Departing from the Cabo San Lucas cruise port we headed out on the Discover Todos Santos tour seated on the left side of the bus. The sunlight was flowing in our window during most of the afternoon drive. During the journey, our tour guide provided many facts about the area and mentioned an extraordinary population explosion during the last 15 years.
Mexico 19 to Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
1-hour bus ride to Todos Santos from Pier
Jesuit Missionaries founded the town known as Todos Santos. These Jesuits introduced dates, coconuts and fig trees to the area which is also home to some unusual wildlife like the scorpion, tarantula, and roadrunner.
As we continued journeying north along the Pacific Ocean, a savvy traveler pointed out a humpback whale blowing its spray and leering about beside us!
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Upon our arrival we visited the Todos Santos Cultural Center, where we saw exhibits provided by the local townspeople describing their abbreviated history. We also had a small lecture about the Los Santos aquifer and how significant it is in transferring water to the area.
Todos Santos was often known as an Oasis in earlier times due to two natual springs which fed the area. This helped the Jesuits become popular in the production of Sugar Cane until its ultimate demise around 1955.
Mission Todos Santos
30-minute inside/outside visit to Mission Todos Santos
Centro, 23300 Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Meandering along its art deco streets we came across the Spanish Mission of Santa Rosa de las Palmas, founded by Jesuit Missionaries in 1724. This mission actually carries two distinctive names, the other being Nuestra Senora del Pilar de la Paz, based on the consecrated virgins who adorn it.
At the mission we heard ancient folklore about the town having been so cut off from the rest of Mexican society that news of the Mexican War of Independence, which had begun in 1810, did not reach Todos Santos for almost 10 years.
Hotel California
45-minute lunch at the Hotel California
C. Benito Juárez S/N, 23300 Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
We settled into a planned lunch at the Hotel California. Our meal consisted of chicken enchiladas, beef burritos, beans and rice, and a dessert tamale made of pineapple and brown sugar.
During lunch we heard tales regarding the hotel and the now infamous song. One would theorize that the song was written long before any band member may have visited here, but again there is that curious mission just around the corner… so, who knows! As it creates such a perfect story, it’s worthy of your visit simply to draw upon your own conclusions.
Todos Santos Town
1-hour, 30-minutes free time in Todos Santos
Todos Santos, 22973 Baja California, Mexico
With our free time we wandered back to the Mission Todos Santos for a few more photos, then visited a few of the galleries lined up and down its streets. Just a few blocks removed from this mainly touristy area, yet still on its main street, you will find many of the shops are run by American’s who have retired to the area.
Sky Lounge
15-minute self-visit to the Sky Lounge
Calle Legaspi esquina Topete, Centro, Todos Santos, BCS, 23300
We strolled around the back streets for some time and visited the beautiful Sky Lounge rooftop bar before meeting up with the group at the corner of the Hotel California.
Return to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
1-hour drive on Mexico 19 back to pier
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Soon we were driving back to the tender port at Cabo San Lucas, arriving in the early evening hours just in time for dinner.
Cruise Port: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Tour Name: Discover Todos Santos
Cruise Line/Ship: Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas
Tour Operator: Tropical Tours (Mexico)
