Baja California Sur occupies the
southern half of the Baja Penninsula. The state has
the longest coastline and the most islands of any
state in Mexico. One third of its area is
ecologically protected.
|
|
|
Baja California Sur is bordered by Baja
California to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the
Gulf of California to the east. Its main municipalities are La
Paz, Los Cabos, Comondú and Loreto. |
San José
del Cabo lies 20 miles north-east of Cabo San Lucas. It is a larger commercial center with more
full-time residents. Its colonial Spanish heart centers around
the mission, city hall and central plaza.
|
|
San José del Cabo is known for the attractive
streets of the Gallery District. On Thursday evenings, an Art
Walk features open galleries, artists in attendance and wine
tastings.
|
Art galleries display a range of
traditional and contemporary paintings, sculptures and decorative arts by local artists.
|
|
The village of Todos Santos, initially
founded as a mission in 1724, has been declared one of
Mexico's "magical towns," a designation of cultural,
historical or natural significance.
|
Todos Santos lies on the Tropic of Cancer and
hosts an annual Music and Art Festival by that name.
|
|
With a more tropical climate, access to
surfing beaches, and unique cultural and dining experiences,
Todos Santos has captured the interest of adventure travellers.
|
An example of the artistic flourishes that
adorn the entire village of Todos Santos is this Aztec calendar
on the wall of a shop. |
|
The beautiful Hotel California in Todos
Santos is incorrectly attributed to being the inspiration for
the Eagles' song. |
La Paz, lying 100 miles north-east
of Cabo, is the capital of Baja California Sur. It serves as a
center for accessing water and land activities such as swimming
with whale sharks and sand dune surfing.
|
|
Along La Paz's 2.5 mile waterfront promenade,
the Malecón, are a statue of Jacques Cousteau and sculptures of
whales, dolphins and other sea life.
|
At La Paz's cultural center an interesting
display outlines the history of indigenous people, missionaries,
ranchers and fishers. |
A rich artistic
heritage is reflected in the street art, commercial sites, and
tourist offerings seen in all the towns of the area.
|
|
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Islands and
Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, Balandra Bay is made
up of seven beaches surrounded by rocky hills. |
At Balandra Bay, people snorkel, kayak, stand-up
paddle board and explore among the rock formations of the clear
shallow waters.
|
|
Some beaches are known for their snorkelling
opportunities, including Santa Maria Bay, Los Barriles, El
Tecolote, and Coromuel seen here. |
The Gulf of California is home to 36 species of mammals; 31 cetaceans, five of
the world´s seven sea turtles and more than 700 fish species,
sharks included.
|
|
A beautiful assortment of indigenous and
introduced plants are suited to the desert climate. |
A number of working ranches is the region
offer horseback riding tours of the dramatic landscapes.
|
