Todos Santos is located about an hour drive south of La Paz on the freeway. Navigating the highways on the Baja was relatively easy. The one we took down the coast was the main freeway and the other we had taken up the coast from Cabo was a smaller two-lane highway. The highway was maintained well and it was a smooth drive down to Todos Santos. My best friend from college had lived in Todos Santos for many years after graduation doing mission work. I was kicking myself for not visiting her more! It is a relatively inexpensive flight and easy drive up the coast to get there. After we explored around the town for a bit, I told Matt that we should stay here in the future if we come back to the Baja. Breakfast at La Esquina in Todos Santos (Lynessa Nelson)
The town had a very laid back surfing vibe to it. There were a lot of expats who had settled in around the town and build large homes to retire in. We chose to have breakfast at La Esquina which was of course located on "the corner" across a small valley in the town. We parked in the main center of town where the church was located and walked down and over to this other part of town. In retrospect, we probably should have just driven and parked by La Esquina but the map looked like it was going to be just a short walk.
The restaurant was filled with expats and they had a lengthy list of espresso and tea drinks to order from. The breakfast menu made my mouth water as well. We decided eventually on a couple lattes and omelettes. The bathrooms were very clean and the entire place was well decorated and included wifi! We hopped online to checkin with friends and family briefly and then set out to explore more. watching for whales along the cliffs (Lynessa Nelson)
We cruised down the freeway south a little farther to an exit marked "Cerritos Beach Club & Surf". We were trying to find a good access to the beach which was surprisingly challenging. Most of it was private or the roads into the beach were on private land so you couldn't get through. At Cerritos, we found a parking lot but you had to pay to access the beach which seemed ridiculous to me. We drove up the hill instead to have lunch at huge manor on the top called Hacienda Cerritos. After a look at their prices we decided to head back to Todos Santos but not before hightailing it up the cliffs to grab a couple photos. Hotel California in Todos Santos (Lynessa Nelson)
Back in town we walked around looking for some handicrafts and gifts to take back for family and friends. We were at the end of our trip and it had flown by without us realizing it. We stopped in at the Hotel California to have a margarita or two and hum the Eagles song as we sat in the back courtyard. Margaritas at Hotel California (Lynessa Nelson)
Livin' it up at the Hotel California!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
