How to Get to La Ventana, Mexico
La Ventana, one of the premier Kiteboarding and Wingfoiling destinations in the world, is located on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California. While Mexico is a popular destination for American travelers, La Ventana is off the beaten path for most tourists. The inviting waters, consistent winds, and smaller crowds make the journey worthwhile. There are multiple ways to travel to LV. We’re here to share tips while you select the best mode of transportation for your trip.
By Plane
There are two options for flying to La Ventana: flying to Cabo San Lucas (SJD) or flying into La Paz (LAP).
Fly to Cabo San Lucas (SJD)
Cabo is 187 km (116 miles) from La Ventana, which takes around 2 hours to drive, or 2.5 hours with the shuttle. As one of the biggest tourist destinations in Mexico, flights to Cabo are generally the most affordable option.
Drive from Cabo to LV
Renting a car in Mexico can be frustrating. Be ready to get quoted one price and then end up paying more for insurance once you arrive at the airport. Here are some of our suggestions for renting a car in Cabo San Lucas:
Seahorse will provide you with a great option for used cars, offering reliable and basic models, along with excellent customer support.
Cactus is another great option for a rental car. There are more vehicle options available, including trucks, SUVs, and vans, so that you can travel with all your gear.
Will I need a car once I get to LV?
If you are staying in La Ventana or El Sargento, you will not need to rent a car. There is plenty to do in the area, and you can always rent a bike to see more of the town.
We recommend renting a car if you have a lot of gear and/or want to move about the town with ease. It’s nice to have access to a vehicle to see more beaches or take day trips to La Paz. If you’re more adventurous and don’t mind walking to explore, you can skip the rental car and walk most of the town's offerings from one end to the other in about 50 minutes one way.
Some people are successful hitchhiking inside La Ventana and El Sargento.
Taxi/Shuttle
Samuel is our go-to guy for coordinating a taxi or a shuttle. A taxi will be more expensive, but you will also have private transportation and won't have to wait for other passengers to arrive.
Taking a shuttle will be a budget-friendly option. During the busy season, wait times are typically under 1 hour.
Taxis and shuttles are all cash-only. They will accept USD, and don’t forget to tip your driver. Check with Samuel about the price and confirm with the driver before you depart for La Ventana.
Be sure to let Samuel know what luggage you intend to bring. Here is his info:
Whatsapp: +526121671550
email: turissaven@hotmail.com
Ride Share
Consider posting your arrival date and baggage on one of these forums to split the cost of a rental car or taxi:
Facebook Group: La Ventana & El Sargento -Residents & Visitors- Baja California Sur, Mexico
The Ventana View- Travel Board
Fly to La Paz, Mexico (LAP)
Although there is an airport in La Paz, flights from the US can be more expensive; however, the 47-minute drive (23 miles) might make it worthwhile for you. There are direct flights from Phoenix and Los Angeles to La Paz. Be extra careful when booking these flights, as there is an airport in La Paz, Bolivia.
If you are traveling from Southern California, consider crossing the border and flying from Tijuana International Airport. There is a border crossing tunnel just south of San Diego called CBX. There is a fee to use this tunnel, which is cheaper if paid in advance. This tunnel will take you directly to the Tijuana terminal.
Once you land in La Paz, you can rent a car or take a taxi from the airport. Always negotiate the price before getting into a cab. You can also schedule rides with Samuel or someone else who is flying into La Paz. (See the Taxi/Shuttle and Rideshare sections above.)
By Car
If you plan to stay in Mexico for an extended period, driving may be more convenient. Flying with your equipment can also present challenges, so driving might make more sense if you intend to bring your gear. Renting gear from us is also an option.
Baja California Road Trip
Here are some things to consider before planning a Baja road trip:
Roads in Mexico have lots of potholes and livestock, be sure your vehicle is reliable and can take a beating.
Have the right Visa. If you are traveling through the border, be sure to ask for the Visa office right after you get waved through. It will cost around $40 USD. Double-check that it will be valid for the entirety of your stay. Visas are only available for purchase at border crossings and airports.
Plan for at least three days on the road before you arrive in La Ventana. We do not recommend driving through rural Mexico at night due to free-range livestock.
There are 5-6 military checkpoints that you will have to drive through. Unfortunately, shakedowns do occur on occasion. Stay calm and courteous, document everything, do not make jokes. Most military checkpoints are respectful and professional. Do not carry items on you that you would not be allowed to travel with in your home country.
Places to Stop and Camp on a Road Trip to La Ventana
San Felipe- another great kite spot and a great place to stop for the night
Laguna Ojo de Liebre - This is a grey whale sanctuary. Between January and March, you can see both full-grown and baby grey whales. This is a must-stop if you love wildlife.
Mulege- Beautiful jungle oasis with lush vegetation. We recommend staying at Huerta Don Chano, RV Park.
Playa Santispac or Playa Requeson- Turquoise beaches, beautiful views
Loreto- a beautiful town, and part of the ‘Pueblo Magico’, a designation for places with a unique design and rich cultural history.
We use iOverlander to plan our accommodations. It provides lots of options for established campgrounds and overlanding.
We hope you enjoy your visit to La Ventana. While you are here, stop by our clubhouse and say hi!
We offer kite and wing gear rental and lessons for kiters and wingfoilers of all skill levels. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Call, Text or Whatsapp:+1 (361)777-8294
Email: kiteboardacademy@gmail.com