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Archive for the ‘Baja California Sur’ Category

So what does Los Cabos hold for me at the cultural level? 

Historically, Los Cabos itself was founded as a resort in the 1950s.  For a lot of years it was a watering hole for the very rich, including yacht owners and movie stars, as well as a small number of fishermen and hunters.  Over  a period of 2 decades (the 1980s and the 1990s), as air service into Mexico expanded, new resorts opened and the infrastructure improved.  Now there are 3 developed areas of Los Cabos.  The one most likely to attract me for its culture is San Jose del Cabo, the historic center.   

San Jose del Cabo features a low-key village atmosphere, according to the Mexican Tourism Board.  It is considered a tranquil, tropical, traditional colonial village which was founded in 1730 by Jesuit missionaries.  The colonial style is evident in the Municipal Palace, near Plaza Mijares.  The Plaza is the scene on Sundays where local artists sell their works such as paintings, sculpture and crafts between 10AM and 2PM.  Facing the palace is a long, narrow fountain which is lit by colorful lights in the evenings.  There is a newly renovated “zocalo”, with its shaded courtyard and white gilded bandstand.  And there is a Catholic church called Parroquia de San Jose that was built in 1940 on the site of the original 18^th century mission.  Just east of downtown is a placid freshwater lagoon, the Estero del San Jose.  Centuries ago roving pirates and treasure-laden galleons replenished their water supplies from this lagoon.  There is a 125 acre estuary  & game reserve that nearly 100 species of birds call home.  The town is ideal for unique shopping, leisurely walking, varied dining and getting to know the local people.  Commercialism and the nightlife is low key.  I like getting to know local people and how they live.  That makes a place more “real” to me. 

The first destination in Mexico that I am going to explore is Los Cabos (The Capes).  It is frequently called “Land’s End”  because it is located on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, about 1000 miles south of San Diego.  The Sea of Cortes borders Los Cabos on the east and the Pacific Ocean lies to the west.  Los Cabos is interesting to me because it has luxury resorts, villas,  golf, spas, dining and shopping.  This is one of the most well-known Mexican resorts on the West Coast of Mexico.  It actually extends from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas.  The 20-mile long Tourist Corridor is made up of mostly beachfront luxury resorts and world-class championship golf courses.  Los Cabos’ most famous landmark is one of Mexico’s top natural wonders:  El Arco.  This is a dramatic rock that sits where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean.  The Sierra de la Laguna Mountains lie beyond the towns and while sand beaches line its shores.    It has almost perfect weather with sunshine for most of the year, with an average temperature of 82 degrees.  They say that temperatures can reach into the 90s in late summer but that it has very low humidity and great ocean breezes which keep it pleasant during that time.  As I look out of my windows in Seattle, and it is cold, gray and rainy, warm sunshine and 80-degree weather have a strong appeal. 

But what do I want to do and what do I want to see and what will I want to come back and write about for you?  I am interested in the culture of Mexico, in eco-tourism adventures, and then shopping.  And then there is my need for rest and relaxation, so a day in a spa could be very satisfying.  I also want to warm my inner core to allow me to get through the balance of my winter as well, until it once again becomes warm and sunny here in Seattle.   Next I will explore what I want on a vacation versus what Los Cabos can offer.

I have studied Cancun intensely this past summer.  It was also where my stepdaughter and her new husband went for their honeymoon in September.  I am a Certified Cancun Counselor, so one would think that is an ideal place for me to go on my vacation.  I have also attended a number of seminars put on by various hotels and resorts in that area.  I learned all about the Palace Resorts and the advantages of booking myself into an all-inclusive resort for 5+ nights.   

However, I have also completed a Mexico Destination Specialist Seminar, in person, this past June and I am completing another class through the Mexico Tourism Board via on-line e-learning.  Those classes cover both sides of Mexico geographically as well as cultural and activities related. 

I have decided to explore the possibility of visiting the Mexican Riviera first.  I am going to work my way from the south to the north so I will look at Los Cabos first.  It is a little less expensive for me to get to the Mexican Riviera as far as air fare goes.  And yes, I am concerned about my costs, just as you no doubt are.  Even people with an almost unlimited budget want to be sure they are getting value and benefit for the dollars they spend.