tropical fish, sea turtles, moray eels, manta rays, whale sharks, and, depending on the season, even hammerhead sharks. The bull shark, a powerful predator, is also known to make an appearance during the winter months when the water is cooler.

How long to spend in Cabo Pulmo: 2-5 days.

What to do in

Where to stay in

Transportation to Cabo Pulmo is limited without a car but we did find a selection of diving companies that included transportation from San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Unfortunately, our trip was called off due to bad weather and we had to move on so we’d recommend leaving a bit of extra time in your itinerary if you’d like to visit Cabo Pulmo in winter or summer when storms are more frequent.

7. Todos Santos

Todos Santos is a Pueblo Mágico, a small ‘Magical Town’ known for its rich cultural and historical aspects. As the main town on the southwest coast, Todos Santos has a vibrant arts scene and bohemian atmosphere. It is the inspiration behind the song Hotel California by The Eagles and the hotel draws visitors from far and wide.

Todos Santos is a cool surfing town with a variety of water sports and activities on offer. There’s also a great shopping scene with lots of boutique stores and markets to browse.

From Todos Santos, Cerritos Beach is a popular destination for surfing and other water sports, while the small village of El Pescadero is known for its agricultural roots and slower pace with organic farms, local art galleries, and a growing number of cosy boutique hotels and eateries.

How long to spend in Todos Santos: 1-3 days.

What to do in

Where to stay in

Todos Santos is very similar in vibe to San José del Cabo with its colourful colonial architecture and a focus on the arts. While you could spend a couple of days exploring the town, it’s totally possible to visit on the bus as a day trip from Cabo San Lucas, which will save you money on accommodation.

Extend your itinerary

If you’ve got lots of time, you might like to get off the beaten path and explore more of Baja California Sur. These destinations are a little trickier to visit without a car (and you need a 4×4 for many of them if you do rent a car) but you can book a tour or use local transportation like taxis to get to your destination – they’re so worth the effort.

8. Northwest Baja California Sur

One of the most significant natural protected areas in Mexico, El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve (Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno) is home to two of the state’s three grey whale lagoons: San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre. A huge UNESCO World Heritage site, this part of north Baja California Sur encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from coastal wetlands and salt flats to desert landscapes and rugged mountains.

Guerrero Negro is the closest town to the lagoons, which sit on the west coast just south of the border with the northern state of Baja California. This is a great base for whale watching trips with a rich history tied to salt production and is easily accessible by bus.

9. Northeast Baja California Sur

On the other side of the peninsula to San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre Lagoons, Baja California Sur’s northeast is pretty untouched by tourism. The small town of Santa Rosalía sits here, a historic mining town with a distinctive French influence, known for its unique architecture, including the church (Iglesia de Santa Bárbara), designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Further south, the small community of Mulege, another a Pueblo Mágico, is famous for its serene beaches and clear waters. This peaceful town is nestled along the Mulegé River, offering lush palm groves and a variety of scenic, less-crowded beaches, perfect for kayaking, hiking, and exploring nearby mangrove estuaries and desert landscapes.

10. The East Cape

Baja California Sur’s East Cape (Cabo Este) is one of the most beautiful regions and is quieter than the nearby Los Cabos. It’s not easily accessible to those reliant on public transport but can offer cheaper accommodation to those who make the journey.

Besides Cabo Pulmo on the coast, the East Cape is also home to Los Barriles, a small town known for its laid-back vibe, and La Ribera, which remains relatively quiet compared to the larger tourist cities. Both are great for water activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing, due to the reliable winds in the area.

Further inland, Santiago is the gateway to the striking Sierra de la Laguna mountain range, which offers amazing hikes, a wealth of wildlife, and secluded hot springs.

A variety of regional buses serve these quieter towns, while tours can be arranged to explore hiking trails, waterfalls, and hot springs in the mountains.

Is Baja California Sur expensive?

You might think Baja California Sur is expensive because it’s a remote peninsula. While there can be increased import costs on certain items as resources and products need to be trucked down the peninsula or shipped in, Baja California Sur is actually one of the most affordable states in Mexico. We found prices to be pretty comparable to the rest of Mexico and much cheaper than when we lived in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Areas that are tourism-focused and cater to luxury travel styles like Cabo San Lucas are definitely more expensive than the average costs you’d find in other parts of Baja California Sur and Mexico. But even these destinations can be visited on a budget if you’re savvy with where you spend your money.

Many of the essential goods and services in the state are produced locally, making them cheaper while also being better for the environment. If you’re conscious of choosing locally produced goods and supporting the local economy, you can reduce your travel expenses and carbon footprint while contributing to a more sustainable and positive socio-economic impact on the region.

Baja California Sur Costs

In this section, we’ve compiled a comprehensive breakdown of the average costs of travelling Baja California Sur, including accommodation, transportation, food, and activities with some handy money-saving tips.

Buses

Taking the bus is by far the most cost-effective way to get to Baja California Sur on a budget, as well as for getting from A to B.

Four main bus stations in Baja California Sur make backpacking around the state easy:

These four terminals therefore make these four cities the most popular with those on a budget on a visit to Baja California Sur. Only one airport is accessible by public bus: Los Cabos Airport bus stop. For the other airports, you need to use a shuttle service or book a taxi.

Besides these bus stops, there are also smaller terminals in places including:

The two main bus companies that serve routes around Baja California Sur:

These buses are comfortable coach-style buses, often with an onboard toilet and first-class, second-class, and economy sections. They often provide air conditioning, reclining seats, and sometimes even USB chargers or plug sockets.

The cost of a bus fare between cities really depends on your route. Shorter journeys (e.g. La Paz to Cabo San Lucas) are about $10-20 USD per ride while longer journeys (e.g. to Loreto) can be up to $40 USD one-way.

There are also several bus companies that serve Baja California Sur but are more commonly used to transit to other parts of the country, like the northern state of Baja California, including Transportes Fradisa, Tufesa, and Omnibus de México.

As well as regional buses that shuttle you between cities in Baja California Sur, there are city buses which serve small areas and can be used to get around between main points of interest. The most commonly used public buses are the Ruta del Desierto bus between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. These are the public bus stops in Cabo:

These public buses are super cheap, usually about $1–$4 USD per ride.

Besides these coach-style services and public buses, there is also a variety of shuttle services which can take you to accommodation, airports, and attractions. These companies, like Ecobaja Tours, primarily serve tourist areas, offering shared or private transportation.

Colectivos

A colectivo is usually the cheapest way to travel in Mexico. It’s a small van or mini-bus that shuttles a group of people from one part of town to another. Some run to a schedule, while others wait until they are full to go. Some have designated bus stops, while others are flagged down from the side of the road. Colectivos are mainly used by locals and savvy tourists and are therefore incredibly cheap. They’re operational in areas like Yucatán but are unfortunately not widely used in Baja California Sur.

Tips for taking the bus in Baja California Sur

Budget Transportation

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking can make your transportation in Baja California Sur completely free, but it is also a little risky. We know people who have hitchhiked through Mexico with no problems but it can also result in being stranded in remote towns as you’re reliant upon the people you meet and the routes they’re travelling. It’s not for everyone but can be a great money-saving hack if you’re confident with it.

Cheap Car Rental

Renting a car in Baja California Sur gives you complete control over your itinerary. The state is one of the safest and most exhilarating parts of Mexico to road trip. However, hiring a car can also be expensive and involve long journeys. If you plan to visit remote parts of the state, you’ll need a 4×4 which will increase your costs too.

However, if you’re travelling as a group, splitting the cost of a rental car can be an affordable way to travel. Hiring a car in a specific location for a couple of days to explore the area is also a great way to see more remote areas without having to fork out for a long-term rental and pay loads for petrol on longer journeys.

You can rent a car in Baja California Sur for as little as $25 USD a day. Often, really cheap car rentals have a bunch of hidden fees that you need to pay at the desk so we’d always recommend being slightly wary of super-low prices. We’d also always recommend getting full insurance so you’re covered in the event of an incident or accidental damage. Realistically, the price of a car rental in Baja California Sur is about $50 USD a day for a compact car with insurance and about $100 USD a day for a 4×4. This can fluctuate depending on the season – in winter, there’s more demand for cars and higher prices.

Cheap Flights

Buying one-way flights is a great budget hack to save a little money. If you find one-way flights to be cheaper, you might choose to fly in and out of different airports. The three main international airports are La Paz, Loreto, and Los Cabos airport. As Loreto is the most remote airport, it is the priciest. Los Cabos is the main tourist airport with a wide variety of flights, while La Paz is also popular as the capital of the state.

Baja California Sur Budget Accommodation

The accommodation you book into your itinerary can make a massive impact on how expensive travelling Baja California Sur is. There’s a wide range of accommodations in Baja California Sur, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels and budget hostels. The nightly rate of hotels in Baja California Sur will vary greatly depending on the area you’re staying in.

The southern area of Los Cabos is the most expensive part of Baja California to stay in. As you travel further north, the nightly price of a hotel is cheaper. As you get to some of the smaller coastal towns, the nightly rate of accommodation becomes super affordable due to less tourism. Having said that, some more remote areas like the East Cape can see a price increase as there’s less on offer and hotels in these areas are more exclusive. We’ve dived into the main differences between hotels in Baja California Sur below.

Cheap Hotels

Cheap hotels in Baja California Sur vary greatly depending on your location and the time of year you travel. Budget to mid-range hotels usually come in the form of an inn or guesthouse, but can be a chain or independently owned hotel too.

La Paz has a good selection of hotels, from budget options to mid-range hotels and upscale resorts.

Most budget hotels in Baja California Sur start at about $50 USD a night but this can increase up to $100 USD a night minimum in touristy areas like Cabo.

It’s difficult to find mid-range hotels like International chains in the main cities that are under $100 a night and usually a mid-range hotel will be priced between $100 and $200 USD a night.

Boutique Hotels

Baja California Sur has seen an increase in boutique hotels, which are designed to feel intimate and quaint. These hotels usually have a unique quality to them, are set in a pristine location, or feature designs that reflect the natural landscapes and historical and cultural heritage of the area.

As a more remote town, Loreto’s hotels vary from upmarket resorts to mid-range and boutique hotels, but options are more limited and slightly more expensive than in other areas.

Boutique hotels offer an elevated experience to your average mid-range hotel and therefore come at a slightly higher price tag of around $150 to $500 USD a night.

Luxury Hotels

Baja California Sur’s luxury hotels are normally all-inclusive resorts, designed to provide a high-end experience.

Most of Baja California Sur’s luxury hotels line the southern tip of the peninsula. Los Cabos is where you’ll find most of the upscale resorts – Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo’s Hotel Zone, and the Tourist Corridor between them are lined with luxurious retreats favoured by celebrity clientele.

Upmarket resorts in Baja California Sur can range from $500 to $2000 USD a night. They’re not really budget-friendly, but if all you plan to do on your trip is relax by the pool, this can be worth the expense for you as you’ll have to pay for little else.

Hostels

Hostels are popular with backpackers and budget travellers who can save some money by booking a dorm bed in a shared room. Hostels in Baja California Sur are most commonly found in Los Cabos and La Paz. A bed in a shared dorm starts at about $20 to $30 USD a night. Hostelworld is fab for finding hostels in Baja California Sur and the rating system is a great guide.

Airbnbs

Self-contained rentals and self-catering properties are great options for those on a budget or who like more autonomy on their holiday. They usually include basic facilities like a fridge and kettle, as well as a private room and bathroom.

Airbnb was our most used form of accommodation in Baja California Sur. We opted for private apartments with a kitchenette or a private room in a shared house with a kitchen so we could save some money by cooking for ourselves. We also became obsessed with local Mexican food and ate out a lot so not having a meal package in a hotel really worked for us.

We aimed for a budget of $40 USD a night and found it easy to find properties in Baja California Sur for around $30 to $60 a night for two people (one bedroom), depending on where we were staying.

Camping

Camping is a great option for those on a budget who really want to immerse in the natural beauty of Baja California Sur.

It’s common for travellers from the USA and Canada to drive their own campervan down the peninsula. This can be cost-effective as you already own the van but will cost a fair bit in fuel. You can also hire a campervan on arrival but they’re not cheap.

The cheapest way to camp is to simply bring a tent or buy one from a grocery store for about $25 USD. iOverlander is a great app for finding campsites in Baja California Sur. There are a variety of campsites on offer, from beach campgrounds to dedicated sites with facilities. Campsites cost about $10 to $40 USD a night.

Alternatively, if you like a bit of home comforts when camping, there are quite a few glamping sites around the state in unspoiled, remote destinations, from Isla Espíritu Santo to Magdalena Bay Whales Camp. These camp experiences usually include other activities like kayaking or whale watching as well as food and transportation and cost around $100 to $300 USD a night.

Couchsurfing

If you’re open to meeting locals and staying for free, Couchsurfing can be an excellent option. The platform connects travellers with hosts who offer a place to stay at no charge, and it’s a great way to experience Baja California Sur from a local perspective.

Food and drink

The price of food and drink in Baja California Sur really depends on where you are, what you like to eat, and how much you normally pay for a meal. You can definitely cut costs by eating out less and self-catering. But part of the fun of travelling is trying authentic cuisine and you shouldn’t have to miss out if you’re on a budget. Some of the best food in Mexico is also the cheapest and we had some really incredible and affordable meals in Baja California Sur.

Street food

Street food is by far the cheapest way to eat out in Baja California Sur. You can dine on fresh Baja-style fish tacos for $1 to $3 a portion. Most Taquerías (taco joints) or street food stands offer a variety of flavours from meat or vegetables to cheese and even grasshoppers.

Other affordable street food options that you can try on a budget for about $2 to $4 USD a portion include:

Restaurants

If you’re planning to dine out, you can expect to pay about $5 to $10 USD for a meal in a local restaurant. In touristy areas like Cabo, this can increase to about $15 to $25 USD for a main, especially in upscale or international restaurants.

Premium dishes like steak and lobster are usually pricier, with costs ranging from $40 to $50 per dish. If you’re fine dining, expect to pay upwards of $100 to $200 USD per person for a multi-course meal on a set menu at a high-end restaurant.

Bars

Beer (cerveza) is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Baja California Sur. You’ll find both local and international beer brands available. The state has also seen an increase in craft beer with independent breweries like Baja Brewing Company offering… A can or bottle of beer in a bar or restaurant costs about $3 to $5 USD.

Wine prices can really vary depending on where you are and what you drink. A local wine may cost as little as $4–$7 USD per glass of house red or white wine but a foreign wine or drink in a fancy restaurant will cost about $6 to $12 a glass. A bottle of wine at a restaurant costs around $20 to $50 USD.

Cocktails tend to be pricier are are more commonly served in touristy areas. A classic cocktail at happy hour might be as cheap as $4 to $6 USD but you can typically expect to pay about $8 to $12 USD for a cocktail like a margarita or negroni.

Bottled water costs about $1 to $3 USD for a litre bottle. Travelling with a reusable water bottle that cleans water with UV light or a filter is a great way to save money on water in Baja California Sru – plus, it’s better for the planet as you can cut down on plastic waste.

Self-catering

Cooking for yourself is the best way to save money on food when travelling. Shopping in local markets and grocery stores is great for affordable food shops. Many cities also have a weekly farmers’ market where you can pick up staples like fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, meats, and bread.

Tours and activities

One of the key parts of affordable travel is knowing when to pay more. It’s important to budget so you can afford the activities you’re most interested in, cutting costs on aspects you care less about. For example, whale watching was our priority in Baja California Sur so we saved money by staying in budget accommodation and cooking our own meals.

Adventure activities are popular in Baja California Sur but they aren’t cheap. It can be worth saving for experiences like whale watching, SCUBA diving, or ziplining if this is the type of activity you enjoy. If you have your own gear or equipment, snorkelling or surfing can be budget-friendly.

Tours like ziplining, ATV riding, and boat tours like whale watching and SCUBA diving are typically about $80 to $120 USD with a reputable or eco-friendly company. Snorkelling tours, kayaking excursions, and short trips are a bit cheaper at about $50 USD.

Baja California Sur offers some of the best animal activities in the world. But it’s important to engage with animal tourism in an ethical way that doesn’t negatively impact the animal or put the species at risk. This can mean paying a little more to ensure the activity is led by a reputable company with the correct licenses that will put animal welfare and your safety first.

What to do in Baja California Sur on a budget

Baja California Sur is a stunning destination, and the best part is that many of its most beautiful and fun experiences are completely free or very affordable. Whether you want to relax on a beach, go hiking, or immerse in local culture, here are some of the best free things to do in Baja California Sur.

Free things to do in Baja California Sur

Baja California Sur Itinerary by Interest

Deciding between destinations and activities in Baja California Sur can be made easier if you prioritise your hobbies and favourite activities. Here are some suggested destinations by activity and interest:

Wildlife

Beaches

Hiking

Baja California Sur Routes

There are a multitude of ways you can create a backpacking itinerary in Baja California Sur depending on which airports you’re planning to fly in and out of, your preferences, and how long you have.

For bases, we’d suggest at a minimum spending a few nights in:

Several stops can visited as a day trip from other locations, including:

This can save you time as you don’t need to stay in each place, save you money as you don’t need to fork out for accommodation and reduce the effort of travelling as you can focus on exploring and enjoying the destination without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking.

We planned our route around whale watching in winter, arriving and departing from different airports. If you’re reliant upon public transportation, we’d suggest the below route:

This takes advantage of all the most common transportation routes without the need to pay extra to go more remote. If you’re keen to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, we’d recommend stopping off in the smaller towns along the way.

Everyone’s route will be different and tailored to their travel style, budget, and preferences. To help you plan your journey, we’ve broken down all the main travel routes in Baja California Sur below.

La Paz to Cabo San Lucas

There are two bus routes from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas, one east via Todos Santos and another west via Los Barriles. You can stop at one of these towns to break up your journey or you can just go directly to Cabo San Lucas.

La Paz to San José del Cabo

There are two bus routes from La Paz to San José del Cabo, one via Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas and another via Los Barriles. Stopping at one of these towns can be a great way to break up your journey and see more of the peninsula. If you stop at Cabo San Lucas, you can follow the directions below to later transfer to San José del Cabo.

La Paz to Loreto

The bus journey from La Paz to Loreto runs up the peninsula before crossing the stunning Sierra de la Giganta mountain range.

La Paz to Magdalena Bay

Getting to Magdalena Bay can be tricky as there are no direct routes on public transportation.

La Paz to Todos Santos

La Paz to Todos Santos is a short bus journey to the west coast.

Loreto to La Paz

The bus journey from Loreto to La Paz is scenic and passes Ciudad Insurgentes.

Loreto to Magdalena Bay

Loreto is the closest of the four big cities to Magdalena Bay with the most amount of tour companies offering transportation services from here. Getting to Magdalena Bay using public transportation can be tricky as there are no direct routes.

Loreto to Cabo San Lucas

The Loreto to Cabo San Lucas journey is long but scenic – we spotted quite a few whales along the Pacific coast from the bus! It can be split up with a stop in La Paz.

Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo

Getting around Cabo is easy and you can take cheap public buses (also called buses de la ciudad) between Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo. We use the Ruta del Desierto bus which is affordable and stops at various points between the two towns. You can also take Autotransportes Aguila, ABC, Fradisa, or Cab Baja Plus buses.

Cabo San Lucas to La Paz

There are two bus routes from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, one west via Todos Santos and another east via Los Barriles. You can stop at one of these towns to break up your journey or you can just go directly to La Paz.

Cabo San Lucas to Magdalena Bay

Quite a few tour companies will offer transportation to Magdalena Bay from Cabo San Lucas. Getting there on your own can be tricky as there are no direct bus routes.

Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos

The journey from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos is short and scenic, running along the Pacific Coast.

Cabo San Lucas to Loreto

The Cabo San Lucas to Loreto route is long but scenic. It can be split up with a stop in La Paz.

San José del Cabo to La Paz

Most bus routes from San José del Cabo to La Paz go west via Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos. It is possible to go east via Santiago and Los Barriles if you want to stop off in more remote parts of the state.

San José del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas

You can follow the route we listed above for Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo in reverse.

How long to spend in Baja California Sur

You could easily spend months exploring every corner of Baja California Sur, it’s such a beautiful place. The next section will break down all the possible routes you can take to visit the best parts of the region, based on your transportation, budget, interests and timeframe.

If you count up our recommended times for each of the above destinations in Baja California Sur, you’ll see we recommend about three weeks (21 days) to really explore the state. If you cut down a couple of days from each place or turned lesser-visited places like Todos Santos, Cabo Pulmo, or Magdalena Bay into day trips, you could easily experience the best of Baja California in two weeks (14 days).

How many days is enough in Baja California Sur?

7 days in Baja California Sur is enough to see a couple of the cities, but not enough to really experience all the region has to offer. A week is fine for a short holiday and will give you a flavour of the state, but we can guarantee you’ll leave wanting more.

You need at least 14 days to really explore the best of Baja California Sur. 10 days would be a happy middle ground for a vacation if you’re happy with making a few sacrifices.

Personally, we think four weeks (a month or about 28 days) is the perfect amount of time for a Baja California Sur trip. This gives you plenty of time to experience all the highlights of every key destination, as well as some spare time to get off the beaten path and discover some hidden gems. If you love the slow-paces way of life, you could easily stretch this to 6 weeks or longer.

1 week Baja California Sur Itinerary

A one-week vacation to Baja California Sur is going to feel brief but can give you a flavour of what this amazing state has to offer. You’re really not going to have much time to get out and explore more than one or two areas.

We’d recommend choosing a base in either Los Cabos or La Paz for a one-week itinerary. Taking a couple of day trips is a great way to get out and see a bit more of the state while still having time to relax and enjoy your base city. If you’re more of a backpacker than a vacationer, you could split your week between these two locations – 4 days in one place and 3 days in the other.

2 week Baja California Sur Itinerary

You have a little more time to play with when staying in Baja California Sur for two weeks. We’d still recommend splitting your time between Los Cabos and La Paz, but it’s now possible to add on trips to smaller places like San José del Cabo, Todos Santos or Magdalena Bay.

3 week Baja California Sur Itinerary

Three weeks is the minimum amount of time you need to start thoroughly exploring Baja California Sur. This is the perfect amount of time to hit all the major stops including San José del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Loreto. You can easily head out to Magdalena Bay and Todos Santos for day trips or stay the night on a three-week itinerary.

4 week Baja California Sur Itinerary

A month-long itinerary in Baja California Sur is going to cover all the major cities (San José del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Loreto), as well as leave time for some epic, more rural adventures in Magdalena Bay, Cabo Pulmo, or Todos Santos.

You could also add some day trips to other places around the state. From La Paz, you could spend some time in the smaller town of La Ventana, or travel north from Loreto and see the charming town of Mulege. If you’re a diver, you could just hang out in Cabo Pulmo for longer, making the most of the world-class dive sites.

5 week Baja California Sur Itinerary

As your itinerary exceeds a month, you can start adding hidden gems and smaller towns to your route. Head to El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve for some epic whale watching and compare the experience to Magdalena Bay. Or head further north from Loreto and explore quieter towns like Mulege and Santa Rosalía. Alternatively, if you’d like to stay closer to the south coast, escape the busy Los Cabos area and head out into the more rural East Cape, exploring the charming town of Los Barriles or go inland to Santiago and the stunning Sierra de la Laguna mountains.

6 week Baja California Sur Itinerary

Six weeks is the perfect amount of time to spend in Baja California Sur if you want to see the state thoroughly. In this timeframe, you can see all the points in this list, with plenty of time to decide your own favourite areas. If you’re a fan of slow travel or a digital nomad, you could easily spend even longer than 6 weeks here.

Baja California Sur Budget Travel Tips

This Baja California Sur itinerary is designed for budget-conscious travellers looking to explore the natural beauty, culture, and adventure opportunities in our favourite Mexican state. We’ve listed some budget tips below to help get the most out of your trip without breaking the bank.

Read next:

A Comprehensive Guide to Travelling Baja California Sur

When to Visit Baja California Sur by Month and Interests

The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Baja California Sur

Our Baja California Sur Destination Guides: