6 Reasons to Visit Santiago, Baja California
If you want to escape to small-town Mexico during your trip, consider adding Santiago, Baja California, to your itinerary. Just over an hour away from Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Santiago BCS is a hidden gem nestled at the edge of the Sierra Laguna mountain range.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Santiago on a Baja California road trip. Despite the natural beauty that surrounds this small town is incredible, yet still largely undiscovered by international travelers.
If you’re wondering whether or not to visit Santiago, this article is for you.
PS: Santiago BCS is not to be confused with Santiago Apoala in Oaxaca. Both are incredible towns that I highly recommend, but they are located miles apart in different areas of Mexico. I highly recommend bookmarking or pinning my Santiago Apoala Oaxaca guide for future reference.
👋🏽 Note from the author: Did this article impact the way you planned your trip? Have any questions? Please comment at the end of the article! It helps this blog grow and helps me know what types of articles to write more. 💛
🌺 My Cabo & Baja Sur Favorites 🌵
🐋 Swimming With Whale Sharks: La Paz, Baja is one of the best places in the world to dive with whale sharks. Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Best whale shark tour.
🌅 Balandra Beach: Called Mexico’s most beautiful beach, Playa Balandra is 30 minutes north of La Paz and is a must-visit spot! Browse Balandra Beach tours.
⛵️ Sea of Cortez Boat Tour: Immerse rustic landscapes and turquoise seascapes of Baja’s Sea of Cortez on a boat tour. Embark on your own private yacht for the day or join a group tour to explore Isla Espiritu Santo.
👙 Hot Springs and Waterfalls Day Trip: Get off the beaten track at the Santa Rita Hot Springs and Fox Canyon Waterfall between Cabo and La Paz.
🌴 Where to Stay: Oceanview suit with private hot tub at Orchid House in La Paz, suite with a private oceanside pool at Hotel San Cristobal in Todos Santos, a room at Cabo’s best luxury resort at Nobu Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, or a secluded escape at The White Hotel in Cabo Pulmo.
A Quick History of Santiago Baja California Sur
Santiago is part of the ancestral homeland of the Pericues indigenous tribe of Baja California. Unfortunately, the tribe became extinct several hundred years ago due to colonization.
The town was established in the 17th century by Italian Jesuit missionaries and called “Misión de Santiago el Apóstol”. Only a few years after the first church was built the first Pericú insurrection occurred. A priest was killed and the church building was damaged
The church was later rebuilt, but the town Santiago has remained quiet and small, inhabited mostly by farmers and ranchers. If you’re curious to learn more about Santiago’s history, check out this article or visit the town’s main church.
6 Reasons to Visit Santiago BCS
1. Soak in natural hot springs
Natural hot springs are abundant in the small villages deep in the Sierra Laguna mountains surrounding Santiago. And yes, the water is actually hot!
Many of the area’s hot springs are on private property, but locals have opened up their land to visitors for decades. The two most accessible hot springs include El Chorro Hot Springs (currently closed) and Santa Rita Hot Springs (or Aguas Termales Santa Rita in Spanish).
Since El Churro was closed during my recent visit to Santiago, I spent my time at Santa Rita Hot Springs, which was incredible. The hot springs are part of Rancho Santa Rita and are about twenty minutes from the center of Santiago Pueblo.
The hot springs are piping hot (but not too hot), and a large cool stream runs beside them with natural pools and small waterfalls. You have to pay about $150 pesos to visit for the day, but it’s well worth it!
2. Take in the beauty of a desert oasis
Santiago may or may not be classified as a real desert oasis (it was unclear in my research). Whatever it is, Santiago is gorgeous! Lush greenery thrives along riverbeds amid the dry Baja desert. Palm trees dance in the wind, and water glistens in the harsh sunlight.
Mirador de Santiago
To find one of the best views in Santiago, route your GPS to Mirador de Santiago, a stunning viewpoint along a dusty road. If you visit Fox Canyon and the Sol De Mayo Waterfall, you’ll likely drive past this mirador. Be sure to stop and take it all in.
3. Swim in natural pools below stunning waterfalls
Santiago is home to dozens of tranquil swimming holes and waterfalls (if not more). Cool, gentle water fills up into gorgeous turquoise-blue pools below cascading waterfalls.
Natural pools and waterfalls at Rancho Santa Rita
Sol De Mayo waterfall in Santiago BCS
Some of the area’s most accessible and beautiful waterfall swimming holes include Sol De Mayo and Rancho Santa Rita. As mentioned above, Rancho Santa Rita is also home to the Santa Rita Hot Springs. The waterfalls at Rancho Santa Rita are small, but the swimming holes are gorgeous.
Twenty minutes down the road from Rancho Santa Rita, Fox Canyon is home to Sol De Mayo, a 40-foot waterfall with a large pool below. The waterfall is a 15-minute hike from the parking lot and is completely worth a visit if you have time.
Read my full visitors guide for Fox Canyon and the Sol De Mayo Waterfall.
4. Hike in the Sierra Laguna mountains
The Sierra Laguna mountains are home to some of the best hiking near Cabo. The surrounding area was designated as a National Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2003 and has been explored by locals and outdoor lovers for hundreds of years.
The most popular hiking spot is Rancho Ecologico Sol De Mayo, where the 40-foot Sol De Mayo waterfall is located. The short 15-minute hike to the waterfall is one of the best things to do in Santiago.
If you’re looking to go on a longer hike, I recommend booking a guided tour like this one, which includes round-trip transportation from Cabo San Lucas.
5. Cross paths with cows, bulls, goats, and other animals
Cows, bulls, goats, and other animals roam (somewhat) freely throughout the dusty roads of Santiago. There are gates that keep the cattle from wandering too far from home, but you’ll certainly encounter them on any trip through the backroads of Santiago.
In my experience, the animals are gentle and friendly. If you want to see a variety of animals, head to Rancho Ecologico Sol De Mayo, where you’ll see cattle, goats, cows, turtles, and dogs.
6. Experience rural Mexico
Part of what makes visiting Santiago BCS so special is the experience of entering into small-town Mexico. Most of the area’s attractions, including waterfalls and hot springs, are in small villages on private ranches (ranchos in Spanish).
Driving through the dirt roads of Santiago, you’ll get a glimpse into the local way of life and meet friendly ranchers.
Where to Stay in Cabo & Baja California Sur
🌵 Orchid House in La Paz: My top choice. This gorgeous boutique 5 star hotel overlooks the turquoise blue Sea of Cortez just north of La Paz. The property perfectly blends luxury with the rustic desert landscapes of Baja Sur and feels secluded even though its close to one of my favorite Mexican cities, La Paz. Check Orchid House’s nightly prices.
☀️ Hotel San Cristobal in Todos Santos: Located beachfront in the Pacific beach town of Todos Santos, Hotel San Cristobal is a stunning hotel. The decor reflects Todos Santos’ colorful charm with a beautiful mix of traditional Mexican patterns and simple, clean design. Check Hotel San Cristobal’s nightly prices.
🌴 Nobu Hotel in Cabo San Lucas: This modern, elevated resort is on one of the best places to stay in Cabo San Lucas if you’re looking for a tranquil escape. It’s located on the Pacific side but isn’t too far from downtown. Check Nobu Hotel’s nightly prices.
🌊 The White Hotel in East Cape: The White Hotel almost feels otherworldly (or maybe a bit like a Greek postcard?) with its whitewashed stucco buildings. It is secluded along the East Cape, not far from Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. Check the White Hotel’s nightly prices.
The Best Things to do in Baja California Sur
👙 Take a day trip to Santiago’s waterfalls and hot springs: Just over an hour away from Cabo you’ll find my two favorite Baja hidden gems, the Santa Rita Hot Springs and Fox Canyon Waterfall.
☀️ La Paz beach hopping: La Paz is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Balandra Beach is the most famous, but I have a full guide to the best beaches in La Paz if you want some more places to sunbathe and swim.
🏄🏽♀️ Find the Hotel California in Todos Santos and watch surfers at Cerritos Beach: Todos Santos and nearby Cerritos Beach make a perfect Baja day trip. Todos Santos is full of colorful streets, cute shops, amazing tacos, and its home to the famous Hotel California. Cerritos Beach is a great place to watch surfers, or surf if you’re up for it!
🐋 Go diving with whale sharks: If you visit during whale shark season, don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in the water with the ocean’s largest fish! This whale shark tour led by a marine biologist is the best way to do it!
🛥 Join a Sea of Cortez boat tour: Whether you hire your own private yacht for the day or join a group boat tour, make sure you get on the water and explore all the Sea of Cortez has to offer!
Getting Around Baja California Sur
🚐 Affordable airport shuttle: Book your airport transportation in advance!! You will be charged $60-80 USD ONE WAY if you try to get a ‘taxi’ at the airport. Instead, book this $20 USD one way shuttle in advance, or arrange a pickup through your hotel (expect it to be pricey though).
🚙 Renting a car: The most convenient way to get around Baja California Sur since public transportation is lacking. You can compare rental prices from various rental companies here. Just beware that stop signs are treated more like yield signs and the overall driving experience can be a little nerve-wracking.
🚍 Bus: A few private bus lines operate between La Paz, Todos Santos, and Cabo. I’ve had good experiences riding between downtown La Paz and the Cabo airport with EcoToursBaja, but booking on their website can be a little confusing!
🚌 Tours: You can get to some popular attractions around Baja California Sur on guided tours. Browse Cabo tours here to see if there is one that goes where you want to go!
🚕 Uber, Didi, and Taxi: Taxis are outrageously priced in most parts of Cabo, especially to and from the airport. Uber is technically banned from the airport, but you can still use it if you walk outside the airport. You can take Uber and Didi (a cheaper rideshare app) around if needed. If you take a taxi, ask for the price before you get in the car. In other parts of Baja, like La Paz, Uber and Didi is affordable and a great way to get around.
Santiago, Baja California Photo Gallery
Final Thoughts: Santiago Baja California Sur
Santiago BCS is a hidden treasure worth exploring on any Baja trip. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat away from Los Cabos, Santiago is definitely worth a visit.
As you plan your Mexico trip, check out my other Cabo travel guides and La Paz travel guides.
