To quell the sometimes debilitating pre-trip anxiety, I’ve learned to do a final check: wallet, phone, passport if necessary. This mantra ensures I have the necessities to travel, and reminds me anything else can be borrowed or purchased if needed. 

But beyond making sure that I don’t forget items I require to be comfortable in my time away from home, there are some basic actions that can prove helpful in this pre-travel checklist.  

On my recent trip to the east coast, I found that some travel planning tasks I did, some I thought I did, and some I neglected to do altogether. 

A little bit of time and effort now can be a huge help in the moment:  

• Confirm operating hours for museums, historical sites and attractions
  • Many museums close Monday and Tuesdays- shift your travel dates if possible to align with open hours.
• Confirm ticket availability, or pre-purchase tickets before your visit
  • Many attractions sell out or have timed tickets- save yourself the headache and click around the attraction website to ensure ability to visit when desired 

• If you have flexibility with your booking, check for regional and national holidays, or large events that might be taking place during your visit.
  • Imagine forgetting that the World Cup was going on in the city you were visiting, or that it was Bolivian Independence Day? It can happen. 
• Purchase train tickets or fare for short flights as soon as possible for better pricing.
  • Pre-planning can save hundreds of dollars on train and airfare- this is easily overlooked when the distance traveled is short. 
• Research your lodging and amenities
  • The last thing you want is to find out your hotel has a pool or hot tub and you didn’t pack a suit, or the attached gym has a full on reformer pilates studio and you didn’t bring appropriate clothes. 
  • Resort Fees often include free bike rental or shuttle services.  Know what’s included so you can take full advantage of offerings.
• Renting a car? Do your homework on the rental company
  • Turns out not all car rental companies allow spouses as free additional drivers.  Factor this in during price comparisons. 
  • Elite status (included with some credit cards) may grant free additional drivers as well as other perks. 
  • Tolls vs. EZ Pass: A quick route-check before picking up your car can help you decide if you should opt to pay daily to activate the EZ pass.  
• Check lounge access and confirm updated lounge pass membership.
  • Make sure you have physical cards or updated digital memberships saved to your phone.
  • Confirm lounge hours and accessibility- Many lounge networks are beginning to curb access to certain members or require lounge passes to enter, or require passing through airport security between terminals.
• Know your rights regarding travel delays and cancellations.
  • Airlines are legally required to offer a refund, or at times food vouchers and accommodations for certain cancellation types. 
  • Travel Insurance coverage, whether purchased or included with booking with certain credit cards, can offset costs accrued during delays and cancellations. Know what is included with your coverage.

Minimizing the last minute surprises and hidden costs can be an invaluable way of smoothing the path to any trip away from home.  While I am all for building resilience and working through hard things, a little pre-travel planning can be the difference between stressful travel and something that actually feels like a break.

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As I parked out front and made my way through the giant bamboo gates, I literally had to stop — I was so stunned by the thoughtfully curated grounds. Giant palms fanned out exquisitely while ferns and cacti of all kinds took their places among the beige gravel. Tall palms swayed overhead, and I peeked into a palapa whose sole intent seemed to be offering a quiet place for someone to simply be. The property has several spots like this scattered throughout, each one an invitation to slow down.

The Studio

The practice space is one of the largest I’ve ever practiced in — I’d estimate you could fit 30-40 people with plenty of space between mats. Large windows line two sides of the studio looking out onto the serene landscape, and a large concrete deck extends off the side with sliding doors overlooking the property. Wood floors, giant windows, and high ceilings make this yoga studio in Todos Santos an genuinely uplifting space to practice. With just 3 of us in class that Sunday morning, it felt downright luxurious.

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Classes and Pricing

Cuatro Vientos is open every day of the week with a wide variety of classes including several modalities of yoga, dance, meditation, qigong, HIIT, and breathwork — making it one of the most well-rounded wellness offerings in Todos Santos. Classes begin as early as 7:30am and run all day into the early evening. Most yoga classes are 90 minutes, with some 60-minute, 75-minute, and 2-hour workshops and ecstatic dance sessions also on the schedule.

Most classes run 200-250 pesos, with some longer workshops at 300 pesos and others on a suggested donation basis. There is no need or ability to reserve a spot — fees are paid in cash directly to the instructor. Most classes are taught in English or bilingually, with only a handful in Spanish only. Their online schedule will have all of this information, including language.

Mats and props are included with the price of class. The prop closet is well stocked — colorful Mexican blankets and foam mats neatly stacked and folded, straps and bands in baskets on shelves, bolsters of various sizes, and blocks for additional support. Eco-friendly spray cleaner and towels are on hand to keep everything sanitized.

The Class

Dominique taught the Vinyasa class I attended that morning, and I was humbled by her technique and wisdom. We began with stretching and setting an intention, and what stood out immediately was her observation that we often simply go through the motions of our days — even yoga — instead of really dropping into the practice.

Dominique’s class forced me to slow down and move with focus. Without momentum, the slower pace challenged my body and required all of my attention as I moved through the poses. I left sweaty but exhilarated. As we said our farewells I thanked her for pulling me out of merely going through the motions — her words made me realize that’s often exactly what I’m doing when I practice early before work. She is the kind of teacher who stays with you.

Their online schedule doesn’t specify experience level for each class, but Dominique — like most intuitive instructors — tailored the class to the three of us. She consistently offered alternatives, urging us to push ourselves but always to scale back if something felt painful or wrong. An absolute beginner might find some drop-in yoga classes challenging, but a skilled instructor can typically work with any level, and Dominique did exactly that.

Getting There

Cuatro Vientos is in north Todos Santos, so if you’re staying in the central historic district I’d recommend driving. There is a walkway along Calle Topete, but depending on how overgrown the foliage is, it can put you closer to the road traffic than you’d prefer.

A Note on History

Cuatro Vientos has been open since 2015 and is the primary dedicated yoga studio in Todos Santos. While nearby hotels and wellness centers offer drop-in classes or yoga retreats, there is no other standalone yoga studio in the area — making this a genuine anchor of the Todos Santos wellness community.

La Esquina — Cafe Across the Way

The owners of Cuatro Vientos also run La Esquina, a cafe and event space just outside the studio gates. I didn’t get the chance to stop in — it had closed by the time my class finished — but it’s a popular spot for coffee, breakfast, and lunch, and regularly hosts concerts, DJ nights, and pop-up events. Worth factoring into your morning if the timing works. They are open 8am to 1pm every day (check). 

The Verdict

I was genuinely impressed with Cuatro Vientos and would love to try several more of their classes on a longer stay in Todos Santos. I respected Dominique and her teaching style deeply — she inspired me to push myself mentally and physically, and I know I’m working hard when my mind can’t wander and I’m fully in my practice. She got me there. If wellness travel is any part of your Todos Santos itinerary, this yoga studio in Baja California Sur is absolutely worth your morning.

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The post Cuatro Vientos | Yoga Studio in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur appeared first on Carry On Better.

Careful market research has demonstrated that premium experiences for the elite generate staggering revenue- far more money to be made charging a sizable chunk to the few than garnering a bit more from the many.

Such expansions are no more obvious than in the travel sector, where disposable income is the difference between being able to travel and not.  Boutique hotels are increasingly offering club level access for premium clients at a premium price, and Airlines like American, United and Delta have been rolling out restructured planes with ever expanding Business and First class cabins and drastically cutting the number of coach seats.  

This will not only limit the number of cheaper fares available on each flight, but the cost of those remaining coach flights is likely to rise due to sheer availability. 

The fall of Spirit Airlines in early May in many ways was the physical representation of the losing battle of a population left behind.  The mere existence of the airline kept other airlines in check, offering rock bottom prices for bare bones travel- but nonetheless offered a service otherwise unavailable to a burgeoning population.  

To remain competitive, other airlines were forced to offer cheap seats on their own fleets to cash in on budget fliers.  The impact on competition was so pronounced that it was dubbed The Spirit Effect, a name it garnered during the 2023-2024 antitrust case where the Department of Justice blocked Jetblue from buying Spirit, precisely because of the importance Spirit’s prices had on the airfare market. The recent bankruptcy of the strangely beloved airline is seen as a tragic loss, an end of an era, and a turning point in keeping airfare competitive. 

But the gloves are off. Spirit is out. And airlines have been awaiting this moment when they no longer have to cater to those willing to buy the bargain seats at the back of the plane. 

While some might say it would be impossible to know the direct effects on airfare from the loss of Spirit airlines as sky high jet fuel prices from the war in Iran have been running in the background of the entire debacle, data tells a different story. In an article in Yahoo Finance, author Don Lair posits that if this were a fuel pass-through “you’d see uniform increases across the network. You don’t.” 

Fare comparisons within the first 48 hours after the bankruptcy show some fares jumped significantly. On specific routes Spirit dominated, fares leapt anywhere from 52% to 218% — a $39 Vegas-to-Dallas seat became $124 overnight.

What’s most troubling is that Spirit was, in effect, its own downfall.  Its rock-bottom fares gave people an opportunity to travel that otherwise couldn’t afford it, and the big carriers wanted a piece of that pie.  But the difference was that those other carriers could afford to do so exactly because they offered more premium seats with a higher price point.  

But then this story possibly unveils an uncomfortable truth: Can a wholly budget-centric business survive our capitalist economy?

This makes me reconsider, or reframe, my theory that the pendulum might be getting ready to swing in the other direction. While the top few percent will continue to live their out-of-touch lives and plan their escape to Mars or wherever, perhaps the next economic cohort beneath them will get lumped in with the rest of the economy, and organizations hoping to scoop up their business will begin to cater to a different tier of people.  

In the last few weeks, there have been several restructurings of mid-tier credit cards with increased values and benefits.  The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a perfect example of this- Their classic $95 annual fee card has always been a great deal, but the recent facelift elevated benefits without increasing the annual fee. 

At first glance, I thought this was a last gasp effort to salvage the damage of the clunky rollout of their premium travel card the Chase Sapphire Reserve last year that didn’t perform nearly as they had hoped. 

I now believe that what they have done with the mid-tier card is whip-smart strategy.  By upleveling their mid-tier card, Chase can scoop up clients that may no longer be interested in paying the premium rates of the top travel cards whose annual fees have climbed to almost a thousand dollars a year.  At $95 a year, these customers who have been paying $395 (Venture X) or more (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve) would be more than happy to throw money out of pocket for some of the perks not included in the Chase Sapphire Preferred because the benefits are still really great.  

Spirit Airlines couldn’t survive because it never had premium options to offset the low cost. It’s a business model that frankly might not be possible in an economy where the divide between rich and poor is just too wide. 

The honest truth is that unless you’re in the top few percent, it’s just getting more difficult to be comfortable, let alone survive with any feeling of financial safety.  Even if it feels promising that companies might begin to offer budget-friendly options to make money, those options will still be more expensive than they used to be from a sheer supply and demand formula.  Not only that, the quality might be questionable- as the old adage goes ‘Beggars can’t be choosers’, and these days integrity seems to be far less important than cash or stock price. 

As much as I’d love to believe Chase is throwing us a bone, the crappy truth is that they’re looking to extract annual fees from whomever is still willing to pay, even if at a short-term loss on their end (yeah, the new perks are that good!).  And while $95 a year feels like a steal for people who were paying hundreds a year on their premium cards, there’s still a majority of the population for whom that is out of their budget now more than ever, and they are exactly the people who were thankful for an airline like Spirit.  

Spirit may have been the butt of endless jokes in its 34 years for its truly basic offerings, but countless passengers experienced their first flights because of the budget-friendly prices and offered opportunities for travel that otherwise would not have been possible.    

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The post The Fall of Spirit Airlines and the People Left Behind appeared first on Carry On Better.

The trailhead is a quick 20-minute drive from Todos Santos, making it one of the best day trips and outdoor activities available during a visit to Baja California Sur. It’s also dog friendly — just keep a close eye on them, as some of the drop-offs can be steep.

The Trail

The Punta Lobos hike is an out-and-back trail, running about 2.5 to 4 miles depending on the route you take, with anywhere from 1 to 3 hours of hiking time. You can tackle some steeper sections if you’re feeling ambitious, or keep it mellow and stay on the main trail — the elevation never gets too crazy.

As someone who is decidedly not outdoorsy, and married to someone even less so, we both genuinely loved the outing. This is a hike for everyone.

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Getting There

From Highway 19, take the exit for the San Cristobal Hotel and follow the long dusty road. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Todos Santos — or an hour from Cabo — but budget another 10 minutes on an unpaved road before you reach the trailhead. There are no parking fees or trail fees, and despite the popularity of the Punta Lobos hike everything is refreshingly informal, right down to the unmarked sugar mill ruins at the start.

For parking, there’s a lot near the San Cristobal Hotel — just read the signs and make sure you’re not in a guest-only area. You can wind further down to an informal parking area closer to the trail, though it looked fairly chaotic with cars in every direction when we visited.

You’ll Know You’ve Arrived

Look for the old sugar mill ruins, also known as Puerto Viejo — the Old Port. The name originates from its role as the main shipping port for Todos Santos in the late 1800s. It’s an atmospheric starting point for the hike, even if it isn’t officially marked.

When to Go

My husband, my sister-in-law’s partner, and I hiked on an overcast morning — and that was very much by design. We were glad we did, because just as we finished, the sun broke through the clouds and it got hot fast. This region sits close to the Tropic of Cancer, meaning the sunlight is nearly direct at certain times of year and the sunburn risk is real. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. There are no bathrooms on the trail, though in a pinch the hotel bar is nearby. I’d strongly recommend a morning start — though I can imagine a sunset from the top of this hike would be absolutely life-changing.

The Views and Wildlife

The views from the Punta Lobos hike are spectacular and were the main draw for me. I love a dry climate, and the cacti and rocky landscape are always a treat for this Pacific Northwesterner. The lookout over the water is stunning — my sister-in-law’s partner, Matt, brought binoculars and we took turns spotting sea lions far below on the rocks where the cliff met the water.

Keep your eye out for turkey vultures too. We spotted several lording over a trash pile near the trail — surprisingly majestic, and a genuinely great sight.

The Rattlesnake

A fellow hiker flagged us down to let us know there was a rattlesnake just off the path on the way back down. It was well hidden in some brush but was definitely watching everyone as they passed. Matt and I crept a few steps closer to take photos — at which point the snake shook its tail, delivering a polite but firm warning. We both raised our hands in surrender, chuckled, and backed away slowly. My husband, who is terrified of snakes, was waiting at a safe distance down the path and was very relieved to be putting more ground between himself and the snake by the second. A great story either way.

The San Cristobal Hotel

The San Cristobal Hotel at the trailhead looks absolutely stunning, and next time I’d like to stop in for a drink or a snack and check out the beach access. Bunkhouse is a boutique hotel chain based in Texas that has perfectly channeled the Baja vibe — and by all accounts is worth every peso of the price tag. Rates run anywhere from $400 to $800+ USD per night depending on the season.

The hotel has its own private beach area, La Playita, accessible to guests or day visitors who purchase a pass — but public beach access is also available for those just passing through.

For something more budget friendly but equally stunning, check out Hacienda Todos Los Santos. This boutique hacienda in the historic center of Todos Santos is an elegant stay worth checking out.

The Verdict

The Punta Lobos hike ended up being one of my favorite parts of this entire Baja Sur trip, and the proximity to Todos Santos makes it an easy yes for anyone in the area. Next time I might brave one of the longer routes and get closer to the cliffs and the water.

Until then, I’ll be content reliving the sea lions through borrowed binoculars.

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I was not at all quiet about my disappointment at the sheer lack of street tacos in Los Cerritos — I was indeed pretty salty about the whole affair. So when we rolled into Todos Santos in our rental van, I was vibrating in my seat as I eyed various food carts parked along the streets.

If you’re wondering where to eat tacos in Todos Santos, you’ve come to the right place — this town delivers.

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A quick caveat: since I was traveling with family on this one, I couldn’t do as much street taco exploration as I would have liked. I could only eat so much in a day, and not everyone in the group was on board with street food — so unfortunately I left plenty of al pastor on the proverbial table. Nonetheless, I did what I could with the time I had, and here is what I found, in descending order of subjective tastiness.

Alma de Pueblo

This quaint little spot is one of several eateries in Plaza Amigos, an open-air courtyard on Calle Benito Juarez between Calle Zaragoza and Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, across the street from Ristorante Tre Galline. Despite walking past it several times a day, I would have missed it completely had a man working there not been standing out front holding a menu with a trompo image on it. That single laminated photo changed everything.

They don’t serve alcohol, but were happy for us to bring back whatever we wanted — common at eateries throughout this trip.

The tacos arrive on a single chewy, thick blue corn tortilla. I ordered two al pastor and a chorizo for good measure, and was thrilled. All the other al pastor I’d tasted in Todos Santos had been heavy-handed with the cinnamon and skewed sweeter than I prefer, but not here. The pastor had excellent flavor and texture, accompanied by slices of grilled pineapple with lightly charred edges, finished with diced white onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a heaping spoonful of guacamole.

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The chorizo was equally good — well-salted, which I always love. Others at the table raved about the flautas and enchiladas, and the limes were generous: fat, juicy halves served alongside.

Tacos run around 45 pesos (~$2.50 USD) — making Alma de Pueblo one of the better cheap eats in Todos Santos, Mexico, especially given the quality. Pricing like this is typical for the town, a reality I had to make peace with given Todos Santos’ popularity and the current state of the US dollar.

The service was spectacular, the server had a great sense of humor, and I was genuinely sad not to make it back for breakfast. Google lists them as open 8am to 9pm, closed Wednesdays — though I’d recommend confirming before making the trip.

Mi Rey

Mi Rey on Manuel Marquez de Leon was our very first stop after landing in Todos Santos, and it holds a special place in my heart for that reason alone — but the tacos earned their keep too. It’s a simple operation: one picnic table, just enough space for our family of five, and a server who quietly ran to the store to fetch cold Pacificos and Coronas when we ordered beer off a menu that didn’t carry it. True customer service.

The al pastor came on a single tortilla — apparently standard in Todos Santos — without pineapple, but the meat was flavorful, chewy, and salty in exactly the way I wanted. Topped with grilled onion, fresh diced white onion, and a thick layer of smashed avocado, with little plates of sliced cucumbers, quartered limes, and ramekins of salsa making their way around the table.

The shrimp tacos are also worth ordering — pico, smashed avocado, salsa, lime, and a slice of cucumber. Do it. And order the guacamole. The chips are out of this world.

Read the full Mi Rey review here.

Tacos El Poblano

Late one evening — after 9pm — a few of us ventured out for a casual bite and stumbled upon Tacos El Poblano. The unfinished concrete building has a large open kitchen, plastic and folding chairs, and a menu listed on the wall. No frills, no pretense.

The al pastor was heavy-handed with the cinnamon and skewed sweet — the meat itself was on the dry side, served on a single tortilla. Tacos ran 40 pesos each, in line with Todos Santos pricing. The platter of accoutrements that came alongside was perhaps the most exciting part of the meal — an overflowing dish full of radishes, limes, pico, salsas, and cucumbers.

For a late-night taco fix in Todos Santos, it’ll absolutely do the trick. Just don’t come here specifically for the al pastor.

Honorable Mention: Carnitas Tadeo

Look, I’m a bit of a slut when it comes to tacos, and Carnitas Tadeo was genuinely delicious despite not serving al pastor, so I have to give them a shout out. On Calle Degollado, one of the main roads into town (technically Carretera 19), Carnitas Tadeo is a clean and simple operation and worth the stop if you have a hankering for good carnitas in Todos Santos.

Each table had a big tub of their house made chili crisp- a surefire shortcut to my heart. I ordered two carnitas tacos, and although disappointed at their lack of al pastor, was genuinely impressed with the juiciness of the meat and the mouth feel of the tortillas.

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Final Thoughts on Tacos in Todos Santos

It’s been genuinely fun experiencing the same dish across different spots and seeing the flair each place brings to it. In Todos Santos, my main takeaways: smashed avocado or guacamole is a standard topping, and the warming spices tend to run heavier and sweeter here than other places I’ve toured.

Alma de Pueblo was the clear standout for the best al pastor tacos in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur — lighter on the spice, better on the char, and the kind of authentic Mexican street taco experience in Baja California Sur that makes the whole hunt worthwhile.

And don’t skip the shrimp tacos while you’re in Todos Santos. We are on the coast, for god’s sake. I’d point you straight to Mi Rey. Or, if you’re up for a little field trip, make the 10-minute drive to Los Cerritos and hit up La Tuna for their Tierra y Mar tacos.

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Opened in 2023, it’s a relative newcomer to the Todos Santos wellness scene, and already feels like it has a devoted local following.

I had never done reformer pilates, but my mother-in-law has been practicing for 12 years and when I had mentioned the yoga studio I was interested in checking out while in Todos Santos, she mentioned Estudio 52 and was delighted I was all in on trying out my first reformer class with her during our visit.

The Studio

Walking in, the space does something to you immediately. Warm grey walls match the upholstery on the 8 reformers — 4 on each side of the room — and the edges of the studio are lined with tropical plants in woven baskets. The ceiling is draped with soft suspended fabric that undulates gently overhead, and the walls have a brushed painting technique that adds texture without noise.

Our instructor Andrea put on a mellow playlist with just enough beat to keep us moving. The overall effect is effortless calm — the kind of space that makes you feel more balanced just by being in it.

The Class

It was my first reformer Pilates class, so imagine my elation when it turned out to be essentially private instruction for myself and my mother-in-law. Our instructor Andrea was incredibly kind and patient as I fumbled with the knobs and correct knee placement on the contraption.

Despite having done mat Pilates for years, the movability of the reformer took some getting used to — but Andrea’s instruction was clear throughout, with helpful countdowns and warnings before holds or pulses. She also offered hands-on adjustments when needed, which I always appreciate, especially when correct form is paramount for beginners.

My mother-in-law, who has been practicing reformer Pilates for over a decade, was equally impressed — and she’s the real expert here. She noted that the reformer machines at Estudio 52 were noticeably nicer than the ones she uses back in Portland: they glided better and had additional tension controls for finer tuning.

She also observed that we did 5 more repetitions of each exercise than her usual classes at home. “You really feel those extra 5 reps!” The next day I was a little sore but not to an extent that was unpleasant. I think for any first timer to reformer pilates, I wouldn’t be afraid to sabotage a vacation by taking a class.

Practical Details

Classes are booked online and reservations are mandatory. At the time of visiting, a single drop-in class was 350 pesos, with class packages also available. All classes are taught in English and Spanish, run 50 minutes, and are scheduled throughout the day starting as early as 7am.

I didn’t bring grip socks and was pleasantly surprised to find I didn’t need them.

With 8 reformers and the customizability of the machines, Estudio 52 feels well suited for clients of all levels — whether it’s your first reformer class or your thousandth. The studio can accommodate a full class but the early morning slot gave us what felt like a private session, which was a genuine gift for my first experience.

Getting There

Depending on where you’re staying in Todos Santos, you’ll likely need a car to reach Estudio 52. The studio was a 45-minute walk from our hacienda in the central district, and the route runs along a road with an overgrown sidewalk that puts you in close proximity to traffic — not impossible, but not ideal, especially since the comfort of the walk would be highly dependent on the upkeep of the abundant foliage.

If you’re staying in north Todos Santos, Estudio 52 could be walkable. We drove from the hacienda, and were glad we did.

As we were putting on our shoes after class, several cars pulled into the small parking lot for the next session — a clear sign that Estudio 52 has built a regular clientele in a short amount of time since the studio’s opening.

The Verdict

Next time I visit Todos Santos, I’d seriously consider staying on the north side of town specifically to buy a class package at Estudio 52. Even though it’s just a short drive from the central historic district, north Todos Santos feels like an entirely different part of town worth exploring.

If you’re looking for things to do in Todos Santos beyond the beach and the restaurants, this reformer Pilates studio is a genuinely lovely way to spend a morning in Baja California Sur. The north side has its own vibe away from the main district of Todos Santos and I am looking forward to discovering everything it has to offer on my next trip to Baja.

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Docecuarenta sits at the end of Calle Centenario, a long dirt road running parallel to Highway 19, and is many things at once: cafe, artisan roastery, workspace, bar, bakery, and gift shop. It is well worth every step of the trek. They have a parking lot if you need it, but the 10-minute walk from the historic city center is pleasant — Todos Santos is a lovely town to explore on foot.

The space is large like an airport hangar, but flooded with natural light and expertly decorated with modern touches and vibrant trailing ferns and ivies. Oversized communal tables, intimate booths, and bar seating wrap most of the way around the baristas and bartenders at the center of the room.

Upstairs, people sat alone with laptops, working quietly with a great overview of the cafe below — a strong signal that the wifi situation is solid.

Two sprawling patios extend from the building — one out front, one off the side. The place has amazing energy. The high ceilings and open doors make the din of the coffee grinding and the sound of people talking an enthralling backdrop, not a cacophony. The clientele was a relaxed mix of locals, tourists, and expats, all seemingly very happy to be there.

I had a fabulously flaky beef empanada, then stood far too long battling between the peanut butter brownie and the cheesecake. Would both be too much? I opted for the brownie, which moments later had me gleefully squirming in my seat and fist-pumping the air with utter ecstasy.

Do you know how I can tell something is absolutely incredible? I forget to look at the price , I’m too excited. This rarely happens because I’m notoriously kinda cheap about stuff. So I was genuinely shocked to go back and research prices and find that this magnificent cafe, bakery, bar, and workspace is extremely affordable for Todos Santos. My entire order — empanada, brownie, and an iced Americano — came in under $10 USD with tip.

The gift shop deserves its own moment. Interesting books, beautifully designed bags of coffee, fun stickers, and chili oils that I absolutely could not leave without. The peanut and árbol chili oil has a smoky kick, and I’m currently trying to convince my husband not to give away the second jar he intends to gift to a friend.

The house-roasted iced Americano was strong and delicious — 60 pesos, which is a steal for Todos Santos. Lattes and Chais run 70 pesos. The on-site bakery had me wishing I were hungrier.

Docecuarenta was founded in 2014 by a brother and sister duo and the sister’s husband. In over a decade since, this artisan coffee roastery has grown to 4 locations — with the Todos Santos outpost serving as the roastery. The name Docecuarenta translates to 1240, after the original address of the first location in La Paz. One of the most beloved coffee shops in Todos Santos, it’s easy to see why it has endured and expanded.

The Todos Santos location is open 7am to 8pm daily, with extended hours until 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

I had read about Docecuarenta before visiting Todos Santos, but funny enough I arrived there by accident. My family was checking out a ceramics pop-up at the old theater when my husband needed a restroom and was pointed down the road toward a coffee shop. I’m not sure anyone mentioned exactly how far down the road he was supposed to go — but I eventually found him, and was elated to discover what I’d stumbled upon.

Did I mention I wouldn’t stop saying I wanted to move in?

So. Stunning. It is cafe worth exploring, and make sure to go hungry to make the best of your visit.

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The post Docecuarenta | Best Coffee Shop and Roastery in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur appeared first on Carry On Better.

As I ventured further into the restaurant, I devolved into a series of gasps and envy-moans. The landscaping is magazine-cover worthy, and the dappled light filtering down through palm fronds and a natural wood pergola overhead was so beautiful that morning. Our family of five was seated at a large picnic table under a sail of shade with a lovely view of most of the sprawling grounds — a great spot for a group.

We started with one of their sugar donuts — delightfully soft and pillowy. It was genuinely painful to split a single donut five ways, but it proved a great little morning opener. I was also enticed by a Moow seltzer — I went with the Sandia-Albahaca + Reishi flavor, drawn in by the colorful cans on my way through the gallery. I’d never seen the brand before, and I’ve since learned this Mexican company makes a range of sugar-free, non-alcoholic seltzers made with adaptogens. I wish I’d tried more flavors.

With such an extensive and eclectic menu, narrowing down our order was genuinely difficult — and a note here: make sure you look through all the pages on the clipboard menus, because there are at least three and not all clipboards had the same ones. There was real confusion at our table when people couldn’t find dishes they’d heard described. Don’t skip a single page.

My husband and I shared the Spinach and Kale salad and the Jewish Style Eggs — their take on Shakshuka. The salad was incredibly fresh, the crunch of cashews with fresh cubes of cheese and chewy dates a revelation. The sauce on the eggs was smoky and deeply flavorful, and we sopped up every last bit with the accompanying pita bread, heavily buttered at our own insistence because it was too good to leave behind. The Huevos Rancheros were also a hit at our table — topped with avocado, thinly sliced radish, and fresh cilantro over a thick tomato sauce. I heard nothing but rave reviews, punctuated by satisfied noises between bites.

Mains at Jazamango Cafe run in the 200-300 peso range ($11-17 USD at time of writing). For a sit-down breakfast in Todos Santos this is pretty typical pricing — but for a sustainable, organic, farm-to-table meal, it comes off as genuinely great value. Among the restaurants in Todos Santos, it’s one of the best breakfasts you’ll find.

The crowd felt like a good mix of tourists and locals enjoying a sunny Saturday morning — always a promising sign. The patio flows beautifully from the dining area toward a more relaxed, cozy drinking vibe at the bar in the back: cozy corners, sunny couches, giant terracotta planters. The kind of place you’d want to linger over cocktails in the afternoon — though the string lights suggest the evenings would be equally picturesque. That said, Jazamango Cafe is currently open for breakfast and lunch only, 8am to 2pm, closed Tuesdays.

A note on search confusion: Jazamango Cafe is the casual daytime offshoot of the more formal Jazamango restaurant on the other side of town. They are two separate spots — the main Jazamango is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday. I can only imagine I’m not the only one who got confused searching for these online, so consider yourself warned.

One honest caveat: if you’re pressed for time, save Jazamango Cafe for a morning when you have flexibility. Among the best farm-to-table breakfast spots in Todos Santos, it’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous and the food is genuinely fresh and delicious — but we waited around 45 minutes for our food and another 20 or more for the bill despite multiple attempts at snagging it from a server. But this was just one morning, so it could certainly be a fluke!

Come hungry, come unhurried, and come ready to take it all in. Definitely a spot worth exploring on a trip through Todos Santos.

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The post Jazamango Cafe | Farm-to-Table Breakfast in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur appeared first on Carry On Better.

I don’t remember how I came across Hacienda Todos Los Santos, but from the moment we arrived I knew it was going to be special.

Just north of the tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula sits the picturesque town of Todos Santos. Beautifully preserved colonial architecture, ancient cacti, and a thriving artistic community draw travelers from all over the world in search of stunning desert landscape and a chance to slow the hell down.

Todos Santos had been on my list for close to a decade, always deprioritized in favor of more budget-friendly destinations that hadn’t been splashed across Travel + Leisure or Condé Nast. But it turned out to be the perfect location for a trip I was helping plan — a family getaway that included my mother-in-law, who was a bit trepidatious about leaving the country for the first time in several decades.

This enchanting town was an easy sell: safe, clean, and just an hour and a half by rental car from San José del Cabo airport. With a thriving expat and retired community in place, it was an ideal counter-balance after spending several nights at tiny surf beach Los Cerritos, a fifteen-minute drive down south on the highway.

Driving north from Los Cerritos, our rental van hummed along Highway 19. It was myself, my husband, his sister and her partner, and their mother. We had been calling this trip the 110th — my mother-in-law was turning 70 and my sister-in-law was celebrating her 40th. This trip had been in the works for literal years, and while we relished the beach and ultimate relaxation we had in Los Cerritos, we were ready for something a bit bigger- new streets, shops and restaurants to explore.

Our rental car’s navigation deposited us at the intersection of Calle Benito Juarez and Degollado and alerted us we had arrived. A bit confused, our family pulled into a nearby parking lot to regroup as there was not an obvious lodging there. Despite a large sign on the road pointing left, we felt uncertain about the road winding through stately gates past a taco restaurant and a now-defunct fountain.

I volunteered to venture down the path alone rather than drag the whole family into a potential trespassing situation.

A few moments in, I recognized the architecture from the photos when I’d made the booking. We were in the right place.

I could hardly contain my excitement as we piled back into the car and wound our way toward our home for the rest of the week.

Driving through the gate, you’re immediately surrounded by towering, lush greenery. The graveled path and well-maintained plants make you feel like royalty before you’ve even checked in.

For our group of 5, we rented 3 suites that were housed in the main colonial building. My husband and I stayed in the Santa Clara suite (~$219/night) on the second floor, with a balcony looking out over the back of the property and into a 12-acre palm forest open for guests to explore.

The Santa Clara Suite was an unbeatable place to watch the sunset. The king size bed was a sumptuous sea of marshmallow fluff — the sheets were godly, the comforter and pillows magical, and I felt like a child lost in the floofiness of it all.

My mother-in-law took the Suite Santa Barbara (~$219/night), which connects via adjoining doors to the Suite San Juan Diego (~$300/night) — a setup that’s ideal for families and groups traveling together. San Juan Diego has the deluxe full kitchen and quickly became the de facto hangout space for our family. The property has 12 suites and one villa in total, each uniquely designed and decorated.

Hacienda Todos Los Santos is perfectly positioned for exploring this Baja California Sur pueblo mágico. You’re just steps from the main historic center, with plenty of restaurants within a 5-minute walk.

A car isn’t strictly necessary for getting around town, though if you’re planning to visit the pilates studio, Estudio 52 (45-minute walk) or the Cuatro Vientos yoga studio (20-minute walk) on the other side of town, having one is a nice option. And as with most of Baja Sur, a rental car unlocks the full experience of the region.

What I really appreciated about our stay was that I always felt supported by the staff, but never pestered. Our group was able to check in several hours early, and the kind man at reception walked us to our rooms and gave us a tour before heading back to the office — attentive without hovering.

Later that day, my husband and I discovered our room had lost power. A visit to reception was immediately followed by a staff member returning with us to check things out. He was confident he could fix it, offered alternative rooms if needed, and by the time my husband and I returned from a little shopping in town, everything was up and running. That kind of quiet, competent service is what makes a stay truly memorable for me.

A standout feature I’ve grown to love in Mexico is purified water available in the room. A beautiful glass cistern was refilled each day, covering all of our potable water needs — a huge plus that eliminates the need for large plastic bottles. Housekeeping also noticed we’d used all our coffee the first morning and left an extra serving the remaining days. Small things, but they add up.

The kitchen in the San Juan Diego suite was well stocked, including a blender — always a nice touch in a tropical destination with tremendous smoothie capability. Even the kitchenettes in the other suites had plenty for easy mornings: plates, bowls, cutting boards and a variety of glassware for pastries from a nearby bakery, fresh papaya, or cocktails for sunset.

The architecture and decor of this boutique hotel in Todos Santos played a huge role in the luxurious feel of the stay. Terracotta tiled floors and ornately painted tiled showers made daily bathing a true experience. Crisp white paint, unique art on the walls in each room, and the traditional Mexican embroidery on the pillows were a lovely touch.

The landscaping was by far one of my favorite elements of the property. Coming and going from the hacienda throughout the day in itself was a beautiful experience. The variety and size of plant life was awing.

The bathroom in the Santa Clara suite was a winner — hot water, fantastic pressure, and a shower design that looks out over the palm forest. I love me a hot shower, and I took several each day just to hang out in the tiled oasis.

The pool is unheated and on the smaller side, but the loungers were well maintained with fresh towels, and the landscaping surrounding it was so beautiful that sitting on the edge dangling my feet in, taking in the greenery, was one of the highlights of my time in Todos Santos. It’s a quiet, private tropical oasis — no lifeguard, no bartender, no one to bother you except perhaps another guest with a book sitting quietly nearby.

Bring a beer and take in the sound of palm fronds in the wind.

There is no onsite dining or bar, but the hacienda’s walkability to everything in Todos Santos makes it completely unnecessary.

We had been gathering in the San Juan Diego suite since it was the largest space, and somehow completely overlooked the incredible sunset view from our second-floor balcony until the very last night. Luckily we caught our mistake just in time and marveled at the unrivaled beauty of a Baja California Sur sunset as a family. Don’t make our mistake — build balcony time into every evening.

To be fair, the sunsets from the lower balconies were also magnificent. But from the second floor you have a stunning treetop view of the palm forest.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Todos Santos, Hacienda Todos Los Santos should be at the top of your list. This is my idea of quiet luxury — the things that mattered most, the bed, the bathroom, the shower pressure, the design, the staff, were all top notch. At $219-300/night it’s a genuine value for the quality, especially for groups and families who can take advantage of the connecting suites and shared kitchen.

But no matter how you’re traveling — solo, as a couple, with family — Hacienda Todos Los Santos is worth looking into.

Did I mention the really friendly black cat will absolutely try to get into your room at every opportunity? It’s super sweet, very photogenic, and has the incredible ability to jump from the ground floor balcony to the top, and even open the screen door. A true MVP on this property.

I booked directly through their website and received confirmation emails without issue. However, I did have trouble getting in touch with them through their platform and via email in the lead-up to our stay — something worth knowing if you’re someone who likes to communicate details in advance. I received a WhatsApp message from them a few days before check-in, and my deposit was taken from my bank account weeks before arrival. If easy communication is important to you, booking through a third-party platform may be the smoother avenue — though booking direct worked out just fine in the end.

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The post Hacienda Todos Los Santos | Boutique Hotel Review | Todos Santos, Baja California Sur appeared first on Carry On Better.