My decade-long romance with Baja Sur, Mexico began with an industry event that I spoke at year-after-year in Cabo San Lucas.
The event usually coincided with my birthday, so I would often arrive early or stay after to enjoy some “me” time.
That led to venturing beyond the familiar tourist environment of Los Cabos to other areas of Baja Sur. And that’s when I discovered Todos Santos, El Pescadero, and Cerritos Beach.
This area has become increasingly popular in the last several years, spurred initially by Americans escaping pandemic lock downs. Since then, it’s become a favorite of artists, digital entrepreneurs, and other location-independent business owners.
While just an hour from the familiar resort scene of Los Cabos, this creative enclave offers something entirely different — a chance to build your location-independent business in a setting that still feels authentically Mexican.
A Pioneering Location with Room to Grow
As you might guess, timing matters when choosing an expat destination. While the true pioneers of the region got in 10-15 years ago, there’s still plenty of room for growth.
“Whilst Todos Santos is definitely not undiscovered, it has remained lowkey and small-scale,” writes travel expert Sally Sees in her comprehensive analysis of the area. “The centre can get busy with day trippers, but the town has spread outwards, meaning you can still find a quiet corner.”
On my first visit I was somewhat surprised at how spotlessly clean the towns are. This is thanks to the Cero Basura program in Todos Santos and El Pescadero, which is the first zero waste initiative in Mexico. I immediately thought of the impossibly clean city streets of Japan.
The historic centro area (downtown) provides a walkable grid of cobblestone streets lined with cafes perfect for client meetings. A range of charming boutique hotels dot the town.
El Otro Lado, the rapidly developing area north of center, combines beach access with modern amenities that make remote work seamless. For those seeking a quieter workspace, the Las Tunas neighborhood offers a peaceful environment while maintaining easy access to the town’s amenities.
The Cerritos Beach Advantage
Twenty minutes south, Cerritos Beach and El Pescadero present a different vibe from quaint Todos Santos. While I enjoy Todos Santos, it’s Cerritos that has captured my imagination.
As Sees notes, “The area is largely rural and relatively undeveloped. The roads are still dusty tracks and there are swathes of empty desert land covered in cacti. But new accommodation options, cafes and restaurants are popping up constantly, in what feels like the middle of nowhere.”
Right now, the demand from tourists newly discovering the region is outstripping supply, which suggests an interesting opportunity for real estate developers and investors. I agree, which is why I’m in the area next week looking at property.
This emerging destination perfectly balances professional infrastructure with lifestyle benefits.
The agricultural richness of El Pescadero means fresh, local produce for maintaining health and focus. Meanwhile, Cerritos Beach offers world-class surfing breaks when you need to clear your mind between client calls.
A True Community Environment
Unlike many so-called digital nomad destinations that promise more than they deliver, Todos Santos and its surrounding areas offer substance behind the style.
The region has already attracted a diverse community of creative professionals and entrepreneurs who understand that meaningful work doesn’t require a conventional office.
From aesthetic cafes and farm-to-table restaurants to boutique hotels that double as inspiring workspaces, the infrastructure here supports serious business building.
Plus, the relative proximity to Los Cabos International Airport means maintaining global connections remains straightforward. The La Paz airport provides another nearby option, as new international flights are added constantly.
The Right Vibe for You?
The window of opportunity in the Todos Santos area won’t remain open indefinitely. Sees observes that “chances are this small-town paradise is about to get a lot bigger.”
For those looking to establish themselves in a location that combines professional opportunity with quality of life, the time to explore this region is now.
You may decide you prefer the highly-developed convenience of Los Cabos, where you’ll have access to everything ranging from big box stores to high end car dealerships. For others, something a little less commercial and a little more laid back may be the right vibe.
In an era where location independence has become not just possible but profitable, the Todos Santos area offers a compelling option for re-imagining your ideal lifestyle.
