MEXICO Archives - trust me travel

East Cape Baja Mexico: Guide to a Surfer’s Paradise

Trust Me Travel — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:40 +0000

Just an hour northeast of Cabo San Lucas, where pavement turns to dirt roads and donkeys shuffle along turquoise shores, you’ll find the East Cape of Baja California Sur. This remote stretch of coast feels worlds away from the resort laden, party scene most people picture when they think of Cabo. Instead, you’ll find empty beaches, perfectly peeling right-hand surf breaks, and miles of coastline with hardly another soul in sight. If that sounds like your kind of escape, read on for the best places to stay, eat, and explore in East Cape Baja Mexico.

1 – How to get there

2 – Hotels & where to stay

3 – Where to eat

4- Tips for surfing

5 – Things to do

Best time to visit – June-August for surfing, December-April for whale watching.

How many days I’d recommend – A week is ideal, but 3-4 days would also be blissful.

Is it safe? – Yes, I genuinely never felt unsafe. That being said, use common sense, always respect the places you visit, and be kind to the people who live there.

How to get there

One of the best parts about the East Cape is how remote and unspoiled it is. But, this means it takes a little extra effort to get to. I promise, it’s worth it!

Nearby airport – Los Cabos International Airport. From the airport it’s about a 1 hour drive drive.

Rent a car – This is really the only option to get around. We always use Rentalcars.com to find the cheapest/best deals. The roads are all dirt and pretty bumpy, so highly suggest getting a mid-size SUV or larger.

Hotels and where to stay on the East Cape

Baja Station $ – Beachfront glamping with a laidback communal vibe. Located directly on a right-hand point break, you can’t beat the location. I loved being able to wake up every morning to watch the sunrise and check the surf straight from bed. I also worked from here a few days and can confirm that the wifi is solid.

NEST Baja $$ – A design-forward boutique hotel with a bojo coastal aesthetic. The property offers stunning views, a restaurant on site, and a communal pool. Plus each room has private terraces and fireplaces.

Villa del Faro $$ – Gorgeous villas with vibrant Mexican decor and coastline views. The on-site restaurant, pool, and private beach access will make this hotel hard to leave.

Where to eat on the East Cape

Even though it’s remote, there’s some stellar restaurants to choose from in the East Cape, especially in La Fortuna.

Restaurante La Fortuna – An unassuming white bus where owner and chef, Victor is whipping up simple yet delicious tacos and burritos. The tuna and the shrimp tacos were our favorite. We also heard glowing reviews about the breakfast burrito.

Zai Sushi – Super fresh sushi and seafood dishes with a Mexican flair. The ‘curricanes’ starter is a must try.

Lateral La Fortuna – Our favorite margaritas and aguachile of the trip were had here! Which is saying a lot since we sampled both at almost every restaurant we visited. Located directly on the beach, you also can’t beat the views.

SHADE – The owners were super kind! Great service with a relaxed ambiance and tasty food.

Tips for Surfing on the East Cape

Perfectly peeling turquoise waves, no wetsuit needed, and less than 10 people in the lineup – this is what my surf dreams are made of thanks to the East Cape.

Best time to visit for surfing – June-August. This is summer in Mexico, so you can expect sunny skies, warm water, and consistent south swells that make for great surfing.

Ability level – Best for intermediate to advanced surfers since it’s mostly point breaks with reef underneath. Watch out for exposed rocks and sea urchins.

Renting a surfboard – Costa Azul Surf Shop has a great selection of quality surfboards if you don’t want to pack your own. They have two locations, both of which are convenient. One is on the East Cape by Nine Palms surf break and the other is in San José del Cabo.

Things to do on the East Cape

If surfing isn’t your thing, no worries! There are still plenty of things to do and they all focus on soaking in the the miles of serene, secluded coastline this area has to offer.

Whale watching – In the winter, humpback and gray whales migrate from Alaska to breed and calve in the warm waters off Baja Sur. During this time, the whales often come close to the shore, where you can see them breach directly from the beach. Peak whale watching season in December-April.

For an even closer look, there’s plenty of boat tours to choose to choose from. Salty Cabo Excursions offers a few different tours including ones at sunrise or sunset.

Snorkel and swim – The Sea of Cortez is known as the ‘Aquarium of the World’ due to its marine life and beautifully calm waters. Book a snorkeling tour to check out some of the best spots. This one leaves out of San José del Cabo, which is only around 30 minutes away.

Long walks on the beach – On some days you can walk for miles without ever seeing another soul. Stroll, search for shells, dive into the water for a quick dip, repeat.

Maybe most importantly, the East Cape is the perfect place to disconnect and relax!

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Valle de Guadalupe: Guide to a Weekend Trip from San Diego

Trust Me Travel — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:50:51 +0000

Looking for a weekend getaway? Valle de Guadalupe, just two hours south of San Diego, offers world-class wine, food, and scenery at a fraction of the price of California. I’ve visited three times for a girls’ trip, a romantic weekend, and a day trip from Rosarito, and each experience has been equally memorable. The rustic yet upscale vibe, combined with a taste of another culture, makes it a perfect escape without the hassle of flying.

Here’s my travel guide to the best wineries, restaurants, and places to stay, to help you make the most of your weekend in this beautiful Mexican wine region.

3 Day Itinerary – Weekend Trip from San Diego

Day 1

Drive to Valle de Guadalupe, dinner at Fauna

Day 2

Tour and tastings at 2-3 local wineries, dinner at Bloodlust

Day 3

Drive back to San Diego, brunch at Cuatro Cuatros on the way

Nearby airport – Tijuana International Airport (TIJ). If you’re flying into the US, the closest airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Getting around – Drive or hire a driver. Since the main excursion here is visiting local wineries, I’d recommend the latter!

Best season/time to visit – Year-round, but I’d recommend visiting in winter (December to March). This is the low season, when temperatures are mild and hotels are cheap.

How many days I’d recommend – 2 to 3 days is ideal, but a day trip works too in a pinch.

Dog friendly – Many wineries and restaurants welcome dogs! Always safe to double check in advance though.

How to get there

Walk across the border & hire a driver – This is a game-changer. It takes the stress out of crossing the border and navigating unfamiliar roads, so you can fully relax, enjoy the wineries, and soak in the scenery, without a worry.

Emanuel is your guy. Born and raised in the valley, there wasn’t a place we went that the locals didn’t know him and he’s super freaking sweet. You can reach him on WhatsApp to coordinate your weekend +52 646 117 7193.

Drive – Valle is just a 2-hour drive from San Diego, and the journey is part of the fun. You’ll pass beautiful views of the Baja California coastline before the landscape transforms into a rugged, mountainous desert as you get closer to the valley.

A few tips for crossing the border if you decide to drive:

You need auto insurance. Check with your insurance provider to see if you’re covered internationally. If not, purchase insurance from BajaBound.com.
Make sure you have cash for the tolls. They accept USD!
Crossing into Mexico is a breeze. The way back, not so easy. Check border wait times and trends at bwt.cbp.gov and plan to go at off-times. Best case scenario you’re waiting 1 hour. Worse case scenarios 5+ hours…
If you travel to Mexico often, consider getting a SENTRI pass. Easiest way to get one is by registering your vehicle through Global Entry.

Hotels in Valle de Guadalupe

Contemplacion Resort & Spa $$ – After a full day sightseeing, a little buzzed from all the wine, and sleepy from being in the sun – melting into the hot tub under the stars at Hotel Contemplacion proved to be the perfect way to end the night. We had our own private villa with gorgeous views of the valley and the restaurant on site was super convenient for breakfast.

La Villa del Valle $$ – A charming six-bedroom bed and breakfast set amidst breathtaking grounds. With a winery and restaurant on site, the only problem with the place is you might never want to leave.

Mexico en la Piel $$ – Choose from one of their 14 casitas, each with their own private terrace and fireplaces.

Things to do

Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico’s top wine region, so sampling the local wine should absolutely play a leading role in your trip.

Book a wine tour – lean back and let a local do the planning for you! From coordinating transportation, choosing the best wineries, and making reservations – a tour is well worth the cost. There are tons of great wine tours to choose from at varying price points here on Get Your Guide.

If you’re looking for a private, more elevated experience, I highly recommend Calandria Experience. The owner Andrea is a gem and will show you the best time.

Plan your own wine tour – prefer to have full control of your itinerary? You’re talking to the right gal. Checkout my sample itinerary here, as well as some of my favorite wineries and restaurants below. I recommend keeping it to 3 wineries tops in a day, plus dinner!

Las Nubes Bodegas y Viñedos (first), Almagre Cafe & Deli (second), Vinos Pijoan (third)

Wineries in Valle de Guadalupe

Vinos Pijoan – Family owned winery, offering natural wines at communal tables overlooking the valley. I struggled to choose which wines I was taking home with me in order to not exceed the 2 bottle limit crossing back over the border..

Las Nubes Bodegas y Viñedos – Arguably one of the best views in Valle can be seen from the patio at Las Nubes. Best paired with a glass of their rose and one of their sweet doggos nestled by your feet.

Cavas Sol y Barro – Visit for the delicious wines, then stay to hear the interesting stories behind their creation, told by the owner, Aimé, in the clay wine cellar he crafted himself.

Clos de tres Cantos – Simplistic, sleek, modern architecture with lovely outdoor spaces to enjoy their chocolate and wine tasting.

Tip: No matter the season, always a good idea to make a reservation!

If you need a break from the wine…

Almagre Café & Deli – In need an afternoon pick-me-up? Almagre has you covered with delicious speciality coffees and beautiful views.

Casa Frida Valle de Guadalupe – Kitsch, vibrant decor add to the lively atmosphere of this Frida Kahlo themed property. Their Granada Terrace is an ideal spot for a margarita and lunch.

Bloodlust Wine Bar – The cool girl of the Valle. A wine bar shaped like a garlic bulb. Or is it an onion? Whatever it is, expect house music, lounge seating, and tasty cocktails. Perfect for a nightcap.

Restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe

Fauna – You’ll be hard pressed to find a guide that doesn’t mention Fauna, and for good reason! Their sustainable farm to table menu is exceptional and the ambiance strikes the perfect balance between elevated and relaxed. I highly recommend the tasting menu for the full experience, just make sure to come hungry!

Bar Bura Cuatro Cuatros – Perched on a cliffside, Cuatro Cuatros boasts breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the Baja coastline. Seriously, I mean knock your socks off views. To make the experience even better, pair the stunning scenery with one of their fresh seafood dishes, sourced right from the crystal-clear waters below. While it’s technically just outside of Valle, this spot is an absolute must-see when you’re in the area.

La Cocina de Doña Esthela – For authentic, homemade Mexican food in a warm, laid back atmosphere, Doña Esthela’s is your spot!

Finca Altozano – An upscale Mexican grille featuring local produce, meats and seafood. The grounds are beautiful too! Recommend cozying up next to one of the fire pits with a cocktail to end the night.

The post Valle de Guadalupe: Guide to a Weekend Trip from San Diego appeared first on trust me travel.

MEXICO Archives - trust me travel

East Cape Baja Mexico: Guide to a Surfer’s Paradise

Table of contents

How to get there

Hotels and where to stay on the East Cape

Where to eat on the East Cape

Tips for Surfing on the East Cape

Things to do on the East Cape

Valle de Guadalupe: Guide to a Weekend Trip from San Diego

3 Day Itinerary – Weekend Trip from San Diego

How to get there

Hotels in Valle de Guadalupe

Things to do

Wineries in Valle de Guadalupe

If you need a break from the wine…

Restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe