Pichilingue Beach, an incredible natural pool.
By Arthus. • Posted March 20 • 2024.
All the beaches in La Paz are stunningly beautiful and each has something that makes them unique. The almost untouched natural beauty of Balandra, the fun atmosphere and crystal-clear waters of Tecolote, the small and cozy beach at El Caimancito, among others. In the case of Pichilingue, what makes it unique is simply the following... it's a huge natural pool. The crystal-clear waters with hardly any tide allow visitors to enjoy some of the best waters for swimming or just floating or walking in the sea. I'm not exaggerating, in this place, it's possible to walk several feet into the sea with no danger but with enough depth to swim or dive while beautiful, brightly colored fish swim alongside people. It's simply astonishing.
Unveiling the Location of Paradise: Where to Find Pichilingue Beach?
Pichilingue Beach is located northeast of La Paz, approximately a 15-minute drive from the city's boardwalk. To get there, you need to take the La Paz-Tecolote highway, just past the La Paz dock, where you'll see an exit on the left side of the road. It's important to note that there isn't a sign that says "Here is Pichilingue"; instead, you'll just see this dirt road exit where you should steer your car and then choose a parking spot to start an incredible day. There's no way to get lost, once you see the customs dock (muelle) of La Paz - where, with a bit of luck, you'll see the huge amount of trailers that just disembarked from the ferry from Mazatlán, supplying goods to the entire city - you should take a right towards Tecolote-Balandra, and you'll be just a couple of minutes away from reaching your destination.
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Once you get to the parking lot, you have three options: head to the beach with your own umbrella, food, and drinks, or choose between two restaurants. I won't even mention the first one; its service is terrible, and getting close feels somewhat unsettling. On the other hand, the other option is highly recommendable, Luna Bruja Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while shielding yourself from the sun in their seaside facilities (literally right by the sea) and use the restrooms without restrictions, because there are no public restrooms on this beach.
Of course, it's possible to reach this beach using one of the many tour services available in La Paz. In fact, I believe one of these services has a branch right on this beach. But as I always say, I'm not a huge fan of using guide services because you have to adapt to their schedules, locations, and paces. In my case, I prefer to explore the place on my own and with my wife, informing ourselves beforehand, of course, but at our own pace without being pressured by someone else's timetable. But this is clearly my personal preference; I've heard great experiences with tour services in La Paz, and I know they are generally very professional.
While this beach is just a few minutes from La Paz, don't think it will be surrounded by stores, services, or facilities to make your trip easier. Remember, one of the charms of this city is its closeness to nature and the unaltered way you can find these beaches. So, around Pichilingue, there isn't much: the road, a few minutes away the customs, near a dock, but that's it. If you prefer not to use the services of Luna Bruja restaurant, it's essential to consider bringing everything you'll need for the day: an umbrella, food, drinks to stay hydrated, and as I always say, a good hat. And don't forget that (last time I checked) there are no public restrooms.
If you're arriving at La Paz airport and can't wait any longer to visit Pichilingue, the best option is to rent a car or SUV. Any local taxi will take you there and wait for you, but it will be quite expensive, so if you're going directly from the airport, the best option would always be a taxi. Even if you want to hire a tour with a guide, they usually need to be scheduled, so it wouldn't be immediate. Personal recommendation... there are other places to see before Pichilingue.
In the end, it doesn't matter how you get to Pichilingue, whether you rented a car, paid for a tour, arrived in a van, or even your RV. What matters is that you're going to discover a beautiful natural pool just a few minutes from La Paz.
Your Personal Oasis: Exploring the Natural Pool Phenomenon
Imagine this: you're sitting on the beach, looking out at the calm sea of Pichilingue, barely stirred by a breeze, virtually waveless. You have a cold drink in your left hand, while on the table to your right, there's a delicious snack of chicharron de pescado (fried fish pieces). You see families playing and having fun in the sea safely because this is a natural pool, and you can only think life is good. Well, this scene is very common here in Pichilingue, at the Luna Bruja restaurant. You can choose a table outside under their palapas or take refuge in the main area, which is a fully covered restaurant. Either way, you'll be literally steps from the beach, if not right on it, as the tide comes in, the edge of the restaurant almost touches the sea water, of course, without any danger, because everything here is calm and safe.
When I say Pichilingue is a natural pool, I don't want you to misunderstand; it's not a man-made creation where somehow they construct or carve out a massive hole to fill with seawater. No! I mean it is a completely natural pool, that is, it's the sea, it's a bay, but God! The water, it barely moves. It's very calm, there are hardly any waves, making swimming here safe for the whole family, especially for the little ones. And as I've mentioned before, the depth is almost perfect; you can walk several feet into the sea without any danger, but if you wish, in the same place, you can swim a bit or dive to see the fish around. By the way, you might see something that attracts tourists. Someone placed a huge ship's chain down there as a submerged ornament, I guess with the aim of being a small coral reef, I don't honestly know, but it's funny to see it down there.
Awesome and friendly marine life in Pichilingue waters (Video by us).
Immersing yourself in the waters of Pichilingue is an experience you must have. Appreciating not only the clarity of its waters but also the rich marine life you'll find is truly unforgettable. Here, fish swim between your legs fearlessly and allow themselves to be observed quite closely (obviously without touching them), so without a doubt, one of the charms of these serene waters is indeed the crystal-clear view of the beauty of its marine life.
Pichilingue is entirely meant to be enjoyed in a relaxed manner. Honestly, this place doesn't really invite long beach walks; there's not much space because of the restaurants and the tables set outside, in addition to people often bringing their cars and trucks close to the beach to spend the day. It's more about choosing a spot, relaxing there, and swimming occasionally, enjoying the food and drinks at our disposal. While this may not be the most walkable beach, I consider it one of the best places to swim in La Paz, if not the best (along with Balandra and Caimancito, in my opinion). There's no way a photo or a video can convey to people the incredible calmness of the waters at this beach; you have to come here to experience it and see for yourself that I'm not lying.
On the other hand, while -in my opinion- this is one of the beaches with the calmest waters for swimming in La Paz, it doesn't mean there aren't activities available, whether we bring our own equipment or rent it on site. By this, I mean it's possible to kayak, snorkel -highly recommended- and I even think I've seen people on jet skis on occasion. All of this, of course, while respecting the tranquility of the place and those who simply go there to relax in its clear and serene waters.
Packing for Paradise: Essentials for Your Visit to Pichilingue Beach
Visiting the beaches of La Paz, I always recommend bringing everything we'll need for our planned activities. This might seem obvious, but since most of the beaches are far from everything, this advice is genuinely practical. Let me explain: on many beaches, we know that if we forget something like sunscreen or goggles, a towel, it's easy or relatively simple to buy it right there. This is also true for a couple of beaches in La Paz, specifically Coromuel or the beach along the boardwalk, where it's surrounded by stores, and it's easy to get what we've forgotten. This isn't the case at Pichilingue, nor is it the case at Balandra or El Caimancito. At none of these beaches, is it easy to buy something we've forgotten. So, I always recommend making a list of what we'll bring according to our plans and loading everything into the car the night before to ensure a day without setbacks.
So, depending on whether we wish to spend the day at the restaurant or on our own, that will determine what we should bring to this beach. Let's start with the second option, where we decide to rent a car and come to spend the day. In this case, we will need:
- Food
- Drinks (including rehydrants)
- Snacks
- A cooler in good condition
- Blankets for laying on the sand
- An umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Whatever you need for fun (kayak, balls, Snorkel etc.)
This will ensure we have a pleasant and smooth day. Warning! The last time I checked, there were still no public restrooms, and I'm not sure if the restaurants allow access to theirs, even for a fee. I promise to find out more about this. But honestly, I always recommend the first option: spending the entire day at Luna-Bruja restaurant.
This restaurant is rustic and picturesque; don't expect grand luxury in its tables or facilities. However, it has everything you need to spend an excellent day at this beautiful beach. You can choose to sit outside in the sand, covered by their palapas, or inside under the roof of the place, wich it also has ceiling fans, which, in the heat of La Paz, are more than appreciated. Either option allows you to walk a few steps and be in the sea. The views are beautiful, while the food is really good and the drinks refreshing.
I'll write another article with a better review of the place, but I definitely recommend it. As for the cost, as an example, a bill for 4 adults who ate, drank, and enjoyed the entire day there was around $3,000 pesos or about 176 USD, depending on the exchange rate. It's important to mention that this restaurant does not accept cards, so it's important to bring cash to pay. So, in this case, our list of things to bring to Pichilingue would be:
- Cash
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Whatever you need for fun (kayak, balls, Snorkel etc.)
Whatever your choice, I assure you that your day at Pichilingue will be an unforgettable one, full of beautiful memories for you and your family.
Must-Do Experiences: Top Activities at La Pichilingue Beach
At this beach, it's possible to engage in multiple activities according to our tastes. We can choose to completely relax or, alternatively, rent a kayak or go snorkeling, taking advantage of the beautiful and varied marine life of the place. Whatever your choice, I can assure you that you will have an incredible time at this gorgeous beach. Below is a list of the most popular activities at Pichilingue.
- Tours: From this beach, it's possible to take tours to explore the beaches of La Paz, with professional guides.
- Kayaking: This is a really popular activity in La Paz, so it's common to see people engaging in it with their own or rented kayaks on almost all beaches, and this one, with its calm and crystal-clear waters, obviously could not be the exception.
- Swimming: It's simply impossible not to swim in this natural pool. Its serene waters invite you to enjoy them in a very safe manner, because its depth is perfect for most people.
- Snorkel: This activity is a must. It's not possible to come to this beach and not appreciate the beauty of its marine life, the clarity of its waters, and the peacefulness of the sea, which allows an even clearer view of all its submerged beauty.
- Simplemente relajares: I really enjoy swimming, but as I've mentioned in other posts, one of my favorite activities is simply to sit, relax, and appreciate the beauty of the beaches in La Paz. In the case of Pichilingue, this is no exception. Additionally, here it's possible to do so in a restaurant with fans, keeping you cool while you admire the stunning beauty with which this beach and this city have been abundantly blessed.
I might be missing some other activities, but the ones I mention are the most common on this beach. There will certainly be those who go fishing from here, or who go diving, but at least on this beach and at least from my perspective, I haven't seen it. Remember, what we write in Tastes of La Paz is our point of view based on our experience as travelers first and then as residents of this jewel of Mexico, La Paz, in Baja Sur.
Timing Your Escape: When to Experience Pichilingue Beach at Its Best
As I always mention, the best season to visit La Paz and its beaches is in fall. The summer heat has subsided, but the water remains warm, and it's best to take advantage before winter, when the sun gives way to cold winds and low temperatures, as well as very cold water, (never as cold as in the States or Canada, of course) which makes it impossible to swim or enjoy the serene and calm waters of this place. In spring, the temperature improves, and by around March or April, it's possible to swim and enjoy snorkeling again, but the water remains cold (less so than in winter, of course). In fact, the locals still don't go into the sea. This last point is curious because it allows you to identify the tourists, who are the only ones swimming at the beaches before summer and fall.
So, the best season to come and enjoy Pichilingue is the fall, when the weather allows swimming, exploring, and appreciating the beauty of this place, while spending a pleasant day without too much heat. Summer is also greatly enjoyable, especially when the city's temperatures make the sea's cool waters a refreshing balm for the body and soul. It's important to remember that summer in La Paz might be challenging for some people experiencing it for the first time. This is not Cancun or another beach in the Mexican southeast where the heat is less intense and dry; this is the northwest, and it gets very hot in the summer (I mean, nothing out of this world but it is intense) and it's necessary to always stay very hydrated, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen all the time you are outdoors. If you decide to come in the summer, just follow these recommendations and you won't have any problems. If you decide to come in the fall, the heat is less intense and many people enjoy the city more, but either way, continue to follow these recommendations.
Insider's Guide: Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Visit to Pichilingue Beach
As I always say, the best tip will always be to use common sense, especially when interacting with more people, many of whom do not speak our language. But here are some basic tips to make your visit to Pichilingue a great experience.
- Don't litter
It’s always worth reminding about the importance of keeping the beach clean. At the restaurant, you can leave your trash (if you are a customer) or use a bag to store it and dispose of it at your hotel or home.
- Avoid taking your drinks or food into the water:
The waters at this beach are so calm, it might be tempting to eat and drink while in the sea. Please don't do it. It’s considered impolite, especially if you spill your drink or snack in the crystal-clear waters of this place
- The water is for enjoyment:
Use the bathrooms at the restaurant; I need not say more.
- Do not disturb the fish:
The fish here are not shy and very curious, so they will approach people and even swim among them, but make no mistake, if they are bothered they will quickly flee. So, appreciate them, but do not disturb them.
- Leave your spot as you found it:
If you arrive at a place and it's clean, leave it that way. The beach is too beautiful to spoil.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen:
This tip is always valid here in La Paz, especially in summer. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will be your best allies while you're in Pichilingue.
- Stay hydrated:
Don't forget it's always important to stay hydrated in hot places, and Pichilingue certainly is one, specially in summer.
- Don't drink too much alcohol.
I understand that it's easy to drink alcohol here; it's very cheap, and the atmosphere may be conducive, but just remember that you are in a public and family-friendly place, and there might be better times and places to do it.
- Mind the dates:
If you're like me and prefer to hit the beaches when they're less crowded, a great tip is not to go around the 15th or 30th of the month, because that's when workers get paid and the beaches tend to fill up as they take a well-deserved break from their hard-working days. So, if you prefer fewer people, avoid these days, known as "dias de quincena" here in La Paz and, from what I understand, in Mexico in general. If you prefer going when it's more crowded because that's your vibe, then those are the days for you.
These tips come from someone who knows this city and its beaches not just as a tourist, but also as a resident here for years. So, these simple tips will help you have a truly incredible and memorable day at what is undoubtedly one of the best beaches to enjoy the water here in La Paz...Pichilingue.
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Tastes of La Paz.