La Paz, Mexico

It was so much fun to explore a new port in Mexico. La Paz is on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur (Miguel our bus guide says you must always include the Sur, it is not just Baja California--learned something new!)

On that note, La Paz is the Capital City of the State of Baja California Sur and has a population of approximately 275,000. The weather today was perfect--in the mid 70's and the water temperature was reported to be about 60 degrees. The ship docked in an industrial port which also services Baja ferries which deliver most of the goods used in the area.

It's about 10 miles from town so the municipality provided a steady stream of free buses to take people to town with a stop at Coromuel beach for those that wanted it. The trip took about 30 minutes during which we learned a little something about the area.

In 2014 the area was devastated by Hurricane Odile. Miguel used the word "apocalypse" and then apologized that his English was pretty basic (he should hear my Spanish). Apparently they lost all power and water and most basic services. He said how terrible it was that there was no internet or phone and they all went crazy not being able to share photos. Actually, the community was not at all prepared for the devastation and didn't have a response plan. We had heard the same about Cabo San Lucas, which was also hit hard, but now both communities are much more prepared. 

The downtown area made us think that this is what Puerto Vallarta must have looked like about 30 years ago. There is a Malecon that goes for miles along the waterfront, but there weren't people selling trinkets every 10 feet. The number of regular businesses outnumbered those specifically targeting tourists, and there seemed to be lots of lovely coffee shops. 

There must be some forward thinking officials in La Paz because there were these great recycling and garbage cans all along the front. In fact the entire area was amazingly tidy.

In town there is the requisite mission church and, directly across the street, the plaza sporting a gazebo. The Popular Arts Center is on the opposite side of the square. We are not sure about the goats and sheep? Down the side streets we came across a small farmer's market with the most divinely smelling basil, and a delightful little pocket park where we were the sole visitors.

La Paz Cathedral and Velasco Garden Main Square

Popular Arts Center

Farmer's Market

Pocket Park

Of course being a tourist is thirsty work so we repaired to the balcony of this restaurant across from the pier for a local beverage.

While we enjoy wandering around town some of our more industrious fellow travelers went off to visit the Reptile Center. Word has it that Mexico has the largest variety of reptiles of any country in the world (707 known species). There are also lots of water related activities like whale watching, snorkeling, and scuba diving. You can also go swimming here with whale sharks and snorkeling with sea lions. 

We give La Paz thumbs up!