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 INDICATORS
Capital : La Paz
Main productive activities : tourism, fishing, agriculture, mining
Production leadership : salt, phosphorite production, fishing, squid, organic crops, gypsum
Airports : Gral. Manuel Marquez de Leon at La Paz, Los Cabos at San Jose del Cabo, and Loreto at Loreto
Ports : Pichilingue, San Carlos
LORETO & LA PAZ
 History and Overview
Better known for the area of los Cabos, The southern half of the state of Baja California Sur is blessed with Two other enchanting destinations: Loreto and La Paz. Presently in progressive development when compared to the tourist regions of Mexico. The beauty of Loreto and La Paz is second to none, offering the peace and natural landscapes of the desert and natural unspoiled beaches.
Baja California Sur has been home to writers and the discerning traveller. The attraction to this peaceful land of tranquillity started before there was adequate infrastructure. Since 1973, there has been a speedy development of roads with the 1,050 mile two-lane motorway. International flights on a daily basis have brought many new visitors to Loreto and La Paz.
For those in search of peace, the region toasts to some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. The lack of humidity is witness to some scorching sunrays during the day and breezy cool nights. The mountain ranges are acute and cacti are to be found everywhere. If you are looking for wide open plan beaches, you are sure to find what you are looking for.
Loreto and La Paz are both on the eastern side of the Baja Peninsula and face the ecologically rich Sea of Cortés. They basically share the same nature-bound attractions (fishing, diving, wildlife viewing, sailing and watersports), and ends-of-the-earth desert setting. However the cities are vastly different in size and atmosphere.
Loreto is an unassuming sleepy fishing village with a colourful past. It was here that in 1697 Jesuit priest/explorer Juan Maria Salvatierra established California's first settlement. Loreto served as capital to "Alta" and "Baja" California for 133 years during Spain's colonial rule of Mexico. Father Junípero Serra set forth from Loreto in 1769 on a trek northward to establish a chain of 17 now-famous California missions.
Loreto's history as a resort began in the 1970's when a stretch of sand south of town (called Nopoló) was targeted by the government to become one of Mexico's premier beach destinations (along with Cancún, Ixtapa, Los Cabos and Huatulco). However, following an initial surge of development and promotion, the resort has languished for lack of air service and investment. La Paz-based Aero California came to the rescue in 1989 with non-stops from LAX.
Loreto's scenic beauty is one of its main attributes. Five deserted islands seem to almost float on the horizon while the towering Sierra La Giganta mountains rear up behind the village. Its beaches are somewhat rocky but have smooth as glass crystalline water ideal for sailing, waterskiing and windsurfing.
World class sport fishing remains the city's major draw, particularly for yellowtail (best in the spring) and dorado, marlin and sailfish (best in the summer). It is also home to one of Mexico's finest tennis centers, and now sports a fine 18-hole seaside golf course.
La Paz ("peace" in Spanish), is the state's capital, and the largest city south of Tijuana on the Baja Peninsula. It lies on a deep inlet off the Sea of Cortés. Despite its size (population 175,000) and position as the region's commercial and political center, La Paz is a tranquil, easy to love port. It has preserved a sort of "old Baja" atmosphere that makes you think little has changed here for decades.
Even though Hernán Cortés himself visited La Paz in 1535, there was no permanent settlement here until 1811. In 1829 it became California's capital when Loreto was leveled by a hurricane.
Surrounded by barren desert, the city is set amid ancient laurel trees and coconut and date palms. Its waterfront promenade is one of Mexico's prettiest. A few blocks inland is the city's main square, the Jardín Velasco with its pink quartz gazebo, tile walkways and 19th century cathedral.
Once a major center for the pearling industry, today La Paz draws sport fishermen, divers, and water enthusiasts to its sunny beaches, calm bays and ecologically pure offshore islands. Within 15 miles of town are several stunning beaches on gleaming white sand and clear, almost turquoise water. Several deserted islands with unique natural habitats can be visited via excellent guided boat excursions.
While limited, the shopping, dining and nightlife scene in La Paz is much improved over that of Loreto. There are also some unexpectedly fine lodging establishments, making it a comfortable and overall well-appointed destination.
LOS CABOS
History and Overview
Resting at the tip of the Baja Peninsula are the sparkling resorts of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, known as "the capes," or Los Cabos (Lows-KAH-bows) in Spanish.
Once used as a frequent provision stop for pirates awaiting passage of the Manila Galleons, Los Cabos is today headed for resort stardom. In the last ten years it has evolved from a sleepy hide-away for recluse fishermen and yacht owners, into one of Mexico's most popular resort destinations. This is due largely to improved road and air access, and heavy investment by FONATUR (the government's agency in charge of new resort development) and the private sector.
Los Cabos differs in many respects from its Mexican Riviera counterparts. Because of its geographic separation and isolation from mainland Mexico, Los Cabos' visitor industry grew up with closer ties to the U.S. (mostly California) than to the rest of Mexico. A conspicuous "north-of-the-border" atmosphere and attitude give the area an appealing cultural duality. American products fill store shelves, dollars are the preferred currency, U.S.-made cars are everywhere, and resort development (until recently) has been dominated by North American enterprises. Nonetheless, there is no denying the resort's strong Mexico-by-the-sea ambiance.
It is also unique in its striking desert landscape, dry climate, and "great outdoors" unspoiled beauty. Visitors are surrounded by a dramatic coupling of endless cactus desert, backed by vermilion mountains, and bordered by miles of white sandy beach and clear, azure waters.
The resort is one of Mexico' largest in terms of its layout. Basically there are three areas of concentration. San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas anchor the area's resort strip. The two towns are separated by the Corridor region, a heavenly stretch of lovely beaches, sprinkled with much of the area's new resort development.
San José del Cabo is a pleasant city of meandering streets, lush palm groves, and the languid pace of a colonial village. The area was first visited by Cortés himself in 1535. But it was missionary zeal, not conquistadors, that first brought European civilization to San José. A Jesuit mission was built in 1730 to indoctrinate the Pericu Indians of the region. In the nineteenth century San José slowly evolved into a modest center of commerce for passing ships. Today it is a town of 24,000 people that has a handsome Municipal Palace, charming courtyard restaurants, shops, boutiques, and a lovely tropical estuary. The atmosphere here is subdued compared with the more rowdy town of Cabo San Lucas.
Cabo San Lucas , at the tip of the peninsula and about 20 miles west of San José, is a boom town just beginning to emerge. Dusty streets still prevail, but do not let that fool you. Cabo tops some fine restaurants, sophisticated shopping, a slick 300-slip marina, and active nightlife. Cabo is tops with fisherman, divers, and those wanting to be close to assorted dining and nightlife. Nearby Médano Beach is a heavenly stretch of calm, crystal waters, and white sand. And just off shore is El Arco- the area's signature landmark and one of the world's most awesome natural wonders.
Between these two towns is THE CORRIDOR REGION, the site of major resort development and some of Baja's most beautiful beaches. This zone is where Los Cabos is staking its claim as Mexico's premier golf destination, with a half dozen new courses under construction.
Today the resort attracts a broader range of visitors than ever before, and has gone to great lengths to diversify its offering of activities and attractions. Of course, sportsmen continue to flock to Los Cabos for world famous fishing, outstanding diving, and game bird hunting. However the area draws beach lovers, golfers, shoppers and "eco-tourists."
The area's lodging scene has also improved dramatically in the last five years. Though somewhat limited in number, accommodations are first-class and feature some of Mexico's finest properties. But because of the resort's sprawling layout, selecting the right location is critical to vacation planning.
Weather :
The warm, arid climate of the Baja Peninsula, where average annual rainfall is only about 10 inches, results in beautiful sunshine 350 days a year in Los Cabos.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving :
The Sea of Cortez is a colorful underwater world of beauty and wonder with living coral reefs, sand falls, ocean canyons, old shipwrecks to explore -- and everything from tropical and schooling fish to hammerhead sharks, moray eels and turtles.
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Sportfishing :
Los Cabos is one of the world's great sportfishing destinations. The varieties of fish, in an area so compact and accessible, is unequaled anywhere else. It is particularly famous for its concentration of swordfish, sailfish and marlin C and, in fact, is known as "The Marlin Capital of the World." In addition to big trophy fish, you can catch everything from Dorado (mahi mahi) and tuna to roosterfish, halibut, wahoo and corvina.
Sailing & Sea Kayaking :
Los Cabos is a recreational sailor's dream with endless undeveloped coastline, small islands and open waters to explore. It is also a world-class sea kayaking destination with coves, inlets, water caves and beaches that are only accessible by kayak. Los Cabos is an excellent place to learn sea kayaking skills, as well, since the seas are generally calm.
Windsurfing & Surfing :
Los Cabos is a windsurfer's paradise with good wind action, particularly from November through March. And surfing is excellent on the Pacific without the crowds -- and fighting for waves -- typical of the surfing spots in northern Baja close to the California border.
Golf :
Los Cabos has evolved into one of Mexico's leading golf destinations. The destination now boasts five spectacular 18-hole championship courses, with more coming. They have been designed by some of the biggest names in golf course design: Palmilla, Cabo del Sol and El Dorado were designed by Jack Nicklaus, Cabo San Lucas Country Club by Roy and Pete Dye; and Cabo Real by Robert Trent Jones II.
Local Towns & Villages :
Several towns and villages, easily reached on day trips, offer history, shopping and more. Todos Santos, originally a Jesuit mission and plantation, today is known for its fishing industry, fruit orchards and handmade crafts; it's a beautiful 50-mile drive up the Pacific coast from Cabo San Lucas through a tropical desert landscape with a backdrop of jagged mountains. Miraflores, about 25 miles from San Jose del Cabo, is a 200-year-old village known for leather products and hot springs. Santiago, about 35 miles from San Jose del Cabo, is another quaint Baja village with the area's only zoo. About 124 miles north of San Jose is the main town and capital of Southern Baja, La Paz; originally a pirates haven, Italian missionaries built a church here more than 500 years ago and today it offers history, shopping, restaurants and more.
Shopping :
A colorful and diverse selection of handmade artisanry is sold in the shops including silver jewelry, hand-painted vases, wrought-iron candle holders, ceramic figures and masks, flowing Mexican dresses, and carved wood objects.
Nightlife :
Los Cabos is alive with food, music and dancing. Cabo San Lucas at night has been called Cabo San "Loco" with its many happening bars, clubs, discos and live music. San Jose del Cabo is known for its fine restaurants and nightclubs with live dance bands and other entertainment.
A SANCTUARY FOR INVESTMENT
Blessed with zero unemployment, according to the Ministry of Tourism in 1997, nearly One and a half million visitors were welcomed to Baja California Sur. Without a doubt, this is a mecca for those of us in search of adventure sports holidays and tranquil moments of peace where the mountainous landscapes meet the sound of the sea, where in early months of the year the region is flooded with whales that come home to breed.
Once a small community of fishermen, Baja California Sur has exploded onto the world scene. At the resort towns of San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, the once barren tracks are now full of bustling life and host to an array of attractions. Luxury resort Hotels, golf courses, nightclubs, restaurants, sport fishing and scuba diving are among the various options visitors can chose from.
In 1999, the 300 million dollars of investments and 16 huge tourist projects were to be completed. After completion, we will se the face of a region that will lead the country at the beginning of the new millennium. The well known and somewhat saturated tourist areas of the republic are watching carefully to follow the example of this peninsula as investment and nature combine to become the next major player in the tourist sector.
In the last four years Fishing has had an annual increase of 25%. However, the agricultural sector has traditionally been small. 1997 saw the production of grains, potatoes, industrial crops and fruit grow significantly. Baja California has the largest and most productive salt production in the country. The state also has high reserves of Gold, silver and magnesium deposits. There are presently five new projects for gold and silver exploitation in El Triunfo and San Antonio areas, all close to La Paz.
INDUSTRY
The industrial sector still hasn´t had the influx of investment needed and consequently has a lot of potential to be discovered. The Ports and maritime isolation need to be improved and modernised in order to be productive. Over the last 3 years, there has been at least 30 projects in the pipeline, with investment to the tune of almost 300 million dollars. Over 10,000 new jobs will have been created after the implementation of 36 new projects and 481 million dollars in investment, both domestic and foreign capital combined and the local government has programs to facilitate the entry of foreign capital and investors.
Undoubtedly, the backbone of industry is in the tourism sector. Unfortunately, the GATT agreement has taken many investors and companies away from the region and thanks to savvy entrepreneurs and tourism know-how, the development of Hacienda del Mar, capitalised on the natural beauty and Mexican heritage and took advantage of the market potential. Various other groups and developers have began constructing large luxury tourist developments. One important observation is that the investors, the government and the locals have their heart and soul committed to see that Baja California Sur will be preserved and developed carefully under strict guidelines. This long term approach ensures the end result to be spectacular!
ACTIVITIES SURRONDING LA PAZ
MARINE ECOLOGY
The Baja Peninsula is surrounded by two rich seas of extraordinary richness, the pacific ocean and the sea of Cortes. Each sea possesses different oceanic characteristics and embraces unique marine environments of sea life which contrast with the desert mountainscapes, their bizarre plants and isolated islands. Marine eco-touristical and adventure travel activities on either coast of diverse overwhelming and exciting experiences. Whale watching, island camping, sailboarding and surfing are of the activities that can be a part of your visit. La Paz possesses a geographically fortunate position, allowing visitors to travel quite easily to the west onto the shores and islands of the pacific ocean or east toward the islands scattered throughout the sea of Cortes.
The Pacific Ocean of Baja California Sur near La Paz has beautiful, endless white-sand shorelines with good surfing breaks at spots such as Todos Santos, pescadero and Cerritos, all of which are only an hour’s drive from downtown La Paz.
The powerful tides in the Cortes, generated by fierce ocean currents, continually mix with the rich nutrient supply from the Colorado River. Intense turbulence and water renewel all work together to activate the food chain. As a result, it comes as no surprise to find the richness found in the sea of Cortes is unequalled in other seas of similar size. The southernmost regions belong to the municipality of La paz and contain five major islands. From North to south, the islands of San Jose, Las Animas, San Francisquito, Espirito Santo and Cerralvo are nourished by the mist of the warm ocean waters.
DESERT ECOLOGY
Hidden in the deepest corner of it’s charming bay, La Paz possesses an enviable geographic location providing an ideal starting point for innumerable natural history land forays. Here, the peninsula collides with the sea, allowing the wild life lovers the opportunity to observe nature in its pristine natural environment .
The surrounding desert is an intriguing, unique, and extremely beautiful eco system full of endless surprises. Over centuries its flora and fauna evolved endemic characteristics due to the relative isolation. Strange looking valleys of sentinel-like cardon, primitive cirios, elephant trees and thorny chollas make for some of the 4,000 different plants that form the spiny green carpet on the sandy earth.
Many resident birds and migratory species are found here as they winter and pass by on their migration to southern locations. Hawks, Wrens, Woodpeckers, the great roadrunner, the Xantus hummingbird and the gray Thrasher are common sights. Desert Big horn, Foxes, Coyotes, Pumas, desert Mice and Squirrels are abundant.
LOCAL BEACHES
La Paz is one of the Favorite beach destinations for national and international tourism. The biggest attraction are it’s beaches, all of them with beautifully leveled out white, soft sand. The ideal beaches are the ones located on the road to Pichilingue, near la Paz’s commercial dock and ferry terminal. Puerto Balandra is considered a salt water lagoon and had eight attractive bays and beautiful beaches, one with a famous "mushroom rock." Tecolote beach is one of the largest in the region, facing Espiritu Santo (holy spirit) island. All beaches possess amenities ranging from Palapas, restrooms and showers to restaurants, bars and watersports rental equipment
SPORTS FISHING
La Paz is home to some of the finest sports fishing game in the world. For variety, quantity and quality fish, the waters surrounding Isla Espiritu Santo and las Arenas/ Cerralvo Island area are justifiably renowned. Each different season brings with it a changing menu of big game species, including Marlin, sailfish, yellowtail, tuna dorado, Wahoo, Grouper, pargo and more.
Whether you prefer traditional big game fishing, are a light-tackle enthusiast, or are one of the growing number of salt water fly fisherman, you will fid what you are looking for in la Paz. The proximity of deep water and sea mounts makes this fish available with the minimum travel time from shore. On numerous sports fishing fleets feature craft from comfortable cabin cruisers to the fast action and maneuverability of smaller boats, all offering fishing charters at affordable rates. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or it’s your first experience with big game fishing, La Paz will provide you with an experience that is both unique and memorable. |
© World INvestment NEws, 2000.
This is the electronic edition of the special country report on Mexico published in Forbes Global.
July 3rd 2000 Issue.
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