Many luxury travelers are turning a blind eye to the Caribbean and setting their sites on a new destination – the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. This region is undeniably unique and offers visitors a blend of adventure and tranquility. So today, we’re going to discuss why this region is the new vacation hotspot in 2019!
Rich History
For thousands of years, various indigenous tribes inhabited the Baja California Peninsula until it was colonized by Spanish explorers in the late 17th century. For the next 100 years, the conquerors established the city of La Paz, which served as a trading post between the Philippines and the Spanish territories in North and South America.
Fast-forward to the early 20th century, when the region played a crucial role in the Mexican Revolution. In 1911, revolutionary forces in the region launched a rebellion against dictator Porfirio Díaz and captured the cities of Tijuana and Mexicali. For the next decade, the region fought until it aligned with a new president in Mexico City. Baja California officially became Mexico’s 29th province and joined the constitution in 1959.
Beautiful Beaches
As the name suggests, the Baja California Peninsula is surrounded by the sea, and the beaches are absolutely stunning. It’s one of the main reasons that cities like Los Cabos, La Paz, and Ensenada have become popular tourist destinations.The peninsula in nearly 800 miles long, and there are hundreds of hidden beaches that line the coast. We recommend taking the time to rent a car and exploring the region’s stunning landscape on your own, check out this article in The Guardian for some great inspiration. If you’re staying near Los Cabos, don’t hesitate to book a boat tour to discover the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, one of the area’s most iconic landmarks.
Desert Mountains
The landscape of the Baja California Peninsula is truly unique compared to the Mexican mainland. There are numerous desert mountain ranges that spark a sense of adventure in many travelers. For example, the Sierra de la Laguna range at the very tip of the peninsula serves as an idyllic backdrop to the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. There are several hiking trails that dot this mountain range, and many explorers revel at the exotic flora and fauna that inhabit this region. According to several reports, there are numerous “microclimates” within the Sierra de la Laguna range that differ from the dry, desert climate below. The best time to hike is between the months of November and June during the dry season. But be careful, temperatures can drop below freezing during this time – even in Mexico!
Vibrant Culture
The culture of the Baja California Peninsula is rich and vibrant, and it actually differs from the rest of Mexico! Most urban areas boast numerous churches, signaling a bygone era when Catholicism had a strong presence. You’ll also notice the locals speak Spanish with a slightly different accent, as many scholars suspect there’s an English influence from the region’s proximity to the US border (especially around the Tijuana area).
In terms of cuisine, there’s a heavy seafood theme present, so you’ll often find lobster and shrimp on the menu. Although, a trip to this region is not complete without sampling the local fish tacos, which are both legendary and divine! Make sure to get pico de gallo with this delectable dish for a truly authentic experience.
Unique Wildlife
Another reason why tourists love to visit the Baja California Peninsula is due to the fact there’s an abundance of marine animals. For example, humpback whales migrate to the Sea of Cortez to mate and give birth from November through April. These gentle giants often spend the entire winter in these waters, and it provides tourists with the chance to see the beautiful mammals up close!During this same period, visitors can also witness adult sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs in the soft sand. A few weeks later (if you’re lucky), you’ll witness a magnificent phenomenon where thousands of baby sea turtles suddenly hatch and scurry to the warm waters for safety.
There are a number of great reasons to visit the Baja California Peninsula this year. Whether you’re interested in culture, adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone! If you’re thinking about booking your next luxury vacation to the Los Cabos area, opt to stay in one of Elegant Mexico’s villas in the exclusive Palmilla community. For more information, visit our website or call 1-800-474-1629