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La Paz stands between the sea and the arid desert. This contrast gives La Paz a unique beauty. But, due to these geographical and climatic conditions, a big effort has been needed in order to develop it as a tourist destination. The result, however, is definitely worth praise, because La Paz has become a destination capable of satisfying the expectations of national and foreigner visitors, with facilities and services designed to ensure you'll have a magnificent vacation. Above of all, La Paz has charm and the picturesque look of a typical Mexican town.
La Paz features stunning beaches. They might even be considered as the attraction that captivates travelers the most. The beaches have soft sand, beautiful views and a generous amount of sunshine. Pichilingue is the name of the port in La Paz and with the same name there is a beach that is one of the most popular. In Pichilingue there are plenty of establishments where you can sample the delicious local seafood dishes. Another popular beach is El Tesoro, where the water is not too deep, making it ideal for all the family, even those who cannot swim.
A very beautiful, exotic beach is the famous Playa Balandra. This is a very photogenic beach that features a large mushroomed shape rock on the shore. This image has become the emblem of La Paz, not just because of its magnetism but also because it represents the diversity of the area's nature.
Another beach that is definitely worth visiting, during your stay in La Paz, is Playa Tecolote. This beach is located at the very end of the bay, passing Playa Pichilingue. At this point the view of the island, Espiritu Santo, is absolutely splendid. This beach stands out for its soft sand and for the tranquility that it offers. It is a place that encourages you to kick back and relax all day long.
Espiritu Santo is a small group of islands situated just off the shore of La Paz. The main island gives the name to the whole group and there is a slightly smaller island, known as La Partida. There are also three islets, called La Ballena, El Gallo, La Gallina and a few limestone formations that give Espiritu Santo a very sheer look. These facets contrast with the turquoise softness of the sea. The island Espiritu Santo was inhabited during pre-Hispanic times, and even now cave paintings can still be seen as evidence of that period.
The island is home for more than thirty species of reptiles and almost one hundred bird varieties. Some of the birds that live here are endemic to the area and many are under protection by federal law. Nowadays, the island is uninhabited and people just visit for recreational activities, such as diving.
The depth of the Sea of Cortez means it is an excellent place for diving, where you'll find a myriad of marine life. Forty percent of aquatic mammals that exist are represented here, including whales and dolphins.
In the Sea of Cortez it is possible to find what looks like mountains under the sea, located 65 feet deep. Furthermore there are reefs and other underwater attractions near La Paz. There is a wonderful cave for diving, called Cueva de Leon, which is situated in Punta Arenas, just one hour from the town.
La Paz has attractions both on land and in the sea. The Cactus Sanctuary is a nature reserve, only 27 miles away from La Paz, spanning fifty hectares of stunning desert. This enormous territory includes a six-hectare park where all the cactus species are counted and documented. Some of them are actually endemic to the Baja California peninsula. The desert is an ecosystem breathing in absolute silence, where nothing is evident. The life is hidden under the barren ground. Only when visitors look closely can they see the life that actually inhabits this area.
The elevated temperatures during the day, the cold at night and the little rain, means that whatever lives here has to use water very efficiently. The cacti are experts in the use and accumulation of water. When it rains, all of a sudden the cacti show flowers and fruits. This is also the home of reptiles, birds and insects that are very representative of the environment that surrounds La Paz.
Towards the south, about fifty miles from La Paz, there is a town with mild weather in the middle of this arid region, called Todos Santos. A Jesuit Mission was constructed here during colonial times. Even now, one can see the 19th century buildings that give beauty and nostalgia to the town. The Pacific Ocean winds blow and refresh this oasis.
Todos Santos was once a real boomtown, although it suffered an economic breakdown during the last century. It was not until the 1990's that it was once more regenerated, this time as a tourist destination. Since then numerous artists, both national and foreign, have found tranquility and inspiration in Todos Santos and decided to settle here. They have embraced and nourished the rich culture of the town. Nowadays you can find more than twenty art galleries and many Mexican handcraft stores. Near Todos Santos there are few beaches ideal for surfing, such as San Pedrito and Los Cerritos.
