Beaches, beaches
Instead of stretching curving expanses of wave-washed sand, the beaches of La Paz snuggle into small coves sandwiched between cactus-studded hills and calm, transparent water. To be sure, this is prime windsurfing territory. But be careful -- La Paz lifeguards make appearances only on weekends and on popular beaches.
The best beach near La Paz is Playa Tecolote (Owl Beach), 25km northeast of town. A quiet extension of the Sea of Cortés laps against this gorgeous stretch of gleaming white sand, backed up by tall, craggy mountains. Even though there are no bathrooms, Tecolote is terrific for camping. On Tecolote, jet skis, banana boats, and boats to the nearby Isla EspÍritu Santo are available. You may not be able to reach Playa Tecolote without a car on weekdays; Autotransportes Águila buses get you there from the mini-station on Obregón and Independencia (daily during spring break and July-Aug., weekends only during low season, 8 pesos). Plenty of other beaches are easily accessible by taking the "Pichilingue" bus up the coast (5 pesos). Bear in mind that the farther you venture from La Paz, the better and more secluded the beaches get.
The aquatic fun in La Paz doesn't stop at the shoreline. Baja Diving and Service, Obregón 1665 (tel. 2-18-26; fax 2-86-44), just north of B. Domínguez, organizes daily scuba and snorkeling trips to nearby reefs, wrecks, and islands, where you can mingle with hammer heads, manta rays, giant turtles, and other exotica (scuba trips US$77 per day without equipment, US$15 extra for equipment, snorkeling US$40 per day; trips include lunch and drinks). Equipment is also rented (snorkeling US$8, scuba about US$45). Trips leave at 7:45am and return between 3 and 5pm. Viajes Palmira (tel. 2-40-70), on Obregón between Rosales and Allende, in front of Hotel Los Arcos, may offer cheaper rates (snorkeling equipment US$10, scuba US$40). Trips depart at 8am and return at 4pm, and include equipment, lunch, and drinks (snorkeling US$40, scuba US$85).
A beautiful respite from the sun can be had at Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz (Cathedral of our Lady of La Paz), south side of Plaza Constitución, as well as its surrounding plaza. The cathedral, founded in 1720, was originally built as a Jesuit mission.
Getting There | Food | Lodging
Practical Info | Can We Talk?
La Paz, Mexico
BACK TO TOP
© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
A Time Warner Company
All Rights Reserved.