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What to Pack for Todos Santos

What to Pack for Todos Santos

Todos Santos Baja California, Mexico Travel Guide

Season-Specific Attire

Pack light layers for mild seasons, and lightweight, breathable fabrics for hot, humid months.

Clothing Essentials

  • Nov-May: Long-sleeved shirts (sun/cool evenings), light jacket/sweater.
  • Breathable fabrics: cotton, linen for comfort.
  • Jun-Oct: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, swimwear, quick-drying materials.

Cultural & Activity Attire

Todos Santos is relaxed, but respect local customs. Modest attire is respectful for churches.

Considerations

  • Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees covered.
  • Beach/Pool: Swimwear, cover-ups for town visits.
  • Hiking: Lightweight hiking shoes or sturdy sandals, long pants.

Footwear Recommendations

Town Exploration

Comfortable walking sandals or sneakers for cobblestone streets and galleries.

Comfort first

Beach & Water Activities

Flip-flops, beach sandals, or Water shoes for rocky beaches or water sports.

Protection

Hiking & Trails

Light hiking shoes for longer walks or trail excursions in the desert.

Support

Essential Documents

Required Papers

Proper documentation is important for international travel. Organize your essential papers before you leave to prevent any issues.

  • Valid Passport: Most important document, valid for entire stay.
  • Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM): Tourist card; keep the bottom portion.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Printed & digital copies with emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Recommended if renting a car and license not in English/Spanish.
  • Vaccination Records: Copies for personal reference.
  • Reservations: Printed & digital copies of flights, hotels, car rentals.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of home contacts and local embassy/consulate.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: Minor discounts are possible, but rare.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Plan for power needs and local compatibility.

Essentials

  • Power Adapter: Plugs OF type a/b (same as US/Canada); 120 V, 60 Hz.
  • Mobile Phone: Most smartphones compatible; consider a local ESIM or SIM card (Telcel) for local service.
  • Portable Charger: For long days, especially with scarce outlets.

Photography & Apps

Capture your memories and navigate with ease.

Tools & Aids

  • Camera: Standard DSLR or mirrorless, plus a Waterproof camera for water activities.
  • Navigation: Google Maps (offline maps downloaded).
  • Translation: Google Translate (offline Spanish pack).

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Photos or Dropbox for photo and document backup.

VPN Service

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure Wi-Fi connections.

Physical Backups

Always pack extra batteries and memory cards for your photography gear.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid

A well-stocked personal health kit helps you manage minor ailments and stay comfortable.

Kit Contents

Medications & Hygiene

Customize your kit for the local environment.

Items

  • Prescription medications: In original containers, with doctor's note.
  • Hand sanitizer: Always useful, especially for street food.
  • Personal hygiene: Pack specific brands difficult to find locally.

Motion Sickness & Sun Protection

Motion Sickness

  • Remedies like Dramamine for boat trips or winding roads.
  • Todos Santos is at sea level, so there's no risk of altitude sickness.
  • Be prepared for various transport motions.

Sun & Insect Protection

Activity-Specific Equipment

Surfing Gear

Surfboards are available for rent, but you can bring your own. A a uv shirt is a good idea.

  • Surfboard (rent or bring)
  • Surf wax
  • Rash guard (O'Neill)
  • Board shorts/swimsuit

Snorkeling/Diving

Rentals are available, but your gear Mask, snorkel, and fins offers comfort and hygiene.

  • Mask, snorkel, fins (rent or bring)
  • Water shoes (Speedo)
  • Waterproof camera (GoPro)
  • Biodegradable sunscreen

Hiking Essentials

A daypack for water and snacks. Bicycles are easily rented for local exploration.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Benefits of Renting Locally

  • Avoids airline baggage fees for large items like surfboards.
  • Convenient access to gear directly at activity locations.
  • Quality surfboards are generally available at Cerritos Beach.
  • Bicycles are easily rented in town for local exploration.

Benefits of Bringing Your Own

  • Ensures preferred quality and suitable for personal gear (e.g., snorkel mask).
  • Better hygiene for personal items like masks and snorkels.
  • Familiarity and comfort with your own equipment.
  • Cost-effective for very specific or high-use items over many trips.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, a few extra items improve comfort, security, and convenience.

Travel Aids

Region-Specific & Practical

Items that enhance your Todos Santos experience.

Useful Additions

  • Good book or e-reader for relaxed beach days.
  • Headlamp or small Flashlight for poorly lit areas at night.
  • Binoculars for whale watching from shore or boat tours.
  • A printout of offline maps or the tourist office.

Sustainable & Reusable Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste; many refill stations exist.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Useful for market visits or souvenir shopping.

Reusable Utensils

Good for street food or picnics.

Travel Towel

Compact and quick-drying for beaches (Rainleaf).

Items Difficult to Find Locally

Specific Products

  • Specific prescription medications.
  • Preferred brands of high-quality, reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Insect repellent with a high DEET content, if that is your preference.

General Advice

  • Plan to bring these from home to avoid inconvenience.
  • Basic hygiene products are available locally, but specialty items might not be.
  • Check online forums or groups for specific traveler recommendations.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization within your luggage.

Pack a small daypack for daily excursions, keeping essentials handy. Leave some room for souvenirs and local purchases!