Far beyond the big resorts of Cabo San Lucas and the long, golden beaches that snake northward along the Pacific coast, there’s a more rugged adventure to be had in the Baja. Head inland to “glamp” in ranch country, set high in the Sierra de la Laguna, a mountain range that spans north to south along the south end of the Baja California peninsula.

Heading inland from Todos Santos, there’s no obvious speed limits on these dirt roads, but you’d be likely to harm yourself or your car if you tried to drive more than 40 km / h. But the slower pace lets you gently untangle from the daily obligations of life, as you leave civilization and cell service behind.

From Todos Santos (approximately 90 minutes from the San Jose del Cabo Airport), plan on another 60-90 minute drive to Camp Cecil de la Sierra, which was recently opened by Todos Santos Eco Adventures.

With a long-standing history of running eco-adventures , Todos Santos Eco Adventures started the successful Camp Cecil on Espiritu Santo Island, and have now taken the “glamping” concept to the Sierra, where peaks reach upwards of 6,500 feet, with the mighty Pacific within view to the west and the Sea of Cortez to the east.

Camp Cecil de la Sierra

Camp Cecil on Espiritu Santo Island is also run by Todos Santos Eco Adventures. 

At Camp Cecil de la Sierra, camping couldn’t be simpler. Forget packing all of your gear, food and your stove, everything is provided here. Your guide will drive you to the camp, which is housed on a working cattle ranch. The well-appointed tents nestled among mango trees provide all of the comforts of home, including an adjoining private composting toilet, and a solar powered shower hut.

Hammocks and lounge areas are the perfect invitation for a happy hour game of cards or afternoon siesta, while the large palapa-style kitchen is the gathering place for the group, and where all meals are freshly prepared and served. In between your meals, there’s always fresh juice at hand and filtered water, and if you’re lucky, some fresh totopos and guacamole.

Learn how to make tortillas over a wood-fire grill with the camp’s cook, or break spicy chilis in a traditional stone bowl to create a Mexican peanut salsa.

Meet Chito, the head rancher in the area, and try first-hand the trade of traditional leatherwork before heading into the hills for an invigorating walk, where you’ll learn about the local vegetation, history of the region and modern day ranching life in the Sierra.

After a full day at camp, you’ll drift off to sleep effortlessly, as the chirps and crickets of the forest play a symphony that would rival the world’s priciest noise machine. If you’re lucky, a coyote howl or two will join the choir.

When you’re ready to head back to the beach, Todos Santos Eco Adventures also operates Los Colibris in Todos Santos, a casita-style boutique hotel that offers sweeping views of the Pacific and beach access.