Is Todos Santos Safe?
I get it—safety is a top concern, especially when considering moving or traveling to a foreign country. You might be wondering, Is Todos Santos safe? Whether you’re planning a trip to Todos Santos or planning a move to Baja, you’re in good hands. As a 29-year visitor turned resident of Baja California Sur, I know the importance of feeling secure while traveling.
Having explored many regions of Mexico, I can honestly say that Todos Santos is one of my favorite places on the planet. Todos Santos is conveniently located about one hour and 15 minutes North of the capital of Baja California Sur , La Paz and about an hour from the Los Cabos International Airport. Known for its unspoiled desert landscapes, pristine beaches and vibrant community . Todos Santos has become a popular getaway from Cabo San Lucas.
Until recently, it was an overlooked destination, as most international travelers spent their vacation in Cabo resorts, but now the word is out and Todos Santos is quickly becoming one of the most desirable locations in the region. It’s one of the many reasons why my husband and I moved to Baja in 2022. We've traveled extensively around Baja Sur for over 29 years and have always felt safe.
Todos Santos: A Pueblo Mágico with Welcoming Vibes
Todos Santos has earned the title of Pueblo Mágico, a special designation for towns rich in cultural and historical significance. This title is more than just a label—it reflects the town’s commitment to preservation and community. Walking down its main streets, you’ll find art galleries, cozy cafés, and friendly faces, all contributing to an inviting and secure atmosphere.
By the end of this article, you won’t just wonder, “Is Todos Santos safe?” You’ll feel confident about booking your trip and finally checking Todos Santos off your bucket list. I understand that safety tops the list of concerns when planning a trip to Baja California Sur, especially with all the misinformation about Mexico.
There are persistent media narratives around safety in Mexico—stories of drugs, corruption, and cartels. Yet, despite these, Baja California Sur continues to welcome millions of visitors each year.
Why Todos Santos Is a Safe Choice
The safety of Todos Santos also comes from its strong sense of community. You won’t find the hustle and bustle of a big city here. Instead, there’s a small-town vibe where people genuinely care for each other. Both locals and expats are always looking out for the town, keeping it peaceful and friendly. It’s common to see the same friendly faces around town, creating an unspoken sense of security that makes Todos Santos feel like a place you belong.
Let’s address the most common questions I get:
Crime in Todos Santos
Let’s talk about crime in Todos Santos. As I mentioned, Baja California Sur welcomes millions of visitors yearly. Like any other bustling destination, crime exists, but don’t let that deter you!
Todos Santos is one of the safest destinations in Baja California. The town is generally quiet, and most tourism here revolves around it's pristine beaches, art and it's exceptional farm to table culinary scene. Unlike Cabo, which has recently developed a reputation for an increasing crime rate, Todos Santos is a much quieter destination, and statistics show it is a very safe place for tourists.
The close-knit community of Todos Santos, with its strong family values, creates a nurturing environment for all. Families explore with peace of mind, and children can roam freely. Crime rates remain low, with petty theft being the most common concern. This can be avoided with basic precautions like keeping valuables secure and staying aware of your surroundings.
It's also worth noting that Baja California is divided into two states: Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur. My articles focus primarily on Baja California Sur.
While incidents can happen anywhere, violent crime targeting tourists is extremely rare. When violent incidents do occur, they’re typically between drug traffickers. In all my years of traveling to Todos Santos and Los Cabos, I've never encountered any crime-related issues. However, I have been scammed at a gas station, and a taxi driver once tried to pull a fast one on me (don’t worry—I’ll cover that in another article).
Is Todos Santos Safe To Walk Around ?
Todos Santos is VERY safe to walk around. The town is bustling with beautiful art galleries, restaurants and shops which are conveniently located near the main square.
Is Todos Santos Safe At Night?
Generally Todos Santos is safe at night. Avoid dark and poorly lit areas and stick to the popular parts of town with high foot traffic.
If you want to spend a night out painting the town. Here you can find many bars, and restaurants like Oystera, and The Todos Santos Boutique Hotel known for good music, delicious food and cocktails. Both place are a great place to socialize and taste mezcal. It’s a busy area, and there are usually many people here even after dark.
Here are a few simple tips to ensure a safe experience:
5 Best Safety Tips for Todos Santos
1. Make Sure Your Passport Is Up To Date
For the sake of this article, I am referencing arrival into Cabo San Lucas by air from the United States.
The Mexican government DOES require a passport, You will want to make sure that your passport will be valid for the entirety of your trip. So be sure and double check that your passport is not expired and that it will not expire while during your trip. If it is, be sure to renew it or apply for one at least 3 months before your trip so there’s plenty of time for it to arrive.
For non-US citizens, it will be required that your passport is valid for 6 months past your planned trip date. Always make a copy of your passport and place it in your suitcase or carry-on bag in a secure location, just in case your passport gets lost or stolen.
Check out this article for detailed passport and tourist card requirements when visiting Cabo San Lucas.
Pro tip: Make a scanned copy of your passport and email it to yourself. This way if your luggage gets lost or stolen you will have a copy.
2. Prepare for Weather
When traveling to Todos Santos, prepare for warm and sunny weather most of the year, divided into two seasons:
- Dry Season (November to June): Expect clear skies, warm temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (24-35°C), and little to no rainfall. Pack lightweight clothing, your favorite hats, and LOTS of sunscreen. And, always be sure to stay hydrated. I always travel with these electrolytes.
- Rainy Season (July to October): Can be very humid at times, with occasional heavy rainfall. Temperatures remaining warm, ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-33°C). Bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella, quick-drying clothing, and waterproof footwear.
- Don'f forget the sunscreen. The Sun is very different down here in Baja California Sur. And, nothing can make a trip more uncomfortable than a sunburn. So lather up!
3. Leave the Bling at Home
Ditch the bling and keep it low-key in Todos Santos! Flashy jewelry might attract unwanted attention, so opt for a more understated look to blend in with Todos Santos laid back vibe.
This is a standard safety rule no matter where you go, but it’s an important one. No need to bring any bling along for the ride. Keep an eye on your valuables when out in public, especially in busy places like bars or even the beach. Phones, cameras, jewelry and designer items are best kept out of sight or even in the hotel safe.
4. Practice Safe Swimming
Although popular beaches such as Los Cerritos are generally safe to swim, you should always check conditions on any beach before heading into the water.The waters can be very rough here. Even for the experienced swimmers. Even when the water looks okay, it could be dangerous so always pay attention to the flags on the beach.
Not many of the beaches around Todos Santos have lifeguards which means if you find yourself in trouble in the water there may not be anyone to help you.
Check the beach conditions, stay hydrated, and don’t get into the water if you have been drinking.
5. Don’t carry large sums of cash, and keep alcohol intake to a minimum.
As a rule of thumb, carry a maximum of a few credit cards and some cash. If you are going out, leave your wallet at home to avoid losing it.
Is it Safe to Drink the Water in Todos Santos?
The tap water in Todos Santos and the surrounding areas is definitely NOT safe to drink, as it is not suitable for human consumption. You should only consume water in Todos Santos if it has been boiled. And dealing with that while on vacation is probably the last thing you want to think about. Your best bet is to purchase bottled water.
When you’re staying at a reputable, well-established hotel or resort, chances are you’ll be in safe hands. Most resorts do have their own filtration systems for consumable water, however, to be safe I still wouldn't encourage you to drink from the tap.
Most locals and residents, including myself, only drink properly filtered water or use bottled water.
Is Todos Santos Safe for Families?
Yes! Todos Santos is absolutely safe for families. In fact, it’s one of the best places for a family vacation. Many families who visit end up relocating here from across North America.
Whether you're visiting, investing in real estate, or planning to move, this region offers plenty for families—from family-friendly amenities and quality education options to a variety of kid-friendly activities. We traveled to Baja California Sur for years with our kids, frequently visiting Cabo San Lucas and taking day trips to Todos Santos. This little town quickly became our favorite place to vacation in Baja.
For outdoor fun, there’s everything from hiking trails for all ages to thrilling adventures like zip-lining, ATV tours, or simply a beach day at Playa Los Cerritos. The opportunities for family adventure in Baja California Sur are endless.
My kids still love Baja as adults! They love it so much, in fact, that they moved down to El Pescadero in 2023. Todos Santos isn’t just a destination for families, though. It’s also popular for couples, girls' trips, fishing excursions, weddings, solo travelers, and more. The diversity of visitors here speaks volumes!
Is It Safe to Drive from Cabo to Todos Santos?
One of the most common questions I get is whether it’s safe to drive from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos. The good news? It absolutely is! The drive along Mexico’s Highway 19 is safe, scenic, and straightforward, taking you right up the Pacific coast.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or exploring real estate options, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the journey safely:
Safety Tips for Driving from Cabo to Todos Santos
1. Daytime Driving is Best: Stick to daylight driving for optimal visibility. While the road is well-paved, some sections are dimly lit after dark.
2. Watch for Animals: Baja’s rural landscape is dotted with cows and goats near the road. Be cautious, especially near smaller towns.
3. Follow the Speed Limit: Speed bumps (or “topes”) often appear near small communities to slow traffic.
4. Gas Up in Cabo or San Jose Del Cabo: Gas stations are limited between Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos, so fill up before hitting the road.
5. Stay Focused: The drive is easy but includes a few curves and hills, so stay alert, especially if passing slower vehicles.
Enjoy the Scenic Drive
Getting to Todos Santos is simple. From Cabo San Lucas, head north on Highway 19, following it through stunning coastal views and communities like El Pescadero. In just about an hour, you’ll find yourself in the charming town of Todos Santos, ready to explore its beauty and charm.
Tip: If you’re coming from San Jose Del Cabo, you’ll likely use a toll road, so bring pesos or U.S. dollars.
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In short, Todos Santos is an amazing place, and a little street smarts will ensure your adventure goes smoothly. Pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable time in Todos Santos!
