Baja Sur has topped the bucket lists of global travellers for years. This long, desert-like peninsula that straddles the Pacific coastline and the Gulf of California is home to one of Mexico’s most famous beach towns – Cabo San Lucas.
A short drive up the coastline lies a much more remote, off-the-beaten-track town. This spot feels worlds away from the buzz of beachfront resorts and trendy nightclubs.
Enter: Todos Santos, one of my favourite places in Mexico, and just a road trip away from the US border. It’s got good surf, better mezcal, and incredible traditional architecture that adds to the authentic feel. It’s wild and beautiful, but figuring out where to stay in Todos Santos can be tricky.
Whether you want to wake up on the beach or spend your time strolling the old town, you can in this sweet town. You can even venture into the remote nothingness of the desert, each neighbourhood here has its own unique vibe. The options can be overwhelming.
Fear not! After a few weeks making this little sandy haven my home, I’m here to share what I learned about the BEST neighbourhoods and accommodations.
Let’s get into Todos Santos!
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Todos Santos?
- Todos Santos District Guide – Best Places to Stay in Todos Santos
- Todos Santos’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Where to Stay in Todos Santos
- What To Pack For Todos Santos
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Todos Santos
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Todos Santos
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Todos Santos?
These top three recommendations for accommodations and neighbourhoods offer a good mix of style, budget, and location for your trip to Mexico.
Casa Santos, Playa Los Mangos
Casa Santos is one of those places that is so beautiful, it will have you snapping inspo photos at every turn. The suites are detached wooden structures, inspired by the simple beauty of Scandinavian architecture. The swimming pool is an architectural masterpiece, jutting out of the horizon like a brutalist building, overlooking the neighbourhood and sea in the distance.
Todos Santos Hostel, La Poza
Todos Santos Hostel is one of the only hostels in the entire town. It’s here for the social vibes and wallet-friendly stays, where you can meet like-minded travellers and experience the town without breaking the bank.
While there are classic shared dorm rooms, the hostel also has private glamping-style tents for couples scattered around the property. They’re more luxurious than you might expect from a hostel.
Terrace Studio with Neutral Interiors, Centro
If you want to be in the heart of town, surrounded by Todos Santos’ best art galleries, historic buildings, restaurants, and lively streets, this is perfect. This place to stay in Todos Santos’ interiors is neutral and modern, equipped with all the comforts of a home away from home. After a day on your feet exploring the town and its surrounding beaches, this comfortable apartment with a sunset terrace is the perfect place to unwind.
Todos Santos District Guide – Best Places to Stay in Todos Santos
Centro
Centro is the cultural centre and local hub of Todos Santos. Even if you just spend a night here on your arrival, it’s one of the most gorgeous old towns in the region, with colourful colonial buildings, artistic murals, and fluttering flags overhead.
La Poza
La Poza is a small residential neighbourhood just south of Centro, only around a twenty-minute walk from the heart of Todos Santos. Instead of ocean landscapes, this spot puts the desert and cactus front and centre.
Las Tunas
Las Tunas is where Todos Santos steps things up a bit, but in a glamorous, yet never pretentious way. Located along the Pacific coastline just north of Centro, Las Tunas is lined with luxury villas, casitas, and boutique hotels.
Playa Los Mangos
This little beachy neighbourhood is for those who dream of falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking up and immediately going for a barefoot walk in the sand.
Playa La Cachora
Located on the coastline by Centro, Playa La Cachora is technically right by the centre of Todos Santos, but somehow feels more raw and untamed. It’s a great spot for those who like wide-open spaces and natural beauty.
Todos Santos is a small beach town along the Pacific Coastline of Baja California, just an hour’s drive away from Cabo San Lucas. It might be small, but it feels like it packs the entire spirit of Baja California Sur into one place. Once a sleepy fishing village, this magical place has transformed into a major destination for surfers, artists, foodies, and nature-fans.
If it’s your first time finding a place to stay in Todos Santos, I recommend spending some time in Centro. Centro is the cultural hub of the town, with cobblestone streets, historic pueblo buildings, colourful murals, and busy markets and restaurants. While it’s not on the coastline, it’s the perfect snapshot of local life in Todos Santos.
For those watching their pesos, La Poza is a more relaxed and affordable area just south of Centro. It’s within walking distance, so it offers easy access to the centre while feeling more residential and quiet.
At the other end of the spectrum, Las Tunas is where you’ll find the most gorgeous villas and boutique stays with top-class amenities and ocean views. Unlike the nearby city of Cabo, luxury here is understated, with more of a focus on laid-back elegance than pretentious style. Think sunset terraces, long stretches of uncrowded beaches, and personalised service.
If you’re here for the sun, the Baja surf, and the beach, Playa Los Mangos is magical and surrounded by Pueblos. All within walking distance of the beach, making it easy to bounce between the seaside and your accommodation as much as you want.
And then there’s Playa La Cachora, which feels much more wild and rugged, even though it’s technically one of the closest beaches to Centro. It’s the best spot for sunsets, and if you’re going to spot the region’s famous whales, it will likely be from here. This spot is a dream for nature-lovers, birdwatchers, and anyone who wants to put the great outdoors at the centre of their vacation.
Todos Santos’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
Let’s break things down a bit more, with a section for each neighbourhood in Todos Santos. I’ve also added three of the best accommodations and some recommended things to do in each neighbourhood.
1. Centro – Where to Stay in Todos Santos for Your First Time
Centro is the cultural centre and local hub of Todos Santos, and I highly recommend staying, even for one night. It’s one of the most gorgeous old towns in the region, with colourful colonial buildings, artistic murals, and fluttering flags overhead.
Here, art galleries, trendy cafes, and taco stands spill onto the cobblestone sidewalks. Most travellers and expats end up here even if their priority is diving in Baja, or seeing more of the wildlife the peninsula has to offer.
Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in restored buildings to quirky loft apartments. Staying here means being right in the centre of the action. It’s always busy, but compared to Cabo or Tulum, it feels like a breath of fresh air.
Guaycura Boutique Hotel, Beach Club & Spa | Best Resort in Centro
Guaycura Boutique Hotel is a classy hotel set in the heart of Centro. It’s located in one of the most historic buildings in town, with colonial-style arches and colourful tilework that is both elegant and inviting.
The best part is that it is affiliated with the Faro Beach Club, offering premier access to a private beach, just a short drive away. People rave about the rooftop terrace, but for me, it’s the whole atmosphere that feels refined and relaxed, a true Baja experience.
Todos Santos Boutique Hotel | Best Hotel in Centro
This hotel is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Todos Santos. But it’s more than that. Staying here is like sleeping in the pages of a hotelier’s magazine.
Every angle you face, you’ll be blown away by jaw-dropping symmetry, unique furniture, high ceilings, and intricate details that create an overall magnificent setting. Plus, the staff are incredibly attentive, and it doesn’t feel at all pretentious.
Terrace Studio with Neutral Interiors | Best Airbnb in Centro
I get it, tacos can get tired after a few weeks. This spacious two-bedroom studio has a sunny living room, comfortable sleeping areas, and a kitchen fitted with everything you might need to prepare a home-cooked meal.
The best part has to be the balcony and the terrace. Two separate outdoor areas that make it possible to spend your mornings sipping coffee, watching the sunrise, and evenings watching the sunset.
Things to See and Do in Centro
Photo: Audy Scala
- Take a self-guided art tour through the town’s many art galleries, like Galeria Logan
- Join a tour of the local craft market
- Take a moment for yourself in one of the town’s old Colonial cathedrals
- Visit the Mission Santa Rosa de Todos Santos
- Experience the artistic side of Todos Santos on a guided art tour
- Admire the murals and street art at the Parque Los Pinos
- Stroll past the iconic Hotel California, the centre of the ‘Pueblo Magico’
2. La Poza – Best Place to Stay in Todos Santos on a Budget
La Poza is a small residential neighbourhood just south of Centro, only around a twenty-minute walk from the heart of Todos Santos. Instead of ocean landscapes, this spot puts the desert and cactus front and centre. The vibe is quieter in this Todos Santos neighbourhood, and you’ll mostly be surrounded by locals, long-time expats, and artists who prefer the laid-back atmosphere.
Here, you’ll find a fair share of family-run guesthouses, small Bed & Breakfasts, and a few budget-friendly stays, too. Staying here means plenty of opportunity for nature walks through desert hiking trails, while still being just a short walk to the hub of Centro.
Hacienda Todos Los Santos | Best Hotel in La Poza
Set among tall trees and foliage, this hacienda might just be one of the most gorgeous places in La Poza. With green tiled countertops, minimalistic casita-style walls, and arched windows that invite the outdoors in, you’ll leave with a newfound inspiration for interior design. The property is even more beautiful in real life than in the pictures, and the lush garden surrounding it only adds to the magic.
Todos Santos Hostel | Best Hostel in La Poza
One of the few, if not only, hostels in town, Todos Santos Hostel offers the perfect setting for a social and affordable vacation. The shared kitchen is chef-grade stuff, making this the ideal place to stay in Todos Santos to meet other travellers and make new connections.
Guests can choose between shared dorm rooms or go private in an outdoor safari tent in the hostel campsite. These tents are pretty luxurious, if I do say so myself, although mid-summer heat can get intense.
Casa Sendero – Casita Close to Town and Trails | Best Airbnb in La Poza
Casa Sendero offers the classic tropical Mexican living experience. One with the combination of an air-conditioned bedroom, a gorgeous covered outdoor kitchen, and a living area.
Part of a larger property with an eco-built main house, you’re invited to cook your meals surrounded by greenery. It’s a ten-minute walk into Centro, and just 15 minutes to La Poza’s closest beach. A perfect spot to stop in on a great Baja road trip.
Things to See and Do in La Poza
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Explore the hiking trails around El Mirador and the Las Tres Cruces trails
- Learn about the local flora and fauna on a guided nature walk
- Rent an ATV and check out the rolling hills with Baja Rock Pirate Backcountry Adventures
- Visit a textile workshop and see local artisan weavers at work
- Go stargazing under a new moon
- Do a self-guided yoga practice surrounded by cacti
3. Las Tunas – Best Area in Todos Santos For Laid-Back Luxury
Las Tunas is where Todos Santos steps things up a bit, but in a glamorous, yet never pretentious way. Located along the Pacific coastline just north of Centro, Las Tunas is lined with luxury villas, casitas, and boutique hotels. It attracts a mix of travellers with high standards, expats, and remote workers with money to spare, who want ocean views and quiet elegance.
In Las Tunas, mornings start with walks along the beach and end with sunset cocktails on private terraces. The beaches are pretty much untouched, making them great for long strolls (although when it comes to swimming, the swells and rips can get intense).
Staying here is all about slow-living, but in style, which is why I recommend it for travelling couples or honeymooners. Heck, anyone who wants the upscale experience of Baja without stooping to stay in a multi-story resort in Cabo. If you know, you know.
Baja Temple | Best Resort in Las Tunas
Baja Temple has a meditative quality about it. It’s a new build, built to honour the simplicity and beauty of a traditional pueblo home, with washed concrete walls, wooden beams, and stone tones. It’s a good blend of modern luxury and desert chic, creating a space that feels both grounding and indulgent.
It’s close to the quiet beaches of Las Tunas and feels a bit like a calming retreat. This place will leave you feeling like you’ve hit the reset button.
Casa Blanco Madera | Best Hotel in Las Tunas
Casa Blanco Madera’s main purpose is to make guests feel at home and at ease. The space is beautifully decorated with minimalist interiors that blend white linen and empty walls with light wooden furniture and beams. It’s simple, yet effective, plus, it’s just a minute’s walk from the beach and relatively close to Centro, too.
The studios have everything you need to cook your favourite meals. Plus, there are plenty of gorgeous al fresco dining spots to enjoy your food under the sun or the stars.
Villa Serena, Todos Santos | Best Airbnb in Las Tunas
For a larger group, Villa Serena is the ultimate place to rent with a group of friends or with your family. It has three bedrooms and space for up to six guests. Outdoor living is at the centre of the home’s design.
With a central pool courtyard, a spacious deck overlooking the desert neighbourhood, and a massive living space with huge sliding doors that open onto the courtyard. If you need a spot to make your home away from home in this Todos Santos neighbourhood, this is it.
Things to See and Do in Las Tunas
- Go horseback riding along the Las Tunas coastline
- Take a day trip across the peninsula to La Paz to swim with whale sharks on a guided tour
- Go on a whale watching boat tour
- Take part in a local cooking class at a boutique hotel
- Walk up the long beach at sunrise
- Join a meditation retreat hosted by a local wellness centre
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Grab an eSIM!4. Playa Los Mangos – Best Area in Todos Santos for The Beach
I get it – being by the beach is usually a priority for anyone visiting Mexico’s Pacific coastline. It’s stunning here, and Playa Los Mangos is no exception, and a safe place in Baja to stay. This is for those who dream of falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking up to walk barefoot in the sand.
It’s home to casual beachfront apartments, boutique hotels, and even the odd offbeat teepee place to stay in Todos Santos. It’s a clear favourite with surfers and beach-bums, with consistent waves and some incredible sunsets. But it’s also a hotspot for expats and those after a slower pace of life. Playa Los Mangos is all about easy beach access and calm vibes.
Casa Santos | Best Bed & Breakfast in Playa Los Mangos
Casa Santos has that kind of raw beauty that brings barefoot luxury to life. Here, you could spend your days in swimsuits, easily moving between the comfortable casa and the sand.
It feels intimate and stylish, with comfortable rooms that open onto breezy open spaces. You’ll love the relaxed comfort with thoughtful details like cushy outdoor couches, delicious dining, housekeeping, and even a picnic area.
Desierto Azul | Best Hotel in Playa Los Mangos
For digital nomads who like to balance work with yoga and beach walks, Desierto Azul feels like a boutique eco-retreat designed for productivity and relaxation. It’s simple, yet you can tell the hosts have thought about every little detail. And on that note, special mention for the staff, who make every minute of a stay here feel like a private five-star hotel.
Tribu Todos Santos – Adobe Teepe | Best Airbnb in Playa Los Mangos
One of the most offbeat places to stay in Todos Santos, these adobe-inspired teepees are tucked away in the desert right by the sea. They’re not real tents, but rather tent-inspired structures built using local wood and materials. When you aren’t in your luxury teepee, guests can lounge by the pool, firepit, or dine alfresco around one of the BBQ areas.
Things to See and Do in Playa Los Mangos
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Watch a turtle release at Tortugueros Las Playitas
- Take a surfing lesson at a nearby beach, or enjoy the larger waves if you’re capable
- Visit a local camel ranch and taste tequila on a guided day trip around Todos Santos
- Go for long walks on Playa Los Mangos
- Time your trip with whale watching season (between November and April) and watch the gentle giants swim along the coastline
- Spend a day lounging on the beach with a picnic
5. Playa La Cachora – Best Area in Todos Santos for Nature Lovers
Located on the coastline by Centro, Playa La Cachora is technically right by the centre of Todos Santos, but somehow feels more raw and untamed. It’s a great spot for those who like wide-open spaces, whale watching, and natural beauty.
The surf is powerful here, which makes for an interesting adventure, whether walking by the shoreline or testing the waters yourself. Be warned, proceed into this ocean with caution; this bitch is WILD. There are some villas, A-frame self-catering rentals, and even the odd boutique hotel curated just for adults.
It’s my favourite place to disconnect from reality, but then also has the added convenience of being a short drive from the heart of Todos Santos.
La Poza Boutique Hotel and Spa | Best Hotel in Playa La Cachora
Designated for adults only, La Poza Boutique Hotel and Spa is a grown-up’s dream come true. It’s an upscale hotel with various room options ranging from domed structures to classic suites with hot tubs.
Even with other guests at the property, it always feels like you’ve got the place to yourself. It’s a quiet, calming vibe suitable for honeymooners and couples. If you fancy a visit to town, visit Misión Santa Rosa de las Palmas
La Mar 9 Ocean View Villas | Best Airbnb in Playa La Cachora
There aren’t too many properties with as good a view as this one. Set right on the lagoon overlooking Playa La Cachora in a quiet part of the Todos Santos neighbourhood.
La Mar is a private apartment rental suitable for two guests. The star of the show is the shared covered deck, which curves around the building and overlooks the best sea views in town. Scattered with outdoor furniture and dining space, this shared palapa patio is the best spot for sunrise and sunset.
Poolside A-frame in Tropical Oasis | Another Great Airbnb in Playa La Cachora
This A-frame home feels like the ultimate eco-home. It’s set under the starry skies of Baja, surrounded by tall greenery and desert landscapes. The bungalows are rustic yet comfortable.
Each is equipped with a full kitchen, living and dining space, a spacious bed, and a reading loft with a massive glass window. Guests can also enjoy access to a shared pool area at this place to stay in Todos Santos.
Things to See and Do in Playa La Cachora
- Volunteer at the Grupo Tortuguero Todos Santos turtle sanctuary and see a new hatch release
- Join a traditional temazcal bath, an ancient cleansing ritual
- Elevate your energy and spend a day at the El Faro Beach Club
- Learn to surf with a beginner surf lesson at Cerritos Beach, just south of Playa La Cachora
- Do your bit for the environment and spend some time picking up trash for a self-organised beach clean-up
- Grab a bite to eat at the Pacifica Fish Market for the freshest seafood catch of the day
FAQs About Where to Stay in Todos Santos
There is a lot of info in this article. Here are the FAQs.
What To Pack For Todos Santos
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Todos Santos
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Todos Santos.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Todos Santos
Choosing where to stay in Todos Santos really comes down to whether you want to be by the sea or in the cultural heart of the town. Centro gives you the buzz of market activity and lively galleries in art-filled plazas, while La Poza offers a more budget-friendly alternative right by the centre.
Las Tunas delivers with ocean view villas and laid-back luxury, while Playa Los Mangos is all about the surf energy. Playa La Cachora is the raw, untouched beach that allows you to feel immersed in nature. Whether it’s bird watching or whale watching, there is always some unique wildlife in the area.
La Poza is where you’ll find the La Poza Boutique Hotel and Spa, an adult-only resort with the perfect combination of luxury and nature. This hotel in Todos Santos (all saints in English) is pretty heavenly and worth the splurge if you’ve got the cash to splash. If you’re a true broke backpacker, you’re probably going to crash at Todos Santos Hostel.
Regardless of where you stay, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time in Todos Santos, it’s a magical land with wonderful nature around. Whether you want to be whale watching, diving or surfing during your time in the Baja Peninsula, the choice is yours.
Have you been to Todos Santos? Let me know your thoughts. Have I forgotten something you think is ideal? Hit me up in the comments.
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Mexico.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Mexico.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Mexico instead.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Mexico.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
