How to Get to Balandra Beach from La Paz?
Transportation from La Paz to Balandra
Planning a trip to Balandra Beach from La Paz? Accessing this untouched paradise is easier than it seems! Most travelers begin their journey by car, the most direct route to Balandra’s stunning views.
Once in La Paz, you have several transportation choices. Buses and shuttles provide a direct, convenient way to reach the beach. Alternatively, consider a guided tour for a hassle-free trip and insights into the local area.
Transportation Options to Playa Balandra and Tecolote Beach
To get to where is Balandra Beach, you have to travel north of La Paz. The driving distance is 16 miles (27 km), and it takes 25-35 minutes.
By car:
From La Paz, reach Balandra Beach by car—simple and swift.
Drive 30 minutes on the well-paved Highway 11 (La Paz – El Tecolote Road).
Enjoy free parking upon arrival.
Renting a car in La Paz is advised. It offers freedom and the best views of Baja’s natural splendor.
By taxi or rideshare:
Without a car, opt for a taxi, Uber, or DiDi from La Paz.
Rideshares, which cost about 250 pesos in one way, are economical.
Returning to La Paz might prove challenging.
Do not count on beach departures via Uber or taxi. Instead, plan for a bus return. This is partly due to the unreliable cell service in the Balandra Beach area.
Alternatively, book an Uber in advance and request an Uber early in the afternoon.
By bus:
The bus service is a reliable way to get to and from the beach. For beach access without a car, opt for the cost-effective Playa Bus. Each way ticket costs 68 pesos.
Departures are from La Paz Malecon Bus Station, with stops at various beaches, including Balandra and Tecolote.
Current timetable (as of November 2023) from EcoBajaTours:
La Paz to Balandra: The frequency is on the hour every hour, starting at 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, and 5 pm, with an unclear option of 6:30 pm.
Balandra to La Paz: The advertised hours are quarter to the hour (i.e., 15 mins to the hours) 8:45 am, 9:45 am, 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 12:45 pm, 1:45 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:45 pm, 5:45 pm, 7:15 pm
Remember: The bus schedule does not align well with the morning entry slot (8 am – 12 pm). You will get there late, and if the capacity has been met, you will be allowed to enter only during the next shift or slot, which is in the afternoon. For an afternoon visit, catch the noon bus to arrive before it reopens at 1 pm.
Leaving Balandra requires a 10-minute walk to the main road to catch the bus.
By tour:
Consider an organized tour to Balandra Beach if you lack a car.
Tours are available both by land and by sea.
Sea tours offer a unique experience, such as arriving at the beach by boat, including snorkeling, and allow the freedom to come and go as you please.
Venturing to the beautiful shores of Playa Balandra or Tecolote Beach promises a perfect getaway.
Both seasoned travelers and newcomers will benefit from knowing all the accessible routes, making their beach day at Balandra as smooth as memorable.
How to Get to Balandra Beach from Cabo San Lucas
The driving distance is 96 miles (155 km), 1 hour, 58 minutes.
Transportation from Cabo to Balandra
Balandra Beach is approximately 2.5 hours away by car from Cabo San Lucas. The quickest route involves taking Highway 19 via Todos Santos. This scenic drive showcases the stunning landscapes of Baja California Sur.
For those considering public transport, the journey may take longer. Coordinating Cabo to La Paz and Balandra Beach bus schedules requires careful planning. One can imagine that traveling by car or on an organized tour often proves more efficient and less stressful.
How to Get to Balandra Beach from Los Cabos
A day trip is feasible if you’re based in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo and aim to visit Balandra Beach.
While it’s recommended that you spend a few nights in La Paz for a more relaxed experience, it’s possible for those tight on time to make it a long day trip, though it will be quite rushed.
Options for Visiting Balandra Beach from Cabo
Drive Yourself
Rent a car and drive to Balandra Beach. The journey takes about 2.5 hours from Cabo San Lucas and slightly longer from San José del Cabo.
The fastest route is Highway 19 via Todos Santos. At a certain point, the highway joins the one leading from the Los Cabos EastCape, and the highway number changes to 1.
Join an Organized Tour
This option is preferable to avoid the exhaustion of driving for more than five hours a day.
Organized tours manage transportation and typically include stops in La Paz and Todos Santos, allowing you to enjoy the day without the stress of driving.
Public buses from Cabo to La Paz and then from La Paz to Balandra are technically possible but impractical for a day trip due to the lengthy travel times and difficulty matching bus schedules with beach opening hours.
Planning a trip to Balandra Beach from Cabo San Lucas
Drive north from Cabo San Lucas for a scenic route to one of Mexico’s most pristine beaches. Alternatively, public buses offer a budget-friendly, albeit slower, option. Each transportation method provides a unique way to start your adventure in this paradise.
