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La Concha Pearl Luxury Condominiums are the closest beachfront resort units to downtown La Paz – rich in history, recreation, and services
La Paz, the City of Peace
-Las Sergas de Esplandian
And so, from a legend is born the history of California…
History
It is known that man inhabited California as early as 10,000 B.C. These
earliest inhabitants of whom very few traces are left were a nomadic
people comprised of fishermen and gatherers who lived collecting seeds
and roots, protecting themselves from the elements under trees and in
caves. Vestiges of these cultures are found in the cave paintings, now
protected and considered as the Heritage of Humanity. Several of
these paintings are located only a short distance from the city of La
Paz. It was in the XVI century, on May 3rd, 1535, that Hernan Cortés
first arrived at what is now La Paz, naming it Villa de la Santa Cruz.
Cortés mounted the first of many attempts to conquer the Peninsula, but
after several years of effort the expeditions failed due to lack of
food and water as well as the occasional ferocious attacks by the
natives. California always resisted being conquered by force.
Only the missionaries were successful by means of their spiritual force
to tame this land, as well as those who came to work it. The
surrounding waters of La Paz were first named the Berméjo Sea, due to
their many moods filled with intense colors ranging from azure blue to
blood red. La Paz received its modern name from Sebastian Vizcaino, who
established his base in La Paz in 1596 while circumnavigating the
peninsula on exploratory expeditions. It was during these daring
adventures that Vizcaino realized the economical importance of
California’s lands and seas.
Throughout
its history, La Paz has endured numerous conquerors, pirates,
missionaries and entrepreneurs, creating a flowery past full of risk,
daring and lore. Today, La Paz is bathed by the Sea of Cortés, a name
that signifies its historical essence and surrounds a city of rich
colonial architecture, unlimited recreational opportunities and
unparalleled charm, offering magical sunsets day after day.
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Location
La Paz is centrally located on the Sea of Cortez and surrounded by the
scenic Bahia de La Paz, situated just an hour’s drive from Todos Santos
(Pacific Ocean) and Los Barilles (East Cape) and 2.5 hours north of Los
Cabos.
Maps
Click on the maps to see a larger size.
Transportation
The La Paz International Airport (LAP) is currently served from the
United States by Alaska Airlines, Delta, Continental and Aero Mexico.
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Recreational Opportunities
Vacationers and retirees are drawn to the area to relax and enjoy the
beautiful outdoors. The La Paz area provides unlimited
recreational opportunities including:
- Five
marinas for berthing vessels from small fishing boats to mega yachts at
affordable prices in comparison to Los Cabos.
- Golf
course communities underway. Plans are in progress for five major
golf courses: one is now under construction! This will ignite the fever
for La Paz to become one of the finest golfing communities in Baja.
- Excellent
dining and nightlife. Every style of fare imaginable is available from
traditional Mexican to Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Swiss, French and
more. Several new quality restaurants have opened up in the new Marina
Costa Baja commercial plaza including La Gula and Bismark and offer
wonderful cuisine overlooking the tranquil waterfront. After hours
there are many different clubs, cafés and bars that cator to a wide
range of tastes from Latin Rock to Jazz to a quiet romantic respite on
the malécon that stretches for miles fronting the beautiful Bay of La
Paz
- Access
to the best fishing in all of Baja. From Punta Arenas to Espíritu
Santos and Cerralvo Island, the waters of La Paz are the home of
marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, pargo, yellowtail and tuna. Cerralvo
sits between two massive deep-water channels that literally funnel huge
schools of pelagic fish along its flanks. Considered by many to
be among the top five fishing spots in the world, the island and its
surrounding areas produce tuna nearly year round. Marauding
schools of dorado travel through the area from June to October.
The world-record 114-pound roosterfish was caught here. Marlin,
sailfish and other "deep water" gamefish have been hooked within a
stone's throw of Cerralvo’s massive cliffs often in water so shallow
and so clear that the bottom is clearly visible. For this reason,
the northern and southern tips of the island are especially popular
with sport fishermen.
- Most
seasoned anglers prefer these waters to those of the East Cape and Los
Cabos because popular species abound in the offshore islands and the
experienced charter fleet is less expensive
- Beautiful
white, soft sand beaches. The most ideal beaches for sun bathing are
those located on the road to Pichilingue, near La Paz’s commercial dock
and ferry terminal. Puerto Balandra is a saltwater lagoon and boasts
eight unspoiled bays with spectacular beaches, including the famous
“mushroom rock” located at Playa Balandra. Tecolote Beach is one
of the largest in the area and faces Espíritu Santo (Holy Spirit)
Island. All beaches possess amenities ranging from palapas, restrooms
and showers to restaurants, bars and watersports rental equipment.
- Magnificent
offshore islands for recreational boating and diving enthusiasts.
Espíritu Santo is a veritable playground for sport divers and has never
been fully explored. Many of the 800 aquatic species present in the Sea
of Cortez are found here. Several massive wrecks, numerous wall
dives and a vast undersea canyons support a rich ecosystem that
includes seven species of whales, sharks, manta rays and others make
this island a must-see for any diver. Cerralvo Island is located
southeast of Espiritu Santo. Steep cliffs rising from deep water on all
sides and a lack of any true anchorages keep people away. Except
for herds of wild goats and schools of seabirds you won't find anyone
camping on Cerralvo excepting local commercial fishermen who stay on
the island during the fishing season.
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Education
There are six universities in La Paz that include a state-of-the-art
medical school, technical university, and traditional university
curriculum. La Paz has the highest level of education in Baja.
Eco-tourism
- Marine Ecology ~
La Paz is the Eco Tourism center of Baja due to the large number of
isolated islands and the bays that serve as the incubator for much of
the marine life of the entire Pacific Ocean. The late explorer, Jacques
Cousteau, considered the Sea of Cortez his favorite body of water in
the world due to the abundant variety of marine life. Visitors
enjoy kayaking trips to Espiritu Santo Island as well as many other
pristine and environmentally protected areas nearby La Paz to observe
the birthing grounds of migrating whales, sea lions, dolphins, and
countless other fish and marine life. There are many local tour
services that offer these excursions.
- Desert Tours
~ La Paz serves as the perfect launching point to explore the hundreds
of miles of off-road trails throughout the mountain ranges of Baja.
These unspoiled areas offer some of the most spectacular exploring
opportunities for off-road enthusiasts. Remote mines, caves, wildlife
and complex desert flora are there for your enjoyment. Guided desert
tour excursions are available.
Shopping
~ La Paz offers exceptional shopping services ranging from the giant
Soriana Super Store (larger than Costco) to wonderful boutiques tucked
away on the cobblestone streets of La Paz. Fresh meat, fish, poultry
and available every day, and the produce is fresh and delicious. Due to
the abundance of fresh mountain water in Baja, unlike mainland Mexico,
the produce is fresh, pure and doesn't need additional treatment.
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General Services
- Hospitals and Medical Care
~ There are five major hospitals in the La Paz metropolitan area
including a state-of-the-art medical school at the University of
Southern Baja. Many of the doctors are teaching professors continuing
their education in the United States on the latest equipment and
procedures. Unlike the U.S., Mexican doctors are happy to make house
calls to their patients at very reasonable fees.
- Dental
~ Many Americans go to Mexico specifically to receive high quality
dental care at a fraction of the cost in the U.S. The dentists use the
latest equipment and procedures and are fluent in English.
- Prescription Medicine ~ Recent national news articles have addressed the fact that many
Americans are "going South" to purchase prescription and over the
counter medicine for less than it would cost with their medical
insurance co-pay! Mexican pharmacists and doctors are also well known
for their skill in utilizing holistic and natural herbal remedies.
- Skymed Insurance
~ Skymed is an insurance policy that many Americans purchase for less
than $250 per year for a family. In a medical emergency, Skymed will
fly you and your family, in a state-of-the-art medical jet, to any
hospital of your choice. You are insured in any area of the North
American continent including the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
- Restaurants ~
La Paz features hundreds of restaurants that serve every imaginable
menu. Seafood and traditional Mexican food is prevalent and
inexpensive, but you can also choose Chinese, Italian, French, steak
houses, pizza parlors, and more!
- Movies and Entertainment
~ A new 15-plex movie theater complex that offers first run movies in
English has opened. Throughout La Paz, there are restaurants and
lounges that feature great live entertainment and dancing.
- Auto Sales and Repair ~ La Paz features full service facilities for any make and model of automobile.
- Personal Services ~ Hair and nail salons are in abundance, as well as therapeutic massage therapy and spa services.
- Building Supplies ~ La Paz has complete building supply centers as well as hardware and landscaping supplies.
- Marine Repair, Parts and Services ~ La Paz has several large marine and fishing supply stores, as well as numerous marine haul out and repair facilities.
- Pet Care ~ There are many animal hospitals, veterinarians, pet supply stores and grooming services available.
Links
Viva La Paz
Alaska Airlines
Aero Mexico
La Paz Weather
Advantage Mexico - La Paz
Guide to Money in Mexico
Practical Tips for Mexico
Entry Requirements for Mexico
Kayak Baja
Baja Sea Kayaking Tours
The Cortez Club
Tailhunter International
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