Santiago Baja California Sur
After living for some years in Sweden, i came to Baja California Sur with a simple idea to take a motorcycle trip, that was supposed to last a few months before returning to Europe that took an unexpected turn.
I ended up living an entire year in Santiago.
In this guide, I’ll share why I stayed, and the places and moments that made it impossible to leave.
Santiago is a small village hidden within an oasis in the desert of Baja California Sur, surrounded by palm trees, hot springs, and slow rhythms, it feels like a pause in the middle of the desert, it is also the gateway to La Sierra de la Laguna a natural playground for those drawn to adventure.
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Santa Rita Hot Springs
It was in a hostel chat that I first heard rumors about hot springs hidden in the mountains.
I was traveling with my best friend, and without thinking too much about it, we picked up the car and drove through the desert.
When we arrived, we couldn’t believe what we were seeing. We set up our camping tents and waited for night to fall. That night, we were completely alone.
It became the most star-filled sky I’ve ever seen. Sitting in the hot springs, looking up at the stars, time simply disappeared. We had heard it wasn’t healthy to stay in for more than thirty minutes.
We stayed for almost four hours.
Santa Rita Hot Springs
Hidden among palm trees and desert terrain, the hot springs near Santiago offer a rare kind of pause. This is not a polished attraction or a crowded spa it’s a raw, natural experience that feels deeply connected to the land.
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The warm water, fed by underground geothermal activity, creates small pools where time seems to slow down. Surrounded by nature and silence, the springs invite you to disconnect, breathe, and simply be present. Visiting at the right time of day makes all the difference, especially if you want to experience them without crowds or noise.
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These hot springs are one of those places where knowing what to expect and how to respect the environment matters. Treated gently, they remain one of Santiago’s most peaceful escapes, offering a moment of calm in the heart of Baja California Sur.
How to get there
​Santiago is accessible, but preparation makes a real difference. Having your own vehicle is essential, as public transportation is limited and doesn’t reach many of the surrounding areas.
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Mobile signal is very limited once you head into the mountains, so it’s highly recommended to download offline maps in advance. This will allow you to navigate without setbacks and enjoy the drive with more peace of mind.
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The road is mostly rough, with broken pavement and sandy sections. While it doesn’t require serious off-roading skills, a light off-road–capable vehicle is ideal, especially if you plan to explore beyond the town itself.
Note
They are Closed in Wednesday ¡¡¡¡
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They only take cash ¡¡¡
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Be aware of the Cows in the road¡¡
Waterfalls
Rancho Sol de Mayo
Sol de Mayo is a freshwater waterfall and natural pool located near the town of Santiago, BCS, inside a protected canyon ecosystem. The waterfall drops into a turquoise‑green swimming hole that feels almost unreal given the surrounding desert terrain. Access is managed through Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo, which helps preserve the area and maintain the trails.
How to get there
Sol de Mayo is located about 25 minutes from Santiago. The road is mostly dirt, but a 4×4 is not required if you drive carefully. Cell signal is very limited in the mountains, so it’s best to download the map offline before leaving town.
The entrance fee is around $300.00 MXN per person, though it can vary.
Best coffee in Town
Tostado
Tostádo is a small café born out of love. Its story begins when a French woman decided to move to Santiago to build a life with her Mexican partner and open a café of her own. What started as a personal dream quickly became one of those places that feels intentional, warm, and deeply personal.
The coffee is high quality, carefully prepared, and reflects a clear respect for the craft. The space has a unique style, simple but full of character, making it easy to stay longer than planned. The internet works perfectly, which makes it a rare and reliable stop if you need to work, plan your route, or simply slow down for a while.
But the real stars here are the sandwiches generous, well-balanced, and clearly made with care.
Tostádo isn’t just a place to grab a coffee; it’s a place to settle in, feel welcome, and experience a small but meaningful part of Santiago.
Acommodation
Amet Nature Retreat
AMET
Hotel Boutique
Hidden between the desert and, almost at the edge of the Santiago oasis, lies Amet Nature Retreat, a place that redefines hospitality in Baja California Sur.Amet offers something no other hotel in the region can honestly promise: the true experience of sleeping in an oasis.
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Here, the contrast is absolute. The arid desert is left behind and, suddenly, vegetation, water, and silence create an atmosphere that feels intimate and deeply natural, the architecture blends seamlessly with its surroundings. Nothing stands out, nothing competes with the landscape. Every line, material, and space seems intentionally designed to coexist with the oasis rather than dominate it. The design consistently conveys a sense of quiet luxury, where comfort is not ostentatious, but carefully curated.
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La huerta de la Abuela
Family Guest House
As a second accommodation option, La Huerta de la Abuela offers something entirely different, yet equally meaningful. This stay is deeply rooted in the history of Santiago and is located within the orchard of Esther Mondragón, one of the most respected and beloved figures in the community.
Staying here means quite literally sleeping in the grandmother’s garden, surrounded by mature mango trees and the quiet rhythm of everyday life in the oasis. The space feels personal, warm, and honest—far removed from conventional hospitality.
Mrs. Mondragón, now over 100 years old, carries with her a lifetime of stories, traditions, and memories of Santiago. Her presence gives the place a soul that cannot be designed or replicated. La Huerta de la Abuela is not just a place to stay; it is an opportunity to connect with the living history and cultural roots of the oasis.
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¿What´s the Best Plan ?
If you’re going to Santiago, this is the best plan.
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Arrive in town between 9 and 10 a.m. That way you can stop by Cafetería Tostado, grab a coffee and a ham and cheese sandwich which I’ve officially become addicted to and then head up to the Sierra de la Laguna.
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Once there, you have two options in front of you, you can visit the Santa Rita hot springs or Cañón de la Zorra.
But if you’re an adventure junkie like me… you’ll do both 😄
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Start at Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo, where you can go on a long hike and take a swim in its beautiful waterfall. At this point, it’s very important that you still have half of your ham and cheese sandwich left.
Once you’re tired, point your compass toward the Santa Rita hot springs. They’re no more than 150 meters from the park entrance, along a mostly flat path with no stairs, once in the Santa Rita Hotsprings are no more than 150 m from the gate of the park so its going to be really chill for that tired legs 😄.
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