Baja California Sur (South Lower California) is the southern half of the Baja California peninsula.

Cities

• 1 La Paz – state capital and the city made famous by John Steinbeck's novella, The Pearl. A story about paradise lost, the city still holds some glimpses of the old magic.
• 2 Cabo San Lucas
• 3 Cabo Pulmo
• 4 Guerrero Negro
• 5 Loreto
• 6 Los Barriles
• Los Frailes
• 7 Mulegé
• 8 San Ignacio
• 9 San José del Cabo
• 10 Santa Rosalía
• 11 Todos Santos – famous for Hotel California. Small and quaint with many artists and galleries. South of Todos Santos is one of Baja's better surfing destinations, Cerritos Beach.

Other destinations

Rock paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco

A pelican in El Vizcaino

1 San Javier – a charming little village located in the mountains behind Loreto. Most Baja visitors stick to the coast and miss a lot of the charming, very rustic little villages located in the interior backcountry. There's an impressive church, a few places to eat and drink, and a basic hotel. You can drive to San Javier, but the best way to go is to hire a horse or mule for the journey from Loreto.

Baja California Sur has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the 2 Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco and the 3 Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaíno.

Get in

La Paz International Airport (LAP ^IATA), Loreto International Airport (LTO ^IATA), Palo Verde Airport (SRL ^IATA).

Do

• Whale watching The waters off Baja California are home to several species of great whales including Blue, Fin, Bryde's, Humpback, Orca, Sperm, and many others. This is perhaps the richest area in the world for whale and dolphin diversity.
• Diving and Snorkeling Excellent scuba, free diving, and snorkeling nearby due to the fantastic diversity of marine life. The convergence of tropical influences from the south and temperate conditions from the north bring together an amazing array of species. Local dive shops and charters are available.
• Kayaking Beach camping kayak tours of the wilderness islands in the Loreto Marine National Park with access to prime whale watching and snorkeling.
• Fishing This region has long been regarded as one of the best places for fishing. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, yellowtail, wahoo, roosterfish, and dorado are abundant in the blue waters surrounding the peninsula.
• Cave Paintings Various archaeological sites can be toured in the rugged mountains.

Stay safe

Although generally safe, it is probably wise to camp with others or in organized campgrounds.