How to Spend 48 Hours in Mulegé, Baja California
Although most famous for its sea, sun and party towns further south, Baja California has beautiful undiscovered gems across the peninsula. One of these is Mulegé: an oasis town located at the mouth of Río de Santa Rosalía and just a 2-hour drive from popular whale-watching spot San Ignacio. From discovering 7,000-year-old Indian cave paintings to relaxing on some of Baja’s most stunning white sand beaches, here’s how you should spend 48 hours in Mulegé.
Take a guided hike to Cañon La Trinidad
Before Jesuits arrived in Baja California in the 1600s, the Indians had lived a semi-nomadic life across the peninsula’s desert for thousands of years. Sadly, most of these Indians were killed off by European diseases, so little is known about their way of life, traditions and culture. However, they did leave behind something very special: some of the largest and oldest (some are believed to be over 7,000 years old) concentrations of rock art in the Americas. Some of these paintings and petroglyphs can be seen on a day trip from Mulegé in the stunning Cañon La Trinidad, a dusky pink desert canyon with glistening pools of water. Salvador Castro Drew (+52 615 161 4985) offers very affordable tours, and knows just about everything there is to know about the paintings.
1. Feast on Chile Rellenos at Doney Mely's
Bar, Cafe, Mexican
For a hearty, authentic Mexican feast look no further than Doney Mely’s. Solid wooden tables are covered in multicoloured serape tablecloths, mariachi plays through the crackly speakers and beers arrive with complimentary totopos and a spicy home-made salsa. Their famous chiles rellenos, poblano chilli stuffed with meat and cheese and served with rice, refried beans and tortillas, are a must-try.
Overlooking calm, shimmering waters, jagged mountains and fields of palm trees in the distance, Mulegé’s lighthouse offers fantastic views of the town’s stunning surroundings. Following the river’s edge the whole way, it’s a beautifully peaceful 45-minute stroll from town. If you don’t fancy the walk, there’s a road that goes right to the base of the lighthouse (with room to park), and you can hike the short uphill trail to the top from there.
2. Check out the views from Misión Santa Rosalía
Church
Founded in 1705 by Jesuit missionaries, the impressive – and perfectly preserved – stone church, La Misión Santa Rosalía, is definitely worth a visit. Set high atop a hill above Río Mulegé, the oasis views from here are stunning. It’s a short walk from town, and is completely free to visit. Pro tip: arrive early in the morning or at sunset to avoid the day trippers.
3. Treat yourself to Amazing Fish Tacos at Asadero Dany's
Bar, Food Stand, Mexican
No pitstop through Baja California is complete without sampling the best fish tacos in town; and, in Mulegé, it really doesn’t get any better than Asadero Dany’s. Run by a husband and wife out of the front of their home, Asadero Dany has everything a good taqueria should have: perfect flaky fish, bar stools out on the street, and a tv blaring a good old romantic novella.
Visit the stunning beaches nearby
In Mulegé, you’re just a short drive from that picture-perfect scene that you always dreamt Baja California to be: white sand beaches and crystal clear azure waters backed by cacti-dotted desert. And the best part? With little infrastructure and public transport around, they’re way less crowded than the popular beaches further south. Bahía Concepción, Playa Santispac and Playa Perla are not to be missed, but note you’ll need your own wheels or a taxi to get here.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
