Go beyond the beach in La Paz
Tourism officials in the Baja California city of La Paz are inviting Canadians to see a spectacular sea.
The city fronts the Sea of Cortez, which famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau labelled the “aquarium of the world” because of its remarkably abundant marine life that lives in water famed for its clarity.
Those vacationing in La Paz can opt for such watersports as diving, sailing and snorkeling, and also spend time on area sun-soaked beaches in a part of the world that only sees around 10 days of rain a year.
But Ivan Felix of the La Paz Tourism Board told a recent Toronto gathering that much of the appeal of La Paz and the surrounding region lies on dry land in an area known for desert landscapes.
“(The state of) Baja California Sur is more than just its beaches,” he stated.
About 42% of the region is protected from development, with wildlife sightings available. Gray whales can be spotted in Pacific waters during the winter season, while the Sea of Cortez island of Espiritu Santo is known for among other things a sea lion colony, which helped earn it UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
La Paz is home to some 292,000 people — prompting Felix to describe it as a “big town but a small city” — and its attractions include the second-longest malecon in Mexico, which can be explored on foot or by bike.
Felix also praised the “turquoise water” of the Sea of Cortez that lies off La Paz’ shore. “When you visit La Paz you want…experiences. That’s one of the reasons we don’t have all-inclusives in La Paz.”
Nearby towns include quaint Todos Santos, home to many art galleries and which has different lodging options, among them the Hotel California, rumoured to have inspired the song of the same name. It is now being renovated.
Felix reported that those wanting to reach La Paz can first head to Los Cabos and then either take a shuttle or rent a car or use private transportation to bring them to the Baja city.
The gathering was also told by Kim Barbisan of Discover the World — which represents UnCruise Adventures — that La Paz is one of several area destinations its clients can visit.
Barbisan said the company may deviate from a planned itinerary if something of particular interest appears nearby.
“We know we have to get you back to the airport but we’re going to experience as much as Mother Nature has to offer, ” she said. Passengers can enjoy the likes of snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding, she continued.
“We basically live in the water,” said Barbisan, who added UnCruise Adventures passengers will find the sailings extremely relaxing. “You are just basically unplugged.”
Meanwhile, Felix added that those vacationing in La Paz are virtually guaranteed nice weather.
“In Baja, there’s only two seasons, summer and more summer,” he said.
More information can be found at golapaz.com.
—IAN STALKER
