Day 18 — ~Mon 13 July — Agua Verde to La Paz

Distance: ~320 km | Drive time: ~5-6 hours (including the dirt road back out) Route: Dirt road back to Highway 1, then south to La Paz.

This is a longer driving day, but the terrain south of Loreto along Highway 1 is beautiful — the Sierra de la Giganta mountains on your left, occasional sea views on your right. The road is good.

Alternatively, break this into two days by overnighting at Puerto Escondido (a harbour/marina south of Loreto) or Ciudad Insurgentes (a functional agricultural town — not pretty, but has fuel and food).

La Paz is the state capital and a real city (~300,000 people). The malecón is one of the best in Mexico — 5 km of waterfront promenade, perfect for a sunset run. The city has excellent seafood restaurants, supermarkets, laundromats, and everything you need. It doesn't feel touristy the way Cabo does.

Where to stay in La Paz: Campestre Maranatha (24.0983, -110.3861) — south of town, camping with pool and showers, popular with overlanders. Or for a treat night, there are affordable hotels/Airbnbs if the family wants AC and proper beds after Agua Verde's heat.

🏨 Marriott options in La Paz: Courtyard by Marriott La Paz — pool, Sea of Cortez views, near Marina Costa Baja and Balandra Beach. Accepts Bonvoy points. This is the ideal recovery night after 3-4 days off-grid at Agua Verde. Also: Baja Club Hotel — a boutique Design Hotels member on Bonvoy. More upscale, on the malecón. And City Express La Paz as a budget Bonvoy option.

Days 18-20 — ~Mon 13 July to Wed 15 July — La Paz and surrounds (2-3 nights)

La Paz is worth spending time around, not just as a resupply stop.

Playa Balandra ★ (24.3216, -110.3238) — About 25 km north of La Paz on Highway 11. Regularly rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. A shallow, sheltered lagoon with turquoise water and white sand. The "mushroom rock" is the iconic photo. Excellent for SUP — ankle-deep warm water extending far out. Gets busy on weekends even in summer, so go on a weekday and arrive early. No camping allowed, but a fantastic day trip. Free entry, limited parking.

Playa Tecolote (24.3530, -110.3080) — The next beach north from Balandra. Open, sandy beach with a few restaurant/palapa operations. You can camp here free or for a small fee. Good SUP spot. Pangas to Isla Espíritu Santo depart from here.

Isla Espíritu Santo ★ (24.4700, -110.3500) — A UNESCO World Heritage island about 25 km offshore. Day trips by panga visit sea lion colonies where you can snorkel with juvenile sea lions (they're playful and curious — teenagers will love this). The island has pristine beaches and world-class snorkelling. In summer, the water is at its warmest and clearest. Tours run ~$110-165 CAD per person. This is the other big-ticket experience worth paying for, alongside the Loreto islands.

Where to camp near La Paz:

Playa Tecolote — Free/cheap beach camping, restaurants nearby, panga departure point
El Mogote (24.1750, -110.3450) — Sand spit across the bay from La Paz, accessible by long dirt road. Remote and beautiful but hot with no shade.

Resupply: La Paz is your major resupply for the southern leg. Soriana, Chedraui, and Walmart-style supermarkets. Fill everything up.

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