Baja California Sur
Population: 430,000
Size: 28,551 square miles
Location: Baja California Peninsula
Borders: Pacific Ocean, Sea of Cortez, and
Baja California Norte State
Important cities/sites within the state: El
Vizcaíno whale sanctuary, La Paz (capital), Loreto,
Los Cabos, Magdalena Bay and San Ignacio
Major airport(s): Manual Marquez de Leon
Intl. aka La Paz Intl. (LAP), San Jose del Cabo
International Airport (SJD), La Paz International
Airport (LTO)
Time zone: Mountain Standard Time
Web site:
www.bajaquest.com/baja02.htm
Baja California Sur is one of the least populous
states in Mexico with less than 450,000 inhabitants.
Originally occupied by nomadic groups, the area was
named a state in 1974 when tourist resorts like Cabo
San Lucas and San José del Cabo were developed in
the area. Today, the state’s diverse landscape is
one of its major attractions, with stunning narrow
canyons, hot spring lakes, the majestic mountain
range of Sierra de la Giganta and the Sierra de la
Laguna Biosphere Reserve, with lush vegetation and
endemic fauna.
The state's capital, La Paz, is a world-class
tourist destination offering a wealth of natural
resources nestled in an authentic small town
ambiance. The unspoiled and inviting city is home to
a variety of activities including sport fishing,
snorkeling with playful sea lions, diving with
hammerhead sharks and giant manta rays, kayaking
next to the dolphins and whales or just lounging in
the peaceful bays of Espiritu Santo Island. Visitors
can also explore its many historic museums and
authentic handicraft shops throughout the city.
Los Cabos, on the other hand, is one of Mexico’s
most breathtaking beach destinations, which include
Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and the stretch of
beach in between. As one of the country’s most
popular tourist attractions, the area features
world-class lodging and recreational facilities,
including five-star hotels, luxury condominiums,
impressive golf courses, charismatic marinas and
exquisite restaurants. The city’s location and
functionality is ideal for a variety of water sports
and outdoor activities including fishing, swimming,
sailing, diving in Playa Chileno and surfing in Cabo
San Lucas and Cabo Pulmo.
Just north of La Paz is the fishing village of
Loreto, located along the Sea of Cortez. While
Loreto is still a quiet fishing village, a
sustainable development project is underway to
develop this area. Loreto is located near Magdalena
Bay, one of the most highly recommended lagoons for
spotting gray whales and their calves between the
months of January and March. Loreto also offers a
variety of outdoor activities, everything from water
sports to exploring magnificent cave paintings and
colonial missions. Its major attractions are
undoubtedly its beautiful beaches, preserved marine
life and semi-desert niches that shelter numerous
endangered species.
The laid back town of Todos Santos, just north of
Cabo on the Pacific coast, is another up-and-coming
spot that’s becoming a popular destination for
visitors seeking a low profile, relaxed vacation.
But contrary to popular legend, the Hotel California
in this sleepy town has nothing to do with the
Eagle’s song.
Baja California Sur is an ideal place for travelers
interested in discovering ancient cave paintings,
venturing into challenging mountain bike terrains,
or just relaxing on an unspoiled beach. |