SAN IGNACIO is without question one
of the most charming and beautiful towns in all of Baja. It is perfectly
located in a wide fertile valley, filled with thousands of date palms,
complete with a large spring fed lake right off the main road into town!
The town square is a classic, perfectly shaded by six huge Indian Laurel trees. Adjacent to the town square is Mision San Ignacio de Loyola, built in 1786. It is in excellent condition, due in no small part to its 4 feet thick volcanic rock walls! A peek in the front door is a must. You haven't seen a true Mexican party until you've been here on Saint Ignacio's birthday, during the last week in July. It's an incredible 24 hour fiesta!
The town offers many basic necessities, including ice, gasoline, and a decent size market. There is an airstrip north west of town, and pilots who fly over low enough might attract someone to come out and pick them up. If not, it's not a long walk to town.
There are two completely different sides to San Ignacio. The sprawl along Baja Highway One is just the excess that taps into the highway traffic. The real San Ignacio about one mile south of the highway, around the town square in the center of the palm-filled valley. This is the San Ignacio you want to see!
An Internet Cafe is now open in the town plaza, north side. The prices are reasonable.
Laguna San Ignacio is a couple of hours south west of town on fairly decent dirt road. This is an excellent place to watch the California Gray whales mate, give birth, and just generally play around. Tours are available, and reserving one in advance is a good idea.
There are also some very old cave paintings in the hills out from San Ignacio. Most of them are not particularly easy to get to, but well worth the trip for those interested in such things.
The beauty of the extinct volcanoes Tres Virgenes, located east of San Ignacio, is one of Baja's main treasures. Check out this great photo by professional photographer John Pelafigue: TRES VIRGENES. For other wonderful photos by John drop by his web site at MYFOTOS.WS.
San Ignacio is an excellent place to break up a peninsula drive, get out of the car and s-t-r-e-t-c-h. If one has the time to spend the night, the La Pinta Hotel offers good, if somewhat expensive, accommodations.
After the long drive getting to San Ignacio many Baja travelers have a tendency to take a quick drive through town, snap a picture of the mission, and then get back on the Baja Highway. Try to avoid this fast-paced review of San Ignacio if at all possible! A good plan is to arrive in town a bit hungry, park the car in the town square, and plan on spending an hour or two soaking in the character of this special Baja village. Explore your dining options while walking around, and then pull up a table and a cold drink to review your Baja map for the next leg of your journey!
It's about an hour drive from here to the Gulf of California, where the desert meets the sea. Hello Sea of Cortez!
The California Grey Whale makes an annual trek from the cold waters of Alaska to the waters of Laguna Ignacio, just west of San Ignacio. For more information on this amazing mammal drop by the WHALE WATCH section of Baja Expo.
To purchase a good map of the Baja Peninsula visit the web site of MEXICO MAPS.
If you would like to see what San Ignacio looks like FROM SPACE check it out!
THE GRINGO FACTOR
Make no mistake...San Ignacio is a geniune Mexican oasis village, and not a gringo vacation home location. Visitors usually depart Baja Highway One just south of the Pemex station and then head south one mile over the beautiful lagoon to park in the town square. The delicious ambiance of the huge laural trees and the adjacent spectacular mission are one of Baja's most popular rest stops. During whale watch season the dirt road heading through town takes visitors the 40 miles to the San Ignacio Lagoon.
YOUR FIRST STOP IN TOWN
Slip off the Baja Blacktop at the green and white "San Ignacio" sign and head south. The small two lane road leads you through an incredible landscape of palm trees, over the beautiful lake, and spills you into the town square. Park you car ... "honey, I'm home!". This spectacular town square with it's huge Indian Laurel trees and quaint shops is the perfect place to unwind when you arrive in town. Walking into the old historic mission and checking out the impossibly old wooden doors and the three foot thick stone walls is a must!
THE BEST OF SAN IGNACIO
The nicest hotel in San Ignacio is the DESERT INN located on the road that connects the town square to Baja Highway One. Located in a setting of thousands of palm trees it's only a few hundred yards to the historic town square. San Ignacio visitors looking for a good dining experience would do well to eat at the RICE AND BEANS RESTAURANT on the right side of the main road heading into town. The food and service are very good and the full bar offers great drinks, televisions and videos. Their hotel is also a good place to sleep. One of the best places in the world to watch the CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALES during thier annual migration (February through March) is in the San Ignacio Lagoon one hour west of town. It's an easy day trip, leaving San Ignacio in the morning and returning in the early afternoon. Whale petting anyone? Ask an experienced Baja aficianado about his favorite Baja mission and most of them will rave about the classic mission at San Ignacio. Dating back hundreds of years with some of the volcanic stone walls over 3 feet thick, this masterpiece is one of the true jewels of Baja. A walk around the adjacent town square introduces you to the real Baja. Bring a camera! The best road trip from San Ignacio is the 2 hour drive north west of town into the SAN FRANCISCO MOUNTAINS. The dirt road is usually in good condition for most passenger cars, and the views are wondeful. Tours of the Cave Paintings can be made at the tourism office in the town sqaure in San Ignacio.
CARLOS FIESTA'S HOT TIP:TIP: The beautiful lake at the entrance into town is the perfect place for a refreshing swim! It has been a popular watering hole for passing travelers and the locals for many years. The best place to enter the water is on the east side of the lake, near the road. Water shoes help make it easy to get in and out, but most folks go in barefoot. Cool!
Because of it's mid-peninsula location, San Ignacio is a bit short on beaches. However, thanks to the underground stream that runs through the valley here, a nice freshwater lake does provide somewhat of a 'beach' environment. The widest part of the lake is just next to the blacktop heading into town.
There are also beaches at Laguna San Ignacio, but the whales are the main draw for those beaches, and the weather is a bit cooler.
Serious beach bums will head south to the spectacular beaches of Bahia Concepcion!
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San Ignacio is a great place to camp out or RV The lush valley provides great shady areas to set up camp, and the weather is pleasant here most of the year. Most of the organized camping spots are pretty close to town.
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DON CHON'S CAMPING
On the left side on the road heading towards the town square.
Basic camping area under a grove of date palms. RICE AND BEANS CAMPING
Telephone 011-52 (615) 154-0283.
Fax 011-52 (615) 154-0283.
Just west of town. Make a sharp "U" turn west of the Pemex station, then go 4 blocks.
20 sites / restaurant / bar / flush toilets / hot showers / TV / rev's, trailers, and tents ok.
Ricardo Cota runs an excellent resort and service is his big priority.
Carlos Fiesta calls this one of the best places to camp in San Ignacio.EL PADRINO
Just past the La Pinta Hotel, at the curve.
40 sites / restaurant / bar / flush toilets / hot showers / TV / rev's, trailers, and tents ok.
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Fishing and boating are popular in Laguna San Ignacio. It's about 35 miles south west on a fairly decent dirt road. Boats are restricted during the whale migration period, but it's wide open the rest of the year. Launching is easy along the shore. The lagoon is much larger in person than it may appear to be on the map, offering many miles of open ocean-type fishing. Pangas and skippers are available for half day outings.
Your other option for fishing, if you don't mind heading east towards the Sea of Cortez, is the waters off of Santa Rosalia to Mulege and beyond. Santa Rosalia has a very nice harbor, and fishing tours are available. Also, Mulege is a big fishing town, with many additional options!
For more information on obtaining the proper fishing documentation required for dipping your hook in Baja waters check with the professionals at MEXICO ADVISORY SERVICES.
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BAJA RON'S GROUPER FISHING ADVENTURES
Telephone (909) 765-9522.
Custom fishing trips to Laguna San Ignacio. LOS FRAILES SPORTSFISHING ADVENTURES
Telephone / Fax 011-52 (615) 152-0373.
Apartado Postal 16, Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23920.
Fishing on a 23 foot Bayliner or a 20 foot Crestliner out of Santa Rosalia, on the Sea of Cortez. Check out their web site for further information.
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For as well known as San Ignacio is, accommodations are relatively limited. This is probably because most Baja travelers don't spend a lot of time here. It's a great place to explore for an afternoon or two, but most visitors are usually on their way to the Sea of Cortez on the east coast, or to the Pacific side, gradually headed for home.
There is a new hotel planned out by the Laguna San Ignacio, which will be convenient for whale watchers and fishermen. But right now, your choices are limited to accommodations right in town.
The Hot Tip in town is the Ignacio Springs Bed and Breakfast. For additional information visit the listing below.
RICE AND BEANS HOTEL
Telephone 011-52 (615) 154-0283.
Fax 011-52 (615) 154-0283.
Carretera Transpeninsular, San Lino, San Ignacio, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23930.
Just west of town. Make a sharp "U" turn west of the Pemex station, then go 4 blocks.
Number of rooms: 16 with more under construction.
2 rooms with 3 queen beds.
Restaurant / bar / flush toilets / hot showers / TV / fax / Internet service.
Room for RV's large and small.
Dining available indoors or on the open air patio.
Ricardo Cota runs an excellent resort and service is his big priority.
Carlos Fiesta often stays here while in while in San Ignacio.
Cave painting and whale watching tours arranged.
If the rooms are sold out ask Ricardo if you can sleep in his van. Carlos Fiesta did!!!!
Ricardo is planning to build casitas across the highway and up the hill with spectacular San Ignacio views!
Visa and Master Card accepted.IGNACIO SPRINGS BED AND BREAKFAST
Telephone 011-52 (615) 154-0333.
Fax 011-52 (615) 154-0166.
Apartado Postal #14, San Lino, San Ignacio, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23930.
Web site: www.ignaciosprings.com.
Number of rooms: 5.
4 Yurks and 1 bungalow.
Resort accommodations: Internet service / lagoon swimming area with easy access/ hot showers/ kayaks and small boats / whale watch and trail tours available.
Breakfast is included with your stay.
Ask about the daily fish feeding!
Hosts Gary and Terry Marcer will do their best to make your stay a great experience!
Carlos' Comments: Without question the best place to stay in San Ignacio. The rooms are spacious, well decorated and squeeky clean, and the staff is extremely friendly. The easy access to the swimming lagoon is the best thing going in San Ignacio!
Visit their web site for additional information.DESERT INN - LA PINTA HOTEL
Telephone (800) 336-5454.
Ensenada main office 011-52 (617) 176-2601.
Main office fax 011-52 (617) 176-3688.
Toll free (800) 336-5454.
Corporate address: Avenida Floresta at Bucaneros, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
Located off of Baja Highway One, one mile south of the highway intersection.
Number of rooms: 28.
Pool / open courtyard / restaurant / bar / volleyball / air conditioning / on-site parking.
If you've seen one La Pinta Hotel, you've pretty much seen them all. Clean accommodations, not cheap. The front desk is usually open 24 hours, so if you happen to drop looking for a room at 3:00 in the morning, you should be able to get a room.
A short walk to the town square and the mission.BAJA OASIS HOTEL
Located just south of San Ignacio on the Baja Highway at Km. 72 on the south side of the street.
A recently built small hotel.
Number of rooms: 6.
Inexpensive and clean with no amenities.
Some road noise, but if you drink enough tequila you will probably not notice it.
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This small town packs a big punch when it comes to different things to do. At first it appears to be just a sleepy little oasis with not many options to excite the average Baja traveler. But the more one reads up on this part of the peninsula, the more one wants to explore. As an example:
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DATES
This fertile valley, Arroyo de San Ignacio, features approximately 100,000 date palms which completely fill the valley floor. July 31st marks the annual date harvest and fiesta, and the town square ends up looking a lot like New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
SAN FRANCISCO MOUNTAINS ~ INDIAN ROCK ART
28 miles northwest of San Ignacio off of Highway One a fairly good dirt road heads east up into the San Francisco mountains. Cave paintings, pictographs, and petroglyphs found in the surrounding Sierra de San Francisco mountains are living proof that the native Indians who originally inhabited the Baja did more than sit around at night and watch Jay Leno. See Jorge Fischer (below) for tours.
WHALE WATCHING
The lagoon south west of San Ignacio is one of the three main locations where the California Gray whales migrate for their annual 6,000 mile round trip journey. During January, February and March skippers will take Baja travelers out in pangas to get up close and personal with these fun mammals.
BAJA ECO TOURS WHALE WATCHNG
Telephone U.S. (619) 819-2966.
Toll Free (877) 506-0557.
Web site: www.bajaecotours.com.
Whale watching trips to Laguna San Ignacio.
Unique whale camp at the edge of the lagoon with 16 cabanas.
Whales can be seen from the camp as well as by their boats.
The only whale watching operators who live full time at the lagoon!
22 years of experience and service in the lagoon.
Specially trained in CPR and medical first aid.
Romualdo Fischer and Johnny Friday at your service.
Check out their web site for additional information!BAJA AIRVENTURES
Telephone (800) 221-9283.
www.bajaairventures.com.
Fly-in whale watching adventures into Luguna Ignacio!BAJA EXPEDITIONS
Telephone (800) 843-6967 * (858) 581-3311.
Fax (858) 581-6542.
www.bajaex.com.
2625 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, California, 92109.
Gray whale camps at the lagoon for fly-in, drive-in hotel-style stay for one night or a week. Also group programs including air for the U.S.
Whale watching trips to Magdalena Bay also available.JORGE FISCHER
Telephone 011-52 (615) 154-0150.
Office in the town square, south side, near the Mission.
Jorge can set you up with an adventure to go see the whales, cave art, and whatever else tickles your fancy. Many years of experience!
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The slow pace of life in San Ignacio lends itself more towards relaxing and walking around than it does towards getting all fired up to do something that might get the heart pumping. But, hey, it's your vacation, so here's a few options.
A very nice public basketball court is located just past El Padrino R.V. park on the road the heads toward the Mission. It is located on the west side of the street.
The town soccer field is also located on the spur road that goes to the Mission, right across the street from the main lagoon.
Two good web sites to review for RVer's who want to tour the Baja Peninsula in an escorted RV caravan include BAJA WINTERS and BAJA AND BACK RV TOURS.
Visit the web site of WIDE OPEN BAJA for awesome buggy tours of the Baja Peninsula.
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BIKES
Cruising the village streets on a bicycle is a very fun way to see the town, and provides a little exercise at the same time. Unless you decide to peddle out of the valley, all of the streets are relatively flat. There's lots of shade in town, so even on a hot day biking can be fun!
HORSEBACK RIDING
Although there really is no organized horse facilities in town, Baja travelers won't have a problem finding some local horse owner to give up the family glue for a short ride around the valley. Prices are not set, but a gratuity of dollars, pesos, or cold beer is always appreciated.
KAYAKING
The lagoon just outside town is a wonderful place to paddle around and touch base with mother nature. The east end of the lagoon is the widest and the longest. Kayaks are usually available for rent at Mi Kasa, right on the lagoon next to the road. For longer kayak adventures, the huge Laguna San Ignacio offers dozens of miles of untouched coastline.
NAPPING
A favorite recreational activity in San Ignacio! Locations are important, and everyone seems to have a favorite spot. Laying on a bench in the town square, under the huge Indian Laurel trees, is always a good choice. Under a grove of date palms down river is another good option. Poolside at the La Pinta Hotel also fits the bill.
WHALE WATCHING
San Ignacio Lagoon is located about one hour south west of the village of San Ignacio, and is one of the "big three" destination lagoons used by the California Gray Whales for their annual mating rendezvous. It seems these huge mammals become friendlier to humans each year!
For more information check out the WHALE WATCHING section of Baja Expo.BAJA ECO TOURS WHALE WATCHNG
Telephone U.S. (619) 819-2966.
Toll Free (877) 506-0557.
Web site: www.bajaecotours.com.
Whale watching trips to Laguna San Ignacio.
Unique whale camp at the edge of the lagoon with 16 cabanas.
Whales can be seen from the camp as well as by their boats.
The only whale watching operators who live full time at the lagoon!
22 years of experience and service in the lagoon.
Specially trained in CPR and medical first aid.
Romualdo Fischer and Johnny Friday at your service.
Check out their web site for additional information!BAJA EXPEDITIONS
Telephone (800) 843-6967 * (858) 581-3311.
www.bajaex.com.
2625 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, California, 92109.
The professionals for whale watching in Laguna Ignacio! Check out their great web site for more information.
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The fanciest restaurant in town is at the La Pinta Hotel, everything else in town runs from casual to very casual. Part of the fun of exploring San Ignacio is trying to find a quaint place to eat.
Here are a few of the options:
RICE AND BEANS RESTAURANT
Telephone 011-52 (615) 154-0283.
Fax 011-52 (615) 154-0283.
Just west of town. Make a sharp "U" turn west of the Pemex station, then go 4 blocks.
A very good restaurant with a full bar, television, music and excellent service.
Ricardo Cota runs an excellent restaurant and service is his big priority.
Carlos Fiesta calls this the best places to eat in San Ignacio.
The margaritas at the bar are excellent!FLOJO'S RESTAURANT
Located in El Padrino RV Park, on the curve near La Pinta.
Good variety menu, indoor and outdoor dining, small bar. Sitting at the outdoor tables on a warm day is a fun place to watch the traffic coming and going into San Ignacio. If the weather is too hot or too cold, sitting indoors in the large round palapa is a good place to meet fellow travelers!TAQUERIA LOS ARCOS
Just outside the plaza, on the right side of the road heading east.
Good Mexican food, offering a pleasant outdoor verandah.LA MURALLA RESTAURANT
Located on the town road heading towards the mission, just a few hundred feet from Baja Highway One, north side.
Mexican dishes, seafood, steaks, and killer margaritas!LAS CASUELAS
Located in the La Pinta Hotel.
Don't eat here. Life is too short. Go find a place to eat in town that has atmosphere.
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There are three places in town where the Baja traveler can find basic supplies. The Conasupo market is located right at the entrance to town, and has a good selection. The two stores in town are right off the plaza, and offer a more relaxed shopping experience, although they are not always open.
For big time shopping, the seaside town of Santa Rosalia is less than an hours drive to the south, and offers everything one could possibly want.
Visit the web site of JOHN RAMOS to review his unique and colorful Mexico art work.
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The Transpeninsular highway runs right through the edge of town, so most of the transportation options are tied to the blacktop. Expect a drug inspection station at Km. 78 just north of town. The airstrip in town is not frequently used, as most Baja travelers are usually headed for a destination on either the Sea of Cortez or on the Pacific Ocean. There's nothing like seeing Baja from the seat of a retired military vehicle!
Two good web sites to review for RVer's who want to tour the Baja Peninsula in an escorted RV caravan include BAJA WINTERS and BAJA AND BACK RV TOURS.
AIRSTRIP
The San Ignacio air strip is a couple of miles north west of town at Km. 78, and offers no facilities or avgas. The runway is usually in good condition, and the prevailing landing pattern is a right downwind to the west.
BUSES
A bus stop is available on the main highway, right before the junction for San Ignacio, on the right hand side going south, next to a market. Except for busy holiday weekends, these buses usually have room for last minute travelers. The buses to look for are either ABC or Aguila.
FERRIES
Baja does have two direct water connections to mainland Mexico, via the ferries from LA PAZ and Santa Rosalia, which is less than 2 hours from San Ignacio. The ferries in Santa Rosalia offer regular scheduled service to Guaymas every Friday departing at 11:00 P.M. (starting at $14.00 U.S.), while the ferries in La Paz offer regular service to Topolobampo and Mazatlan every day except Saturday (also starting at $14.00 U.S.).
Ferries carry vehicles as well as passengers, and are a great way to ad extra adventure to any Baja excursion!
For ferry schedules and rates, you can also go right to the source by checking out the SEMATUR FERRY by calling them directly at 011-52 (112) 5-4666!
The corporate office of SEMATUR is located in La Paz and can be reached at 011-52 (612) 125-8899.
SANTA ROSALIA FERRY
Telephone 011-52 (615) 152-0014.
Located east of town.LA PAZ FERRY
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-5005.
Fax 011-52 (612) 125-5217.
Located 5 miles north of town.
GASOLINE
There is a PEMEX at the entrance to town, and it is usually open 24 hours a day. The station offers regular gasoline, supreme gasoline, diesel fuel, air, water, bathrooms, a telephone and a small cafe at the east end of the parking lot. There is also a small market across the street.
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There are public rest rooms on the east end of the plaza, and there are a couple of places near the plaza that offer telephone service.
A Bancomer is located near the plaza.
For information on obtaining travel documents for Mexico such as Tourist Cards, boat permits, fishing and hunting licenses check out the web site of MEXICO ADVISORY SERVICES.
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San Ignacio real estate is nada. Although it is one of the quaintest villages in all of Baja, it is located only an hour away from the spectacular Sea of Cortez, Mulege, and the wonderful beaches of Bahia Concepcion. So most folks who want to live in the area just hang their hat along the coast where it is a bit cooler and make San Ignacio a day trip.
Visit the web site of BAJA BUSINESS CONSULTANTS for a review of the legal end of living or doing business in Baja.
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