Punta Lobos Todos Santos: Hike Baja’s Scenic Trail
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Did you hear about Punta Lobos hike near Todos Santos and now want to see it for yourself?
I’m here to help you!
While Todos Santos is known for its art scene, surfing beaches, and farm-to-table restaurants, the area also boasts several hiking trails, which you can visit by car.
Punta Lobos is one of the best hikes in Baja California Sur, which requires relatively little effort and offers superb views of the coastline. The trail is free to the public, and while there’s no signage, it’s impossible to get lost once you start hiking.
I’ve hiked Punta Lobos several times and can say that it offers some of the best views along Baja’s coast. If you are looking for a well-trodden trail that’s easy to find, you will enjoy this hike.
How long does it take to hike Point Lobos Trail?
A round trip to Punta Lobos takes about 2-2,5 hours depending on your fitness level. It’s a moderate trail with some exposed ledges and scenic vistas, so you will likely want to slow down a few times during your hike.
Where is Punta Lobos?
Punta Lobos is located on the Pacific coast of the Baja California Sur near Todos Santos, a small town about 1 hour north of Cabo San Lucas.
Punta Lobos Hike Map
Punta Lobos Hike Description
Punta Lobos is a 4-mile out-and-back trail outside of Todos Santos in Baja California. The trail begins by the yellow chapel on the beach and climbs steadily, before it levels off, so you can enjoy the scenic views of the ocean and mountains.
Once you get to the middle, the hike has some steep sections that require rock scrambling, which is why it’s best to do it when there’s daylight.
The top of the hike is an excellent spot for sunset watching, and during the whale season in Baja, which is from December through April, you can even spot whales splashing in the distance. Some travelers also told me they were able to spot sea lions down below.
It’s a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the serene atmosphere, as you listen to the crashing waves below you.
Where does the hike start?
The trail begins behind the yellow chapel on the wide sandy beach outside Todos Santos. Although there are no signs or markers, you will see a well defined the trail as you arrive on the spot.
PRO TIP: If you want to find Punta Lobos on AllTrails, look for the Old Port of Todos Santos, named after the ruins not far from the trailhead.
Where does the hike end?
The Punta Lobos hike ends at the top of the desert hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the beach below. Once you get here, you will realize why so many people make an effort to come here.
How to find Punta Lobos hike?
The trail begins at the dirt road (Camino Al Faro) off Mexico Highway 19. If you are traveling from Todos Santos, make a right turn, and continue along the dirt road until you come to the fork.
Keep left at the fork. Drive until you reach Old Port Ruins and nearby Hotel San Cristobal. The drive takes about 20 minutes from Todos Santos and one hour from Cabo San Lucas.
Punta Lobos hike parking
Parking is free near Punta Lobos, and there’s plenty of space near the Old Port ruins, where the hike begins. You can park your car there but always stow away all your belongings and lock your doors to avoid a chance of a car break-in.
After you park your car, walk up the steps of the ruins, and you will arrive an open area from where you will see the beginning of the trail. Walk toward the beach past the small pond on the left side and look a small chapel. The trail begings right behind it.
Packing guide for Punta Lobos
Before you leave for a hike, don’t forget to put your things in your day pack:
1. Sunglasses
A pair of good sunglasses 😎 will protect your eyes from the bright sun.
2. A few snacks
If you are combining this hike with other activities in the area, bring a few snacks and a bottle of water, because there are no restaurants or stores in the area.
3. Hiking pants or shorts
Depending on the time of the year, put on either hiking shorts or pants.
4. A windbreaker
Once you get to the top of the Punta Lobos, you will be on a small plateau, and if it’s windy, it’s a good idea to bring a windbreaker.
5. A hat
A hiking hat 🧢 will protect you from the scorching Baja sun, especially if you decide to hike during mid-day.
6. Layers
I always recommend layers, no matter where you hike in Baja. While it can be warmer at the beginning of the hike, there’s a chance that it’s going to be cooler and more windy at the top.
✅ Check my complete list on what to pack for Cabo San Lucas
10 Tips for hiking Punta Lobos
1. Hike early morning (or late afternoon)
Punta Lobos is an exposed hike with no shade, which means hiking during mid-day could be very hot, especially during months like May, June, and July, when South Baja has a dry and sunny climate with little cloud coverage.
If you hit the trail early, you will beat the crowds and have an overall better experience because the sun will be milder than in the afternoon ☀️
I arrived at Punta Lobos right before the sunset 🌅 and had a fantastic experience watching the sun dip below the horizon as the entire coastline was sunlit in golden colors.
2. Download an offline map
If you are hiking this trail for the first time, download an offline map before getting on the road. Cell phone service could be spotty in the area, depending on your provider, and having an offline map would help you navigate the area without getting lost.
3. Pace yourself
Punta Lobos is a spectacular hike, and you don’t want to rush through it. Get on a trail early to give yourself enough time to enjoy the views and beat the mid-day heat. The elevation of the trail is about 900 feet, so you will need to save your energy for the entire hike.
4. Learn some Spanish
Although you will hear plenty of English when visiting Todos Santos, speaking Spanish could be very helpful. The beach near Punta Lobos is frequented by local fishermen, so if you need to ask for directions, you might need to communicate in Spanish.
5. Bring your camera
Punta Lobos offers incredible panoramic views of the Baja’s coast, so don’t forget to bring your camera, as you will likely want to snap a few photos along the way. I recommend Canon R5 📸 a fantastic travel camera which easily fits in your backpack and snaps amazing photos.
6. Put on plenty of sunscreen
Regardless of the timing of your hike, don’t forget to put on plenty of sunscreen. The sun in Baja can be scorching, and you can get a sunburn even on a cloudy day because of the UV rays.
Get a reef-safe sunscreen that you can also use for swimming on Cabo beaches 🏖️ or other water activities like snorkeling 🤿 surfing 🏄🏽♂️ and sailing ⛵️
A reef-safe sunscreen won’t bleach corals 🪸 unlike regular sunscreens, which often contain chemicals that are harmful to the aquatic environment 🐠
7. Wear hiking shoes with a good grip
Although it’s not a challenging hike, it has a couple of exposed ledges with loose rocks. If you want to get to the top, wear hiking shoes with a good grip 🥾 and avoid flip-flops and sandals.
8. Bring a bottle of water
Baja has a dry climate, and you might feel a bit dehydrated by the time you finish this hike. Bring a refillable water bottle to reuse on other hikes in Cabo.
You can’t drink water in Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas or anywhere else in Baja California, because of poor quality. When you have a reusable water bottle, you can refill it in your hotel, and save money on bottled water.
9. Avoid littering
Punta Lobos is a popular hike, so do your best to keep it clean for everybody. It’s extremely frustrating to see trash on Baja trails, especially considering that local communities have limited resources and don’t have people who work on trail maintenance.
10. Rent a car
While you can access Punta Lobos on foot from Hotel San Cristobal 🏨 you will need a car if you are staying in Todos Santos, because there’s no public transport in the area. You can rent a car in Cabo Airport ✈️ home to dozens of car rental companies like Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise.
You can also rent a car in Cabo 🚗 but renting a car at the airport will allow you to avoid public buses, which are slow, and expensive taxi rides. Once you get your rental car, you can get on the road, and plan your Baja road trip however you like.
Look for car rentals through DiscoverCars, my favorite platform for renting cars in Mexico that offers a good selection of cars and competitive prices.
They also sell Mexican car insurance, mandatory for driving in the country. I’ve rented cars with DiscoverCars several times and always had a positive experience with them.
What do I need to rent a car in Cabo San Lucas?
To rent a car in Cabo San Lucas, you will need the following documents:
✔️A passport
You will need a valid passport when renting a car in Cabo San Lucas, or any other part of Mexico.
✔️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 less common, and you will still get asked to provide your debit or credit card.
A car rental company will need to place a hold for the duration of your rental contract, in case there are any damages to the vehicle. This hold is usually around a few hundred dollars, but it can be as high as $1,000.
✔️A Mexican car insurance
Mexican car insurance is required for all rental cars in the country. The best way to go about it is to purchase your insurance from a car rental company. This will eliminate the hassle and help you make sure that your insurance plan will cover you in the event of an accident.
You can buy Mexican car insurance through DiscoverCars and have peace of mind by the time you arrive in Cabo.
Your car rental company will pick you up outside the main terminal and drive you to their offices where you will sign paperwork and get your vehicle.
Pay with a credit card (not a debit card) for your car rental
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.
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 minimal protection, and full coverage protects you if your car is damaged, totaled, or stolen.
If you have never rented a car in Mexico, 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 FOR YOUR TRIP TO TODOS SANTOS
Guided tour of Punta Lobos
If you don’t feel like renting a car and looking for a trail on your own, book a guided hike to Punta Lobos. This curated adventure offers a great chance to learn about the trail and surrounding area from a local guide and allows you to avoid dealing with the logistics.
Where to eat in Todos Santos
After hiking Punta Lobos, you will probably get a bit hungry. Here are the best restaurants in Todos Santos where you can grab a bite:
1. Alma y Many’s
One of my favorite restaurants in Todos Santos, Alma y Many’s is a traditional Mexican eatery with vegan options. I love their mushroom ceviche, and prices here are better than in most restaurants in Todos Santos that are geared toward tourists. Portions at Alma y Many’s are generous, and food is prepared in-house.
📍Address: Heroico Colegio Militar 90, Centro, 23880 Centro, B.C.S., Mexico
2. Doce Cuarenta
Located in a large industrial warehouse building, Doce Charente is one of the most popular restaurants in Todos Santos that also doubles as a co-working space. Its menu has freshly brewed coffee, avocado toasts, fresh homemade bread, and pastries like muffins and croissants.
📍Address: La Cañada del Diablo, Carretera 19 La Paz-Los Cabos, km 51, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S.
2. Jazamango
A popular farm-to-table restaurant in Todos Santos, Jazamango is easy on your eyes and taste buds. This popular spot serves a variety of regional dishes with a Baja twist.
Here you can try beet salad, clams, shrimp, and fettuccine. They grow their ingredients, and you can check out their garden when you visit.
📍Address: Los Naranjos s/n, Fraccionamiento La Huerta, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S.
3. Restaurante La Generala
La Generala serves an amazing buffet lunch with traditional Mexican dishes from different parts of the country that come in generous and flavorful portions. This restaurant has excellent reviews thanks to quality food and superb customer service.
📍Address: C. Cuauhtémoc S/N, Centro, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S.
4. Mejibo Todos Santos
A perfect spot to sample locally sourced food, Mejibo is a real gem of the Todos Santos food scene. This small restaurant has plenty of healthy and savory options like burrata, beet quinoa, burgers, tacos, and salads.
📍Address: José María Morelos y Pavón 0, Centro, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S.
✅Read: Best Mexican restaurants in Cabo San Lucas
Where to stay in Todos Santos
1. Paradero Todos Santos
Paradero is one of the most beautiful hotels in Todos Santos that blends in with the surrounding desert landscape. The property is 1 mile from the beach and offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT PARADERO TODOS SANTOS
2. Guaycura Boutique Hotel Beach Club & Spa
One of the best hotels in downtown Todos Santos, Guaycura boasts a sky deck from where you can enjoy a clear dark sky, and watch the sunset. This hotel also has a heated pool, private beach area, and spa. You can also enjoy a delicious home-style breakfast prepared by an in-house chef.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT GUAYCURA HOTEL
3. Posada La Poza Boutique Hotel and Spa
A cute sustainable boutique hotel a short walk from Todos Santos Beach, Posada La Poza feels like a real oasis thanks to its serene setting. Surrounded by the lush garden, this place has a swimming pool, free parking, and an on-site restaurant.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT POSADA LA POZA
4. Casitas Vista del Aguila
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly stay, check out Casitas Vista del Aguila, an individually owned property, with spectacular sea views and comfy hammocks, where you can recharge after a day of exploring.
The property is located not far from the highway leading to Todos Santos and has a swimming pool and free parking.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT CASITAS VISTA DEL AGUILA
Check more hotels in Todos Santos here.
More things to do in Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a cozy town with a great outdoor scene and plenty of locally owned restaurants. If you want a less crowded alternative to Cabo San Lucas, spend a few days in this pueblo. From surfing in the Pacific Ocean to enjoying farm-to-table dishes, you won’t run out of things to do in Todos Santos.
1. Book a surfing lesson on Playa Cerritos
Playa Cerritos is one of the most popular surfing beaches near Cabo San Lucas, suitable for beginner and more experienced surfers. The beach is just south of Todos Santos, and you can get there by car, after taking a turn from the main highway.
✅ BOOK YOUR SURGING LESSON AT PLAYA CERRITOS
2. Release turtles into the Pacific Ocean
Several types of turtles come to nest on Todos Santos beaches. You can join one of the local conservation groups and release the newborn turtles into the ocean, which is a fun and humbling experience.
Turtle releases are seasonal and take place from late November through April. It is organized by Tortugueros Las Playitas and is free to the public.
3. Explore downtown Todos Santos
When visiting Todos Santos, you can’t skip its charming downtown with small coffee shops, stores, and restaurants. Although Todos Santos is very touristy, I recommend taking a tour of its downtown to learn local history.
4. Check out Playa Cachorro
Playa Cachorro is my favorite beach in Todos Santos, which boasts stunning views of the Pacific. Although you can’t swim here, this beach has no crowds and offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
5. Hike Sierra de la Laguna
If you are an experienced hiker and have a rental car, take a day trip to Sierra de la Laguna, outside of Todos Santos, where you can find spectacular hiking trails in Baja’s backcountry. You will need a 4X4 if you want to navigate bumpy roads, and the hike also requires a reservation.
Punta Lobos Todos Santos: FAQ’s
Is Todos Santos safe?
Todos Santos is one of the safest places in Baja California, but you should always stay cautious, especially if you hike or visit other remote areas where fewer tourists go.
What is the best time to hike Punta Lobos?
The best time to hike Punta Lobos is early morning. You will beat the crowds and enjoy mild weather without the scorching sun. Another option is to do this hike for the sunset, but if you decide to do it, come down before the dark, because you will need to do some scrambling.
Is Punta Lobos free?
Yes, Punta Lobos is a free hike.
Why is Todos Santos magical?
Todos Santos is a designated pueblo mágico, or magic town, because of its historical significance, natural beauty, and art scene. The Pueblos Mágicos program by the Mexican government aims to boost tourism by designating pueblos magicos that have cultural, and historical value.
Is it safe to drive from Cabo to Todos Santos?
Yes, it’s safe to drive from Cabo to Todos Santos, but it’s best to limit your time on the road to daytime to avoid any risk of accidents.
Punta Lobos Todos Santos: Final Word
Hiking Punta Lobos is one of the best things to do in Todos Santos. You get to enjoy the superb scenery, get some exercise, and watch the amazing wildlife. Whether you decide to do this hike on your own, or with a guide, I’m sure you will have a great time!
