La Ventana, Mexico, a gem nestled along the stunning Sea of Cortez in Baja Sur, is globally recognized as a premier destination for wind sports. Envision aqua-blue waters meeting a dramatic desert mountainscape, and you’ll start to understand the undeniable allure of this village. From October to April, consistent winds sweep in, attracting kite surfers and windsurfers from across Mexico, the US, Canada, and beyond. For many visitors, particularly those from North America, the primary draw to La Ventana is undoubtedly its world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.
However, arriving in La Ventana with a somewhat under-researched plan focused solely on windsurfing, we quickly realized we had only scratched the surface of what this vibrant locale offers. While initially intending to dedicate our time to learning and enjoying windsurfing, we soon discovered that La Ventana is not just for seasoned wind sports enthusiasts. Lessons and rentals proved to be as costly as back home, windsurfing gear was scarce in a town dominated by kitesurfing, and the strong winds were more challenging than anticipated for beginners. Our initial plan needed a rethink.
It wasn’t long before we uncovered that beyond the wind-fueled adventures, La Ventana is a diverse playground brimming with activities for every kind of outdoor lover. In this guide, we’ll share our experiences exploring the myriad of things to do in La Ventana, proving that this Mexican paradise is worth visiting even if you’re not chasing the wind.
La Ventana: Beyond the Wind – A Village of Vibrant Energy
La Ventana, often considered together with its neighboring village El Sargento, began as a small, traditional Mexican fishing community. Its transformation into a wind sports hotspot began in the 1980s when American tourists recognized its exceptional wind conditions. Since then, La Ventana’s reputation has soared, attracting significant investment and development from both local and international sources.
While many travel resources still describe La Ventana as a “quaint,” “small,” or “quiet Mexican fishing village,” this description no longer fully captures its essence, especially during peak wind season in the winter months. During our visit in March, we were struck by the bustling commercial scene that permeates the village. The main road is alive with traffic and filled with a lively mix of tourists and expats. Development here is clearly geared towards visitors, with hotels, RV parks, diverse restaurants, cozy cafes, numerous kite schools, and sports equipment rental shops lining the streets. During February, the peak of the season, the village was so vibrant that ATMs ran out of cash, and RV parks approached full capacity. We thoroughly enjoyed the energetic atmosphere and wholeheartedly recommend a visit to La Ventana, just be prepared for more than a sleepy fishing village experience.
Explore La Ventana’s Trails: Hiking and Mountain Biking Adventures
La Ventana boasts an impressive network of trails, offering over 100 kilometers of routes suitable for both leisurely hikers and avid mountain bikers. The La Ventana Area Mountain Bike Association (LaVAMBA) diligently maintains these trails and is continually developing new ones. The best tool for navigating and discovering these trails is the Trailforks app; we found it indispensable for our explorations. An added bonus for outdoor enthusiasts with canine companions – all trails are dog-friendly!
Hikers and a dog enjoying a scenic trail in La Ventana, Mexico
We focused our hiking explorations on the challenging trails north of La Ventana. These paths ascend into the mountains, rewarding hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the village, the expansive Sea of Cortez, and the captivating Isla Cerralvo. Had it not been for the intense 30+ degree Celsius heat, we could have spent every day hiking these trails. As it was, we limited ourselves to shorter hikes in the early mornings and evenings with our dog, Walter.
To experience the trails south of La Ventana, we rented a mountain bike from the Cacachilas Bike Hub. The southern trails offered a delightful contrast, with perfect sandy single tracks winding through a magical cactus forest. The Cardon Corridor trail quickly became a favorite. The experience was so enjoyable it made us wish we had brought our own bikes from home to fully explore the La Ventana biking scene.
Mountain biker riding through a cactus forest trail in La Ventana, Mexico
Two mountain bikers pausing on a sandy trail in La Ventana, Mexico, surrounded by cacti
Paddle into Paradise: Stand Up Paddleboarding in La Ventana Bay
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a hugely popular activity in La Ventana, offering a serene contrast to the afternoon wind sports. Typically, the wind doesn’t pick up until around midday, leaving the mornings calm and the water flat – ideal conditions for SUP. The clear, aqua-blue water provides incredible visibility down to the ocean floor, revealing a vibrant mix of sand, rocks, and coral reef. We spent countless hours on our SUPs, gazing into the underwater world, spotting colorful fish, exploring the coastline with its cliffs, hotels, and beachfront homes, and observing the local pelicans. We even attempted to bring Walter along for a SUP adventure, which lasted a spirited 15 minutes before he decided he’d had enough of being a paddleboarding dog.
Person stand up paddleboarding in the clear turquoise waters of La Ventana Bay, Mexico
Close-up of clear water and a paddleboard in La Ventana, Mexico
Two people paddleboarding and enjoying the calm waters of La Ventana, Mexico in the morning
Dive into the Reef: Snorkeling Adventures in La Ventana
Just a short swim from the main beach in La Ventana lies a vibrant coral reef, teeming with marine life. This accessible reef is home to a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, sea urchins (a word of caution – watch your fingers!), and diverse marine plants. We spent stretches of 20-30 minutes at a time exploring this underwater garden, completely captivated by the seascapes. With wetsuits, we could have explored even further and stayed longer in the water, as it can get a little chilly. For those seeking a more secluded snorkeling experience, Punta Gorda, accessible via a trail on the north side of town, is renowned as an excellent snorkeling spot.
Relax and Rejuvenate: Natural Hot Tubs at Hot Spring Beach
Hot Spring Beach, located on the northern edge of La Ventana, offers a unique and relaxing experience. Here, naturally heated water rises from beneath the sand and rocks. Over time, visitors have ingeniously crafted natural tubs from the surrounding rocks, ready to use when the tide is just right. If you’re feeling creative, you can even build your own tub to your liking.
Natural rock hot tub filled with hot spring water at Hot Springs Beach in La Ventana, Mexico
Close up of the rocky shore and natural hot spring tubs at Hot Springs Beach, La Ventana, Mexico
People relaxing in natural hot spring tubs at Hot Springs Beach, La Ventana, Mexico, overlooking the ocean
The ideal hot tub conditions are a delicate balance of hot spring water and cooler tidal water. We visited the beach as the tide was coming in and moved between different tubs, searching for the perfect temperature. Sitting in a natural hot tub, gazing out at the vast ocean, was a truly surreal and unforgettable experience. A word of caution: the spring water can be extremely hot, potentially scalding. Always test the water temperature before entering a tub. Even our dog Walter inadvertently stepped into a hot pool and quickly learned this lesson (he was fine, but it served as a reminder to us to be more careful).
Taste of La Ventana: Food and Drink Scene
La Ventana boasts a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants, bars, and cafes to satisfy every craving. After weeks of more basic meals while camping, the establishments in La Ventana offered a welcome taste of familiar comforts and international flavors. We indulged in wood-fired pizzas, delicious lattes, fresh pastries, and proper bread – treats we had been longing for!
Outdoor dining area of a restaurant in La Ventana, Mexico, with people enjoying food and drinks
Close up of pizza and drinks on a table at a restaurant in La Ventana, Mexico
The only potential downside to dining out in La Ventana is the cost. The international clientele and cuisine generally mean prices are on par with those in the US or Canada – a common trend in tourist destinations, and La Ventana is no exception.
Beachfront Bliss: Camping in La Ventana
La Ventana offers camping options to suit every preference and budget, from free wild camping spots in El Sargento to full-service RV parks like Tango Azul and Brisas Del Mar, with nightly rates around $25 USD.
We initially spent two nights wild camping in El Sargento, at the north end of the beach. We practically had the entire area to ourselves, save for one distant RV. This spot offered a rocky shoreline, stunning views, easy access to hiking trails, and was within walking distance of Hot Springs Beach. We loved the seclusion and natural beauty, but after a couple of days, the lack of shade and wind protection, combined with the need for basic services, prompted us to seek a more established campground.
RV parked at a wild camping spot on a rocky beach in El Sargento, La Ventana, Mexico
We relocated to Las Palmas, a newer campground situated on a sandy beach, just a short walk from the heart of La Ventana village. Las Palmas provided everything we desired and needed. For 250 pesos per night (approximately $13 USD), we had access to brand new washroom facilities, hot showers, fresh water, and garbage disposal. The soft sand, swaying palm trees, and ocean views created a truly tropical atmosphere. The campground also attracted a friendly and interesting mix of travelers, making it a great place to socialize and meet new people.
Palm trees and RVs at Las Palmas campground in La Ventana, Mexico
Sandy beach and ocean view from Las Palmas campground in La Ventana, Mexico
Cows walking on the beach near campers at Las Palmas campground in La Ventana, Mexico
Cows grazing near RVs at Las Palmas campground in La Ventana, Mexico
Sometimes, even cows joined us for our evening relaxation at the campsite!
Spectacle on the Sea: Watching Kite and Wind Surfers
Even if you’re not participating in wind sports, watching them in La Ventana is a captivating experience. Every afternoon, the sky above La Ventana transforms into a dynamic canvas filled with vibrant, colorful kites. We spent many afternoons simply watching and admiring the kite surfers from our campsite. And if we ever questioned our decision not to try kitesurfing, we only needed to spot a beginner struggling, being pulled through the water, to reaffirm our choice. The spectacle is beautiful and entertaining in itself.
Colorful kitesurfers and windsurfers in La Ventana, Mexico, filling the sky and water
Plan Your La Ventana Adventure: Helpful Resources
Ready to explore La Ventana, Mexico? Here are some resources to help you plan your trip:
- Trailforks App: Essential for hiking and mountain biking trail maps in La Ventana.
- Cacachilas Bike Hub: For mountain bike rentals and trail information.
- Local Kite Schools & Rental Shops: Numerous options in La Ventana for windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons and gear.
- RV Parks and Campgrounds: Research and book in advance, especially during peak season. Tango Azul, Brisas Del Mar, and Las Palmas are good options.
- Restaurants and Cafes: Explore the variety of dining options along the main road in La Ventana.
La Ventana, Mexico offers a rich tapestry of experiences beyond its renowned wind sports. From thrilling outdoor adventures to relaxing beachside moments and delicious culinary discoveries, La Ventana is a destination that truly has something for everyone. Come and discover the magic of La Ventana for yourself!
