La Paz is the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. The town boasts a magnificent bay on the Sea of Cortez. Its marine attractions and islets make it a popular vacation destination. Many consider the beach areas of La Paz to be the most beautiful in the whole Baja Peninsula. The city has a population of 215,178. However, the broader metropolitan region considers the towns of El Zacatal, El Centenario, and San Pedro.
Founded in 1535, with rock paintings and other artifacts dating as far back as 10,000 years ago attest to their presence in most regions of the Baja Peninsula. Hernan Cortes founded a little colony by the bay but named it Santa Cruz. Abandoned and rediscovered again in 1596 and given its final name, La Paz.
The Jesuit mission was formed in 1720 and was abandoned within a few decades. La Paz became a permanent settlement in 1811. Incidentally, the city has an impressive literary connection to the internationally acclaimed work The Pearl by John Steinbeck in 1947. It also played a significant role in the setting of Scott O’Dell’s Newbery Honor Book, The Black Pearl, in 1967.
Geography
With its tropical desert climate, La Paz is a landscape of contrasts. From the abundant marine life of its waters and coastal region to the surrounding sun-drenched lands with this hilly and desert-like terrain. Both hot and dry, the city doesn’t receive much rainfall throughout the year—just enough to support a few streams. The beaches slope with white sands. The waters off the coast are famous for pearl diving. The seawater is full of sport fish like marlin, tuna, and sailfish.
The Malecon harbor front road in La Paz, Baja, Mexico
Tourism of La Paz
Due to its natural scenery, La Paz is an internationally acclaimed tourist destination. Water sports enthusiasts and eco-tourists love its proximity to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sites like Isla Espiritu Santo and other regional islets and islands make up this unique biosphere. Pearls still exist in the waters of La Paz, but many tourists come to enjoy the excellent scuba diving and snorkeling. Sea kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, and boating are popular, too. Like elsewhere, along with the ocean and seaside settlements of the Baja Peninsula, sport fishing is popular. As the capital, La Paz is home to cultural attractions as well as resorts and hotels to suit a myriad of budgets.
More Things to See and Do in La Paz
- The Regional Museum of Anthropology and History: Established in 1981, this museum features artifacts and exhibits of the indigenous peoples who historically made their home in the region and throughout the peninsula.
- Boat Tours: Although the sea attracts scuba divers from all over the globe, many tourists prefer to catch a glimpse of the sea fauna from boats. Sperm whales, orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, whale sharks, dolphins, sea lions, and many other creatures live in the rich waters Jacques Cousteau once referred to as “the aquarium of the world.”
- Sierra de la Laguna: The mountain biosphere reserve is south of La Paz. It’s known for its crystal pools, streams, and enchanting flora. Hiking the region is a favorite tourist activity.
- Cave Paintings: While many regions throughout the peninsula boast ancient cave paintings, various sites surrounding the city can also be viewed for this indigenous artwork created thousands of years ago.
- Mountain Biking and Off-Roading: Because the terrain is hilly and mountainous, many outdoor sports enthusiasts find the landscape a welcome challenge for biking and off-roading adventures.
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