Bonus Guide: The “Back in Time for Happy Hour” Day-Trip Guide
Here are five of our favorite ways to spend at least half of a day adventuring nearby gems. These trips can be started in the early or mid-morning, ensuring you’re back in Los Barriles in time for Happy Hour.
1. Off-road beach adventure to Punta Pescadero
Several kilometers north of Los Barriles is a super funky “old-school Baja” hotel called Punta Pescadero, although for this particular trip, the journey is definitely the destination. You’ll want to pack a cooler of drinks, bring your beach gear, and hit the dirt road all the way to Punta Pescadero. Along the way there’s several gorgeous spots for photo ops, beach combing, snorkeling and sunbathing, so take your time. Once you get to the hotel, you can stop in for drinks or food and enjoy the views!
This trip can be taken by car, but it is admittedly a bit more fun and comfortable in a side-by-side or ATV. (Hotel Hondo guests can get special rates on these - message us directly to book.)
2. Hike Flat Top Mountain
From Los Barriles, if you look southeast across the bay at the mountain range in the distance, you’ll notice one of the mountains is missing it’s peak. Aptly-nicknamed, Flat Top Mountain, offers a friendly and fun hike (~45 minutes ascent) and rewards with 360º views, perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset. Bring water, or better yet, pack a picnic!
3. Swim at the waterfall in Santiago
While our area boasts several nearby waterfalls, this particular waterfall looks as if it were designed by Walt Disney himself. Perfectly secluded & picturesque, it’s totally worth the staircase climb. Pack good shoes, a towel, and your swimsuit, as well as a few pesos for the entrance fee. The water is perfect for taking a dip - or a jump if you dare!
Bonus: Stop by Palomar Restaurant in Santiago afterwards for both delicious food, and some Baja fishing history.
4. Wine tasting & tours at Rancho La Venta
These tours are only available on the weekends, but Rancho La Venta is the perfect way to get the rancho experience, and enjoy the beauty and culture of inland Baja, far away from the sea. A full, working farm & vineyard, this historic rancho exists in a valley microclimate in the mountains west of Los Barriles.
Go for a tour, a wine tasting, and a hike, followed by a dip in the natural pool. Call ahead to make a reservation.
World-class snorkeling & scuba adventures in Cabo Pulmo