Remember when escaping to Mexico meant seeing very few tourists, the only hotels available were family owned, meals were cheap and FANTASTIC, and the pace was slow and easy. The evenings consisted of a quiet stroll on the beach where you could hear the lapping of the waves, and perhaps the romantic strumming of a Spanish guitar. Maybe you would visit the local town square where a rousing game of basketball was under way and groups of families gathered just  to sit and talk and watch the children play. That slice of life still exists in La Paz, Mexico. While there are some very fine resorts and modern conveniences in the area, it has never lost its old world charm unlike other regions of Mexico that  have suffered from over development.

La Paz is the capitol of Baja Sur California, while it is only a small piece of the Mexican territory it is one of the rare places in the world where culture and history blend seamlessly together just like the desert landscape here that blends into the sea. The Sea of Cortez provides a beautiful backdrop for this amazing destination, the surrounding waters of La Paz were first named the Berméjo Sea, due to their many moods, the waters are filled with intense colors ranging from azure blue to blood red.

The Sea of Cortez was once baptized by Jacques Cousteau as “The Aquarium of the World ”, with over 800 species of marine life who call it home, including the famous gray whales.  Needless to say many fine water adventures can be had here including sportfishing, diving, kayaking and whale watching.

With more than 25 first-class top diving spots in and around La Paz you will love being in the marine nursery of the world. Also, La Paz is two hour plane ride from LAX, making it a ‘backyard’ destination to the western United States, and western Canada. It is here that Gray Whales calve their young luring thousands of tourists each year into the area. Gray Whales are not the only large marine life to call La Paz home, there are also resident pods of Sperm Whales, Orcas, Humpback, Blue and Fin whales as well. Sea Lion colonies entertain the masses and thousands of dolphins call the Sea of Cortez home.

Land adventures can be just as dramatic with desert excursions which include bird watching, four-wheeling trips, mountain biking opportunities and cave exploring.  The surrounding landscape is home to 4,000 different species of flora and fauna and is home to  some of the most pristine cave paintings in the world.  Just south of the city lies the edge of the Tropic of Cancer and the magnanimous Sierra de la Laguna. This biosphere is a garden of Eden in the middle of the  hot desert where vegetation changes dramatically from the desert floor to forests of pines and pinion-oak trees.

 

As you climb the mass which is just over two kilometers high it is not an uncommon site to see sudden streams which flow into crystalline pools, a wonderful treat for humans and wildlife alike.

After a gorgeous sunset get ready to enjoy fine food and fun with the many nightclubs and restaurants in the area. Seafood and Mexican Food  is a must while visiting La Paz but international cuisine is readily available. However some of the best food in town is the simplest and least expensive. For example look for the little cart on the malecon (waterfront) called the "Bismarksito", they have the best fish tacos in town. For a cool and refreshing treat grab a "paleta" , a fresh fruit frozen popsicle(lime is a favorite) from the La Fuente. Take a moonlight stroll on the best beach in town, Playa Tecolote. It makes for a very simple, enjoyable and inexpensive evening in one of the most charming places in Old Mexico.

Accommodations when you accompany us to beautiful La Paz

Hotel Marina

We had a very enjoyable stay at this hotel. Our air conditioned rooms fronting the marina were very clean and spacious, with tile floors and a tile bath. The cable TV offered many channels, several in English. There was WIFI access throughout the hotel, as well as a computer in the lobby. An early morning walk or run on the 4 mile long Malecon pedestrian "boardwalk" was a great way to start the day. The breakfast buffet at the Dinghy Dock was excellent, with fresh fruit & juice, cereal, pastries, a choice of five Mexican dishes, and eggs or omelets made to order. The facilities were tropical, with flowers and shrubs and palms surrounding a central pool area and Jacuzzi. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Dinner outdoors on the marina at the La Panga restaurant was a pleasant way to end the day. Arrangements can also be  made for a snorkeling expedition with the sea lions,  kayaking in a secluded cove; and for a deep sea fishing expedition on the Sea of Cortes. All these can be had by 24 hrs notice to your K2 concierge. If you are a spear fisherman, the fish you catch can be prepared for dinner at La Panga.  You also have available a beach expedition to Playa el Tecolote , and the opportunity to rent wave riders. Not to be outdone, ATVs are also available to traverse the expansive terrain.

Shopping along the Malecon for the non diver/resting diver is fun and has risen to a level of sophistication. . . . and great tasting mango ice cream in a local family owned shop is an added delight.

 

Needless to say if you’re looking for small Mexican town ambiance with world class flair La Paz which by the way translates to the word "peace" is the perfect escape from the hectic pace of your everyday life.

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