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

  • Most memorable experiences: "Visiting our parents' house in Lomas de Chapultepec. Francisco persuaded the owners that we were genuine, which was quite an achievement. In sightseeing terms it is difficult…

    HG, Sherborne Mar 2015
  • "We feel as if we have a million magical memories that will last forever - sunsets over the Caribbean sea, ruins in the midst of the jungles, seas of pink…

    LH, Pinner Jan 2014
  • Highlights?: Too many! Probably seeing Uxmal, the Tiger Egret, swimming in Cenotes (various), Chichen-Itza at dawn and visiting Frida Kahlo's house.

    AA, Newport Jun 2018
  • Most Memorable Moment?: So many! Maybe the balloon ride? 

    KFD, London Aug 2018
  • It was all great - a great combination of fascinating historical sites followed by some glorious days at the beach. Normally I arrange my trips myself, I don' t go…

    LM, London Jan 2018
  • My sister summed it up by saying that there was nothing that she would have changed, the holiday was perfect.  Mexico was a delight, we had never been before, the…

    RN, Ascot Aug 2026
0 1 2 3 4 5

Our Expert's Opinion

Sophie
Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

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

  • 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.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

  • Sallly
    Sally Watkins - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • 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.

0 1 2 3 4 5