I hope someone in La Paz can offer some advice. Going on a cruise - port stop in La Paz. I'd like to go to Playa Tecolote for the day, and I see
online info for the Playa Bus (departing at the bus terminal on Independencia in town), but isn't clear to me. I know the Playa bus stops at
Pichilingue to pick up cruise passengers (I assume just on cruise days) and take them to town. I've done that. But the entire Playa route also
includes a stop at Tecolote. From what I've seen, the schedule is every 45 minutes. But what I can't figure out is if I can get the Playa Bus at
Pichilinque and onward to Tecolote (just a short drive). OR if I have to spend the $10RT to go to town, then buy a ticket to Tecolote. AND, more
significantly, does anyone know from personal experience if the bus PICK-UP at Tecolote is reliable, and will it stop at Pichilinque or does it go
right back to town. And does Tecolote pick-up every 45 min. to return. I don't want to get stuck at Tecolote with no cell service and no way to get
back to the ship. Gracias.David K - 6-30-2026 at 12:38 PM
The cruise ship event director or ? should know this. Remember, in Baja everything works out and you will have a great time!
Let's see if the La Paz Nomads can add something.
Have fun, Cindi!!mtgoat666 - 6-30-2026 at 01:02 PM
Can't help you with bus schedules. But for a port cruise day trip I suggest you do a snorkel trip to the islands. Tecolote is pretty commercial, and
can get crowded and dirty (lot of litter from crowds).AKgringo - 6-30-2026 at 01:54 PM
When is your cruise scheduled? If I am in the La Paz area when you are there I would Uber you out to the beach, but it would cost you a Taco at
Tecolote!wilderone - 6-30-2026 at 05:31 PM
David, I doubt the cruise ship excursion desk knows about the local bus schedules except to tell us there is a bus shuttle. I've been on a Baja
cruise and at Pichilingue port, got the bus ticket to town and took the bus back a few hours later. I strolled the beach and pier on the malecon,
visited the Cathedral, went to the Natural History museum (very nice - enjoyed it), walked back down to the main drag and got an ice cream cone, took
pictures of the beach sculptures, and went back to the ship.
I've camped at Playa Tecolote, snorkled at Espiritu Santo (fantastic - but too long a day for this port stop), and Balandra has those 1/2 day permit
restrictions. So I wanted easy transportation to hang out at Tecolote, go to the beach, snorkle, have fish tacos, beers, maybe a hike. From my past
exploration there, there are some very nice indigenous artifacts at the far end - maybe I'll hike a ways to explore more.
Anyway, I'll be in La Paz October 7th. AK - you're on for that taco and a beer. I know there is a line of taxis in port too, but my main concern is
returning to the ship. I understand it's difficult to summon a taxi or Uber because they come from town and it's a wait or expensive and if you have
cell connection - I doubt I would.
So - the bus would be great - IF I can rely on it and know what to expect.
I was even thinking of getting that Balandra permit and walk over there from Tecolote since I'll be there prior to the Balandra afternoon start time.
Still - need that ride back.
I appreciate the feedback. Thanks. AKgringo - 6-30-2026 at 06:14 PM
Quote; "I'll be in La Paz October 7th. AK - you're on for that taco and a beer"
September and October are my favorite months to play around in Baja. Unfortunately, this year I will be getting a late start because I have family
obligations in NorCal in late September.
If things go right, I should be able to reach La Paz by then and I will sound off well before the 7th if I am not going to make it.wilderone - 7-1-2026 at 08:38 AM
Whatever works out, AK.
Happy Trails!BornFisher - 7-2-2026 at 09:54 AM
We took a cab, the price is posted at the cab stand. Don`t worry about your return, there will be cabs waiting.lencho - 7-2-2026 at 11:36 AM
We took a cab, the price is posted at the cab stand. Don`t worry about your return, there will be cabs waiting.
FWIW, the locals tend to head out there starting around midday, so if you want to avoid crowds (and catch one of those cabs which BornFisher mentions
for the way back), a moderately early start might be helpful. We used to laugh about how we were always heading back to town about the time all the
Paceños were parading out to Tecolote.
