Useful Information

Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as “the aquarium of the world.” It is said that eons ago, back when the Earth and Continents were still taking their shape, the edge of Mexico split from the mainland to form the Gulf of California and the Baja Peninsula. This allowed the Pacific Ocean to rush into the gap and create the Sea of Cortez, or as some call it, Mother Nature’s own fish trap. Hundreds of varieties of fish and mammals found their way into this “trap” and either stayed in the warm shallow waters or ventured down into the cool two mile-deep San Andreas Fault. For millenniums, the Colorado River has been dragging its rich minerals and nutrients into the Sea of Cortez, aiding the living species to thrive in these waters.

In Southern Baja, however, it’s not just about the ocean. In this naturally magical place the mountains meet the desert and the desert meets the ocean.

The Sierra de la Laguna is a mountain range that lies at the southern end of the peninsula, where at above 800 meters in elevation dry forests transition to pine-oak forests and you can find wild mushrooms, wild horses and even deer.

The Baja Peninsula includes two different states: Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur. The Los Cabos municipality is in Baja California Sur and it encompasses the southernmost tip of the peninsula, from Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas,

San José del Cabo, to the East Cape area. La Paz is the State Capital. If you take a look at the “The Tip of Southern Baja” map on page 24 you can see that the highways and towns form a loop, which makes for an ideal road trip. The Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet at the very tip of the peninsula. On the Pacific side the waves are much larger and more powerful than on the Sea of Cortez, the beaches and the sand are different and it’s usually a few degrees cooler, which is very pleasant during the warm summer months. Los Cabos means “the capes” in Spanish.

DESTINATIONS

Each town or city in Baja California Sur is different and unique. Road trips in Baja are part of the culture and are very easy to do for someone that is just visiting. Below is a brief description of some of the main areas and destinations to visit, but there is much more to see! Cabo San Lucas This tourist friendly town, also just known as “Cabo,” is located on the tip of the Baja California peninsula and is full of entertainment for every age and liking. The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet at Land’s End, where you can observe the beautiful rock formations and the famous Cabo Arch. In Cabo San Lucas you can find Medano Beach (the liveliest beach in the Los Cabos area), an impressive marina and countless restaurants and bars that keep the town alive day and night.

San José del Cabo

Walking around downtown San José will allow you to experience a traditional Mexican town. You will find yourself surrounded by colorful buildings and quaint cobblestone streets that lead to the town’s picturesque zócalo (main plaza). Over the years, San José has become an artistic and cultural centre with numerous fine art galleries in its downtown art district as well as world-class restaurants. San José has a beautiful estuary where you can take a horseback ride to explore this natural peserve that is home to many different bird species.

The Corridor

The corridor is the 40 km highway that connects Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo (about a 20 minute drive). Along this highway you can find various hotels, luxury ocean front homes, and championship golf courses. Have your camera ready and make a roadside stop at the Costa Azul view-point for photo opportunities and a refreshing coco frío (cold coconut).

Todos Santos

Located on the Pacific Ocean side of the peninsula, Todos Santos is an oasis where artists and surfers flock to enjoy the culture and excellent surf. Home to the famous Hotel California, this charming town offers great restaurants and a cooler climate than Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo due to the breezes coming from the Pacific.

East Cape

People often call it “the old Cabo” because of its pristine beaches and small fishing towns such as Buena Vista and Los Barriles. The East Cape begins just east of San José and extends about 100 miles up the Sea of Cortez coast. Sixty miles outside of San José is the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, a Nationally Protected coral reef that offers outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving. Very popular for fishing and surfing, the East Cape also attracts kite surfers, campers and those who just want to get away from it all.

La Paz

La Paz is the capital of the state of Baja California Sur and is known for its warm people and beautiful beaches. This authentic Mexican city (as well as the general south Baja region) has been rated as one of the safest in Mexico and still maintains the small town feel that is very welcoming for tourists. La Paz is a departure point for tours and charters to the stunning Espiritu Santo Island as well as whale watching excursions. Stroll down the colorful malecón (boardwalk), walk hundreds of feet in waist-highwater at Balandra beach or have a fine dining experience; La Paz has a lot to offer.

Loreto

Loreto offers the ideal setting for those who long to escape to an “authentic” Mexico. Rich in history, Loreto is known for its historic missions, such as the enchanting Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, the first Califonia mission that was built in 1697. The spectacular national marine preserve of the Bay of Loreto includes five breathtaking islands and marine life is greatly abundant. For those who are partial to adventures on land, there is plenty of hiking and biking, making Loreto the ultimate eco-tourism destination.

Useful Information

CURRENCY

Dollars are accepted almost everywhere and you will get your change back in pesos. The exchange rate varies every day, but some places have a set rate posted. You can exchange dollars for pesos at the airport, but also a very easy way to get pesos is to simply withdraw money from an ATM. Bank ATMs give the daily exchange rate (best possible rate). Examples include Banorte, Bancomer, Santander, Banamex, Banregio and HSBC. Non-bank ATMs located in the streets or the marina will charge higher fees. Some ATMs only give you dollars, some only pesos and some give you the option to withdraw both. Pay close attention to what currency you’re withdrawing and try to get as much cash as possible in one transaction to avoid paying high fees.

CASH OR CARD?

Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are generally accepted, but you often run into cash only establishments. Always ask beforehand and carry cash just in case. Keep in mind your bank will most likely charge you international transaction fees if you pay with your card.

HOW DO I DIAL?

Local area codes: Los Cabos: (624), Todos Santos and La Paz: (612) - Loreto: (613)

To dial to other countries: 00 + country code (1, 2 or 3 digits) + number

From a Mexican land line or cell phone:

To a Mexican long distance number: 01 + 3 digit area code + 7 digit number

To a Mexican cell phone number: 3 digit area code + 7 digit number

To a U.S. phone number: 00 + 1 + 3 digit area code + 7 digit number

From your U.S. cell phone:

To a Mexican land line or cell phone: 011 52 + 3 digit area code + number

To a U.S. phone number:

00 + 1 + 3 digit area code + number Some U.S. cell phone carriers have arrangements with Mexican carriers and when you travel here your cell phone uses their towers. If this is your case, you will have to dial as if you had a Mexican phone.

U.S. TOLL FREE NUMBERS (International rates will apply):

To a 1 (800): 00 + 1 + 880 + phone number

To a 1 (888): 00 + 1 + 881 + phone number

To a 1 (877): 00 + 1 + 882 + phone number

To a 1 (866): 00 + 1 + 883 + phone number

To a 1 (855): 00 + 1 + 884 + phone number

DRIVING

Renting a car will allow you to enjoy the freedom of exploring Los Cabos. Driving in Mexico might be intimidating, but if you just go with the muddled flow, you will realize that there is some organization within the chaos. If you are pulled over by local police for committing a driving infraction, the standard procedure is for them to take your Driver’s License. You will then have to go to the Police Station to pay your ticket and pick-up your license. In Mexico the gas station attendants pump the gas for you, so you don’t have to get out of the vehicle. There are two types of gasoline: Magna, which is regular, and Premium. Lleno (pronounced ye-no) means full. Major credit cards are accepted. Tipping the gas station attendant around $10.00 pesos is customary. There is a toll road that takes you from the airport to Cabo San Lucas or to the Todos Santos highway; by taking this road you avoid the taxi and shuttle traffic on the main highway.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Emergencies: 911 from a local number Roadside Assistance: 074 from a local number

Police Department:

- Cabo San Lucas 143-3977 - San José del Cabo 142-0361

Fire Department:

- Cabo San Lucas 143-3577 - San José del Cabo 142-2466 Highway Patrol: 146-0573 Tourist Police: 143-3977

HOSPITALS: Hospiten:

- Cabo San Lucas 145-6000 - San José del Cabo 105-8550 Baja Medical Response: 144-3434

Blue Medical Net:

- Cabo San Lucas Hospital 104 3911 - San José del Cabo Clinic 142-3511 Cabo Surgical Center: 172-6030 Hospital H+ Los Cabos: 104-9300 North American Hospitals and Clinics: 142-2770

One World Hospital:

- Cabo San Lucas 143-4911 - San José del Cabo 142-5911 - Todos Santos (612) 145-0600

Saint Luke's Hospital:

- Cabo San Lucas 143-4911 - San José del Cabo 142-5911 Walk-in Medi Clinic: 130-7011 * For a complete directory of Doctors, hospitals and clinics in Los Cabos, visit: www.loscabosdoctor.com

SkyMed International Air Ambulance: (624) 154-4919

Air One Ambulance: (800) 236-8080

U.S. Consulate: 143-3566

Canadian Consulate: 142-4333

Taxi Cabo San Lucas: 143-2221

Taxi San José de Cabo: 142-0401

Immigration: 143-0135

Airlines:

Aero Calafia: 130-7822

Aeromexico: 146-5097

Air Canada: 01 (800) 719-2827 (Toll free within Mexico)

Alaska Airlines: 146-5166

American Airlines: 146-5302/5303

Continental Airlines: 146-5050

Delta Airlines: 146-5005/146-5217

Interjet: 01 (800)-011-2345 (Toll free within Mexico)

Southwest: 01 (800) 435-9792

Spirit Airlines: 1 (800) 772-7117

Sun Wing: 1 (800) 668-4224

Volaris: 01 (800) 7VOLARIS (Toll free within Mexico)

US Airways: 146-5380

West Jet: 1 (800) 538-5696