La Paz, which
is the capital of Baja California Sur, was founded in 1535 by
Heman Cortez an explorer and conqueror. It was first named "Puerto
Santa Cruz" (port of the Holy Cross) but later Captain
Sabastian Vizcaino referred to this beautHul bay as La Paz (the
peace) which ended up becoming its officiat name. However, it
was the legendary Padre Kino, a royal astronomer, who first
set down a small fortliere in 1638.
La Paz
boasts of a very long summer (at least 8 months)with temperatures
of often over 100F and mild winters of around 75F. Beyond
that, La Paz offers visitors a prime slice of Mexico where
the customs and tradi- tions still prevail. It is considered
one of the most desirable places to either visit, or live,
in Mexico because it continues to stand up to its name, "the
peace".
There
is much to enjoy here such as walking along the Malecom (water
front) and watching one of the incomparaqble sunsets; savoring
the locally made ice-cream consisting of fresh fruit; taking
a short drive, out to one of the six main beaches; or even
taking the day off to visit Isia Espritu Santo (Holy Ghost
lsland) by boat.
When it
comes to water sports, you name it, and La Paz has it: sailing,
diving, kayaking, snorkeling and unbelievable sport fishing.
All you have to do to be a part of all this is just be here.
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Main Beaches
Coromuel:
5 km. (3.1 miles) from La Paz with parking available.
Tesoro:
14 km (8.9 miles) from La Paz A family beach with shallow
water for small children.
PICHILINGUE:
19 km. (10.5 miles) from La Paz. Close to ferry terminal and
ideal for camping. Restaurant, bar, parking and restrooms
available.
BALAHDRA:
27 km. (16 miles) from La Paz. Camping possible but no public
facilities available. Known for its famous "Hongo"
(mushroom).
EL
TECOLOTE: 29 km. (18,miles) from La Paz. Restaurant, Restrooms,
parking and water sport equipment <rental) available.
EL
COYOTE: 27 km. (miles) from La Paz 2km. from El Tecolote.
Camping possible but no facilities available.
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Things to do:
There are two main cinemas, one downtown on Revolucion
and one on Isabel la Catolica, where you can see the latest
movies in English (with Spanish subtitles).
To learn
a little more about the culture of Baja California Sur, El
Museo Regional De Antropologeo y Historia (the Regional Museum
of Anthroplolty and History) which is located on 5 de Mayo
y Altamirano, offers an interesting display of artifacts dating
back centuries.
Elteatro
de la Cuidad ( the City Theatre) on Navarro street between
altamirano and Heroes de Independencia, presents plays in
Spanish and occasional concerts throughout the year.
If you
want to see some antique looms still at work, visit "Los
Telares" which is just down Abasolo street going towards
the airport. You can even buy some of their wares, blankets,
table clothes and wall hangings, made right there.
The nice
thing about La Paz is that there is no rush to do anything.
You are there to relax and enjoy your holiday.
Where
to Eat La Paz offers a variety of restaurants, and taco stands
which will not disappoint you. You can satisfy your cravings
for anything from Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, American
and, of course, Mexican food in this fair city.
If you
want to eat some of the best fishtacos in town, try Hermanos
Gonzalez right across from La Perta de La Paz department store,
or Clarita which is right outside the main bus terminal on
Jalisco street.
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What About The Drinking water?
The hotels,
restaurants and bars all provide purified drinking water and
ice cubes. Bottled water is clean and sage and readily available
at all grocery stores. Coral Baja has their own water
purification systems that runs through all the taps.
Money Exchange
The Mexican
peso fluctuates up and down depending on the world market.
In the test few years it has floated between 9 and 10 pesos
to the American dollar. When changing money in a bank, remember
that you can only do a currency exchange up until 11:00 a.m.
Otherwise you'll have to change your money at a money exchange
booth which are open most of the day.
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THE
EXPLORER'S REVIEW OF LOS CABOS BEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
CABO
PULMO LIVE CORAL RESERVE
Definitely
the most amazing place to scuba dive and snorkel in Southern
Baja. The abundance and variety of ocean life is outstanding.
Kayaking the shoreline from Cabo Pulmo Bay to Los Frailes
Bay is an accessible adventure for anyone with a couragious
heart. Cabo Pulmo is simply best defined by its wonderful
treasuresL LIVE CORAL REEF, SEA LIONS, MANTA RAYS, COLORFUL
REEF FISH, UNIQUE GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS, PEACE AND SOLITUDE..
Don't miss this paradise on earth.!!
BAJA'S
EPIC SURF BREAKS
 With
constant swells breaking year round either on the Pacific side
or on the Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos offers surf riders the
magic of catching the ultimate curlsl! From body surfing,
boogie boarding, surf kayaking, long boarding iand the more
extreme shortboard surfing, Baja provides it alill With so
many options of breaks and ways of surfing waves, the time
has come for you to join in the thrflis! Newcomers should
definitely try out Acapuiquito (also known as Old Man's, I
wonder why?) or Pescaditos, both on CostaAzut's shore ttne,
as well as Cerritos Beach on the pacific and El Tule on km.
16 of the tourist corredor. Check locally for Sailing and
Camping Surf Safaris. Surf lessons are available for rookies.
SANTA-MARIA BAY AND CHILENO REEF
How lucky
are we? Right smack in the middle of Los Cabos one can experience
a formidable kayak and snorkel adventure only a few miles
from most resorts and hotels. The journey is from Santa Maria
Bay to Chfleno Reef. It is about a one hour kayak trip and
the shoreime Is beautiful. After the trek, one is rewarded
by a refreshing snorkeling session at pristine Chileno Reef.
A great adventure right in our
backyard!
DESERT
PARK'S ATV'S AND BOULDER RAPPEL
 Wow!!
I can't believe one can experience so much fun and adventure
before lunchtime! Desert Park is located in Cabo Real and
it is made up a series of desert trails that wind through
majestic Baja desert. Hidden at the end of one of the the
dry arroyos you will encounter a huge baja boulder where you
may tingle your guts by rappelling all the way down. The view
of the Sea of Cortez atop this boulder is just
incredible! Do something memorable, do this!!!
SAN
JOSE'S ESTUARY AND BIRD SANCTUARY
To forget
absolutely about everything and just enjoy life, one should
reward themselves with an unforgettable outing in this paradise.
Just 5 minutes from downtown San Jose, the estuary's peaceful
water channels are an idyllic place to enjoy a relaxed kayak
ride where you will witness exotic birds and picturesque skies.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times.
NATURE
WALKS AND HIKES
Just a
few miles inland from the Oasis town of Santiago, explore
the winding canyons at the base of the amazing Sierra de La
Laguna. Within these canyons rise incredible rock formations
where natural water pools delight explorers' dreams. To be
discovered are fossil, and vast wildlife that will leave lasting
memories on the lucky few who venture out there!!
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