Three Days on the East Cape: A Los Cabos Itinerary from Our Cottages
By Nest Baja ·
Quick answer
Three days on the East Cape of Los Cabos works out like this: arrive, kayak and watch the stars on day one; surf Nine Palms in the morning and sit in the temazcal in the afternoon on day two; spend day three on a boat at Cabo Pulmo, or on an e-bike along the coast. Nine Palms is about a ten-minute drive from us, surf lessons need 48 hours' notice, and our concierge books the temazcal and the boats.
Three days is the shortest stay we'd suggest on the East Cape, and from November through April it's close to the minimum anyway: we ask for two nights in peak season. This is how we'd spend them. One morning in the water at Nine Palms, one afternoon in the temazcal, one long day out at Cabo Pulmo, and the evenings on the central deck with the telescope.
Desert meets sea. None of this needs a tight schedule, but the bookable parts do need notice. Surf lessons are booked 48 hours ahead, and our concierge arranges the temazcal and the boats. Experience prices below are in Mexican pesos, the way we quote them. Breakfast is included every morning, so it isn't listed as a stop after day two.
Day 1: Arrive and slow down
3:00 pm
Check in
Check-in is at 3:00 pm. From Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) it's about an hour and fifteen minutes to us, and we can arrange a private transfer if you'd rather not drive the first day. Land early and we'll store your bags while your cottage is readied.
4:00 pm
Kayak the coastline
Our kayaks are complimentary for one or two people, for up to two hours, paddle and life vest included, and they launch from here. It's the simplest way to get your bearings on the first afternoon. Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen, and be back on the sand before dark.
6:30 pm
Stargazing at the firepit
Every evening from 6:30 to 7:00 pm we light the firepit on the central deck and bring out the telescope for a guided look at the sky. It's half an hour in an Adirondack chair, which is about right after a travel day.
7:30 pm
Dinner at our restaurant
Dinner is farm-to-table, with a mezcal pairing if you'd like one. If you're arriving on a Tuesday or a Friday, movie night starts in the lobby at 7:00 pm with popcorn, so you may want to eat a little later.
Day 2: Nine Palms and the temazcal
7:30 am
Breakfast
Continental breakfast is included. If you're surfing this morning, keep it light.
9:00 am
Surf lesson at Nine Palms
Nine Palms is right down the road, about a ten-minute drive, a good right-hander for longboards. A private lesson runs 60-90 minutes with a local instructor. The board, rash guard, a drink and a snack are included, plus a beach chair and umbrella for afterwards. A beginner lesson for one is $3,094 MXN; two people at beginner-intermediate level is $3,740 MXN. Book it 48 hours ahead. If you already surf, our Nine Palms guide covers the wave itself.
1:00 pm
Lunch, then the pool
Come back for lunch at the restaurant, then take the afternoon at the main pool, which looks out over the Sea of Cortez. If you're in a Private Cottage Suite or the Private Cottage Two Bedroom Suite, the plunge pool on your own deck is the quieter choice.
Late afternoon
Temazcal ceremony
The temazcal is a traditional Mesoamerican steam lodge, and ours is on property. A guided ceremony lasts an hour and a half, with a facilitator and an herbal infusion, and costs $11,500 MXN for one guest or more, so it's better shared. We can set up a temazcal for you during your stay. Tell us when you book and we'll plan the day around it.
Evening
Mezcal tasting before dinner
A guided tequila or mezcal tasting is $2,400 MXN. The wider Mexican spirits tasting adds sotol and raicilla to the mezcal and tequila, for $2,600 MXN. Drink some water first if you've just come out of the temazcal.
Day 3: Cabo Pulmo, or stay close
Morning
Snorkel or dive Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo National Park protects the largest coral reef in the Gulf of California. Our concierge books snorkeling trips and introductory dives with certified instructors, about two and a half hours on the water, with gear, guide and boat included. Prices are on request. It's the one day of the three worth setting an alarm for. Our Cabo Pulmo day trip page explains how the day works.
Morning (alternative)
E-bike coast ride
If you'd rather not spend the day on a boat, the guided e-bike ride follows the coast toward Nine Palms for two hours, $500 MXN per person, water included. Wear a hat. We also keep two bicycles for guests who'd rather go on their own.
Afternoon
Sound healing on the deck
Sound healing runs daily on the deck in front of the temazcal. On yoga mats it's $3,575 MXN; in hammocks it's $4,485 MXN. After a morning at sea, the hammocks are the better call.
Evening
Private dinner on the yoga deck
For the last night, we set up a private dinner for two on the yoga deck, an open-air deck above the sea, for $9,200 MXN. Ask a day ahead so the kitchen can plan it. It's quiet here. That's the point.
