Baja California: A Lonely Natural Paradise in Mexico

Friendly whales, towering cacti, an azure sea, and palm-filled oases: On the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, you will find a unique natural paradise that you won't soon forget.

The Baja California peninsula on the west coast of Mexico is geographically the southern extension of the US state of California and feels like an enchanted paradise: Lonely dream beaches where the white sand glows as bright as the sun, and surreal desert landscapes where immense cactus forests thrive, along with bizarrely shaped Cirio trees and palms plus mangrove swamps, define this spot on Earth. There's no trace of human impact; nature unfolds here untamed.

The wildlife here is also unique. In the water, you can get close to schools of dolphins and even gray whales. Sea lions feel at home in Baja California too, frolicking in the water and basking on sunny rocks. And then there are the colors that make this dreamlike region unforgettable. We introduce you to this natural paradise in more detail.

Cacti of all shapes and sizes adorn the region in Baja California. They are called Cardón, Cholla, Pitaya, Cochal, and Senita, and some bloom in perfectly round shapes or stretch up to 65 feet tall into the sky. The varying cactus species look particularly bizarre against the setting sun, and during the day, the specimens along the coast create a vibrant contrast with the shimmering azure sea.

The cacti species play an essential role in the region's ecosystem. A large Cardón can weigh up to twelve tons and live about 200 years, serving, for example, as a nesting site for birds. Gila woodpeckers make holes in the cactus trunks, which also serve as shelters for owls or cactus wrens. Furthermore, the cactus fruits are a welcome feast for coyotes, rodents, and others.

Worth seeing is the oasis town of Mulegé on the river of the same name (also called Rio Santa Rosalía). The desert landscape is broken here, and Mulegé is nestled in lush greenery. Picturesque date palm groves flourish on the riverbank and in town. The fertile ground produces figs, bananas, citrus fruits, and olives.

A landmark of the town is the old prison, now functioning as a museum. The detention facility, built at the start of the 19th century, sits atop a hill overlooking the sea and was constructed without bars. Inmates were allowed to move freely and work during the day, only required to return to their cells at night when the horn sounded. Escape attempts were rare.

Following the turquoise creek Mulegé for about two kilometers, you'll reach the coast, and south of it stretches the Bahía de Concepción on the Gulf of California. The 80-kilometer-long bay, with its sandy beaches, offshore islets, and turquoise lagoons, offers everything beach and watersport fans desire.

Lonely beaches are found not only at Bahía de Concepción but across Baja California. For instance, the Pacific beaches around Todos Santos, a picturesque town of 5000 inhabitants. The town itself is a magnet for artists and has been recognized as a Pueblo Mágico - translated: magical town. Mangos, papayas, and avocados thrive here, and the place is rich with art galleries. Surfers find optimal conditions on the beach, or you can snorkel, kayak, or dive.

The Cabo Pulmo beach in the namesake National Park is also a natural wonder. Here is the only coral reef on the North American west coast, and you are never alone while snorkeling or diving. Among those who may cross your path are schools of mackerel, humpback whales, clownfish, and turtles.

Naturally, watersport activities top the list for an active vacation in Baja California. There are endless opportunities for diving and snorkeling, kayaking, or surfing. Whale-watching tours provide goosebumps moments from December to April, where you can get up close to gray whales and their calves. For instance, the lovely vacation spot Loreto offers tours to engage with the whales.

But hiking is also possible. On a guided tour, you can discover Fox Canyon in Cabo San Lucas. You dive into an oasis amid the desert landscape, complete with freshwater pools and waterfalls, resembling a small paradise.

The Baja California peninsula is famous for its gray whales. For four months a year, starting in mid-December, the lagoons of Baja California are populated by gray whales giving birth to their calves. On boat tours, you can get very close to these gray giants, which can weigh up to 35 tons when fully grown. In addition, there are whale sharks, rays, dolphins, and sea lions, who show little fear of swimmers and divers.

But also on land or, more accurately, in the air, things are bustling. More than 300 bird species are native to Baja California, including turkey vultures and hummingbirds, and the roadrunner, which prefers running over flying and can dash up to 26 miles per hour. Many bird species also utilize Baja California's climate for overwintering.

In the predominantly desert-like landscape, you can also find various species of lizards and rattlesnakes. But also coyotes and occasionally bighorn sheep, as well as California jackrabbits, squirrels, or brush rabbits, can be spotted in the region.

The complete opposite of seclusion and tranquility is found at the southern tip of Baja California. If you're in search of hustle and bustle and fiesta, Cabo San Lucas is the place to be. The town transformed into a tourism hub in the seventies, offering an international audience a vibrant program day and night in countless discos, bars, and restaurants.

Activities certainly don't fall short. From here, you can take a glass-bottom boat to Playa del Amor beach and try out a myriad of watersports from waterskiing to surfing. The town is also known for its impressive rock formation El Arco Cabo San Lucas. Looking at the rock formation, it appears as if a dragon is drinking from the Pacific.

Looking for more inspiration? Tips for all top travel destinations can be found at bettercities.net.