Iconic “Mushroom Rock” Near Los Cabos At Risk – See It Before It’s Too Late 

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Last Updated 6 months ago

One of the amazing things about visiting Los Cabos and the region surrounding the popular vacation destination is the diverse nature that can be seen.   

Popular for its beaches, Los Cabos and the larger region of Baja California Sur are also home to desert landscapes, towering mountains and hills, and rocky cliffs.   

Perched atop one of those rocky cliffs in a town not far from Los Cabos, La Paz, is a monument to what nature can create alone.   

The iconic “mushroom rock” near Los Cabos is at risk, though, so now is the time to see it before it’s too late.   

What Is The “Mushroom Rock” And Where Is It Located? 

The so-called “mushroom rock,” or “el hongo de Balandra,” is a massive rock formation on La Paz’s Balandra Beach.   

The rock is named for its shape, which resembles that of a giant mushroom.   

It’s about 2.5 hours from Cabo San Lucas and about 2 hours 40 minutes from San Jose del Cabo.   

Why Is The Iconic Rock Monument In Danger? 

“El Hongo” has already undergone one restoration due to a collapse caused by tourists climbing the rock in 1989.    

After restoring it to its original glory, officials began protecting the site in 1993 by issuing guidelines for visiting.   

Tourists can still reach the rock, which is great from a tourism perspective, but it is in danger of collapse and other hazards again in the future.   

Steps To Take To Preserve The “Mushroom Rock” 

When visiting the “mushroom rock,” you may want to get a selfie in front of the massive formation, as most visitors do.   

There are a few guidelines to follow, though, in order to continue preserving this beautiful natural phenomenon.   

You are prohibited from climbing on the rock or touching it, so it’s important to consider these rules when taking that perfect picture.   

How The “Mushroom Rock” Was Formed 

Simply stated, it’s erosion that formed this fascinating example of nature in action, but it’s a specific type of erosion that formed the mushroom rock into the shape that it is.   

That type of erosion is differential erosion.   

It causes different parts of a whole to erode at different rates, and in this case currents, rain, and wind caused the base of the rock to erode more than the top. 

One Of The Most Beautiful Beaches In The World 

The mushroom rock isn’t the only reason to visit Balandra Beach.   

It’s been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in not only Mexico but the entire world.   

Its aqua-blue shallow waters, beautiful scenery, and striking rock formations draw thousands of tourists every year.   

Visiting Balandra Beach 

If you’re going to visit Balandra Beach, there are a few things that you need to know.   

Because officials are trying to preserve the beauty of one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, they’ve enacted some rules for visiting.   

Only a certain number of visitors are allowed to enter the beach at a time, during two separate time periods.   

Additionally, it is a very secluded area without beach vendors or restaurants, so it’s important to prepare for your visit. 

How To Get To Balandra Beach 

If you’re going to visit Balandra Beach you’ll want to fly into Los Cabos Airport, because it’s well connected and only a couple of hours away.   

From there you can book private transportation or a tour to visit the city of La Paz and Balandra Beach.   

Both of those options can be pricey, so many travelers opt for renting a car and making the drive themselves.   

Whichever you choose, now is the time to visit this fascinating attraction.