La Ventana, Baja

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Overview:

Every van traveler to southern Baja should stop by La Ventana. Due to the fantastic winds, it is home to a sizable kitesurfing community. In addition to its charming downtown, beautiful beach, and beachside camping, this town has much to offer. My all-time favorite spot in all of southern Baja! 

 

Adventure:

La Ventana is a small fishing village in Mexico on the beautiful Sea of Cortez. It is 40 minutes south of La Paz and about 2 hours north of Cabo. It is on the eastern side of the Baja California peninsula in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Salome Leon, a pearl diver from La Paz, started the village in the early 1940s.

From October to April, the Sea of Cortez has steady winds, making the village a great place for wind sports. The wind comes from the side, and the bay is curved, so no matter what happens on the water, you can always land on a beach and be home in time for happy hour.  

Kitesurfing

There are many places to kitesurf in La Ventana. The wind usually starts blowing around 11 or 12 and dies around 5. On a few days when the wind is really blowing (an “El Norte”), there can be head-high waves in several places, which makes for some very exciting days. 

Many ride without wetsuits because the water is warm, but a 3/2 wetsuit will keep you warm and help you get the most out of your time on the water.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is a popular hobby in the morning when there is no wind. Many people will practice yoga and relax on their paddleboards in the calm ocean. I find it a great way to start your day. 

Camping

There are various camping options available while you are in La Ventana. There are two main beach campgrounds and a few small campgrounds located inland:

  • Campground del Ejido de La Ventana y El Sargento
  • Playa El Sargento ($300p per night)
  • Common Campground
  • Tango Azul Resort & RV Park
  • Bungalows & Campground El Sargento  

Boondocking

Free camping spots are available in the La Ventana area. Specifically, the beach and the Ayro to the north of El Sargento (the village just north of La Ventana) are where most boondockers go. The hot spring at the seashore is a popular place to hang out.

It’s a privilege to have La Ventana for our enjoyment, so please practice Leave No Trace principles.

 

Directions:

DRIVING FROM LA PAZ

If you are driving from La Paz, take Highway 1 South from La Paz to Highway 286 (the intersection south of the Soriana/mall). Dorian’s Turn left and head southeast toward San Juan de Los Planes. Turn left at Km 36 toward El Sargento and La Ventana once you get over the mountains.

DRIVING FROM LOS CABOS AIRPORT (SJD)

When you leave the airport, head east for half a mile until you reach the main highway. At the main highway, turn north and then turn left to head toward Los Barriles and San Bartolo.

Once you reach San Antonio (don’t pay attention to the sign that says “San Antonio” on your left; the town of San Antonio is a couple of miles further, and Highway I crosses it), you’ll go past a river bed and a Pemex station. As you start to go uphill in a left curve with big palm trees, turn right off the highway into the village. It is also paved, and there will be a sign that says “La Ventana/San Juan de Los Planes.” This road will take you to Los Planes in 20 minutes (Highway 286).

Turn left on Highway 286 (towards La Paz), drive past the next Pemex station, and turn right at the first paved road after the Pemex station to head toward La Ventana–El Sargento.

References and Links:

 

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