Major city · Mexico
San Carlos
Spend 2 days in San Carlos for whale watching and sportfishing; arrive by car from La Paz (3 h) or bus‑taxi from Ciudad Constitución.
San Carlos is a small fishing village on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, known for its sheltered harbor and whale‑watching season. The town is spread out, so a short stay covers the main activities – sportfishing, whale watching and a beachfront meal – without needing a full‑week itinerary.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (whale season, milder weather)
- avoid Jun–Oct (hot, fewer marine sightings)
- Airport
- LAP
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for San Carlos911 ▾
- Police911
- Fire and ambulance911
- Tourist assistance (Mexico Visitor Hotline)01 800 726 5000
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about San Carlos, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetySan Carlos is generally safe for tourists; petty theft is low but keep valuables out of sight, especially on buses and in taxis.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 911 fire and ambulance · 01 800 726 5000 Tourist assistance (Mexico Visitor Hotline)
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLAP Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (La Paz) (≈200 km (124 mi) north, about 3 h drive to San Carlos via MEX 1 and MEX 22).LAP Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (La Paz) (≈124 mi (200 km) north, about 3 h drive to San Carlos via MEX 1 and MEX 22).
- Getting aroundCar is the easiest: drive north from La Paz (200 km (124 mi), ~3 h) then turn west on MEX 22.Car is the easiest: drive north from La Paz (124 mi (200 km), ~3 h) then turn west on MEX 22.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café)MXN 30–50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealTaco stand mealMXN 50–80 (≈ US$3–5)
- BeerBeer (bottle)MXN 30–45 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi 10 km (6.2 mi)Taxi 6.2 mi (10 km)MXN 150–200 (≈ US$9–11)
- Budget bedHostel private room, a night, per roomMX$1,200 (≈ US$65)
- Mid-range bedHotel room (double), a night, per roomMX$1,800 (≈ US$100)
- High-end bedHotel room (double), a night, per roomMX$2,200 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$800 (≈ US$45) · Mid MX$1,300 (≈ US$75) · High MX$2,000 (≈ US$110)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LAP Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (La Paz) (≈200 km (124 mi) north, about 3 h drive to San Carlos via MEX 1 and MEX 22)LAP Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (La Paz) (≈124 mi (200 km) north, about 3 h drive to San Carlos via MEX 1 and MEX 22)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Feb
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
May
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) low), wettest Jul (6 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Carlos: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
Feb
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2 rd
Apr
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Dec
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is the easiest: drive north from La Paz (200 km, ~3 h) then turn west on MEX 22. Buses stop at Ciudad Constitución; hire a taxi (≈60 km) to San Carlos. Within town walk or use local taxis for short hops.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
La Paz
goDoor to door: ≈3 h
Drive north on MEX 1 then west on MEX 22, about 200 km (124 mi), 3 hDrive north on MEX 1 then west on MEX 22, about 124 mi (200 km), 3 h
Capital of Baja Sur, good for museums and beaches.
Guerrero Negro
cautionDoor to door: ≈9 h
Bus to Ciudad Constitución (≈8 h, MXN 1,230) then taxi 60 km (37 mi)Bus to Ciudad Constitución (≈8 h, MXN 1,230) then taxi 37 mi (60 km)
Long travel; consider overnight if you want to explore.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hotel Alcatraz
Modern courtyard hotel, safe street parking, dogs allowed; 1650 MXN per night.
Villas Mar y Arena
Spacious rooms, on‑site restaurant; 1550 MXN per night.
Hotel Sunset
Seaside, whale‑watching from doorstep; 1380 MXN per night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- MXN 800–1,200 (≈ US$45–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- MXN 1,200–2,000 (≈ US$65–110) excl. bed
- High
- MXN 2,000 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel room (double)1 × 1 night × MX$1,800 | MX$1,800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × MX$1,300 | MX$2,600 |
| Car rental (day) with insurance2 × MX$800 · check | MX$1,600 |
| Whale‑watching tour (2 h)2 × MX$1,100 · check | MX$2,200 |
| Sportfishing charter (half‑day)2 × MX$2,000 · check | MX$4,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$1,220 |
| Trip total≈ MX$6,710 per person per day, bed included | MX$13,420≈ US$750 |
2026 estimate in MXN; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café) | MXN 30–50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Taco stand meal | MXN 50–80 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Beer (bottle) | MXN 30–45 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Taxi 10 km | MXN 150–200 (≈ US$9–11) |
| Whale‑watching tour | MXN 900–1,500 (≈ US$50–85) |
| Sportfishing charter (half‑day) | MXN 1,500–2,500 (≈ US$85–140) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Roads can be rough; drive daytime and watch for speed‑bump “topes”.
- Bus‑taxi from Ciudad Constitución may not accept cards; bring cash (≈M$1,200 for the 60 km (37 mi) ride).Bus‑taxi from Ciudad Constitución may not accept cards; bring cash (≈M$1,200 for the 37 mi (60 km) ride).
- Whale‑watching tours fill quickly in peak season; book in advance.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire and ambulance
- 911
- Tourist assistance (Mexico Visitor Hotline)
- 01 800 726 5000
Pocket card
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San CarlosSan Carlos
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Fire and ambulance911
- Tourist assistance01 800 726 5000
Embassy
US consulate in Los Cabos (check address); other nations use US embassy in Mexico City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- La Paz → San Carlos (car): ≈ MXN 1,200 fuel + tolls, 3 h
- Taxi from Ciudad Constitución to San Carlos: ≈ MXN 1,200 (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (ˈɡɾasjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (ˈkwanto ˈkwesta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (ˈdonde esˈta el ˈβano)
- Quisiera una habitación — I would like a room (kiˈsjeɾa ˈuna aβiˈtasion)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (ˈpweðo paˈɣaɾ kon taˈɾxe.ta)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for San Carlos. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (whale season, milder weather) · avoid Jun–Oct (hot, fewer marine sightings) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Car‑rental contract for Baja Sur (check insurance).
- Whale‑watching tour tickets (reserve early).
- Fishing charter booking (check seasonal limits).
Sources
Ask about San Carlos
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