Baja, Mexico – Part 1: Where the desert meets the sea…

The Baja California Sur peninsula in Mexico is one of those places that may not be on the radar as somewhere to visit, but from Los Angeles it’s worth taking the two and a half hour flight down the spectacular California coastline across the border to one of the great wilderness regions of Mexico. Covering nearly 75,000 square kilometres, and stretching between both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, Baja is a magical destination that offers much to the traveller: architecture, art, culture, amazing food, exquisite landscapes, beaches with great waves for surfers, wilderness areas to hike, ride or mountain bike in, wildlife watching and just a very laidback vibe in general. In a beautiful spot where the desert really does meet the sea, the annual humpback whale migration can be seen up close and is reason enough to go.

The great weather in Baja allows for year round outdoor living, and sunset light in particular reveals the true the beauty of the landscape. The views everywhere you go make it clear why the region is a mecca for artists and photographers from all over the world.

On a recent trip, we visited one of the more recent developments on the Pacific side, a desert resort boasting a massive beachfront ‘Rancho Pescadero‘, the closest town to which is the atmospheric Todos Santos (literally ‘All Saints’).
Todos is a designated ‘Pueblo Magico‘ (Magical Village) owing to its status as an art centre and also as the host of The Todos Santos Film Festival or in Spanish: Festival de Cine de Todos Santos.

Visit the famous Todos Santos Inn, the stunning old-style hacienda in the historic district and watch black and white classic old Mexican movies such as ‘Aventurera‘ on the flat screen in the fabulous bar. Jorge the bar tender is very knowledgeable about film – he also makes a wicked Margarita.