For clients looking for authentic travel experiences, with a dash of adventure and off the beaten path, there’s an option with a touch of pizzazz you may not have explored yet.
Located near the tip of the Baja California peninsula, La Paz is not only unique, it is a great base from which to explore the region’s charming towns and all-natural attractions.
Such was the message from Iván Felix, the Events & Commercialization Manager at the La Paz Tourism Board as some 40 Toronto-area travel advisors enjoyed a Mexican-themed lunch a the downtown Delta Hotel.
“We actually feel like an island,” Felix said. “People are super friendly, and we are proud to say we are the ‘real’ Mexico.” Baja California is home to 40% of Mexico’s beaches (“all swimmable”), 42% of the land is protected to conserve nature and wildlife. Which includes dozens of species of birds and, during the winter, 100s of gray whales.
Activities include snorkelling and diving in depths of up to 100 feet; kitesurfing, surfing and ecotouring. One of the most popular activities is swimming with whale sharks, offered from October through May. (Day tour excursions are available from La Paz.)
As far as access, the nearest major airport to La Paz is SJD, some 2.5 hours away by car or private transfer; but for ease and efficiency Felix recommends flying your clients via MEX where there is usually a 3 hour layover before connecting directly to La Paz (LAP).
The area abounds in attractions for culture buffs as well, with La Paz’s historic centre and its Old Municipal Palace art gallery, the Juárez Theater with live entertainment, the Museum of Art, and Mission of Our Lady of Peace, dating back to the 1600s.
You won’t find mega-resorts here – accommodation is more boutique hotels, villas and even glamping. The idea is to stay in harmony with nature.
One novel way to experience the region is with UnCruise, specialists in small ship cruises. Their Baja California’s Whales & Sea Life 7 night itinerary departs from and returns to La Paz and is all about connecting with nature in the Gulf of California. “Our itinerary isn’t etched in stone,” UnCruise’s Kim Barbisan told the group. “Our captains know to go where the experiences are.” Find out more at golapaz.com and uncruise.com.
