Making the most of La Paz
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth at Puerto De Pichilingue, with La Paz located 10 miles from the cruise terminal.
La Paz is easiest to discover on foot. From Pichilingue, hourly buses run between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. to Terminal Malecon at Paseo Obregon's corner with Avenida Independencia. A taxi from the Pichilingue cruise terminal to downtown La Paz costs about $8-10.
Carry the printable map ashore.
La Paz translates as "peace" in Spanish, matching the feeling of this provincial Mexican town. Its relaxed pace and excellent beach spots recall Los Cabos and make unwinding simple. The palm-lined malecon facing the town centre is lively, while nearby areas offer abundant hiking, rock climbing, diving and fishing. A one-mile seafront path has fine bay views over yachts and sailboats, plus cafés, restaurants and shops.
La Paz is both the capital of Mexico's Baja California Sur state and a significant regional centre for commerce.
Nearby places
Mexican and international travellers count La Paz among their favourite beach areas, and its international fishing competitions are renowned. Scuba diving, sailing, yachting and island ecotourism trips appeal, but the beaches encourage repeat visits. Although the city sits on a lovely long shore, the finest swimming and sunbathing are farther north on the Tecolote road: Playa Palmira, Playa el Coromuel, Playa el Caimancito, Playa del Tesoro, Playa Pichilingue, Playa Balandra, Playa el Tecolote and Playa el Coyote. Some provide restaurants and washrooms.
Money
US dollars are accepted widely in La Paz, so exchanging them for pesos is unnecessary. When paying entirely in dollars, carry smaller notes for taxis and incidental purchases.
Cards are accepted less widely than in the USA or Europe, and some businesses add around 5% to card transactions.
Staying connected
Spanish is the principal language. English is spoken extensively in destinations popular with visitors and in cities bordering the United States.
Several cafés on Paseo Alvaro Obregon beside the Malecon provide customers with free WiFi.
Opening Hours and
Hours are Mon-Sun 1000/1100-2000/2200 in big towns and cities, and Mon-Fri 0900-1400/1600 elsewhere in the country.