Is Todos Santos Safe? (2024)
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Wondering whether Todos Santos is safe?
Let’s look at this popular getaway from Cabo San Lucas that’s become one of the hottest places in Baja California.
If you are traveling to Baja from the United States or Canada, and are looking for something more familiar, you will love Todos Santos. It has a developed tourism industry, with many restaurants having menus in English and hotels and tour agencies catering to visitors.
Todos Santos also has a small expat community comprised mostly of North American expats and snowbirds. But as the town attracts more visitors of different age groups.
I visited Todos Santos after seeing photos of its colorful streets and sunny beaches, and had the best time here. Although I never felt unsafe during my trip, I felt like there were some things to know before taking a trip to this town.
In this guide, I will go over the safety aspects of traveling to Todos Santos, so you can have a safe trip full of fun memories.
What is Todos Santos known for?
Todos Santos is known for its beautiful old town, gorgeous Pacific beaches, and farm-to-table food that you can try in many local restaurants.
Where is Todos Santos?
Todos Santos is a small coastal town located on the Pacific coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. It’s situated in the southern part of the peninsula, about 50 miles north of Cabo San Lucas.
Todos Santos, Baja California Map
Is Todos Santos safe in 2024?
Todos Santos is one of the safest places in Baja California Sur. While crime in Todos Santos is low, you should always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially when visiting beaches, restaurants, bars, and other places where petty theft can occur.
Is Todos Santos safe at night?
Although Todos Santos is relatively safe at night, stick to popular parts of town after dark. Like in most places, crime in Todos Santos is more likely to occur during the late hours when fewer people are around.
Todos Santos crime
Unlike other parts of Mexico, Todos Santos has no major crime. However, petty crime and property theft could occur in busy areas of town, where criminals look for unsuspecting tourists.
Do I need Mexico travel insurance for Todos Santos?
I always recommend travel insurance whether you are traveling to Baja California or any other part of Mexico. You never know what could happen on the road, so it’s best to have travel insurance that will protect you in the event of hospital visits, lost or stolen luggage, and canceled flights.
If you are traveling on a budget, and doing a backpack-style adventure, SafetyWing is a good option. It has inexpensive plans that offer good coverage.
Another option is WorldNomads, a more comprehensive travel insurance popular with long-term travelers.
Is Todos Santos safe to live?
Todos Santos is one of the safest places to live in Baja California. It has a low crime rate and plenty of exciting things to do, from surfing to hiking and enjoying beaches. Many American and Canadian ex-pats call this place home.
Is Baja California Sur safe?
Baja California Sur, home of Todos Santos, is one of the safest states in Mexico with a low crime and good infrastructure. Many Americans drive to Baja Sur to enjoy outdoor opportunities, learn the fun history of the region, and see the spectacular landscapes.
What does the U.S. State Department about safety in Baja?
The U.S. State Department has separate classifications for Baja California (also known as Baja Norte) and Baja California Sur.
The agency has four different classifications for all of Mexico’s 32 states that range from “do not travel to” to “exercise normal precautions.” The U.S. State Department advises visitors to (exercise caution) when traveling to Baja California Sur.
Todos Santos safety tips:
1. Put on sunscreen
Todos Santos sits along the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and the sun here can be strong, especially during mid-day. Even on cloudy days, there’s solar radiation, which is why it’s important to wear sunscreen because it’s easy to get a sunburn.
2. Only swim where it’s safe
Many Todos Santos beaches have perfect conditions for surfing, with consistent waves and good swell. Unfortunately, not all of them are safe for swimming due to strong currents and rip tides. Always check the conditions first if you want to go for a swim.
3. Don’t wander around the beach at night
While some hotels in Todos Santos like San Cristobal and Paradero have ocean views and have their beach areas, it’s best to wrap up your activities by the time it gets dark.
4. Avoid remote parts of town
While Todos Santos is generally safe, it’s best to avoid remote parts of town, where it could take more time to get help if anything happens.
5. Drive during the day
Limit your driving to daytime and stick to major highways. Baja has a problem with cows walking along the roads and sometimes even wandering into the roads, so you should always try to wrap up your trip by the time it gets dark.
6. Don’t flash your wealth
While Todos Santos is pretty touristy, avoid showing your wealth. It will help you to maintain a low profile and get better prices when bargaining at markets and tour agencies, as people will not assume you have money.
7. Drink only bottled water
Tap water is not safe in most places in Mexico. Always buy bottled water or refill your water bottle at your hotel, if there’s filtered water available.
8. Stay away from drugs
Todos Santos is more tranquil than Cabo, and most people come here to relax and enjoy culture and nature. It’s not likely that you will come across someone who will offer you drugs, but if it happens, always decline.
9. Never leave your food and drink unattended
Always finish your food and drink first if you need to step away.
10. Don’t leave your belongings in plain sight
Avoid leaving your belongings around in public places, and better yet, get an anti-theft purse or backpack.
11. Learn some Spanish
Although you will come across many people who speak English in Todos Santos, speaking Spanish is always helpful. The further you go away from the beaten path, the fewer people will speak English.
12. Respect local culture
Showing respect to locals and following rules will help you to avoid misunderstandings and get on better terms.
13. Double check prices before paying
This never happened to me, but a few of my friends said that some restaurants in Todos Santos have charged them higher prices than on the menu. Always double-check the price before paying.
Todos Santos neighborhoods
✅ Downtown Todos Santos
This is the heart of the town, where you’ll find historic buildings, quaint streets, shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a vibrant area with a mix of locals and tourists.
✅ Las Tunas
To the north of downtown, Las Tunas is a residential area that also offers beach access. It’s quieter compared to the downtown area and has a more relaxed atmosphere.
✅ Los Cerritos
Located to the south of Todos Santos, Los Cerritos is known for its beautiful beach and surfing opportunities. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors, with a laid-back vibe and several beachfront accommodations.
✅ La Poza
This area is named after the freshwater lagoon, La Poza, which attracts birdlife and wildlife. It’s a tranquil area with lush vegetation and upscale accommodations, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of downtown.
✅ El Otro Lado
Translating to “the other side,” this area refers to the eastern side of Todos Santos, away from the coastline. It’s more rural and less developed compared to the areas closer to the beach, with farms and countryside scenery.
✅ Pescadero
Pescadero is a small town about 10 miles from Todos Santos along the highway. Pescadero is not a neighborhood of Todos Santos, but it’s a popular alternative if you are looking for a more rustic town with a quiet feel.
Safe things to do in Todos Santos
1. Explore Todos Santos on foot
One of the best free things to do in Todos Santos is to explore this pueblo on foot. Parking is free in Todos Santos, and after leaving your car on one of the streets in town, make your way around town to enjoy its colorful architecture, quaint shops, and small cafes and restaurants lining the cobblestone streets.
2. Visit Todos Santos Brewery
A visit to Todos Santos Brewery is a must for all beer lovers.
3. Take a surf lesson on Playa Cerritos
Taking a surf lesson is the safest way to enjoy one of the most popular beaches near Todos Santos – Playa Cerritos. You will need a car to get to the beach since it’s outside of Todos Santos, but once you get there, you will see numerous surfing schools offering classes along the beach.
4. Hike Punta Lobos
Hiking Punta Lobos was one of my favorite things to do in Todos Santos. The hike is near Hotel San Cristobal outside of Todos Santos, and it has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Wear good hiking shoes and take your time, as it has some narrow parts with sharp drop-offs
5. Release baby turtles
The beaches around Todos Santos attract several types of turtles that come here to nest. The best part is that you can join one of the local conservation groups and release the newborn turtles into the ocean! It’s a seasonal event that takes place from late November through April. It is organized by Tortugueras Las Playitas and is free to the public.
6. Hang out on Playa Cachorro
Playa Cachorro is my favorite beach in Todos Santos. Located just outside of town, this beach has plenty of space. For some reason, it’s often missed by tourists, so make sure to check it out on your next visit.
7. Go on a whale-watching tour
If you visit Todos Santos from November through April, join a whale-watching tour. The Pacific Coast of Mexico is home to hundreds of migrating humpback and grey whales during this time who come from Alaska to the warmer waters of the Baja California peninsula.
You can also spot whales splashing in the Pacific just off the coast of Todos Santos. When I hiked Punta Lobos, I spotted a couple of whales in the distance, which was amazing!
Best restaurants in Todos Santos
- Alma y Manni – A traditional Mexican restaurant that has a vegan menu. Their mushroom ceviche was phenomenal, and prices were better than in many other places in town.
- Pura Vida – If you are a vegan or healthy eater visiting Todos Santos, this place is a must! Pura Vida’s menu includes organic, healthy options made from local ingredients and there’s also a store where you can buy organic, raw food items and other ingredients.
- Los Adobes – A fine-dining Mexican restaurant that has a vegetarian menu. Some dishes also can be made vegan on request.
- Hierbabuena – One of the most popular restaurants in Todos Santos, Hierbabuena is located in a beautiful tranquil setting and even boasts its garden.
How to get to Todos Santos?
You can get to Todos Santos by driving a car, taking a bus, or catching a private shuttle. Another option is taking a guided tour.
To get to Todos Santos, you have a few options depending on your starting point. The closest major airport to Todos Santos is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which is about 1.5 to 2 hours away by driving. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Todos Santos.
Where do you fly into Todos Santos?
Todos Santos doesn’t have an airport, and the closest international airport is San José del Cabo Los Cabos Airport.
1. By car
If you’re already in Baja California Sur, you can drive to Todos Santos. The town is about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas along Highway 19.
Is drive from Cabo to Todos Santos safe?
While the drive from Cabo to Todos Santos is perfectly safe, it’s best to drive only during the day. It’s not uncommon for cows and donkeys to roam along highways in Baja, so you will minimize your risk of accidents when you avoid being on the road at night.
Renting a car in San José del Cabo
San José del Cabo Airport is the best place to find car rentals for your trip to Cabo San Lucas, and you can do it as soon as you land. You can find many major car rental companies in San José del Cabo Airport, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Alamo.
Where to find car rentals in San José del Cabo
DiscoverCars is my go-to platform for car rentals in Baja California and other places in Mexico. Unlike other third-party platforms for renting cars, it doesn’t have hidden fees, so you pay the price that’s advertised.
Do I need a car in Todos Santos?
While you can explore downtown Todos Santos on foot, you will need a car to visit the beaches near Todos Santos and nearby towns like El Pescadero.
While you can always catch a taxi in Todos Santos, having your car will give you the most freedom when planning your trip.
✅ RENT A CAR FOR YOUR TRIP TO TODOS SANTOS
What documents do I need to rent a car in San José del Cabo?
To rent a car in San José del Cabo, you will need a valid driver’s license, a passport, and a credit or debit card. You will also need Mexican car insurance which is required for all vehicles in the country.
A passport
You will need a valid passport when renting a car in San José del Cabo, or any other part of Baja California.
A driver’s license
A valid driver’s license is required for all vehicle rentals in Mexico. If you are traveling to Baja from countries that don’t use the Roman language alphabet, you will need an international driver’s license translated into English.
A credit or debit card
You will need a credit or debit card to pay for your rental. Paying with cash is also possible, but it’s far less common, and you will most likely get asked to provide your debit or credit card.
I recommend paying with your credit card when renting a car in San José del Cabo.
Here’s why:
Most car rental companies in Mexico place a hold on your credit card that ranges from a few hundred to over a few thousand dollars. If you pay with a debit card, the amount of the hold will be unavailable for the duration of your trip, which could affect your vacation.
Always pay with your credit card, because whatever the hold the company decides to charge you, it won’t affect how much cash you have on hand.
If you return your car rental with no damages, the hold on your credit card will go away.
What to know about Mexico car insurance?
Car rental insurance is mandatory in Mexico for all vehicles, and you can get one from DiscoverCars.
You can choose from basic, medium, and full coverage. Basic insurance offers only minimal protection, and full coverage protects you if your car is damaged, totaled, or stolen.
If you have never rented a car in Mexico before, get the most comprehensive coverage, so you are fully covered.
Although it will cost you more, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket if something happens to you on the road.
You can pay for your car insurance when you book your vehicle through DiscoverCars.
✅ CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS TO TODOS SANTOS
Driving your car to Todos Santos
If you are driving your car to Todos Santos, you will need Mexican car insurance for your trip. U.S. car insurance is not valid in Mexico and will not cover your car in the event of an accident and you will not be able to get road assistance.
Where to buy Mexican car insurance?
Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is the best place to get good Mexican car insurance. Baja Bound has been in business for many years and is trusted by many American and Canadian travelers who drive their cars to Baja. Baja Bound offers insurance plans for cars, motorcycles, RVs, and motorhomes.
Can I drive in Mexico with a US license?
Yes, you can drive in Mexico with a valid US driver’s license and driver’s licenses from Canada, and EU and UK. If your driver’s license is not in English, you will need to get an International Driving Permit that is typically valid for two years.
Can I use US car insurance when renting a car in Mexico?
No, you can’t use your US car insurance when renting a car in Mexico. You need to get Mexico car insurance for a rental car in Mexico. You can get insurance when renting your car.
DiscoverCars allows you to get car insurance online when booking your vehicle.
By bus
A bus is a somewhat slow but very convenient option for budget travelers who have more time and want to save some money. You can catch a bus to Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and La Paz.
Aguila, a major bus company that serves the entire Baja California has daily buses to Todos Santos.
Be aware that bus schedules might not be as frequent, especially around holidays, check the schedule before planning your trip.
By guided tour
This guided tour is the safest bet for those travelers who don’t speak Spanish and don’t have a car rental.
✅ BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR TO TODOS SANTOS FROM CABO
Public transportation in Mexico often requires at least a basic level of Spanish, so taking a bus could be challenging for someone new to the country.
A guided tour will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to Todos Santos in a nice air-conditioned van. It includes a guided tour of downtown Todos Santos with its landmarks and a brief historic overview, followed by lunch.
You don’t have to worry about your safety and can enjoy a nice experience while your tour guide takes care of you.
What do I pack for Todos Santos?
- A hat – The sun can be brutal and Todos Santos and wearing a hat will save you from a bad heatstroke
- A sunscreen – A reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen is one of the most important things to have in your bag when traveling around Baja.
- Sunglasses – Sunglasses will keep your eyes safe from the brutal Baja sun
- Shorts – Shorts is one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing for getting around Todos Santos
- T-shirts – Don’t forget about a few T-shirts to pair with your shorts
- Dresses – Todos Santos has a good restaurant scene, and if you want to go out, I recommend packing a few dresses.
- Hiking shoes – Todos Santos is close to several hikes and beautiful natural areas, so you should bring hiking shoes with a good grip.
- Sandals – Sandals are perfect for walking around town
- A jacket – If you are visiting Todos Santos in winter, don’t forget to pack a light jacket and a pair of pants, as nights can be chilly.
- A long-sleeved shirt – A long-sleeve shirt is a comfy and versatile piece of clothing to pack for your trip to Todos Santos.
Todos Santos Pueblo Magico
Along with Tecate and Loreto, Todos Santos is one of the three Pueblos Mágicos in Baja California. The government of Mexico awards the title of Pueblos Mágicos to small towns that contribute to the country’s culture and history, and boast historic or natural landmarks.
There are currently 132 pueblos magicos across Mexico.
Is Todos Santos safe? FAQ’s
Is it safe to swim in Todos Santos?
Many beaches around Todos Santos are more suitable for surfing than swimming, and some have dangerous currents. Always check with the lifeguard on duty, if there’s one. If you’ve come across a nice beach, but don’t see other people swimming, it’s a good idea to stay out of water.
Is Todos Santos walkable?
While downtown Todos Santos and surrounding streets are walkable, you will need a car to visit Todos Santos beaches and enjoy scenic hikes in the area like Punta Lobos.
Are there mosquitoes in Todos Santos?
Todos Santos has a desert climate, which is too hot for mosquitoes. Bring an insect repellent, if you want to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or mountain biking.
How much does it cost to live in Todos Santos Mexico?
Todos Santos is not a cheap place to live by Mexico’s standards. It costs an average of $1500 a month to live in Todos Santos, but you can pay even more if you want to rent a bigger house. The town’s popularity and the rising number of expats that have moved here are the primary factors that contribute to high prices in this destination.
Do people speak English in Todos Santos?
Many people who work in hotels and restaurants in Todos Santos speak English. It’s a popular place for North American tourists, so you will be able to get by just fine if you don’t speak Spanish.
Is it worth visiting Todos Santos?
Yes, Todos Santos is worth your time! This charming town boasts gorgeous historic buildings, golden beaches, and a great variety of restaurants where you can try typical Mexican dishes made from locally grown produce.
Can you drink the water in Todos Santos?
Tap water is not safe to drink in Todos Santos. Always buy bottled water, or refill your water bottle in your hotel.
Is Todos Santos expensive?
Todos Santos is relatively expensive, with accommodations, food, and goods costing more than in many other places in Baja. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly destination consider Loreto, Mulege, or La Paz.
Is it safe to travel to Todos Santos? Final word
Todos Santos is a fairly safe destination, with good infrastructure and amenities for tourists. Although Todos Santos doesn’t have violent crime, you should always be aware of who is around you, and watch your belongings. Petty theft can occur in popular destinations in Mexico, and the last thing you want is to have your vacation spoiled if something gets stolen.
I hope you have a fun and safe visit to Todos Santos and enjoy this gorgeous pueblo as much as I did during my trip.