Visitors can enjoy ocean and desert landscapes
IAN STALKER
The Baja California destination of La Paz happily notes that its hotels haven’t gone the all-inclusive route, something they say will lead to visitors gaining a more in-depth look at both La Paz itself and the surrounding destination.
Luz Zepeda Esquerra, director general of the La Paz Tourism Board, told a recent Toronto gathering that an absence of all-inclusive results in tourists visiting intriguing desert landscapes and ocean waters.
“We want them to explore,” she said. “You’re not going to see the grey whales in your hotel. You’re not going to see sea lions in your spa.
“We always encourage them (tourists) to go out.”
La Paz — which fronts the Sea of Cortez, is close to the Pacific Ocean and is found about two hours north of Los Cabos — is home to some 291,000 residents, and serves as the capital of the state of Baja California Sur, 42% of which is protected from development.
“The vibe is authentic,” Zepeda Esquerra said of La Paz. “You get to be a local in our city.”
Area catamaran excursions are available and a marina brings yachters to La Paz.
“We know that nature is what makes us a special destination,” Zepeda Esquerra said.
Whale-watching is available for winter visitors and the Sea of Cortez’ abundant marine life prompted famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau to label it “the aquarium of the world.”
Zepeda Esquerra said that marine life makes the Sea of Cortez “the perfect place for marine biologists.”
Grey whales feel confident near whale-watching boats, she added. “We’re really curious about them and they’re curious about us.”
Zepeda Esquerra said those interested in the desert can go glamping, seeing “millions of stars” while doing so.
Area towns include Todos Santos, known for its many art galleries and the Hotel California, which many say inspired the song of the same name.
Ivan Felix of the La Paz Tourism Board in turn said the La Paz area only sees around 10 days of rain a year and tourists will appreciate its climate. “We have two seasons — summer and more summer. You can go to the beach every day of the year.”
He said La Paz and Los Cabos “don’t compete with each other. We complement each other.”
More information can be found at golapaz.com.
On hand for the La Paz event in Toronto were Rudolph Nareen of Astor Travels, Marisol Hernández, Cesar Alvarenga of Aeromexico, Ivan Felix and Luz Zepeda Esquerra of the La Paz Tourism Board and Cesar Garcia.
