Arguably the premier sailing centre in Mexico, La Paz, which is Spanish for "The Peace", is the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur.
History
La Paz was first inhabited at least 10,000 years ago by a nomadic people comprised of fishermen and gatherers who lived collecting seeds and roots, protecting themselves from the elements under trees and in caves. These people left traces of their existence in the form of cave paintings across the Baja peninsula.
The first attept at colonization was made by the Spainiard Hernán Cortés in 1535. Lack of food and water as well as attacks by the natives forced him abandon this attempt several years later. In 1596 Sebastian Vizcaino arrived, giving the area its existing name, La Paz.
Climate
The climate of La Paz is typically sunny, with over 300 days a year, warm and dry. Average yearly temperatures range between 23C - 25C. |The summer months, July to September, are often in the 30C’s and may be humid. December to February are the coldest months when temperatures can drop below 15C, but are mostly in the low 20’sC. Sea breezes from Bahia de La Paz keep the temperatures mild. Although precipitation is low infrequent downpours can bring heavy rains.
Getting There
La Paz is served by Manuel Márquez de León International Airport with flights to the most important cities of Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and USA, with a flight to Los Angeles. Airlines flying into La Paz include Alaska Airlines, Aeroméxico Connect, Volaris and Viva Aerobus.
Two ferry services operate from the port of Pichilingue outside the city, connecting the Baja California peninsula to the mainland at Mazatlán and Topolobampo near Los Mochis.
La Paz is served mainly by two highways; Highway 1 links the south of the state from Cabo San Lucas to the north through to Tijuana; Highway 19, that connects La Paz with towns in the south on the Pacific coast like Todosantos and El Pescadero.
Sailing
The Gulf of California, which is also known as the Sea of Cortez or Mar de Cortes, has some 900 islands with 244 designated as World Heritage Bio-Reserves by UNESCO. The Gulf is arguably the most bio-diverse body of water in the world. The Espiritu Santos Islands group, which borders the south eastern portion of the Bay of La Paz, are considered the best of the islands of the Gulf. The diving, snorkeling, and kayaking in this area are considered second to none. Playa Tecolote is one of the best beaches in the area. Playa Palmira, Playa el Coromuel, Playa el Caimancito, Playa del Tesoro, Playa Pichilingue, Playa Balandra, Playa el Coyote are other popular beaches.
La Paz is the yacht charter centre with its marinas; Paraiso del Mar, Costa Baja Marina, Marina de La Paz, Villas de San Lorenzo, Palmira Marina, and Marina Sur, four boatyards and ships stores. These waters offer something for both newbies to yachting and experienced skippers.
To the north lie the wilderness islands of El Espiritu Santo, La Partida and Los Islotes. Ecologists work to keep these islands pristine so existing flora and fauna survive and visitors can enjoy the white sand beaches, the multi-colored cliffs and the sea life.
Isla El Espiritu Santo is a small island with dolphins, sea lions and all kinds of fish.
Los Islotes - Snorkel through the arc at the seal island and see the pups frolicking, coming right up to you, mother will eye you skeptical just to make sure you don’t want to hurt her baby and thousands of fish will encircle you
La Partida - This small island is chock full of sea life, making it an excellent destination for diving, kayaking and other water sports
Food & Drink
La Paz, as you would expect lying on the coast, offers fine sea food dining.
In Mexico, most people regularly eat at "taquerias", local taco stands. These can range from little street carts to larger and more established buildings. Food is inexpensive and fast and the salsas full flavoured. You will see numerous taquerias wherever you go, but let the locals guide you. If you see lots of people at a certain taqueria and no one at the next place, there's probably a very good reason. Eat at the taco stand that has all the people.
La Paz is famous for home-made ice cream
Check out the fish tacos from the little cart on the malecon seaside walkway, called the "Bismarksito". A very good Mexican restaurant is "El Zarape", on Calle Mexico #3450 entre Oaxaca y Nayarit. A great bar is "Bar Bermejo" at the Hotel Los Arcos
Weather for La Paz within the Yacht Charter Area of Mexico
