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

  • Highlights?: The church in San Juan Chamula Visiting Tonina en route from San Cristobal to Palenque. A beautiful setting, only a handful of other visitors and complete freedom to roam.

    DW, Stone Dec 2017
  • Visiting Uxmal

    DS, Ware Apr 2016
  • Most memorable experience? “It's impossible to pick any individual aspect; but a number of experiences stood out: the visit to the "voodoo" church at St Juan Chamula (extraordinary and unexpected),…

    AR, Gospel Oak Apr 2012
  • JLA definitely know the Latin American market and we have been very satisfied with both the tailor made and small group tour options. Mexico, like other Latin American countries, does…

    ML Runcorn May 2026
  • Specific memorable event: Having climbed up the large pyramid at the Mayan site, within the Calakmul biospere, not only did we love the impressive view across the tree canopy, but…

    LG, St Albans Apr 2016
  • We thoroughly enjoyed everything about the holiday but were particularly impressed with the accommodation at the Hacienda VIP and the excursion to Uxmal and Kabah.

    SS, Liverpool Nov 2016
0 1 2 3 4 5

Our Expert's Opinion

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.

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

  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour 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.

  • 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.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • 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.

0 1 2 3 4 5