| Filed in Blog, Mexico | Disclaimer: I use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. | Leave a Comment
I have once again ended up in Baja Mexico for the Winter and am so excited to add these guides for you all. I really got to focus on the areas I wanted to spend more time in, and the Sierra la Laguna region (the mountain Range in Baja California Sur) quickly became one of my absolute favorites. There are many eco tours and lodges just an hour or so from Los Cabo (perfect for day trip from Cabo or extended stay) that I highly recommend to anyone visiting this part of the world. I’ll be sharing all the best of Sierra de la Laguna and how you can plan your own trip!
Before you travel to Sierra la Laguna…
If you haven’t traveled to Baja Mexico before, there are some things you should know and plan for ahead of time! If you are driving or renting a car, be sure to check out my full length guide HERE that includes what to expect when driving in Baja Mexico and what documents and visas you will need. Mexican car insurance is REQUIRED and it is easy and affordable through Baja Bound.
Some basic Spanish would definitely be helpful but is not absolutely necessary for this particular trip.
About Sierra de la Laguna:
A lot of people don’t know that there’s a mountain range at the bottom of the Baja Peninsula. And they aren’t insignificant either! The highest point in the Sierra La Laguna, named Picacho de la Laguna, is 7,090 feet tall (approximately 2,100 meters). While I love the beach, I love having the mountains nearby to get away for some adventures. There are popular hikes, bird watching, fresh water swimming holes and more that I will go over below.
Location of the Mountains in Baja California Sur:
The Sierra de la Laguna region is just North of the Los Cabos International Airport. It is roughly an hour to the small town of Santiago that exists right before the dirt roads to the ranches, hikes and more.
NOTE: there is NOT a lot of resources up in the mountains, so fuel up, get groceries and whatever else you may need in Cabo before heading to the mountains. I will list a recommended packing list below.
Getting There:
There are a couple options to get to Sierra la Laguna. Booking with a tour company, hiring a taxi, or renting a car.
Renting a car will give you the most freedom and allow you to see more hidden gems that I’ll be listing. I recommend booking and purchasing Mexican car insurance beforehand (easily purchasable through car rental place) as prices once you get there are often higher. I recommend booking something with decent clearance. The roads are not terrible, and you do not need 4×4, but there are definitely spots where you’ll be grateful for the lift off the ground. A standard SUV would be perfect.
Getting a taxi there can be tricky as it is on dirt roads and even if you do get one to take you there, the odds of one coming back to get you are low. But this is an easy day trip from Cabo due to the proximity. If you book a resort – they can likely arrange taxi services for you!
Final option would be to go through a tour company. Many are day trips and not overnights. For the BEST experience here I’d recommend staying overnight.
WHAT TO SEE in Sierra de la Laguna Baja Mexico:
Okay here’s the fun part!!! There’s so many stunning places here and I know I’ll be back to see more.
1. Rancho Ecologico Sol De Mayo
This is by far the most popular Ranch and swimming spot in the Sierra la Laguna region. I went last year and camped for 3 nights and it was absolutely the highlight of my trip. A gorgeous waterfall and series of swimming holes and river spots are just a short 10 minute hike down into a canyon from the camping area.
The famous waterfall is known as Cañón de la Zorra. Prices were $15-20 (USD) a night when I went in 2023. Check out their Instagram to message for current pricing. There is also a restaurant on site (it was unfortunately closed when I was there).
Things to Know:
- The camping is barebones. There is a rustic bathroom and trash bins, but be sure to bring in your own drinking water, food, and necessities.
- The hike down is short, but has some elevation to it! Check it out here on AllTrails.
- I went at the end of February and it was quite warm during the day, which made the water so refreshing.
- The water in the swimming holes is fresh water.
2. Rancho Ecológico El Refugio
This is where I spent a week this year (2025) and had THE best time. It was truly everything you could want out of a eco stay. I, once again, camped in my camper van and camping was $10 a night. There are nice bathrooms with flushing toilets as well as showers (cold water).
NOTE: This ranch does provide a comprehensive experience INCLUDING transportation and meals if you book through their Viator listing HERE.
ALSO NOTE: there are also glamping tents here and rooms available to rent! If booking direct and you have transportation – find their facebook with their whatsapp HERE to inquire before!
The hike down to the swimming area is about 5 minutes and has so much space to spread out away from other folks. This place is not very busy (yet), but they are in the process of expanding their services and camping areas.
The folks that manage this place are a tight knit family and are incredibly passionate about the land and the animals they have there. Rogelio gave us a tour of the gardens, encouraging us to take what we need for our dinners. We also got to visit the animals and learn how to milk cows. I was really bad at it haha.
They have Starlink WIFI set up there in a common area that was nice for working and meeting other travelers that were staying there. It was very popular among birders as a bird that is endangered was recently spotted here! (I wish I knew what one!).
Experiences to look forward to:
- picking food in the gardens (one night Rogelio took us to pick vegetables needed and then taught us how to make vegetarian tomales)
- Interacting with the ranch animals. They have 3+ dogs that are so sweet as well as chickens, peacocks, cows, and goats. Schedule milking a cow and helping out with other chores around the farm!
- Eat at the family restaurant. The matriarch of the family does excellent cooking when you schedule a meal with her. It is roughly 200 pesos per meal. (be sure to bring pesos!)
- hike down to the water and prepare to sun bathe and soak!
- CLIMBING! If you are a climber there are several routes that Rogelio put up!
I could truly rave about this place for hours. It is excellent and they are wonderful stewards of the land. Be responsible for your own trash and if you have reactive dogs, please keep them under close watch with the animals that free roam on their ranch.
photos of Santa Rita Hot Springs in Sierra de la Laguna thanks to Maddie Harlan from nomadmaddie.com
3. Santa Rita Hot Springs
This hidden gem is still on my list. My friends went while I was unable to join and gosh did I miss out!! It is on private land so be sure to pay the entrance fee upon arrival. It is a short hike from the parking area with pools varying in temperatures.
Located about 20 minutes outside of the town of Santiago on the same dirt road that takes you to the above destination.
I personally struggle with hot water in hot temperatures, but I could see this being lovely in the morning or evening! Bring your towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunhat, and sandals!
4. Posa Obscura
This “secret” spot is about 15 minutes before Rancho Ecológico El Refugio in the Sierra la Laguna region. I had the pleasure of going there thanks to Rogelio at the Rancho. He drove us in the back of his pick up and took us to this natural dark pool.
This is located on a separate ranch (a relative of Rogelio at the above Rancho El Refugio!) and you do need to pay an entrance fee in pesos. I believe it was 200 pesos.
The hike is about 15-25 minutes depending on your fitness. When you arrive to the basin, you can either jump in or hike around a large boulder to ease in. It was truly a swimmers playground, and we had it all to ourselves.
Where to Stay when visiting Sierra de La Laguna in Baja Mexico:
1. Stay at the Ranches.
As mentioned above, Rancho Ecológico El Refugio and Rancho Ecologico Sol De Mayo. With Rancho Ecológico El Refugio having glamping tents and rooms for rent if you do not want to car camp or tent camp. (inquire at each ranch for current prices)
These will range from 200 pesos (~$10 USD) to 500 pesos (~$25 USD) per night for camping if booking through Whatsapp.
You can also book through Viator and have the whole experience taken care of including meals and private transportation HERE!
2. Stay in Santiago
The small town of Santiago sits just before the dirt road that leads to all of these adventures. Within the town is one hotel called Don Julio. It has very positive reviews. +52 624 159 1909
3. Stay in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo
If you’re looking to blend a luxury stay and these adventures and cultural experiences, I recommend staying in Cabo San Lucas. You can easily book day trips to these adventures and come back to fine dining, beach front views and the offerings of the city.
I recommend checking out these options for stays (resorts will have a much higher chance of arranging a taxi service for you to the mountains and usually include an airport shuttle):
If you want my recommendations on things to do and places to eat in Cabo check out my full guide: Ultimate Baja California Road Trip
Packing List for Sierra La Laguna:
The temperature varies quite a bit here throughout the day. Mornings and evenings were cool and mid days were quite warm in the sun. I was here early February and got temperatures in the 70’s-80’s Fahrenheit during the day which was perfect for swimming.
- Sun Hoodie
- Towel
- Hat for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- 1 to 2 bathing suits
- hiking sandals or shoes
- warm jacket/fleece
- sunscreen
- bug spray (there were a FEW mosquitoes but it really was not anything extreme)
- pesos (entrance fees and camping were cash only)
- headlamp (in case you camp or visit the swimming areas at sunrise or after sunset)
Conclusion: Sierra de la Laguna Itinerary
Visiting the Sierra de la Laguna region of Baja is truly a special experience and a hidden gem. I imagine it will continue to gain popularity, but it is JUST far enough away from the city that you’ll get some peaceful moments in nature and a cultural experience with locals.
The logistics are absolutely worth it.
- Santa Rita Hot Springs
- Sol De Mayo
- Posa Obscura
- Rancho Ecológico El Refugio
Check out my complete Baja Guide:
Let me know if you’re planning a trip here!
Support me by Sharing and Saving for later 🙂
