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bEAuTIful bA jA SurWith less than 500,000 inhabitants, Baja California Sur is one of Mexico’s least populated regions—yet it’s also one of its fastest-growing tourist

destinations. Thanks to the recent addition of direct air service to Loreto and La Paz, along with outstanding non-stop service to Los Cabos from

several key U.S. states, it’s never been easier or more convenient to explore this largely untapped area. As world-class marinas, accommoda-

tions, shopping centers and restaurants pop up throughout the Peninsula, it’s clear that Mexico’s one-time best-kept secret is now out of the bag.

But even in the face of its recent growth, Baja California Sur still maintains its pure natural state, making it the ideal getaway for sophisticaed

ecotourists and adventure travelers. Secluded beaches bordered by sparkling water teem with marine life, while rugged mountains house exotic

plants and birds. For those looking to relax and indulge, city centers offer five-star lodgings with exclusive activities and custom excursions.

lA PAZ Baja California Sur’s capital city is a rare mix old and new. As the region’s

commercial and cultural hub, La Paz boasts a thriving downtown and

central square, surrounded by charming neoclassic architecture. Yet La

Paz still maintains the feel of an authentic Mexican port town, thanks to

its tiled walkways, decorated stone facades and the warm hospitality of

the local people. A seaside malecón, or esplanade, boasts restaurants,

bars, coffee shops and ice cream parlors, making it ideal for afternoon

strolls. Sailing enthusiasts will appreciate La Paz’s bustling marinas,

which house both tourist vessels and privately-owned boats.

This city center is the perfect base for beach-goers, divers and ex-

plorers, thanks to its proximity to tranquil bays, largely uncharted is-

lands and the majestic Sierra de La Laguna mountains. Sunbathers

flock to the pristine white sands beaches at Pichilingue and El Teco-

lote, which offer amenities like restaurants, bars and watersports rent-

als. Families will love El Coromuel beach, which features slides and

other kid-friendly activities, while snorkelers and fishing enthusiasts

choose Balandra for its aquatic life.

Over 25 world-class diving spots are scattered among the bay’s

many islands, including Espíritu Santo and Cerralvo. The former is

a UNESCO Natural Protected Area, where 23,800 acres house an as-

tounding range of marine animals and plants. On its northernmost tip

you’ll find a rock formation called Los Islotes, a must-see for its sea-

PELiCAN / LA PAz

PLAYA BALANdrA / LA PAz

PUNTA BALANdrA / LA PAz

bird colony. The natural abundance and variety of fish in this region led

legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau to label it the “Aquarium of the

World”: Expect to see eye-catching species like giant manta rays and

hammerhead sharks. don’t miss Isla Cerralvo, one of the Sea of Cor-

tez’s largest islands, for its brilliant blue waters and impressive array

of marine life.

Visitors can explore all La Paz has to offer via guided ecotours, which

snake from the heart of the city into the surrounding desert terrain.

Whether you walk, mountain bike or travel by ATV, you’ll be amazed by

the range of wonders: From the primitive cave paintings at Sierra de

San Francisco, a World Heritage Site, to the stately coniferous forests

of the Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere Reserve.

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vILLa gROup

MiSSiON OF OUr LAdY LOrETO / LOrETOCOrONAdO iSLANd / LOrETO

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lOrETO Bordering Baja California Sur’s eastern coast, Loreto is an oasis of laid-

back, old-world charm. its striking landscape shifts from the Sea of

Cortez on the east to the Sierra la Giganta Mountains on the west, of-

fering travelers a host of unique ecological and historical experiences.

Visitors flock to Loreto for its remote location, charming village set-

ting, colorful past and famous sport fishing just minutes offshore. Al-

though the town dates back over 300 years—and is the oldest human

settlement on the peninsula—today it offers elite amenities like first-

class marinas, resort hotels, numerous fishing fleets, fine restaurants,

an 18-hole oceanfront golf course and acclaimed tennis center.

Loreto’s town square houses a wealth of attractions, from the Mis-

sion of Our Lady Loreto and its onsite museum, to a selection of excel-

lent restaurants and markets. Stroll through the unpaved, date palm-

lined streets and appreciate the relaxed pace of life. Stunning views

of vineyards, orchards and the Sierra la Giganta Mountains make for a

walk to remember.

don’t miss the Mission of San Javier, which was established by Sicil-

ian priest Padre Francesco Piccolo and later abandoned following a se-

ries of native attacks. Father Juan de Ugarte then took over the mission

and began growing wine grapes, effectively starting the region’s still-ac-

tive wine industry. Today, this astoundingly well-preserved mission at-

tracts hundreds of religious pilgrims annually, who come to examine its

many religious artifacts and pay respects to the church’s patron saints.

After exploring the mission, take an ATV tour through the Sierra la

Giganta Mountains, which offer a host of activities, from hiking and

camping to ecotourist excursions that will open your eyes to exotic flora

and marine life.

Loreto also boasts a handful of naturally perfect beaches. With rocky

shores and gentle waters, they’re the ideal site for watersports, from

sailing and fly fishing to kayaking and windsurfing. A total of five deserted

islands offer a selection of water activities, hiking and beach fun. World-

class sportfishing is another one of the region’s top draws: Enthusiasts

will love the range of yellowtail, dorado, marlin, tuna and sailfish.

Athletic types will find no shortage of ways to indulge their active

sides. The John McEnroe-designed Nopoló, is one of Mexico’s best ten-

nis facilities, while the nearby Campo de Golf Loreto is a par-72 seaside

course that boasts its own restaurant, bar and pro shop.

WHALE WATCHiNG / LOrETO

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lOS CAbOSLocated at the southernmost tip of Baja California, where the Pacific

Ocean meets the Sea of Cortés, lies the eye-popping spectacle of Los

Cabos. Translated as “The Capes”, this is by far Baja California Sur’s

most famous—and most oft-visited—area. The towns of San José del

Cabo and Cabo San Lucas have become hugely popular tourist destina-

tions, drawing a throng of celebrities, corporate groups and interna-

tional ViPs each year.

in addition to being one of Mexico’s top resort destinations, boast-

ing five-star accommodations, restaurants and spas, Los Cabos is also

home to some of the nation’s best sportfishing and golfing, offering

something for every traveler.

CABO SAN LUCAS

Located on the very tip of the peninsula, this vibrant town—known

simply as “Cabo” to its many frequenters—is the ultimate place to see

and be seen. With its pulsing nightlife, designer shopping, and luxury

accommodations, it’s no surprise that Cabo San Lucas draws an elite

crowd. The bustling 300-slip marina is the perfect spot to begin a boat

tour or private sailing excursion, or to catch a glimpse of the day’s big

catch at the separate sportfishing dock. Walk just five blocks and you’ll

be in the heart of Cabo’s best shopping, with a great selection of new

malls and high-end standalone boutiques. Check out the gorgeous Mé-

dano Beach, where you can swim, take part in watersports or rent a

skiff to the breathtaking natural rock formation at El Arco.

SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO

San Jose del Cabo sits just a mile back from the sea, surrounded by

rolling hills dotted with fragrant mango, avocado and orange trees. Es-

tablished in the 18th century, what began as a mission town now offers

a selection of boutique hotels in addition to two golf courses, a nine hole

green and a new 18-hole championship course at Club Campestre. Yet

evidence of its old-world origins is everywhere: Winding, pedestrian-

only streets lead guests to historical attractions like the Municipal Pal-

ace, the Parroquia de San José Catholic church and the Plaza Mijares

bandstand, which hosts major events like the weekly Saturday Night

Fiestas. A small grid of streets houses charming shops, authentic res-

taurants and art galleries, where, through the months of November to

May, visitors can enjoy a drink while chatting with local artists about

their works.

THE TOURIST CORRIDOR

Located between the twin powerhouses of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose

del Cabo lies the 20-mile Tourist Corridor, a four-lane highway strip

brimming with beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts featuring some of

North America’s most incredible spas, championship tournament-wor-

thy golfing and first-class shopping. Active endeavors include deep-sea

sportfishing, diving and snorkeling, kayaking and offroad ATVing.

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EL ArCO / LOS CABOS

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bA jA’S grEAT grEENSGolfing enthusiasts, take note: Baja Sur boasts some of Mexico’s finest

greens. While the majority of these sites are based in Los Cabos, you’ll

find newer courses throughout the region, with plans to start construction

on seven more over the next few years. With varying terrain and a beauti-

ful seaside locale, it’s no surprise that the world’s best golfers have opted

to set up shop here.

With a course design that matches the splendor of the surrounding

Sea of Cortes, the green at CostaBaja resort & Marina is a world-class

golfing destination right in the heart of La Paz. designed by golf legend

Gary Player, this 18-hole championship course offers the stunning natural

setting the town is famous for, combined with a challenging and innova-

tive layout. As Player put it, “La Paz is gaining wonderful momentum as a

tourist destination and the golf course to be built at this stunning site on

the Sea of Cortez will do nothing but contribute to that.”

The Loreto Bay Golf Club, located on the Nopolo Sports Center prop-

erty, boasts an 18-hole championship course with stunning—and skill-

testing—lakeside greens that will leave even the most advanced player in

awe. Take in the breathtaking views of the Sierra de la Giganta mountains

and nearby desert landscape before enjoying the rest of the facilities.

Los Cabos, home to some of the world’s most renowned champion-

ship golf courses, is Mexico’s premiere golf destination. With an array of

premium courses and several new ventures in various stages of develop-

ment, the Los Cabos golf scene is exploding with high quality, challenging

courses set against the strikingly beautiful backdrop of dramatic desert

landscape and glorious Baja beaches. Golf legends such as Jack Nick-

laus, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman and others have left their mark in “Land’s

End” by way of the stunning signature courses they have designed and

continue to develop in the region. Los Cabos, as home to ten luxurious

and challenging courses, boasting nearly 200 magnificent seaside and

desert holes with an additional seven championship courses either under

construction or on the horizon, Los Cabos and Baja California Sur can

truly take their place among the world’s elite golf destinations.

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CABO rEAL / LOS CABOS

qUErENCiA / LOS CABOS

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MAgNIfICENT MulEgéWhile big names like Los Cabos draw a crowd, Baja California Sur is also

home to a wealth of smaller towns offering big-time attractions. Here, you’ll

get the true taste of Mexican life that you won’t find anywhere else.

Mulegé is one such town: Located north of Loreto, at the mouth of the

marine reservation Bahia Concepcion, this idyllic village combines natural

beauty and centuries of history. Fascinating attractions include an aban-

doned colonial-era prison—now a museum—and the town mission, which

dates all the way back to 1705. The area owes its gorgeous surroundings to

its proximity to southern Baja’s sole freshwater river, which fuels the growth

of lush greenery, including date palms and citrus trees. Guests can reap all

the benefits of the bayside setting by partaking in fishing, diving, kayaking

and beachgoing.

Mulegé’s municipal center, Santa Rosalía, is a modern city that show-

cases striking French architecture. Visitors can take a stroll back in time

through attractions like the Santa Rosalía History Museum, the Town Hall

and Archives and the Mahatma Gandhi Library. The stately Santa Bárbara

Church was designed in 1884 by Gustave Eiffel and finally opened its doors in

Santa rosalía in 1897.

Also part of Mulegé, located inland from from Santa rosalía, is the colo-

nial town of San Ignacio. Here you’ll find quaint historical sights like a Jesu-

it-founded mission dating back to 1728. The village is an ideal place to start

a tour of Sierra de San Francisco’s impressive caves and rock paintings.

Animal lovers will appreciate the whale-watching opportunities at nearby

Laguna San Ignacio.

BAHiA CONCEPCiON / MULEGé

SAN JAViEr MiSSiON / MULEGé

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OffShOrE ADvENTurESThanks to its proximity to the shimmering Sea of Cortés, Baja California Sur is one of Mexico’s most popular destinations for participating in swimming, watersports

or just seaside sunbathing. But for those seeking for an extra thrill, the Sea of Cortés is also the starting point for two once-in-a-lifetime elite experiences you simply

can’t find anywhere else: Adventure diving and deep-sea sportfishing.

OFFSHOrE FiSHiNG / LOS CABOS

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ADVENTURE DIVINGWhen exploring the underwater world of Baja California Sur, it’s not uncommon to

jump into the open blue and snorkel with passing whales while on your way out to a

dive site. The Sea of Cortés has long been known for its schools of dolphins, whale

pods, sea turtles, sea lion harems, and of course, there is always the chance of meet-

ing with giant manta rays, hammerhead sharks and seasonal whale sharks. Brilliant-

ly colored sea fans, black coral and invertebrate life blanket the rocky structures and

at night the reefs open up into a rainbow of color.

Sitting just off Loreto’s coastline are five dramatic looking islands which are all part

of the Loreto National Marine Park. Loreto sits at the tip of a 100-mile long stretch

of sea that is unmatched in diversity of marine life—and home to over 800 species of

fish, unique only to the waters surrounding Baja California Sur. Loreto is one of the

few locations in the entire world where the experienced diver can get up-close and

personal with the awesome six-foot long Humboldt squid that traverse these waters

in late summer and fall.

No other region of Baja California Sur offers a more magnificent array of dive

sites than those surrounding La Paz. Circled by three of the most beautiful islands

in the region, San Jose, Espiritu Santo and Cerralvo, plus countless tiny islets, La

Paz has more than earned its position on the serious diver’s “must-dive” list.

The El Bajo Sea Mounts is the most famous locations in the Sea of Cortés, where

hammerhead sharks congregate in large schools. Another other one-of-a-kind site in

La Paz is the wreck dive over Fang Ming, one of two Chinese freighters impounded by

Mexican navy when trying to deliver its cargo of illegal Chinese immigrants to Califor-

nia and then donated to Baja as an artificial reef and dive site. Many species of pelagic

and tropical fish call La Paz home and are found year round.

The bay of Cabo San Lucas encompasses several unique dive sites, which were

protected by the President of Mexico when he declared them the second underwater

national marine park after Cozumel in 1973. All of them are within a quick ten-minute

boat ride from the marina of Cabo San Lucas. There are a number of excellent certi-

fied dive shops and charter operators lining the Los Cabos Marina or custom dive

excursions can be arranged by your hotel activities director. No matter what your

experience level, Baja California Sur’s expert dive operators can design the perfect

dive outing—from family trips to the ultimate undersea adventures.

SPORTFISHING Baja California Sur’s number-one fishing locale by far is Los Cabos, which is re-

nowned internationally as the “Marlin Capital of the World”. While these black,

blue and striped stunners—some can weigh up to 1,000 pounds—are the area’s

main draw, Los Cabos’ blue-green waters play host to an extraordinary abundance

of fish. in the peak months of May, June, december and January, you’ll find sail-

fish, dorado, shark, swordfish and yellowfin tuna, all yours for the catching. it’s

no small wonder that this region is home to some of the world’s most important

fishing tournaments, including the IGFA Offshore World Championship.

Thanks to its location on Baja California’s tip between the sea and the ocean,

Cabo San Lucas is a thriving fishing town. The ready availability of world-class

marinas stocked with top-of-the-line fishing vessels makes this locale an expe-

rienced angler’s dream. For the less advanced fishing enthusiast, smaller fishing

boats called pangas offer easy access to the region’s best and busiest waters. For

a truly elite fishing experience, charter your own 50- to 80-foot vessel (accommo-

dates six to twelve guests).

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ElITE SlEEPS: bEST Of bA jA SurWhile the spirit of the Baja lifestyle is relaxed and friendly, the five-star resorts below take the task of providing world-class service very seriously. From stunning

spas to championship golf greens, these luxury lodgings have it all—and then some.

ONE&ONLy PALMILLA

Ten minutes from the historic charm of San Jose del Cabo and twenty

from the thriving scene at Cabo San Lucas, the location of this gorgeous

resort offers the best of both worlds. As do the service and accommoda-

tions: Every room has been designed to feel like a private escape, yet at-

tentive 24-hour personal butlers ensure that no need goes unmet.

Carretera Transpeninsular, km 7.5, San Jose del Cabo; 52-624-146-7000;

www.oneandonlyresorts.com

ESPERANzA, AN AUBERGE RESORT

This secluded retreat offers state-of-the-art amenities like a full-ser-

vice Cabo spa, fitness center and yoga and pilates studio, designed to

get guests feeling great. From the soft sands of the private beach to the

luxury linens in every bedroom, the tranquil setting lends itself to total

mind and body relaxation.

Manzana 10, Cabo San Lucas; 866-311-2226; www.esperanzaresort.com

ONE&ONLY PALMiLLA / LOS CABOS LAS VENTANAS AL PArAiSO / LOS CABOS

CAPELLA PEdrEGAL / CABO SAN LUCAS ESPErANzA, AN AUBErGE rESOrT / CABO SAN LUCAS

CAPELLA PEDREGAL

This resort’s elegantly-appointed rooms boast elite extras like private

terraces with plunge pools and serene ocean views. The onsite Auriga

spa and Julien Farel salon will leave visitors looking as fabulous as they

feel throughout their stay.

Camino del Mar 1, Cabo San Lucas; 52-624-163-4300;

www.capellapedregal.com

LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO

With magnificent views of the Sea of Cortés, an authentic Baja-Mediterra-

nean onsite restaurant and choice of sophisticated suites, Las Ventanas

is truly a desert oasis. Horseback riding and deep-sea fishing charters

are just two of the many activities and excursions at your fingertips when

you book a stay at this luxury resort.

Carretera Transpeninsular, km 19.5, San Jose del Cabo; 52-624-144-

2800; www.lasventanas.com

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