Side Trips

The Cube lies at the northern end of an area that features some of the most dramatic scenery of coastal Baja California. Over the years Mexican engineers have gradually improved the road from the border to the southern tip of the peninsula and there are several interesting destinations within an easy day’s drive south of the Cube. You can see numerous islands from the road and there are viewpoints where you can park and admire the scenery. Along the way there are many fish camps and clusters of beach huts. Although the roads are well maintained they are all 2 lane and extensively used by commercial trucks. So travel speeds will be limited and passing opportunities rare on hills and curves. The distances shown on the map are approximate

Puertecitos is a small town built around a rocky bay and is famous for the natural hot springs that emerge from crevices in the rocks on the eastern shore. At first glance Peurtecitos looks like a ghost town with a Pemex Station that seems to be permanently closed, and little sign of life. When you approach the only hotel there is a gateway beyond which access to the hot springs is gained by paying about $30 per vehicle. There are about ten pools or basins of various temperatures connected by concrete pathways. The best time to visit is about two hours past high tide. At low tide most of the pools are too hot.

San Luis Gonzaga is a village built on a sand bar surrounded by a lagoon and almost touching a rocky island. It is a gated community and access is only granted to people who want to dine at the restaurant of stay at the hotel. However, the gatekeeper, who can be found behind the Pemex station, may be persuaded to allow you to drive in and take a look around. The general store opposite the gas station operates an affordable motel on the beach just south of the airstrip.

​Bahia De Los Angeles has a harbor that overlooks an enormous 60 mile long island known as the Guardian Angel which lies 20 miles off the shore. Take the left turn from Highway 1 about 30 miles southeast of Laguna Chapala at a small settlement called Punta Prieta. The view is absolutely breathtaking as you approach Bahia De Los Angeles from a winding road descending from a desert plateau. Although the town is not large, there are many restaurants, hotels, and gift shops. You can hire a boat to visit the dozens of smaller islands in the Canal De Ballenas, and there are kayaking trips available.