Places to Visit

Todos Santos - Magical Town

Leaving La Paz on Highway 1 and traveling south, turning right on the road that goes west, at 80 km (50 mi) you will find a beautiful oasis that will amaze you: Todos Santos. This Mission was called Santa Rosa de las Palmas originally and was founded in 1733 and subsequently abandoned in 1840 because there was no population. However, the Jesuits developed a very important economical project for this region: sugar cane production and harvest. This production remained into the 20th century and it generated family businesses like candy-making and bakeries.

Actually, Todos Santos is an abundant, fertile zone (local families grow their own vegetables) and cooler than the rest of the county (5† to 10†C cooler) due to the humidity and the winds coming off the Pacific Ocean. It is a town with colorful and special traditions. You can still see colonial style buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries in good condition (this was the best time for the sugar mill industry and the sugar cane production). Some of them have been restored and have become hotels, inns, restaurants and art galleries.


Since 1986, when Charles Stewart established his studio here, Todos Santos has become a foreign and Mexican artists' refuge. Now, when you take a walk, you will enjoy art and handcrafts in addition to its architecture. For some years, the “Festival del Arte” (Art Festival) has been held in February. It is the most important art festival in the state, featuring local, national and foreign artists.

In Todos Santos, you can find lodging, from rustic to luxury accommodations, at moderate cost as well as comfortable hostels. The food varies from traditional to international and the kindness of the people makes it a memorable and necessary visit.

Several miles south of Todos Santos, on the way to Cabo San Lucas, you will find San Pedrito and Los Cerritos beaches, ideal places for surfing and camping.