Lying directly on the Tropic of Cancer line of latitude, this town has the only zoo in the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula.
Standing out from many of the East Cape’s other highlights, Santiago is based a little inland from the coast. You’ll find plenty of attractions to lure you from the palapas, while being close enough for a quick trip to the beach. Make your way along the dirt roads of this quaint town for a glimpse of the local culture.
As you travel to the town via the highway, notice the range of fruit orchards and farms dotted with palm trees. Stop off at the roadside Plaza Turistico Trópico de Cáncer for its art centre and exhibits. The highlight is the Tropic of Cancer Monument, which features a sculpture of a globe to mark its namesake line of latitude.
Founded as part of a mission by Spanish settlers in the 1700s, the town features buildings of colonial design. Relax on one of the elegant white benches on the main plaza, which has a platform for speeches and concerts. Notice the painted lines on the square and spot the Mexican flag that is surrounded by palm trees.
Visit the Misión de Santiago Church, which is recognizable by its red-and-white façade. Wander around its courtyard and take shelter from scorching afternoon sun in the shade of a thatched umbrella. Beside the church is a pink building containing a museum with colonial relics and fossils from the region. As you walk around the town, admire the colourful murals decorating some of the edifices.
Delight your kids with an afternoon at the Santiago Zoo, which doubles as a botanical garden. The enclosures harmonize with the vegetation and contain monkeys, ostriches and other animals from the area.
Drive south from Los Barriles for 18 miles (29 kilometres) to reach the town in 30 minutes. Among the nearby transportation hubs are the airports in La Paz, San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
