The Baja Peninsula contains two Mexican states: Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur. Baja California Sur was called the South Territory of Baja California before 1974, when it became a state.
Facts about Baja California Sur
The capital city of Baja California Sur is La Paz, and major cities are San Juan del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Baja California Sur is sparsely populated with approximately half a million residents.
Baja California Sur is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, on the east. Along the eastern coast is a long mountain chain. Most of the state is arid with the exception of the western coast which is semi arid. The climate is milder and more humid along the mountains. Most rainfall occurs during hurricane season between July and October.
Attractions
With a coastline of 2,000 kilometers, or 1,250 miles, Baja California Sur affords many opportunities for beach and water activities. Chileno Beach in Cabo san Lucas is a lovely beach where you can snorkel, explore rock formations, and investigate tide pools.
Two other popular beaches in Cabo san Lucas are Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach. These are located very close to one another at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Lover’s Beach is on the coast of Sea of Cortez and a short walk west of it is Divorce Beach, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Swimming and snorkeling are great on Lover’s Beach but dangerous on Divorce Beach.
Also in Cabo san Lucas is Land’s End where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. This area has interesting rock formations, the most famous one being El Arco, or The Arch. You can get to the arch by water taxi or glass bottom boat.
In San Jose del Cabo you can rent sand buggies and explore the desert terrain and mountains. You can swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Los Cabos near San José del Cabo. The dolphins are in a natural lagoon and you can also take a kayak to interact with them. You might also enjoy a visit to the Estuary and Bird Sanctuary, which is a large freshwater lagoon. Costa Azul, or Blue Coast, is a place where you can go underwater helmet diving, enjoy a zipline ride, or surf.
