Located on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, La Paz is a favorite destination among avid golfers, scuba divers, and sport fishing enthusiasts. This romantic seaside town welcomes visitors to bask in the sun, swim with sea lions and revel in aquatic explorations around the Sea of Cortez. While La Paz is known for its Old World charm, it also boasts modern infrastructure, easy access to medical facilities and plenty of options for getting around town by bus, taxi or car.
By Air – There are direct flights to La Paz from Los Angeles, Mexico City, Tijuana and Guadalajara. The city is served by the General Manuel Marquez de Leon International Airport, roughly 5 miles from downtown La Paz. Airport taxis charge about $20 for one-way transport into La Paz city center. Be sure to settle on a price before getting into a taxi cab or shuttle. Alternatively, you can fly into the Cabo International Airport, and then bus or taxi into La Paz.
By Car – From the southern California border, the drive to La Paz can take upwards of 22-26 hours via Highway 1. There are also large car ferries that offer transport from Topolobambo (close to Los Mochis) and Mazatlan to La Paz. From Mazatlan, you can expect to pay $60 one-way, and about $55 from Los Mochis.
By Bus – Most travelers fly into La Paz. Bus travel to Baja California Sur is possible, but can be fraught with delays. Autotransportes Aguila has routes to La Paz from both Tijuana and Mexicali.
La Paz is laid out in a fairly traveller-friendly grid along the Canal de la Paz. As can be expected, many of the hotels, marinas, and other attractions are located to the northwest along the water. As the capital city of the Mexican state Baja California Sur, La Paz also houses government offices, a stadium, history museum, and other city buildings further inland from the canal.
Be prepared for your trip around the area by checking out this map of La Paz.
The locations of the La Paz area beaches can be found here.
Public bus – Due to its small size, La Paz is a great walking city, with many points of interest accessible by foot. Local buses are another affordable option for getting around town. The only downside is that they are often heavily crowded and slow.
Taxis – Taxis are ubiquitous in La Paz and neighboring beach towns. Just keep in mind that it’s best to agree on a price before you get in the vehicle, as most taxis are not metered. Travelers who have some basic Spanish will be at a distinct advantage. If you are uncertain about tariffs from destination A to B, ask your resort concierge about the going rates.
Driving – If you want extra freedom on your La Paz vacation, considering renting a car. The best deals are normally had by travelers who book their rental in advance. However, you can also find national car rental agencies inside the airport terminal. Be sure to have a valid U.S. driver’s license and be prepared to shell out extra for full liability insurance, which will cover loss in the event of theft or an accident.
La Paz boasts one of the best government hospitals in the state, and has many highly trained doctors and dentists that speak English as their second language. For both minor and major medical emergencies, most travelers head to the Fidepaz hospital, just two miles outside of the city. General and specialized health care services are also provided at the newer Hospital Generalaria Juan Maria de Salva Tierra, located on Paseo de Los Deportistas. Quality health care in La Paz is extremely affordable.
La Paz is known for its hot desert climate, where day time highs can reach into the upper 90s during summer months. Daily thunderstorms are more common between July and September. Due to its mild year-round weather (winter averages 72°F and summer of 84°F) — there is no single “best time” to visit La Paz.
When planning your vacation, it’s worth keeping a few major holidays and festivals in mind. Christmas and New Year’s is peak tourist season, when beaches, resorts and vacation rentals fill up. La Paz’s very own Carnaval fiesta is held in March every year, offering terrific insight into local culture. Easter week (known as Semana Semana) is another busy time, when local families flock to the beach. If your vacation plans coincide with Christmas or Easter, it’s best to reserve your accommodations and car rental several months in advance.
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