Back

Desert Inn

  • MEX_BajaCalifornia_DesertInn (1)
  • MEX_BajaCalifornia_DesertInn (2)
  • MEX_BajaCalifornia_DesertInn (3)
0 1 2

A simple hotel with pool catering well for visitors to the whale watching town San Ignacio in Baja California. 

The Desert Inn is a five minute walk from San Ignacio’s pretty tree-shaded plaza which hosts the little town’s ornate and imposing Jesuit mission church. The economy here is dedicated to whale-watching but there’s also a palm-defined green lagoon with good bird spotting opportunities.

The mission-style accommodation is mostly on one level with rooms connected by an arched terrace, and is set beside lawns in extensive grounds studded with a fountain and dazzling bougainvillea among other tropical foliage.  Most of the guest rooms face a decent-sized, lounger-fringed swimming pool , good for splashing around in rather than swimming. The fairly basic rooms are spacious and airy and although the décor is unremarkable the hotel serves its purpose as a comfortable, friendly option in a good location. Some guest rooms are intentionally dark to keep them cool, a respite in the fierce Baja heat. There’s also a large restaurant on site.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • There were many highlights: the beautiful beach on our first morning in Cancun, the boat ride among the flamingos at Celestun, the sight of the Magicians Pyramid at Uxmal and…

    AF, Merriot Feb 2019
  • Visiting Uxmal

    DS, Ware Apr 2016
  • Most memorable experience: The friendliness of the Mexican people

    GW Chertsey Jun 2026
  • There were many highlights: the beautiful beach on our first morning in Cancun, the boat ride among the flamingos at Celestun, the sight of the Magicians Pyramid at Uxmal and…

    AF, Merriott Feb 2020
  • "While is difficult to find the better part, staying in the Hacienda Chichen Resort was magical, seen the Toh bird in Tanka was wonderful, as was swimming in the cenotes…

    LCS, London Sep 2014
  • Highlights: Boat trip to Yaxchilan - jungle and ruins were great.  Gardens and pool at Hacienda Chichen were lovely. Cuernavaca was a lovely town and we enjoyed Robert Brady museum….San…

    CW, London Jun 2026
0 1 2 3 4 5

Our Expert's Opinion

Hannah
Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

0 1 2 3 4 5