Day Trips
Here’s a partial list of the many day trips available:
Mountain Biking:
World-class single-track trails for all levels are north and south of the hotel. The south trails offer picturesque and easier riding. The north trails offer steeper climbs and thrilling down hills. You can rent bikes through Alas Del Mar Bike Shop (located inside Ventana Windsports Resort next to Baja Joe’s) or Rancho Cacachilas Bike Hub (on the main road north of the hotel). Alas Del Mar has mountain bikes only, and The Bike Hub has mountain bikes and e-bikes. If you haven’t tried an e-bike yet, you will love riding on the south trails! Rentals range from $40 – $60 for a four-hour rental. You can hit the trails on your own by downloading the TrailForks App that provides trail information and maps your location. For an organized day trip, Rancho Cacachilas Bike Hub has you covered. https://www.ranchocacachilas.com/day-tours
Rancho Cacachilas Guided Eco Tours:
Rancho Cacachilas offers several ecological experiences you will never forget! Enjoy world-class hiking, mountain biking or mule pack trips with experienced guides. Visit https://www.ranchocacachilas.com for information.
Punta Gorda Hike:
This 2-to-3-hour hike is a favorite among locals. The Punta Gorda trail passes through desert forests and streams north of La Ventana, with beautiful views of the Island. The trail ends at the water, where you can take a swim. To get to the trailhead, go as far north as you can on the main road (it turns into a dirá road about 2 km north of the hotel). You will see a downhill, here turn left and go up the arroyo, follow the signs that say “el Jalito”, park the car where the road turns into rocks and you come to a dead end. Then walk a little north along the beach, and the trailhead will be on your left. It is a 15-20 minute drive from the hotel to the trailhead.
Fishing, Spearfishing, Scuba and Boat Adventures:
One of the most bio-diverse water ecosystems in the world, the Sea of Cortez hosts some of the best sport fishing in Mexico. The summer months are better for larger game fish, but smaller fish are around all year. For Scuba or spearfishing we recommend you organize your outing through Palapas Ventana. For bait fishing, trolling, or sightseeing by water, we recommend Yoyo. With Yoyo and his team of captains you can snorkel amongst sea lions, visit the best local fishing spots, the island, and secluded beaches. Yoyo can be contacted through WhatsApp at +52 (612)-348-0004 (Spanish only).
Giant Cardón Forest:
Drive approximately 30 minutes south around the bay to find a forest of giant cardón cacti, the tallest growing cacti in the world, only found in Baja California and Sonora.These massive cardóns have tapped into an aquifer. They have heights over 60 feet, weigh up to 25 tons and can live over 300 years. Finding the forest of giant cardóns can be tricky. Driving out of La Ventana, take a left toward Los Planes (instead of a right toward La Paz). Drive through the town of Los Planes and when the road begins to curve left around the bay, continue straight onto a dirt road instead of curving left. Then take your first right on another dirt road and drive south for about 10 minutes and you will start seeing the giants.
Whale Sharks:
For a unique full-day experience, travel 45 minutes by car to La Paz and snorkel with the world’s largest fish. Whale Sharks can reach lengths of more than 40 feet and live up to 70 years. Juvenile whale sharks come to the Bay of La Paz from October to February each year. Swimming with whale sharks is a safe activity for all ages. We recommend booking your tour through MeXplore which includes wetsuits, snorkeling gear, snacks and soft drinks. Visit https://www.mexplorebcs.com/ for more information. You can also check Ventana View for other options: https://www.theventanaview.com/directory-business/categories/activities-excursions/
Lighthouse Beach & Gran Sueños:
Venture across the bay to visit Lighthouse Beach for a swim, then grab a meal at Gran Sueños. To get there take a left on the main road leaving Todo Bien, drive until the road ends and turn left. Drive through the small town of Los Planes and continue to follow the road to the left. After being in the car for about 25 minutes, you will see a guard gate on the left. Turn left here and follow the dirt road all the way to the lighthouse and the water.
Balandra Bay:
Just past La Paz, Balandra Bay is one of the most beautiful spots around. You will find pristine white sand with perfect swimming conditions for families because the bay is protected from the open water. Remember to shuffle your feet (versus lifting and stomping) when exploring because stingrays sometimes like these protected waters too. For directions just type “Balandra Beach” into your favorite navigation app.
El Triunfo:
About a 45-minute drive from Hotel Todo Bien, El Triunfo is a former mining town tucked into the mountains of Southern Baja. This tiny town is enjoying a Renaissance of sorts, with restored colonial buildings, new cafes & restaurants and occasional festivals. For directions put “El Triunfo” into your navigation app.
Todos Santos:
Todos Santos, on the Pacific coast, is backed by the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. Popular with artists, it’s known for its many galleries. Visit Todos Santos for great restaurants and some shopping. For directions put “Todos Santos” into your navigation app.
Los Cerritos Beach:
A surf beach located on the Pacific Ocean, Cerritos is a great day trip from La Ventana. About a 90-minute drive, this beach offers surf lessons and board rentals. Cerritos is a destination for beginner and advanced surfers, as well as boogie boarders and sunbathers. Cerritos is located just south of Todos Santos where excellent cuisine and shopping can be found. For directions put “Los Cerritos” into your navigation app.