Rancho Leonero

The East Cape forms the southeast corner of the Baja Peninsula. For years this desert paradise was rarely visited except by a few intrepid sportsmen (such as Bing Crosby) who flew in by private plane for some of the most extraordinary fishing in the world. If you are looking for a secluded, friendly hotel with a spectacular natural setting, the Rancho Leonero, perched on a low bluff overlooking the Sea of Cortez, is a real find. This is not a fancy hotel, nor does it pretend to be one. If you want posh accommodations, there are plenty of these in Los Cabos. John Ireland, your charming host, bought the property in the early 1980s, and built this small hotel. About 90% of the guests come for the incredible fishing. Boats leave from the pier below the hotel to prow the waters for game fish—the marlin here can exceed 1,000 pounds (high fishing season is mid-March through September). Fishing from a kayak is another option that looks like fun. However, you don’t need to be a fisherman to enjoy your stay here. A pristine sand beach stretches forever in front of the hotel with crystal clear water that provides excellent snorkeling. The hotel offers various accommodation—our favorites are the ocean-view thatched cottages.