Ecotourism: Sol de Mayo

New year, new discoveries, new adventures!

Tucked away on the East Cape, 50 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, is Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo, an oasis in the desert well worth finding for its beauty and solitude.

Situated at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, the star attraction at Sol de Mayo is a slim waterfall that drops from a slit in the rocks into a swimming hole of cool, refreshing, crystal-clear water. This natural pool, enclosed by massive granite rock formations, beckons bathers on a warm sunny day. Adventurous types can take a flying 25-foot leap from the top of the cascade into the deep pool.

Following a 30-minute drive on a dirt road just beyond the village of Santiago off Highway 1, visitors come upon the Ranchero, which has a small restaurant and bathrooms. Amenities are sparse. Carry your own water and snacks if you plan to make a day of it. Admission is currently $150 MX (approximately $8 USD), which is used to maintain the facilities. The keeper of the gate is a local who’s known for his brood of Mexican hairless dogs, an unusual breed. For the younger set, there’s also a petting zoo at the entrance to Sol de Mayo. 

While the unimproved road that leads to the Ranchero is bumpy, access to the waterfall is easy. Follow the well-marked trail past the restaurant for about half a mile, over a ridgeline and down into the canyon. Wear appropriate footwear. Portions of the trail are steep and rocky, with uneven footing. The upper pool and streams of Sol de Mayo can also be explored. 

Insider tip: Arrive early. You’ll have this magnificent desert oasis to yourselves. Most visitors don’t arrive until afternoon. Also, weekends tend to be busier than weekdays. Now is the time to go. Hiking in the cooler months (January through April) enables visitors to experience lush green vegetation, blooming flowers and abundant birdlife. Another perk at this time of year: the waterfall has more water flowing over it from the late summer rainy season.

NOTE: Sol de Mayo is an eco-sensitive preserve. Adopt a ‘Leave No Trace’ policy during your visit and follow local regulations. Explore Baja California Sur responsibly.