Guide To Todos Santos

About Todos Santos

Todos Santos is one five main locations in Baja California Sur - which include Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, San Jose del Cabo and Loreto. All of these places can be discovered individually with Mexperience.

Todos Santos is on Mexico's Baja Peninsula, the land immediately south of the United States, and cut-off from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortez, sometimes also referred to as the Gulf of California.

This region of Mexico is a true natural paradise where vast deserts and high mountain ranges are flanked by the shimmering Sea of Cortez on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.  The Baja peninsula is home to several unique ecosystems that are unlike anything else in the world.  Several species of whales migrate through its waters each year.

Todos Santos, meaning "All Saints", is just off the Pacific coast about 50 miles north of Cabo San Lucas. As you enter Todos Santos, the arid desert turns into an oasis of palms and lush fruit trees producing delicious mangos, papayas, avocados and more.  The town is just next to 70 miles of pristine, unspoiled beaches.

Todos Santos and the surrounding area is a favorite with nature lovers of all types including hikers, wild-life enthusiasts, kayakers, snorkelers, scuba-divers, sailors, golfers, surfers and fishermen.

The town has a rich and varied history, from the early missionaries, through the booming sugar years, through its current incarnation as an artists’ colony, agricultural center and surfing hotspot. The town features a number of terrific restaurants, beautiful inns, and delightful shops. Those who have become disillusioned with the ever-increasing commercialization of Los Cabos find Todos Santos a refreshing alternative.

Designated by the Mexican government as a “pueblo magico” (“magic village”) Todos Santos is experiencing a flood of investment that will fuel the town’s growth and attract more visitors each year.

Those searching for a truly Mexican town in the midst of a stunning natural oasis will find Todos Santos a good place to relax, enjoy and be inspired.

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Key Attractions

Culture, Art, Crafts & History in Todos Santos

This is a charming, unspoiled Mexican town with an array of artists galleries, delightful craft and jewelers shops, terrific restaurants, and charming inns and hotels.   If you’re looking for the bar scene and fancy resorts, it's better to stay in Los Cabos.

If you’re looking for a lovely hideaway, a discussion with a local artist, an adventure in nature, or a delicious meal in a beautiful setting, Todos Santos is the town for you.

Nature and Adventure Experiences in Todos Santos

Todos Santos is the perfect base from which to enjoy Mexico's great outdoors and take part in a variety of Nature and Adventure experiences in Mexico.

The local ecology, the landscape, the climate and the proximity to the sea make Todos Santos a natural paradise for those who love enjoying nature. What more, you can find experienced and well prepared organizations in Todos Santos who are ready to help you enjoy the best of what this region offers.

Fishing, surfing, horseback riding, nature walks, fabulous bird watching, cliff hikes, historical tours, waterfalls, watching the amazing whales sea lions and pottery are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the area.

Sports Fishing Experiences

Los Cabos is one of Mexico's top destinations for Sports Fishing. Read our Guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico and discover just what a fantastic day out a sports fishing experience can be on your next visit to Mexico.

Todos Santos Cafe

One of the region's most famous coffee shops; their coffee is good and their home made cinnamon rolls are very large and quite delicious. Prices are a bit steep, but this is one of Todos Santos' main meeting and socializing spots, along with Hotel California (see below).

Plenty of Room at the Hotel California

Remember that Eagles' album cover with the palm trees and dusk-lit hotel, which depicted the song and album of the same name? Well, the rumors are untrue - there is a Hotel California Todos Santos but it's not related to the Eagles' song. It is, however, a very comfortable and fully operational hotel with a good bar and excellent restaurant; it also features an extensive art and craft shop adjacent.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - You can get to Todos Santos by taking plane to the Airport at La Paz or San Jose del Cabo, and driving either south, or north, respectively on Highway 19. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines.

By Bus - To get to Baja California Sur, your best bet is to fly there (see above); the bus journey from Tijuana to La Paz is about 27 hours; then a further 2 hours from there to Todos Santos.

By Car - Driving to Todos Santos from the southern border of the United States will take you about 20-24 hours on Highway 1 and then a further hour on Highway 19. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

By Ferry - If you are on Mexico's mainland, or want to get to it, there is a ferry that crosses the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) to and from La Paz to the port cities of Mazatlan and Los Mochis (to Topolobambo). Ferry times vary from 3-18 hours, depending on which service is used. IN 2004, the company introduced a catamarran service which has cut down sailing times considerably on some routes/services. Check the Ferry's web site at: www.bajaferries.com for details of routes, schedules, prices and contact details.

Getting Around

Rent a Car - If you want to see all of the amazing beaches and scenery which surround you as you travel to and from Todos Santos, then rent a car locally. Budget has a rental car office in Todos Santos. This will enable you to stop off at points that interest you, take time to appreciate the scenic views and make the most out of your trip there. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

By Local Bus - Renting a car is the most flexible way to see the surrounding area, although if your budget is tight or you want to see more of local life, local buses do run run frequently connecting La Paz, Los Cabos and Todos Santos as well as other destinations further north such as Loreto and destinations in Baja California. Check locally for schedules; prices are extremely affordable.

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Local Events Calendar

Todos Santos main festival takes place during the week of October 10th - 14th, which is when the Founder's Festival (Festival Fundador) takes place celebrating the founding of the town back in 1723. The plaza fills with music, dancing and performers - although many of the shops close during this time - see practical information.

Todos Santos has several other festivals and events each year that are worth checking out, including the following:

• Todos Santos Art Festival: every February
• Todos Santos Reggae Festival: every February or March
• Todos Santos Film Festival: every February or March
• Todos Santos Historical House Tour: usually in February or March
• Todos Santos House & Garden Tou : every February or March
• Surfing Contests: various contests throughout the year
• Patron Saint Festivities: every October

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes. Also see "Getting Online" in this section.

Exchanging Currency: Todos Santos has ATMs which dispense both pesos and US dollars. Many of the restaurants, hotels and shops in Todos Santos accept credit cards. During business hours, banks and the Casas de Cambio in these places will buy traveler's cheques and foreign cash from you as well, although it does take time and some hassle to change traveler's checks at banks, so you're better off using ATMs -- read about managing your money in Mexico on Mexperience's Mexico Money Guide.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Car Rental in Todos Santos: Budget Car rental has an office open and cars available for rent in Todos Santos.

Getting Online: Todos Santos has several Internet Cafes and many of the hotels offer high-speed internet access via WiFi (wireless) connections, so you'll have no trouble getting online in Todos Santos.

Medical Attention: There is a local, government-run, health center for emergencies as well as a private clinic. Serious injuries or illnesses are referred to La Paz.

Local Tourist Office: The Todos Santos Eco Adventures office, situated on the main street, serves as the town's local tourist office. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of Tourist Information offices throughout Mexico.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Todos Santos

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Restaurants

Restaurante Cafe Santa Fe: On Calle Centenario, #4. This is one of the best restaurants in Baja; it is said that people travel to Todos Santos just to dine here. The restaurant offers fine Italian cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, it features a full bar. Closed Tuesdays.

Cafe Todos Santos: On Calle Centenario, #33. Arguably the town's most famous coffee shop; it's popular with breakfasters and offers good quality coffee, home-made pastries as well as deli sandwiches, a wine bar, and a range of traditional Mexican food dishes. Open daily from 7am; closes early on Mondays.

Cafe Brown: Not fancy at all but great Mexican food at reasonable prices. Really nice people and they always have good music playing.
Internet access.

La Coronela at Hotel California: Very charming atmosphere with both local and international cuisine. Great for families. Very good, English-speaking service.

d'Alicia's: Absolutely delicious.

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When Night Falls

Connect to your guides on Mexperience for Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, San Jose del Cabo to discover what night life you can experience in this region. Todos Santos does not have an active night life.

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What to Buy in Todos Santos

As a local hub for art and artists, you'll be sure to find something special to take home with you in Todos Santos.

The town has a rich assortment of artists galleries and delightful craft and jewelers shops offering hand-made, high-quality art and craft works.

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Local Climate

The weather during the summer months will be extremely hot; cooler near the coasts. In the winter it can get cooler and windy, so if you're traveling in the winter, take some warmer clothes just in case the weather turns cooler (especially in the evenings) while you're there. The 'rainy season' is September (the one month when the weather can be changeable), otherwise this part of Mexico enjoys sunshine most days of the year.

Live Weather Report:

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