Noctourism: After-Dark Magic

Interest in the celestial heavens reached fever pitch in 2024, when ‘The Great Eclipse,’ a total eclipse of the sun, had people driving or flying to prime viewing spots across North America to witness this rare spectacle.

Ever since, amateur astronomers have sought out the night sky’s bounty of visual riches, a phenomenon known as Noctourism (nocturnal tourism).

Dedicated stargazers, armed with binoculars, telescopes and apps such as SkyView and Stellarium, have gravitated to regions north of Cabo, remote areas where the Milky Way really is milky.

Cerritos Beach in Pescadero, a short distance south of Todos Santos, is a great place to spread a blanket on the sand and gaze upwards while being serenaded by the soothing sound of the surf hitting shore.

Tecolote Beach, located near La Paz, is known for its low level of light pollution. Like Cerritos Beach, it’s a good place to observe stars, planets and constellations in a peaceful setting.

Another good stargazing spot is Loreto, a laid-back ‘Pueblo Magico’ on the East Cape a six-hour drive from Cabo. Beaches on the outskirts of town, far removed from the twinkling lights of civilization, are a great place to observe nature at her finest after dark.

Serious ‘noctourists’ can journey north of Loreto to Mulege, which scientists have described as an astronomical sanctuary. The quality of the night sky is measured in magnitude per unit area. In the middle of Cabo San Lucas, it is less than 18. Mulege, routinely recorded at 21.5, has inky black skies and stars so bright you can almost read a book by their light.

Here’s another option farther afield. Among the ‘Exclusive Experiences’ available at the newly opened Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende is a ‘Starry Night in San Miguel.’ Tucked away in Mexico’s central highlands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, located more than an hour’s drive from a major city, has limited light pollution and is perfect for stargazing.

As night falls, guests can enjoy an evening beneath San Miguel’s pitch-black skies. From a private terrace or an open-air setting, astronomy enthusiasts can explore constellations, planets and the moon with the help of an app. It’s an ideal activity for folks who like to stay up late.

As a bonus, the hotel’s mixologists have crafted a pair of beverages to elevate the experience:
Smoked Cosmos (with alcohol)
Mezcal, mesquite honey, lavender liqueur or essence, grapefruit juice, dried lavender
Milky Way (non-alcoholic)
Mesquite honey, grapefruit juice, sparkling mineral water, dried lavender

In addition to gazing into the heavens, Noctourism also encompasses illuminated cities and night markets. The best example in Los Cabos is the weekly Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo, which is held on Thursdays from November through May starting at 5:00 p.m.

The streets of San Jose’s historic downtown Art District comes alive at night with lights, music, food vendors, street artists and performers. Beside the town’s landmark church off Plaza Mijares is a diverse array of art galleries, artisan shops, bars, cantinas and restaurants set along the colonial town’s cobblestone lanes.
San Jose’s main street and its arteries are closed to vehicular traffic during Art Walk, transforming the center of town into a pedestrian thoroughfare where live bands, from mariachi to rock ‘n roll, perform on street corners and rooftops.

More than a dozen Gallery District Association members invite strollers to meet artists, view exhibits and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or tequila in a convivial atmosphere. Genres range from painting and sculpture to folk art, ceramics, jewelry and photography by Mexican and international artists. In addition, boutiques and shops carry pieces by notable local artists and artisans. Browse and enjoy: galleries and shops stay open until 9:00 p.m.

Start planning your next Pueblo Bonito vacation!