This isn't a list of what to see — that's the 2-to-7-day itinerary. It isn't a reference guide either — that's the La Paz visitor guide, with the full detail on money, weather, and getting around. This is the piece in between: what to actually book, in what order, so nothing gets missed or booked too late.
3+ Months Out: Lock In the Big Two
Direct from LAX (~2h 40m on Alaska) or Phoenix, or fly into Los Cabos and drive up — see our Cabo to La Paz guide if that's your route.
Peak Whale Shark weeks — December through February, and Mexican holidays — fill 4 to 8 weeks out. If your dates fall in that window, this is the one item on this whole list worth doing first, before the flight even. Book direct →
1 Month Out: Everything Else on the Calendar
Confirm & Reserve
1 Week Out: Get Ready to Land
Pack & Prep
The One ATM Mistake to Avoid
When the ATM screen asks "Continue with conversion?" — decline it, and choose to be charged in MXN instead. The bank's own conversion rate can run 10% or more worse than your card's real exchange rate. A small habit, real savings over a week-long trip.
The Day Of
Most boat tours, ours included, check in along the Malecón — La Paz's five-kilometer waterfront boardwalk, and the center of gravity for the whole city. Bring small pesos for tips: guides and crew appreciate them and they're customary, not built into the tour price. Beyond that, there's nothing left to plan — the timeline's done its job.
The First Item on the Timeline. Handled.
Max 10 guests, marine-biologist guides, booked direct — no reseller markup.
Book Your Whale Shark Tour → See Full Tour Details