La Paz: Balandra & Tecolote Beaches Day Trip with City Tour

Swim turquoise waters then wander La Paz streets for crafts and history

You’ll swim in clear turquoise water at Balandra or Tecolote Beach, wander La Paz’s historic streets with a local guide, taste regional crafts and liqueurs, and relax over lunch by the sea. Expect moments of laughter and quiet awe—and maybe a salty breeze that sticks with you long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — La Paz city tour and beach visit

• Visit Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz
• Tour city museum
• Walk along the sea wall Malecón
• Visit artisan's house for crafts
• Visit Balandra Beach or alternative beach
• Relax and eat at beach restaurant

The Experience

“You guys ever tried Damiana before?” That’s what our guide, Ana, asked as we ducked into the artisan shop in La Paz. I’d barely wiped the salt from my eyes after swimming at Balandra Beach—if you get there early enough (and we did), the water is so clear you can see your toes wriggling in the sand. There was this moment when I just stood waist-deep, letting the sun warm my shoulders while a couple of pelicans argued over a fish nearby. It smelled like sunscreen and seaweed and something sweet from someone’s picnic. The main keyword here is day trip La Paz beaches—I mean, that’s why we came.

We started with a slow walk through the city center—Ana pointed out the cathedral’s chipped stonework and told us how pirates used to sneak through these waters (I didn’t expect pirate stories in Baja). The craft center had all these little things made from cacti and desert wood; I picked up a carved cholla cactus piece for my sister. Someone handed me a tiny glass of Damiana liqueur—herbal, kind of floral? Not sure I’d drink it every day but it made me laugh. Lunch was right on Tecolote Beach, feet in the sand, grilled fish that tasted smoky and fresh. The breeze kept flipping my napkin into my lap.

I should mention: access to Balandra is limited now because of government rules. Ana explained they do their best but sometimes you end up at another beach instead—she said it happens more on weekends. We got lucky this time but honestly, even if you miss it, these beaches around La Paz are all ridiculously pretty (oops, I promised myself not to use words like “pretty” but…they are). On the drive back along the Malecón, windows down, you catch glimpses of sculptures against that wide blue sky. There was this old man selling paletas who waved as we passed—I still think about that view.

Top questions

Is access to Balandra Beach guaranteed on this tour?

No, access to Balandra Beach is regulated by authorities and cannot be 100% guaranteed. If entry isn’t possible, another beautiful beach will be visited instead.

Does this day trip include lunch?

Yes, lunch at a restaurant facing the sea is included during your visit to Tecolote Beach or another nearby beach.

What should I bring for the La Paz beaches day trip?

You should bring comfortable clothes, swimsuit, towel, sunblock, hat or cap, sunglasses, sandals or beach shoes, extra clothes to change into after swimming, and some cash.

Are hotel pickups included?

The tour includes pickup (confirm details when booking), bottled water throughout the day, and all visits listed in the itinerary.

What are some highlights besides Balandra Beach?

The tour also includes visiting Tecolote Beach (or another nearby beach), exploring La Paz’s historic center including its cathedral and museum, walking along the Malecón seawall by van, and stopping at an artisan craft center.

What’s included

Your day covers guided touring through La Paz’s historic center with stops at its cathedral and museum before heading out for swimming at Balandra or Tecolote Beach (depending on access). You’ll visit an artisan craft center for regional souvenirs and taste Damiana liqueur if you’re curious. Bottled water keeps you refreshed throughout; lunch is served right by the sea before returning via scenic coastal roads—with plenty of stories along the way.