Just a short distance north of La Paz, Mexico lies Puerto Balandra, a saltwater lagoon that boasts eight unspoiled bays with spectacular beaches. The waters in the bays are shallow enough to walk around the right-hand cliff to Playa Balandra, also known as Playa El Hongo (Mushroom Beach) for its famous rock formation that resembles a giant mushroom. Once you have seen the formation, the mystery of the fountain in La Paz’s central plaza is solved – the strange looking lump in its center is a replica of this mushroom-shaped rock.

Mushroom rock formation at Balandra Beach, La Paz, Mexico

While most come to Balandra Beach to see the balancing rock that is featured on so many postcards, they stay for the pristine white beaches and powdery sand. However, unlike many other beaches in and around La Paz, services are limited at Puerto Balandra. Although food and beverage vendors usually appear on the weekends, there are no established restaurants or palapas on site, so it is best bring a box lunch or food to cook at the BBQ pits at the south end of the beach.

One of the many beaches to discover in Puerto Balandra's shallow bay

Visitors who prefer more services would do well to travel a bit further north to Playa Tecolote, which is more developed with a couple of restaurants, picnic tables, and an improved parking lot, but if peace and serenity are what you seek, Balandra Beach is the spot.

Photo Credit: Barbara Weibel
Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels