Discover La Paz in Mexico
21 Oct, 2021
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By Vicky Paquette
In these grayer times of this late fall, let me share some warmth and inspiration to warm you up and who knows, maybe add a new destination to your bucket list? Since 2018, I have been traveling the world in a nomadic way for several months. It was with a residence visa in hand that my husband and I put down our backpacks to settle in Mexico. Its mild temperature, its tasty gastronomy, its cultural and natural richness had already conquered me a few years ago. However, where in Mexico, when we know that the country has 31 states in a large and diverse territory? It was in the city of La Paz that we set down our luggage. Here is an overview of what to expect if one day you come to stay there.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, a state in the Mexican Republic located between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. Considered an island by locals due to its geographic location and limited access by roads, La Paz has been kept somewhat away from mass tourism compared to other more popular beach destinations such as Cancun. , Tulum, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta or Huatulco.
What makes this city truly unique and spectacular is in particular its relaxed atmosphere, its mountainous and desert landscapes of its giant cactus forests with this mixture of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, not to mention what is underwater.
This is where we find the Sea of Cortez, a protected natural area and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Maritime explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau even nicknamed it the aquarium of the world. More than 800 species can be observed there, of which nearly a hundred are endemic. Although whale and sea lion watching is one of the most popular attractions in this region, you could say that this is only part of the awesome things you can do while staying in La Paz.
Things not to miss
- Swim with whale sharks between November and February. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, its size can reach up to 12 meters in length and reach a weight of 34 tons. Despite the fact that it is imposing, it poses no danger to humans. It feeds on plankton and other small pelagics which it filters through its gills. As we are in a protected reserve, the activity is tightly controlled, everything is ethically done in their natural state in order to make the memories memorable for them and for us.
- Visit the island of Espiritu Santo. This desert island of volcanic origin is a nature reserve and a place of choice to observe, and even swim, with the large colony of sea lions. From September to May, you will have the pleasure of sharing a moment with them while snorkeling. Little sea lions are curious and playful and they will come and circle around you to satisfy their curiosities. Emotions guaranteed.
- Biking or rollerblading the 5-kilometer cycle path along the sea. Lined with palm trees, sculptures and monuments representing moments in the history of the city of La Paz, it is pleasant to discover. All along its jetty, whether by bike or on foot, it is pleasant to stroll, eat or do a little shopping.
- Observe the sunsets. In my humble opinion, these are the most beautiful in Mexico. By the way, if you are visiting La Paz, I have grouped my most beautiful sunset spots around La Paz to enjoy them as much on a mountain, on a beach or while sitting comfortably on one of the most beautiful terraces in the city.
- A must, the beaches! Impossible not to mention them, they are among the most beautiful in all of Mexico, nothing less! The most famous, Balandra, is a huge swimming pool of crystal clear water and white sand whose spectacular beauty is surrounded by arid hills that give the impression of being at the end of the world in this oasis of calm.
These are just a few examples of what you can do in La Paz. Mexico is an extraordinary and rich country to discover outside of the popular tours, and despite my bias, I think the Baja California Southern Peninsula is a place to visit at least once in your life. If your heart tells you, follow our adventures and our discoveries under the name of Nomade Amoureux on social networks Facebook, Instagram or on our website www.nomadeamoureux.com, where we share our expat life and our inspirations in Mexico in photo, video and blog post format.
Hope to see you one day!
Vicky
By Vicky Paquette
In these grayer times of this late fall, let me share some warmth and inspiration to warm you up and who knows, maybe add a new destination to your bucket list? Since 2018, I have been traveling the world in a nomadic way for several months. It was with a residence visa in hand that my husband and I put down our backpacks to settle in Mexico. Its mild temperature, its tasty gastronomy, its cultural and natural richness had already conquered me a few years ago. However, where in Mexico, when we know that the country has 31 states in a large and diverse territory? It was in the city of La Paz that we set down our luggage. Here is an overview of what to expect if one day you come to stay there.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, a state in the Mexican Republic located between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. Considered an island by locals due to its geographic location and limited access by roads, La Paz has been kept somewhat away from mass tourism compared to other more popular beach destinations such as Cancun. , Tulum, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta or Huatulco.
What makes this city truly unique and spectacular is in particular its relaxed atmosphere, its mountainous and desert landscapes of its giant cactus forests with this mixture of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, not to mention what is underwater.
This is where we find the Sea of Cortez, a protected natural area and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Maritime explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau even nicknamed it the aquarium of the world. More than 800 species can be observed there, of which nearly a hundred are endemic. Although whale and sea lion watching is one of the most popular attractions in this region, you could say that this is only part of the awesome things you can do while staying in La Paz.
Things not to miss
- Swim with whale sharks between November and February. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, its size can reach up to 12 meters in length and reach a weight of 34 tons. Despite the fact that it is imposing, it poses no danger to humans. It feeds on plankton and other small pelagics which it filters through its gills. As we are in a protected reserve, the activity is tightly controlled, everything is ethically done in their natural state in order to make the memories memorable for them and for us.
- Visit the island of Espiritu Santo. This desert island of volcanic origin is a nature reserve and a place of choice to observe, and even swim, with the large colony of sea lions. From September to May, you will have the pleasure of sharing a moment with them while snorkeling. Little sea lions are curious and playful and they will come and circle around you to satisfy their curiosities. Emotions guaranteed.
- Biking or rollerblading the 5-kilometer cycle path along the sea. Lined with palm trees, sculptures and monuments representing moments in the history of the city of La Paz, it is pleasant to discover. All along its jetty, whether by bike or on foot, it is pleasant to stroll, eat or do a little shopping.
- Observe the sunsets. In my humble opinion, these are the most beautiful in Mexico. By the way, if you are visiting La Paz, I have grouped my most beautiful sunset spots around La Paz to enjoy them as much on a mountain, on a beach or while sitting comfortably on one of the most beautiful terraces in the city.
- A must, the beaches! Impossible not to mention them, they are among the most beautiful in all of Mexico, nothing less! The most famous, Balandra, is a huge swimming pool of crystal clear water and white sand whose spectacular beauty is surrounded by arid hills that give the impression of being at the end of the world in this oasis of calm.
These are just a few examples of what you can do in La Paz. Mexico is an extraordinary and rich country to discover outside of the popular tours, and despite my bias, I think the Baja California Southern Peninsula is a place to visit at least once in your life. If your heart tells you, follow our adventures and our discoveries under the name of Nomade Amoureux on social networks Facebook, Instagram or on our website www.nomadeamoureux.com, where we share our expat life and our inspirations in Mexico in photo, video and blog post format.
Hope to see you one day!
Vicky