La Ventana Must Dos
You might have heard of this little town called La Ventana/El Sargento, located near La Paz. If you have, it’s probably because you practice a wind sport, love mountain biking, or because you saw some breathtaking footage of marine life on social media. Whatever the reason, you’re probably researching it now because it’s clear that La Ventana is a magical place to visit.
I often see the confusion in visitors’ faces when they arrive here. At first glance, you’ll see a spectacular bay, one paved road, a bunch of cows, mega cacti, and mountains. What makes La Ventana so special is that it is raw and untouched but that also means it can be hard to figure out what to do, where to go, or what to see. This is one of the reasons why we decided to open our office. We hope this blog helps you discover La Ventana. If you have any questions after reading, visit us during office hours or send us a message.
Here are 7 must-dos when visiting La Ventana:
1· Learn How to Kite Surf or Wing Foil
Thousands of people come every year to harness the wind of this lively desert town. If you visit between December and April, chances are that you will be surrounded by kites and kitesurfers. As beautiful as they are to look at from the beach, getting up on a board and learning how to ride is another story. Do something new, learn to kite surf or wing foil, and feel what it’s like to combine the elements of water and wind.
Photo credit: Saasil Photo - Shirena Gonzalez Morgan
2· Book a Sea Safari, or an Expedition to Cerralvo Island
The Sea of Cortez is home to an abundance of megafauna. dolphins, sea lions, humpback whales, killer whales, sperm whales, mobulas rays (plus other species of rays), turtles and more. You name it, this body of water has it. One of my favorite features of this place is that it lives in the seasons. Different animals visit at different times of the year because the ocean currents influence krill and other foods, inviting a diversity of animals.
For instance, humpback whales are regularly seen in the bay over the winter (often with their calves), mobulas are around to reproduce and give birth in April/May, and the oceanic manta rays tend to show up in July/August and stick around for a couple of months.
Send us a message here to let us know when you plan to visit, and we will let you know which animal might be around.
Photo credit: Sandra Renaux
3· Hike Punta Gorda
A definite MUST-do when visiting. If you are an experienced mountain biker, you can most certainly complete this trail by bike, but if you are like me, a beginner at MTB, hiking is still a GREAT option. Punta Gorda is the northernmost trail and is a La Ventana classic! 5.8 km long, with beautiful views overlooking the Sea of Cortez. The tread is smooth and there are some low to intermediate level hills. You can find the trail on the Trail Fork app, or book a hike with one of our knowledgeable guides!
4· Bathe in a hot spring at Playa Agua Caliente
Yes, there are natural hot springs here. (Very) hot water emerges from the ground, mixes with water from the sea and forms the perfect natural hot tub. It is best to go at mid-tide (when the tide is neither at its highest or lowest). At the time of writing this text, the beach is comprised of small stones which you can move to create your own private pool.
Be extra careful if you are going with children or dogs because this water can get very hot! I recommend bringing a bucket, in case the tide is low and you would like to transfer some cooler water into your pool.
Photo credit: Doug Acker
5· Rent an e-bike and ride through the Cactus forest
Have you ever tried e-biking? It’s the best way to cover long distances while getting some exercise. The ‘Corredor Cardon’ trail (also found on the Trail Fork app) is the gateway to a Western movie world. A forest filled with elephant cactus (called Cardón in Spanish) [Pachycereus pringlei], the tallest recorded cactus in the world that can live for hundreds of years. These giants will transport you to another world. After you rent a bike with our trusted partner (send us a message here), head south to begin your adventure. I suggest planning to be out for at least a solid 3-4 hours. Bring some snacks, lots of water, and sun protection. You’re in for a treat.
6· Go stand-up paddle boarding on a calm morning from South Beach
Sunrise is the time to go paddleboarding in La Ventana. The water is at its calmest, sometimes even glassy. If the visibility is good you can even see the reef from your paddleboard . Begin against the current so you can cruise back with the help of the current. SUP is a great way to start the day and move the body. For those who want to experience a unique tour, one of our partners offers sunrise/sunset SUP guided tours, So hop on a board and drift away!
Photo credit: LightSUP Mexico
7· Have the perfect La Ventana beach day
Find the tropical scenery at Las Palmas beach. Not only is this beach breathtaking, but it’s also a very important beach to the local community. This is where the first boat ramp was, and where the fishermen used to launch out from. It became a place where locals would meet and camp. Recently, the ejido made the southern part of it a campground.
This beach is perfect because it has a sandy area, some palm trees, and healthy reefs.
So go buy some fresh fish from Pescaderia Perla, prepare a fresh ceviche, get your bathing suit, and pack up snorkeling gear for the ultimate beach day!
We want to help make your visit unforgettable, if you still have questions about La Ventana, ask us here!
