BajaNomad - How to be a regular(ish) tourist in La Paz?

How to be a regular(ish) tourist in La Paz?

pjpvi - 2-25-2023 at 03:42 PM

Well, as fate would have it I have to be a regular(ish) tourist in La Paz for around a week. I suck at that. I always have my van looking for those remote places to just chill out, paddle board, enjoy some cerveza / tequila, eat fish tacos, etc. but my van is having an unscheduled spa week so here I sit.

Here's what I know:

I have my current Airbnb until Tuesday.

The Whale and Baja California Regional museums may chew up a day and look like they could be interesting.

There is a soccer match Tuesday night which could be fun (I've never been to a soccer match). Anyone else here that want to go with?

Was thinking of renting a car and heading to Rancho San Dionisio and hang for a couple / few days. I have a sleeping bag and they said they'd rent me a tent. Not sure if I can buy meals there or not? BUT, I really don't feel like renting a car on top of what the cost of my van's spa treatment may be.

I have a high school friend I plan on seeing for maybe a couple days in La Ventana.

Other than that I'm kind of not sure. I'm lost without the freedom of my van while it's getting some R&R&R.

Any thoughts to throw against the wall and see if they stick?

TIA - Phil

Cliffy - 2-25-2023 at 08:59 PM

Go fishing? Lots of pangas around there

wilderone - 2-26-2023 at 10:06 AM

Hang out at Balandra beach. Go early - hike over to Playa Tecolote. Do a Espiritu Santo snorkle tour. Take the bus to Todos Santos for a day.

pjpvi - 2-26-2023 at 10:18 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'm figuring out how to fill up my time now. Hoping to include an all day Isla Espiritu Santo tour if I can latch on to another group.

gnukid - 2-26-2023 at 05:32 PM

If you just go outside and walk the male con there are events and activities everyday. For example today was La Paz del Tour de Francia https://www.bcsnoticias.mx/culmina-la-etapa-la-paz-del-tour-...

There are many things to do if you just walk and look around, you can rent a bike or sup, or take a bus or just enjoy el Centro.

Gringo events
https://web.facebook.com/groups/278812079849084/

La Miserable
https://web.facebook.com/lamiserablelapaz
https://www.instagram.com/lamiserablemezcaleria/

Rock
https://www.instagram.com/lunula_bcs/

Las varitas club
https://web.facebook.com/lasvaritaslapaz

Tokines
Live music in la paz
https://web.facebook.com/groups/149149042326946

Marea La Paz
https://web.facebook.com/marealapaz

Tres Virgenes is a great restaurant and has a bar c-cktail area for a bite

La stella is on the beach below Rancho Viejo taqueria and has a great view for sunset and food is okay

[Edited on 2-27-2023 by gnukid]

surabi - 2-26-2023 at 06:51 PM

One thing that many of us foreigners can learn from Mexicans is that it's okay to do nothing. I don't mean that in a derogatory way at all- we tend to think we have to fill our days with activities instead of simply relaxing, watching the world go by, listening to the sounds of life or nature wherever we happen to be.

One thing I enjoy doing is simply walking around- not in touristy places, like a malecon, but in the Mexican neighborhoods and areas where tourists and even local foreign residents never go. I've found cool little shops, shops that sell everyday items at much lower prices than you might find elsewhere, specialty shops, women sitting outside their homes making pinatas for sale, people selling their handmade candles out of their homes, things like that, simply by wandering around aimlessly.

You never see those places when you are driving or have a particular destination.

[Edited on 2-27-2023 by surabi]

JZ - 2-26-2023 at 08:33 PM

Best things to do from La Paz are:

1. Day on the water exploring the islands

2. Day trip up to San Evarsito

mtgoat666 - 2-26-2023 at 08:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pjpvi

Well, as fate would have it I have to be a regular(ish) tourist in La Paz for around a week. I suck at that. I always have my van looking for those remote places to just chill out, paddle board, enjoy some cerveza / tequila, eat fish tacos, etc. but my van is having an unscheduled spa week so here I sit.

Here's what I know:

I have my current Airbnb until Tuesday.

The Whale and Baja California Regional museums may chew up a day and look like they could be interesting.

There is a soccer match Tuesday night which could be fun (I've never been to a soccer match). Anyone else here that want to go with?

Was thinking of renting a car and heading to Rancho San Dionisio and hang for a couple / few days. I have a sleeping bag and they said they'd rent me a tent. Not sure if I can buy meals there or not? BUT, I really don't feel like renting a car on top of what the cost of my van's spa treatment may be.

I have a high school friend I plan on seeing for maybe a couple days in La Ventana.

Other than that I'm kind of not sure. I'm lost without the freedom of my van while it's getting some R&R&R.

Any thoughts to throw against the wall and see if they stick?

TIA - Phil

Explore la paz by foot/bus or bicycle.
Read a book.
See a movie.
Eat out.
Plenty of tourism in La Paz, snorkel tours, etc.

pjpvi - 2-26-2023 at 10:32 PM

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input.

I've logged about 20 miles walking around the last couple days with a good amount of that out of the "tourist zone". Met a lot of great locals and stumbled on a great little out of the way restaurant that turned out to be a hidden gem. I'm also staying in a local's neighborhood which is really growing on me.

I'm great at doing nothing, but that's normally on a remote beach or the middle of the desert. I'm just not as much of a town / city guy for longer stays.

JZ - I am trying to get out to the islands. I never have been before and think it would make for a great day. Trying to see if I can latch onto another group as it's hard to book just a solo (without paying for the entire boat of course). I've been to San Evaristo before. Great place!

Thanks for the links Gnukid. Lots of places I didn't know about.

BajaBlanca - 2-27-2023 at 12:06 AM

I have a housebound friend who would love a visit! I have sent U2U.

gnukid - 2-27-2023 at 09:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pjpvi

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input.

I've logged about 20 miles walking around the last couple days with a good amount of that out of the "tourist zone". Met a lot of great locals and stumbled on a great little out of the way restaurant that turned out to be a hidden gem. I'm also staying in a local's neighborhood which is really growing on me.

I'm great at doing nothing, but that's normally on a remote beach or the middle of the desert. I'm just not as much of a town / city guy for longer stays.

JZ - I am trying to get out to the islands. I never have been before and think it would make for a great day. Trying to see if I can latch onto another group as it's hard to book just a solo (without paying for the entire boat of course). I've been to San Evaristo before. Great place!

Thanks for the links Gnukid. Lots of places I didn't know about.

Because whale diving is closed for now, there are many tourism boats available, you can make your day as you like with a little diving or fishing or just cruising.

I'll give you a contact that is reliable, excellent and affordable, but you need to be very clear about your goals and timeframe. For example leave la Paz malecon to visit Islas, Balandra and Tecolote to jump in the water, fish a bit. ay for the whole boat and invite a friend. It's probably very affordable like 3000-4000mn for 5-6 hours or as a group its about 800-1000 each.

Tours Raul
maytepenalozavazquez@gmail.com
612 202 8536

Mayte can organize what you want and will likely be the guide on board. She is excellent.

Or go to Tecolote and jump on a boat to Espiritu Santo with a group. It's a shorter distance from there.

[Edited on 2-27-2023 by gnukid]

boe4fun - 2-27-2023 at 09:54 AM

Since I’ll soon be going down to La Paz for our spring clinic, I’d love to take the other volunteers to a local restaurant, if you wouldn’t mind sharing that “hidden gem” you’ve discovered. Also, a bit out of town, but if you’re going to rent a car for a day, a trip to El Triunfo for a self guided tour through the mining operation, then visit the Route of Silver and Vaquero Museums, (have a genuine vaquero meal there too). Then a drive down to Cabo Pulmo for a snorkel trip, and finally stop at the Las Palmas Hotel in Los Barriles on the drive back north for a Margarita by their infinity pool.

pjpvi - 2-27-2023 at 06:31 PM

Gnukid - Thanks a ton for the contact info for the boat but I booked a tour today to Isla Espiritu Santo for Wednesday so I'm all set for the boat portion of my touristing. I'll tuck that info away for another day though.

boe4fun - I hope I didn't over sell the restaurant. It's just a little place tucked away that I thought had great food (and big portions) and friendly good service. A supposed food critic behind me was raving about the shredded manta ray tacos and the chili rellenos looked good on Google. I had the breaded clams which were great and A LOT of them. I went to go there today with a friend and they were closed (ugh!). Since it isn't like a remote beach I don't want anyone else to find here you go. There is no name on the place in person but on Google Maps it is shown as "Restaurant Bar Cuquíta" at (24.150198, -110.335806). Enjoy!

Met with Blanca's contact today. Super nice guy who has fallen on extremely bad luck over the last many years.

JDCanuck - 2-27-2023 at 07:02 PM

breakfast at Los Magueyes and late dinner at NEMI, check out the Tangui just back of the skatepark on the Malecon in between and round it out with strolls on the Malecon, always lots to see. The Carnivale refuses to end.

[Edited on 2-28-2023 by JDCanuck]

bajadogs - 2-27-2023 at 07:20 PM

Hey pjpvi, I don't know anything about you but you must be good peeps to take Blanca up on seeing her friend. There is no doubt you made his day and Blanca's too. Good Karma on you! I love La Paz but haven't been in recent years so I will yield to all the advice from others.

pjpvi - 2-27-2023 at 09:42 PM

Quote:

The Carnivale refuses to end.

I'm thinking the same thing!

----------

Thanks for the kind words Bajadogs!

dravnx - 2-28-2023 at 09:36 AM

Visit Serpentario de La Paz. Neat little snake zoo.

pjpvi - 2-28-2023 at 11:10 AM

Quote:

Visit Serpentario de La Paz. Neat little snake zoo.

Thursday is my museum day since it is supposed to be colder and windy. I had read on that place and may include it. Thanks

My first ever fútbol match tonight. $16.50 USD for great seat location! Atlético La Paz vs Alacranes Durango. Go La Paz!

pjpvi - 2-28-2023 at 11:15 AM

Meanwhile, I visited my van this morning to get some stuff out of it I need for my boat trip tomorrow. It is so sad just sitting waiting on a new injector. Hopefully this weekend!

mtgoat666 - 2-28-2023 at 08:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pjpvi

Quote:

Visit Serpentario de La Paz. Neat little snake zoo.

If you like bicycle track racing, there is a velodrome on south side of town, amongst the various sports fields on Ave de los Deportistas

pjpvi - 3-1-2023 at 09:24 PM

Quote:

If you like bicycle track racing, there is a velodrome on south side of town, amongst the various sports fields on Ave de los Deportistas

I would have never guessed that! If my repair gets delayed I'll check it out.

I also learned that La Paz has a basketball team (Mantarrayas) that plays in an arena behind the fútbol stadium and a baseball team (Delfines) that play in a stadium next to the fútbol stadium.

I am bummed my van is not well, but on the bright side I have learned a ton about La Paz being unexpectedly "stranded" hear for a while. The fútbol match last night and the following after party in the parking lot was a great time!

BajaBlanca - 3-2-2023 at 05:51 AM

Thanks for visiting him! It was so nice of you.

No matter what, i would go to Cabo Pulmo and snorkel after the van is fixed. It is such a wonderful place.

I just realized that Barbara from Canada lives in La Paz and would probably accompany you on your lunches etc if you want company?

pjpvi - 3-2-2023 at 08:23 AM

Quote:

No matter what, i would go to Cabo Pulmo and snorkel after the van is fixed.

Thanks Blanca. I've been to Cabo Pulmo a couple times and agree the snorkeling is fantastic. I had a great time out at Isla Espiritu Santo yesterday although the water is a bit frigid now.

Once the van's spa treatment is complete I'll probably start a slow wander north.

I was yelled at by both a sea lion and a mountain yesterday!

Yelling Sea Lion.jpg - 99kB

David K - 3-2-2023 at 10:41 AM

LOL!!! Me too, on the same day!

bachrachj - 3-10-2023 at 08:41 AM

Hola Blanca. Can you help me find you through a different way than the coordinates? We have a trip north next month and would love to come visit. Also, thanks to all for all the great information in this thread.