Baja California Sur Cape Loop
Start from San José and loop through Cabo Pulmo, La Paz, Todos Santos, and Cabo San Lucas.
A classic loop for first-time visitors to Baja California Sur, with most drives taking between one and three hours. You will visit the East Cape coral reefs, the sea lions of Isla Espíritu Santo, the shallow waters of Balandra Bay, and the Land's End Arch. The pace is moderate, making it ideal for road-tripping couples and friends. Whale shark swimming is not included; add an extra day in La Paz if you wish to see them.
Strong winds are common on the East Cape from December to March; swimming is prohibited at Los Islotes from June to August.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in San José Historic Center
Los Cabos（San José del Cabo Historic Center、Estero San José）
Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to the historic center of San José del Cabo, taking about 20 minutes. Avoid long-distance driving on your arrival day.
Stay: San José del Cabo
Day 2 · Cabo Pulmo Coral Reefs on the East Cape
Los Cabos（Cabo Pulmo National Park）
Drive north along Highway 1, then turn toward La Ribera, taking about 1.5 hours. The final stretch is a dirt road.
Snorkeling requires a guide and reef-safe sunscreen. Confirm if your car rental agreement covers driving on unpaved roads.
Stay: Cabo Pulmo Village
Day 3 · Historic Mining Town to La Paz
La Paz（El Triunfo、Malecón de La Paz）
Depart early and head north back on Highway 1, driving via El Triunfo to La Paz, which takes about 2.5 hours.
Stay: Downtown & Malecón
Day 4 · Espíritu Santo Sea Lion Day Trip
La Paz（Isla Espíritu Santo、Los Islotes Sea Lion Colony）
Join a full-day boat tour by speedboat. Most operators offer round-trip transfers from the pier, with the boat ride taking about an hour each way.
Tours are often canceled on windy days; try to schedule your boat trip on a day with flexible plans.
Stay: Downtown & Malecón
Day 5 · Balandra to Todos Santos
La Paz（Playa Balandra、Todos Santos、Hotel California (Todos Santos)）
Drive to Balandra early in the morning (about 30 minutes), then take Highway 19 to Todos Santos in the afternoon (about 1 hour).
Balandra has strict visitor capacity limits and slots fill up fast; arriving before 8:00 AM is recommended.
Stay: Todos Santos
Day 6 · Pacific Coast to Land's End
La Paz（Cerritos Beach） → Los Cabos（El Arco (Land's End)、Lover's Beach & Divorce Beach）
Drive south along Highway 19 via Cerritos to Cabo San Lucas, taking about 1 hour, then transfer to a water taxi.
Stay: Cabo San Lucas
Day 7 · El Médano Beach and Departure
Relax on the beach in the morning, then return your rental car. The drive from Cabo San Lucas to the airport takes about 45 minutes.