About one-hour north of Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos provides a superb contrast to the fiesta life. So, experience the outdoors and indulge in ecotourism like no other place.
Todos Santos is a retreat for those who want to slow down and smell the roses. And, it’s a haven for those who crave outdoor adventure. Therefore, dine at a fine restaurant, take a siesta, and enjoy the natural beauty Todos Santos has to offer. Or, explore miles of unspoiled beaches, go exotic bird watching, take an exhilarating hike, kayak, surf, snorkel, scuba-dive, and go fishing. The sky is the limit!
Brief history of Todos Santos
Father Jaime Bravo established the southern-baja location as Nuestra Señora del Pilar de La Paz, back in 1723. It eventually grew into a mission named Santa Rosa de Todos Santos in honor if its benefactor, Doña Rosa de la Peña. Finally, the population of La Paz mission was transferred there after it received mission status. But, the mission was then abandoned in 1749, and the town was renamed to Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Todos Santos. After that, not much happened there for the next 100 years.
Sugar production
In the mid-19th century, Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Todos Santos prospered for the next 100 years as a top sugar producer. In 1850, there were eight sugar mills near town. This provided great wealth for the area, and accounted for the wonderful colonial-style architecture you can see there today. Unfortunately, the town fell into ruins in the 1950’s after a long drought, which caused the water table to dry. Thus, the sugar cane crop production came to a halt, causing a massive financial decline in the region.
Farming
After the drought ended, the rich farmlands were revived and Todos Santos started to prosper again from an abundance of chili, avocado, vegetable, papaya and mango production. Also, fishing and ranching began to flourish.
Tourism
In the early 1980’s, an influx of tourism occurred after the Mexican government paved Mexico Highway 19 from La Paz through to Cabo San Lucas. This highway passes right through Todos Santos.
Many fine artists, artisans and craftsmen have moved to Todos Santos. Therefore, it became famous for it’s art culture. And now, eco-tourism is becoming the future for Todos Santos…
What to expect in Todos Santos
The southern Baja peninsula hosts several unique eco-systems to explore. And, in December, watch the whales migrate down the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Cortez. Also, there are many more things to see and do in Todos Santos, as follows:
Wildlife
Among the wildlife in Todos Santos are wonderful lineup of birds. And, this is a bird-watcher’s paradise. You’ll find Oriole finches – both Scott’s and hooded, Western tanagers, Northern Mockingbirds, Cactus Wrens, hummingbirds (Black-chinned, Costa’s and Xantu’s), doves, sparrows, Wilson’s warblers, Turkey Vultures, Vermilion flycatchers, white-faced Ibis, Cassin’s kingbird, Gila Woodpeckers, gilded flickers, Verdins, Kestrals, Hawks, western grebes, Great and Snowy-white Egrets, Blue Herons, and black-necked Stilts, Frigatebirds, Osprey and Brown Pelicans. Now that was a long list!
The Garden Restaurant
“Our Todos Santos restaurant menu features an ever-revolving list of ingredients yet remains true to simple preparations with unexpected taste bud twists. You’ll drive past our organic garden on the way in- we harvest and cook our own produce every day here at the Ranch. We’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From Banana Pancakes to Huevos Rancheros for breakfast, Caramelized Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas for lunch and our many fresh and delicious dinner specials, we’re pretty confident you won’t go hungry here at Rancho Pescadero.”
Miguel’s Restaurant
- Fresh Seafood – Traditional Mexican style
- Always Friendly… Best Chile Rellenos in the Baja
- We Cater Parties, large or small
- Delicious & Authentic Mexican Breakfasts
El Gusto Restaurant
The Restaurant El Gusto offers Mexican gourmet cuisine with an international fusion. They use the best local organic produce, meat, and a wide variety of fresh seafood. Also, they specialize in Mexican wines, offering a great selection from the Todos Santos’ region.
“Our Chef has the highest of standards regarding freshness and quality.”
La Santena Restaurant
Sit at the best sidewalk cafe in Todos Santos and watch the cowboys ride by, or go inside the historic cantina to eat. The building was the home and general store of the Salgado family for over 70 years. And, many of the original features were preserved in the thoughtful renovation of the building. Also, the back bar is the original display case for Doña Tota’s dining wares. There, you’ll find Mexican food with a fresh twist. La Santena uses local and seasonal ingredients and the menu celebrates the fresh flavors that are available in Baj Sur. Finally, the kitchen, bar and service staff commit to making your dining experience in Todos Santos delicious, comfortable and memorable.
Cerritos Beach Club
Playa Los Cerritos is one of the area’s peaceful beaches. And, beach lovers embrace the Baja California surfer vibe, walk freely on the soft shore, watch the sunset, and drink a cool beverages while soaking in the sun. This beach is ideal for family gatherings, barbecues, and hanging out with friends.
Release sea turtles
Volunteering for Sea Turtles in Todos Santos is the Eco Adventure of a lifetime! Help population recovery and participate in marine-life researchin Mexico. Work with volunteers who are hightly trained in data collection. So, they collect data on turtle nesting, nest relocation, incubation greenhouse operation, nest excavation, and hatchling releases.
Tropic of Cancer Music Festival
The Todos Santos Trópico de Cáncer Concert Series is an eleven-day event that takes place in January every year. Much of the festival takes place at the Hotel California. The festival gathers touring musicians for two weekends of great music and fun.
Art Festival
With over a decade of tradition, this art festival lasts an entire week. Participants include renowned personalities from the local and international cultural field. The program includes high-quality dance and theater performances, singers, musical concerts, craft shows, food exhibitions and other artistic events.
Film Festival
The Todos Santos Film Festival, with its ten editions, has become one of the best cultural activities for both residents and tourists alike. It’s distinguished for projecting only high-quality films and short films primarily in Spanish. And, each edition is attended by prestigious directors and actors. All funds collected at the festival are allocated to social-welfare works and it aims to promote creativity through film-making workshops among children and local youth.
Los Cabos real estate
Many Americans, Canadians, and people from other countries choose to make Los Cabos, Mexico, their home or vacation home. So, discover how to purchase your dream home in Los Cabos, Mexico by inquiring with the top Real Estate broker in Los Cabos: Nick Fong, who’s been featured twice on HGTV’s Beachfront Bargain Hunt.
Come visit soon
Thank you for reading Todos Santos: A Mexican oasis of palms & fruit trees where desert meets the Sierra Laguna mountains, written by Greg Hixon. Be sure to check out other posts about Los Cabos on Nick Fong‘s blog at Blog.LosCabosAgent.com. There, learn about the many wonderful aspects of Los Cabos, Mexico, from blog posts like this.