Todos Los Santos - A Magical Village

The "Magical Villages Programme" of Mexico's Secretariat of Tourism highlights towns and villages that provide a "magical" experience.

A "Pueblo Magico" is replete with traditions, myths, colorful history and fiestas. Showcasing natural beauty, diverse cultures and historical landmarks,  this element, along with sunshine and beautiful beaches brings repeat visitors to the country.

Todos los Santos took pride of place among the 83 towns in all 31 provinces dubbed the Pueblos Mágicos {Magical Towns} in 2006. Its unique characteristics and quaint atmosphere are not to be missed.

Truly a hidden gem, it is well worth the hour's drive north from Cabo San Lucas, or south from the provincial capital of La Paz.

Todos Santos is located at the foot of the Sierra Laguna Mountains, where they meet the desert terrain, close to the Tropic of Cancer, on the Pacific coast.

The town came into being when Father Jaime Bravo established the "Mission Santa Rosa de las Palmas" in 1723, located prominently at the end of a street, across from the town plaza. The statue of the Virgin of Pilar is the highlight of the October festival.

Once the missions were secularized in the 19th century, Todos Santos became the sugarcane capital of Baja and thrived until 1965 when the sugar farms suffered a demise.

Stricken with wars, forgotten and neglected for many years, Todos Santos was given a new lease of life with the arrival of the paved Highway 19 from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas, which brought in tourists and agriculture, fishing and ranching,

The Baja Peninsula is home to unique eco-systems. December brings in  the whale migration season, when they can be seen swimming, breaching and spy-hopping along the shores.

The Gray Whale can be sighted from late January to mid-March. This gentle creature breeds and gives birth in the sheltered lagoons, returning to Alaska in March. A 12,000 mile round-trip spanning 2 to 3 months in each direction – with babies in tow on the return journey.

  

Humpback Whales are the acrobats and entertainers. They often cavort in groups, soaring out of the water and plunging back in huge splashes. Males indulge in tail smacking to impress a female audience. They are also the singers of the ocean, with a distinct, evocative sound. Humpbacks are on view from October to January, and in April.

The Mission

In the air, myriad species of birds seek to attract attention away from the whales. A paradise for ornithologists, the varieties are numerous and exciting…Orioles, House Finches, Western tanagers;  northern Mockingbirds,  Cactus Wrens, black-chinned, Costa's, and Xantu's hummingbirds…and on and on…

Eco-tourism may well be the future of Todos los Santos.

This Coastal Oasis village boasts a Church, Theater, Cultural Center & Museum among  many other historic buildings open to the public, during the Historic Homes Tour. Todos is a popular choice  for seminars and workshops, art festivals, and photo-shoots. Many artists, artisans & crafts people have made their homes here. Todos Santos is becoming well-known as a Cultural & Artistic center. 

Hotel California

A wide array of restaurants serve traditional and creative cuisine using locally grown organic produce - Poblano chilies, Avocado, Papaya & Mango, organic vegetables and local, fresh seafood.

The hotel that is the anchor of the tiny hamlet was made famous by The Eagles, who allegedly based their famous song, "Hotel California,” on the eponymous hostelry of the same name.  It stands in neon pink grandeur in the middle of one of the few main streets.

You cannot leave Todos Santos without stepping into the place and being regaled by its history and its eye-popping, colorful decorations, and hidden courtyards. If  you can't spend the night there, at least stop by for a meal or a drink. You will be able to dine out on that story for a long time.

Many beautiful beaches are located a short drive away. Playa Las Palmas and Playa Los Cerritos are safe beaches for swimming and shell collecting. San Pedrito Point, and Los Cerritos attract surfers from around the world.

Today tourist activity abounds, with a boom in real estate.  They  come to see Hotel California, the mission of Santa Rosa, and shop the vibrant arcades full of handicraft shops, art galleries featuring paintings of local scenes, a variety of interesting upscale restaurants, boutique hotels and restored colonial buildings.