We love a good hot spring, and Baja has plenty of them to share. Here are some of our favorites along the peninsula where you can soak up nature with healing waters and beautiful scenery.
Valle de Guadalupe Hot Springs
Location: Valle de Guadalupe, BC
Why We Love It: If you’re looking to add a little bit of nature in between your wine tastings, this is the perfect spot to do it. Sometimes referred to as the Russian Valley hot springs, these natural hot springs are located on the eastern side of the valley along a river in a canyon. There are natural hot tubs and a seasonal waterfall as well.
How to Visit: Take the turn off from Highway Mexico 3 for L.A. Cetto/Bruma and keep going on the road past L.A. Cetto and Doña Lupe. The road will take you across some shallow river crossings so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. You’ll arrive at a ranch and pay 50 pesos to Federico, the ranch owner. It’s a nice hike of a mile or so to get to the hot springs. Overnight camping is permitted as well.
DBTC Insider Tip: This is a beautiful area for hiking, even for those not interested in going into the hot springs.
photo courtesy www.guadalupecanyonhotsprings.com
Cañon de Guadalupe Hot Springs
Location: Sierra de Juarez, BC
Why We Love It: Not to be confused with the hot springs in Valle de Guadalupe, the Cañon de Guadalupe hot springs are located in the Sierra de Juarez mountain range which can be accessed between Tecate and Mexicali. There are two campgrounds here and each campsite comes along with its own personal hot spring tub. The surrounding area boasts natural swimming pools, waterfalls, and palm trees.
How to Visit: Between Tecate and Mexicali at Kilometer 28, watch for the sign for “Cañon de Guadalupe” directing you onto a dirt road heading south. It’s another 35 miles to arrive at the hot spring campgrounds. High clearance vehicles are recommended.
DBTC Insider Tip: The campsites are open mid September-mid June but close for the heat of summer.
Puertecitos Hot Springs
Location: Puertecitos (south of San Felipe), BC
Why We Love It: These hot springs are located among the rocks on the coastline right on the Sea of Cortez. There are a few pools that have been formed with rocks that vary in temperature, so if a pool is too hot or too cold, try the next one.
How to Visit: Access the hot springs through Puertecitos Seaside Campo. Access is half a block past the gas station, on the left. It’s about US$12 for day access or $20 to camp overnight.
DBTC Insider Tip: Just after high tide is the best time to visit as the ocean waters cool down the hot springs to the perfect temperature to enjoy the beautiful scenery and warm waters. Consult an online tide calendar or get a copy of our Sea of Cortez Tide Calendar to figure out the exact timing for the day you plan to visit.
Santa Rita Hot Springs
Location: Santiago, BCS
Why We Love It: There are a few hot springs in this area, but our favorite is Santa Rita, set in a lush palm-filled canyon. These natural hot springs have shallow sandy-bottom pools that are nestled in between large boulders and palm trees. It’s a beautiful and serene spot to relax for a few hours. The pools are hot, but there’s a cold river below where you can cool off if needed. The nearby camping facility has bathrooms and a barbecue area.
How to Visit: Santa Rita can be reached either from Cañon de la Zorra or by taking the road in Santiago next to the zoo. You’ll head to the ejido of San Jorge and then follow signs to Santa Rita. Keep following the power lines overhead. The road is rough, and you’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance in order to make the trek. It’s about US$3 for day use or US$6 to camp overnight. Cabins are available for about US$50.
DBTC Insider Tip: If you get an early start to your day, you can pair a trip to the Santa Rita hot springs with a visit to the nearby waterfall and natural pools at Cañon de la Zorra.
El Chorro Hot Springs
Location: Santiago, BCS
Why We Love It: Also in Santiago are the El Chorro hot springs. Of the various hot springs in the area, these are the easiest to visit. Located at the base of Agua Caliente Canyon, the water comes down the canyon and into a large natural pool. There’s a cool pool above the dam, and just beyond the dam are the hot springs.
How to Visit: From Santiago, head south of town past the zoo until you reach the small ejido of Agua Caliente. Access is about US$3 for day use and US$6 to tent camp overnight. There are no bathrooms or amenities.
DBTC Insider Tip: There have been hot tubs that have been created using rocks, or you can dig into the sand to make your own hot tubs. The best spots are closer to the canyon wall.
I appreciate my monthly newsletter, and membership advantages. One recommendation I would like to make: add a simple local map reference to stories, data, and particularly picks. Thank you
Thanks for the great suggestion, James!
thank you. I just moved to San Felipe. Great to know theres a hot spring so close.