Los Cabos 3 day trip OVERVIEW

Start & Finish: San José del Cabo

Total distance: 192 km / 120 miles

Best season: Year-round

This 3 day overland trip in Los Cabos takes you around the municipality at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula.

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

Intensity: ★★★☆☆

Remoteness: ★★☆☆

TERRAIN & DRIVING

This Los Cabos 3 day overland trip is  a fairly easy route, with about half the drive on paved highways and half on dirt roads. Expect potholes on the highway and dusty, bumpy sections along the East Cape and the road to Sol de Mayo.

4WD is not strictly necessary, but it’s a nice-to-have for better traction—especially when driving through arroyos or accessing more remote spots away from the crowds.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTES

Cattle in the region roam freely, so avoid driving at high speeds—especially at night. Donkeys, cows, sheep, and horses can appear on the road unexpectedly.

It’s also important to remember that Baja operates by its own rules. Weather, sea conditions, and road access can change. This itinerary is a framework—flexibility is always part of the experience.

ROUTE

Day 1: San José del Cabo → Cabo del Este

Day 2: Cabo del Este → Cabo Pulmo

Day 3: Cabo Pulmo → Sol de Mayo → San José del Cabo

Los Cabos 3 day overland trip loop connects Baja’s wild coastlines, marine wildlife, desert mountains and surf towns into one of the most diverse overland routes in Baja California Sur.

PACKING ESSENTIALS

We recommend bringing:

Sun protection & light layers
Water shoes & swimwear
Cash for small towns
Offline map apps (iOverlander, Google Maps, Gaia)
This is a short 3-day trip, so pack light—ideally a duffel bag.

Your Baja Overlander vehicle includes sleeping gear for two, a cooler, sunshade, and two beach chairs. For this trip, we recommend adding a kitchen kit, a portable table, and a headlamp per person.

SAFETY, FUEL & CONNECTIVITY

Some areas have:

No cell signal
No fuel stations
No medical services
Always:

Refuel when possible
Carry extra water
Download offline maps
Baja Overlander’s vehicles include recovery gear, first aid and navigation tools for remote travel

DAY 1 | SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO → CABO DEL ESTE

Pick up & supplies

Before leaving town, stop at La Comer or Chedraui Selecto to stock up on groceries and basics.

Ice for coolers is available later at small stores across Baja, but this is the best stop for a full resupply.

Note: Start early to make the most of the day. Latest recommended departure: 11:00 AM.

San José del Cabo → East Cape

Drive: San José del Cabo → East Cape

We recommend taking the old East Cape road (see map) to experience a scenic dirt road that runs along the ocean. It’s a bumpy ride, so if you prefer a smoother drive, take the highway instead.

The East Cape feels like what San José del Cabo was 50 years ago—raw and untouched. Expect limited services, no cell reception, and very few stores.

You’ll find a couple of great restaurants along the way, especially around La Fortuna, with a relaxed surf-beach vibe.

Camping & Activities

Camping on the East Cape is a unique experience. You can drive along the coast and choose your own spot—either completely secluded or closer to other campers.

Please avoid driving on soft sand near the ocean to prevent getting stuck and to protect the environment, especially turtle nesting areas.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach, or take a surf lesson at Nine Palms or La Fortuna.

DAY 2 |CABO DEL ESTE → CABO PULMO

Start early, pack up camp, and have a light breakfast before heading to Cabo Pulmo.

If you’re not familiar with this area, take a moment to read about it (insert link)—it’s a must-visit destination.

Cabo Pulmo is beautiful on land, but the real magic is underwater. We strongly recommend booking one of the following experiences:

• Snorkeling trip
• Scuba diving
• Marine safari

After your activity, grab a meal at one of the local restaurants in town.

San José del Cabo → East Cape

Drive: San José del Cabo → East Cape

We recommend taking the old East Cape road  to experience a scenic dirt road that runs along the ocean. It’s a bumpy ride, so if you prefer a smoother drive, take the highway instead.

The East Cape feels like what San José del Cabo was 50 years ago—raw and untouched. Expect limited services, no cell reception, and very few stores.

You’ll find a couple of great restaurants along the way, especially around La Fortuna, with a relaxed surf-beach vibe.

Camping & Activities

Camping on the East Cape is a unique experience. You can drive along the coast and choose your own spot—either completely secluded or closer to other campers.

Please avoid driving on soft sand near the ocean to prevent getting stuck and to protect the environment, especially turtle nesting areas.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach, or take a surf lesson at Nine Palms or La Fortuna.

DAY 3 | CABO PULMO → SOL DE MAYO → SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO

Enjoy a slow morning in Cabo Pulmo. Have breakfast, pack up, and get ready for your final day on the road.

Drive: Cabo Pulmo → Sol de Mayo → San José del Cabo

Stop: Rancho Sol de Mayo

Take a short hike down to the waterfalls and swim in the natural pools.

A traditional ranch-style meal can be arranged here, or you can head back to San José del Cabo for food before dropping off the vehicle.

End of trip.