Area Information
The Majestic Baja
The majestic Baja Peninsula lies just below California, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Volcanic action and movement of the tectonic plates caused by earthquakes, separated the peninsula from the mainland Mexico some 25 million years ago, creating the richly abundant Sea of Cortez. Today’s peninsula shows evidence of much of that movement in it’s many layers of earth.
When Spanish explorers first attempted to conquer Baja, they arrived to find the Cape region settled by a group of natives of Polynesian decent. The Pericues lived in small tribes, and made their grass shelters near fresh water streams and the bird estuary. They lived simple lives with little or no clothing, hunting and gathering their food. Their lives were frequented by visits from pirates on their return from Pacifiic crossings.
In early days, California was known as Alta California, and the entire Baja peninsula was referred to as Baja California. In 1974 the Mexican government recognized the lower territory as an independent state, giving it the name Baja California Sur in that year. The upper portion remains today Baja California Norte.
Baja California’s crystal waters are speckled with over 900 islands on both the Pacific and Sea of Cortez sides with approximately one quarter of the Sea of Cortez recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, joining the previously declared Cave Paintings of the San Fransisco mountains near Mulege in this protected and esteemed status.
The last 50 km of the peninsula is Los Cabos or the Cape region, anchored by the two towns of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
San José del Cabo
San José del Cabo was founded officially by Jesuit priests in 1730 when they built their mission. Today’s San José retains all the natural charm of a quaint Mexican town, and a tourist area has developed around it’s beautiful estuary and beach.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas was far behind San José until the last decade. Cabo San Lucas Bay was a haven for pirates, and those who stayed behind became fisherman. Until the 60’s and 70’s, Cabo San Lucas was a little fishing village with a tuna fish cannery. In the 80’s hotels were built and a bustling tourist resort grew from the seashells up!
The “Tourist Corridor”
The “Tourist Corridor” is quickly expanding beyond the towns. The last 10 years have brought many new internationally recognized resort hotels, world class golf courses and white sandy beaches abound.
Today, Los Cabos and the state of Baja California Sur are the fastest growing resort area in Mexico, and a top destination worldwide.
The combination of desert, ocean and mountains make Baja an intriguing and beautiful destination. Neighboring Los Cabos are a scattering of quaint Mexican villages, towns, and points of interest. There are many opportunities to explore the history and natural beauty the Southern Baja offers.
Highway improvements up both sides of the peninsula and throughout the State, pave way for the growth of the region in coming years with Federal and State government attracting large investors to develop.
Todos Santos
Todos Santos is approximately 55 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, and getting there takes one on a beautiful drive along the Pacific Ocean coast through organic farming regions and fishing villages. Originally a Jesuit mission and a plantation for sugar cane and mangos, today it is known for fishing, dried regional fruit, hand made arts and crafts, and internationally renowned artists and their galleries. There are several superb dining options in Todos Santos from simple to gourmet, and several luxurious boutique hotels.
Miraflores
Miraflores is a quaint little town 27 miles north of San José del Cabo that is several hundred years old. Miraflores is known for leather products and their natural hot springs. Miraflores has a quiet atmosphere full of local history and lush surroundings.
Santiago
Santiago is a small town approximately 42 miles north of San José del Cabo. It is known for farming, and has the only zoo in the area. Fabulous options for day hikes and exploring abound in this region.
The East Cape
Los Frailles, Cabo Pulmo, and Buenavista boast pristine beaches and phenomenal snorkeling, diving, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, and fishing . These areas have been the best kept secret of the region, and are on the verge of major development.
La Paz
La Paz is located on the Sea of Cortez, 170 miles north of San José del Cabo; it is also the capital of Southern Baja California. It was originally a pirate’s haven, before Italian missionaries built a church there over 500 years ago. Today a quickly developing tourist infrastructure with new includes marinas, hotels, State Aquarium, Museum and International airport.
Loreto
A sleepy fishing village quick becoming Baja’s next big destination. Loreto was singled out by Fonatur at the same time as San Jose del Cabo, but only in recent years has attracted new hotel and development projects as the infrastructure grows. Loreto has it’s own international airport easy to access from Los Angeles, San Diego, or by private plane or charter. Loreto is the heart and beginning of the Mission Trail with the San Javier mission built in 1699.
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is located 15 miles south of Loreto and 199 miles north of La Paz in the Sea of Cortez. It is a tourist port for small cruise ships and pleasure yachts with a “T” shaped pier providing docking, fuel and water. Puerto Escondido had been a half-built ‘ghost marina’ when Fonatur suspended the development 20 years ago. Streets, canals, bridges and foundations cover hundreds of acres, but the only occupied building is a small office of the Mexican Navy. Revival and development is imminent under the current Governor’s plan to develop the state’s tourism resources.
Mulege
The mission in an Oasis retreat, surrounded by remote beaches and the foothill to the cave paintings and murals dated back to 7500 years ago. The oldest proof of human presence in the Americas!
