Mexico: Highlights of Southern Baja California

Mexico City, the nation’s capital, is vibrant, colorful and full of character. Fascinating museums rub shoulders with beautiful churches while theme parks co-exist harmoniously with long-standing academic institutions in this sprawling city. Get a glimpse into local life as you wander its traditional mercados and quaint farmers’ markets that are bursting with spices, fresh produce, and handicrafts. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, head to the beautiful Parque México, a veritable oasis of green located in the upmarket Condesa district. Food lovers will be spoiled for choice given the range of gastronomic delights that await you – from street vendors serving up authentic Mexican dishes to hip cafes specializing in fusion cuisine. Travel back in time with a stay in one of the restored haciendas or traditional manor houses that now serve as restaurants and hotels offering a uniquely Mexican experience.

La Paz is the capital city of the state of Baja California Sur in Mexico. It is an attractive, walkable city that is home to a number of scenic beaches. The Malecón waterfront, with its many seating areas and cafes, is the ideal place for a relaxing evening stroll. The town’s central square is full of shops selling handicrafts made from local seashells and wood. Playa El Tesoro is a protected bay that offers non-motorized watersports. Whale watching tours to see the gray Whales of Magdalena Bay are popular here, as is the opportunity to go scuba diving with dolphins. At Mercado Municipal General Nicolás Bravo, the central market, there are around ten food stands to grab a quick lunch. Fresh seafood is available everywhere, and chocolate clams are a regional specialty. The city also has a thriving nightlife on the waterfront. An hour from La Paz is Todos Santos, one of Mexico’s ‘Pueblos Mágicos’.

Los Cabos is a municipality located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Its desert landscape stands in stark contrast to the bright blue ocean, creating unforgettable views. It includes the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, which are separated by 19 miles of luxury hotels and beaches commonly known as the ‘hotel corridor’. Cabo San Lucas is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez at a place called Land’s End. The famous Los Cabos Arch, one of Mexico’s natural wonders, marks the spot. Pristine beaches offer a plethora of watersports from parasailing and kitesurfing to scuba diving and fishing. Whale watching tours are popular too, as humpback, killer and gray whales frequent these waters. On land, you can go hiking or horseback riding along scenic mountain trails. Golfers can play a slew of world-class courses. San Jose del Cabo, located to the north of Los Cabos, lies on the edge of the Sea of Cortez. This colonial-era town has a more laid back and artsy vibe. Explore its historic town center, known as the Art District. Admire the colonial buildings and stop to see the street art that decorates the walls. Visit art galleries and boutiques and browse the local market for jewelry and wood carvings. Costa Azul and Del Estero beaches are great places to relax and work on your tan, or to take a long walk by the water. Whale watching is a popular pastime here as well. If you enjoy birdwatching, visit Estero San José, a wetland that is home to more than 100 species of birds. You can also take a day trip to Cabo Pulmo, a national marine park in the Sea of Cortez that is home to a 20,000 year-old coral reef.