Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Peso & US Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 260,000 people call La Paz home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for La Paz Mexico: La Paz hot and mainly dry. Ocean breezes cool the dry heat to create a very inviting climate. Winter temperatures average betwen 75-85°F/24-30°C, while summer temperatures often reach the 90's°F/32°C.
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La Paz (meaning "peace" in Spanish) is the capital of the Mexican state of Southern Baja California. La Paz retains the charm a small Mexican colonial town. Located on the shore of the beautiful Bay of La Paz in the Sea of Cortez, it is the second largest city on the Baja Peninsula. A Spanish expedition in 1533 discovered Bahia de La Paz - the beautiful bay on which the city of La Paz is situated. La Paz retains the charm a small Mexican colonial town. A number of Baja's most beautiful islands lie just a short distance offshore.
Hernán Cortés visited La Paz in 1535, but no permanent settlement was established until 1811. The city was, for hundreds of years, known for its pearl fishing, and La Paz was often referred to as "The City of Pearls". However, in the middle of the 20th century the oyster beds were destroyed by disease.
The city is known primarily for its excellent sports fishing, diving, snorkeling and other water sports , and for its pleasant climate. The humidity in Baja is relatively low with daily high temperatures rarely exceeding the low 80's. There is little rainfall. La Paz is also a major center of ecotourism, because of its proximity to the whale sanctuary at Magdalena Bay and to desert areas where exotic animals and plants may be found.
Lapaz is one of the very best sports fishing venues in the world. Anglers can catch marlin, sailfish, sea bass, snapper, sierra, yellowtail, grouper, dorado, tuna and many other species. The best time to go deep-sea fishing is March to September.
Snorkeling is best at the nearby islands of Espiritu Santo and Los Islotes, which have crystal clear tranquil waters where you can view several species of tropical fish and play with the sea lions. Divers will encounter schools of hammerhead sharks, dolphins and whale sharks
If you visit during the months of January through March, which coincides with the migration of gray whales that winter in the Sea of Cortez, before returning in the summer to Alaska's Bering Strait, you can arrange to take a whale-watching tour available from several La Paz tour operators.
A popular past time in La Paz is to stroll along the very pretty waterfront sea wall (known as the "Malecon") in the downtown area. You can people-watch, view the many sailboats in the harbor, or sit on a bench and munch on a snack. Restaurants on the waterfront offer Baja specialties, such as fried calamari and shark-fin soup.
Once a major center for the pearling industry, today La Paz draws sport fishermen, divers, and water enthusiasts to its sunny beaches, calm bays and ecologically pure offshore islands. Within 15 miles of town are several stunning beaches on gleaming white sand and clear, almost turquoise water. Several deserted islands with unique natural habitats can be visited via excellent guided boat excursions.
ALAMO RENT-A-CAR
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-3681.
Abasolo Esq. Michoacan L-1, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
AVIS RENT-A-CAR
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-2651.
Airport 011-52 (612) 124-6312.
Avenida Alvaro Obregon past Pineda.
BUDGET RENT-A-CAR
Telephone 011-52 (612) 123-1919.
Airport 011-52 (612) 124-6433.
Toll free (800) 322-9975.
Fax 011-52 (612) 123-3622.
Alvaro Obregon #1775, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23300.
Located between Hidalgo and Morelos.
Suburbans, Jeep Wranglers, V.W. Bugs and more.
Unlimited mileage.
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Attractions |
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he city's historical and sightseeing attractions are not limited. Nature takes top billing in La Paz, and most visitors spend time either outside of town at the beach, or on an offshore island. Nonetheless there are some sights worth seeing: Plaza Constitución:
The city main square has been reconstructed and modernized since colonial days. On one side is the imposing Cathedral, built in 1860 on the site of the city's original mission (originally founded in 1720). Nearby is the Museo de Antropolgía, the city's best museum. Displays focus on the peninsula's native inhabitants.
Malecón Alvaro Obregón
La Paz city life revolves around the town's coastal promenade that lines Paseo Alvaro Obregón. Strollers, vendors, fishermen, arts & crafts shops and boutiques and the city's friendly residents make the malecón a lively spot for people watching. Much of the city's dining and nightlife is here as well.
EL TRIUNFO
Just about 30 minutes south of La Paz is the abandoned silver mining town of El Triunfo. The history of this town is amazing half day excursion.
Playa Tecolote
North of La Paz on Magdalena Bay
Sandy beach with colorful local seafood restaurants. Ideal for swimming, relaxing and viewing beautiful sunsets and sunrises!!
Regional Anthropology Museum
5 de Mayo y Altamirano Tel 2-0162
Houses historical data and artifacts pertaining to the peninsula.
Nearby Sights
Todos Santos
South of La Paz on road to Cabo San Lucas. Approximately one hour drive.
Picturesque town on the Pacific side of the peninsula. Interesting art galleries and folk art shops.
Whale watching in Magdalena Bay
Three hours north of La Paz on the Pacific side of the Peninsula.
Best time to watch the whales is between January and April.
Mountain biking, hiking, and tour excursions into the dry desert heat of the Baja Peninsula leave an almost "other-worldly" impression. North of town on the Pichilingue Peninsula you'll find great hiking trails. If you're lucky you might get lost - some paths end up on some spectacular secluded beaches. Just outside of town is El Triunfo, an abandoned silver and gold mining town with an intriguing history.
An hour's drive south, to the Pacific coast, brings you to Todos Santos, an artist's colony featuring galleries with an amazing variety of original art.
Then there's shopping. Although La Paz is a duty-free port, you won't find the hustle and hype so prevalent in mainstream tourist cities. Window-shopping is a pleasant diversion here but you'll be eager to go in and browse through the merchandise that represents almost every state in the Mexican Republic. Ceramics, carpets, wall hangings, woodcarvings and clothes are the best buys. The mid day siesta still exists here and necessary due to the heat, so don't be surprised to find the shops closed at noon. It's all part of the historical La Paz charm.
Beaches & Watersports:
To the north and west of town are several attractive, desert backed beaches. Extra special (listed south to north as you head out of town) are Pichilingue, Balandra, Tecolote and Coyote. Facilities are somewhat limited, but the setting is pure magic- calm warm water and soft white sand. The fishing, diving and snorkeling around La Paz is some of Mexico's best. There are several excellent charter operators for fishing, as well as dive shops offering half-day and full-day excursions.
PLAYA TECOLOTE
Continue on past Playa Balandra two more miles to the end of the blacktop.
Beautiful beach, three fun restaurants and bars, plus pangas and water toys for rent!
Afternoon breezes keep the bugs away!
The perfect departure point for Isla Espiritu Santo, 4.5 miles across the bay.
Try a $30 per person boat ride (with 4 people) to swim with the seals at Los Islotes (3 hour round-trip). Too much fun!
If you need transportation to Tecolote or information about tours, rentals, etc. call the folks at TRANSERTUR TECOLOTE at 011-52 (112) 2-8885 or drop by the office at the Hotel Miramar in downtown La Paz.
Rentals include the big banana, catamarans, wave runners, kayaks, snorkels and Isla Espirito Santos tours.
Del Cortez restaurant and Bar (on the beach!) will make your stay at Tecolote perfect.
PLAYA BALANDRA
North and east of town, via the Pichilingue Highway, and a good short spur road west.
A series of 7 great beaches, all featuring crystal clear waters and perfect white sand!
Don't be afraid to venture around the right point to find even more remote beaches!
If there are better beaches near La Paz, Carlos Fiesta can't find them! This is paradise!
Islands:
Just off shore to the east are some of Baja's most stunningly beautiful islands. Guided boat excursions take snorkelers, hikers and nature lovers to Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla Cerralvo.
TAILHUNTER INTERNATIONAL
Telephone (626) 333-3355.
Toll free (877) 825-8802.
Pager (323) 349-8111.
Message pager: (877) 310-7734.
Fax (626) 333-0115.
E-Mail: riplipboy@aol.com.
3319 White Cloud Drive, Suite #A, Hacienda Heights, California, 91745.
Fishing in Cabo, La Paz, East Cape and La Paz.
Web site: www.tailhunter-international.com.
Fish report updated on their web site.
Retreats and seminars also available!
Jonathan Roldan has many years of experience with Baja tight lines!
Drop by his informative web site for further information.
BAJA FISHING ADVENTURES
Telephone (800) 458-3688.
Fax (310) 465-0314.
E-mail: bajafishad@aol.com
Post Office Box 3489, Rolling Hills, California 90274.
Fishing tours and packages in the waters off of La Paz!
36 years in the business!
BAJA PIRATES
Telephone / Fax 011-52 (612) 125-7353.
E-mail: piratas@prodigy.net.mx.
Post Office Box 279, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23000.
La Paz fishing with the pros...quality service and highly skilled staff!
BLUEWATER TOURS
Telephone (562) 799-8475.
Toll free Califfornia (800) 799-8475.
Post Office Box 15596, Long Beach, California, 90815.
E-mail: bluewatertours@charter.net
Web site: www.bluewatertours.com.
Fishing in La Paz as well as other Mexico locations.
Visit their web site for additional information.
BLUE WATER SPORTS AND TRAVEL
Telephone 011-52 (612) 125-7588.
E-mail: bluewater@hotelmed.com.
Snorkel and dive adventures in the waters off of La Paz.
Dive and hotel packages available.
Drop by their web site for additional information.
COSTAMAR SPORTFISHING
Telephone (818) 224-3625.
Toll free (800) 347-2760.
E-mail: gofish@fishbaja.com.
22565 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, California, 91364.
Serving Baja, La Paz and the East Cape since 1985!
DEPORTIVA LA PAZ
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-7333.
Paseo Obregon 1680, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Fishing charters, half day and full day.
DORADO VELEZ FLEET
Telephone 011-52 (112) 2-2744.
Hotel Los Arcos.
Fishing charters in the waters and islands off of La Paz.
FISHERMAN'S FLEET
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-1313.
Los Arcos Hotel.
Mucho years experience in the La Paz area!
Fishing gear rentals and boat charters.
JACK VELEZ SPORTSFISHING
Telephone 011 52 (612) 122-2744 ext. 608.
Located in the Los Arcos Hotel.
JIG STOP SPORTFISHING
Telephone (800) 521-2281.
E-mail: hookup@jigstop.com.
Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, California, 92629.
Custom sportfishing adventures in the waters off La Paz and Los Cabos.
JONATHAN ROLDAN'S SPORTSFISHING
Telephone (888) 216-9230.
E-mail: atomba@cortezclub.com
Located at La Concha Beach Club, just north west of downtown.
LYNN ROSE TOURS
Telephone (800) 525-9527.
E-mail: lynnrose@msn.com.
2700 East Patrick Lane, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89120.
Complete fishing packages to La Paz.
MOSQUITO FLEET
Telephone (818) 541-1465.
011-52 (612) 123-4192.
Fax (818) 541-1465.
U.S. mailing: Post Office Box 0162, Montrose, California, 91021.
Jorge "Mino" Minoru at your service! Charter boats from 22' to 31' fully equipped.
PIRATE FLEET
Telephone (888) 879-2252.
Located at the Cantamar Hotel.
Francisco Aguilar, your host!
LAS BRISAS RESORT FISHING
Telephone 011-52 (612) 124-1310.
U.S. (310) 266-2658.
Located at Las Brisas Resort, 5 minutes from downtown La Paz.
Fishing packages with deluxe lodging in fully furnished townhomes.
ROD & REEL ADVENTURES
Telephone (800) 356-6982.
E-mail: info@rodandreeladventures.com.
Fishing adventures to La Paz, Loreto, East Cape and Cabo San Lucas.
Packages to Central America and other destinations also. Check out their web site for more information!
SECRET CHARTERS
Telephone/Fax 011-52 (612) 125-6405.
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Jon Mather and his experienced crew know these waters as well as anyone.
TORTUGA SPORTFISHING
Telephone (866) 867-8842.
Four day, three night panga packages for La Paz waters.
Meals, drinks, snacks, license, cleaning, packaging, freezing and round trip airport transportation included.
Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, SCUBA diving and other water sports are available here, or you might prefer to a hop over to Puerto Balandra to explore the rugged rock formations along the sugar-white sand. Whale-watching tours out into the gulf are readily available from tour operators. Deep-sea fishing lovers will enjoy hopping onboard a charter boat to enjoy some fishing.
ISLA ESPIRITO SANTO
This is probably the most photographed island in Baja! And for a good reason. The turquoise bays and over a dozen white sandy beaches almost look unreal from the sky, and they appear equally spectacular in person.There are actually two big islands in the group, plus several smaller rock-islands, and they are all just a short boat ride away from north east end of La Paz.It's a perfect one day getaway excursion. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended, as shade is scarce. Boats can be chartered from the marinas.
DIVING
Some of the best diving in the La Paz area is around the offshore islands and near the seamounts. Giant manta rays, hammerhead sharks, it's all close by! Snorkeling can be fun along the beaches just outside town, but the sea life doesn't really kick in until you get offshore. For snorkel trips, it's easy to rent a panga to head out to Isla Espiritu Santo. For Scuba diving, hooking up with a dive shop is the best way to enjoy a one or two day dive trip. Best months for visibility and warm water are July through November. The other dive option in La Paz is the dive boats. The big dive boats in town are the AMIGA, the MARCO POLO, the 121' MARISLA II 011-52 (112) 2-3761, the 80' DON JOSE, and the famous RIO RITA. Dive locations include the Salvatierra, Fang Ming, and Lapas III off of Isla Espiritos Santos for wreck diving, the Seamount for open ocean big fish, and Los Islotes for a friendly swim with the seals! Looking for a company to put together a La Paz dive vacation for you? Try the folks at OUTPOST TRAVEL. They can put together an air, lodging and dive package to fit your needs. For information on diving at the Cape drop by our CABO DIVE section!
BAJA EXPEDITIONS
Telephone 011-52 (612) 125-3828.
Toll free (800) 843-6967.
Fax (858) 581-6542.
E-mail: travel@bajaex.com".
Sonora 585 E / Abasolo and Topete Col. Manglito, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
2625 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, California, 92109.
Web site: www.bajaex.com
Live aboard diving.
Also offering daily scuba diving adventures to some of the best diving locations in the La Paz area!
Dive boats Rio Rito and Thresher at your service!
The ultimate way to dive the lower Sea of Cortez.
BAJA SEAFARIS
Telephone (800) 945-2742.
E-Mail: info@bajaseafaris.com.
Web site: www.bajaseafaris.com.
Custom boat dive trips near La Paz!
Years of experience in Baja.
Review their web site for additional information.
BLUE WATER SPORTS AND TRAVEL
Telephone 011-52 (612) 125-7588.
E-mail: bluewater@hotelmed.com.
Snorkel and dive adventures in the waters off of La Paz.
Dive and hotel packages available.
Drop by their web site for additional information.
CLUB CANTAMAR DIVE RESORT
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-1826.
E-mail: bajadiving@lapaz.cromwell.com.mx.
Web site: www.clubcantamar.com.
Diving adventures north and south of La Paz.
Dive packages with lodging options also available.
OUTPOST TRAVEL DIVE TOURS
Telephone (916) 354-1942.
Toll free (800) 659-5800.
Fax (916) 354-8729.
14859 Lafo Drive, Rancho Murieta, California, 95683.
E-mail: info@outpostravel.com.
Web site: www.outpostravel.com.
Dive trips arranged to La Paz!
RAMA JAMA ADVENTURES
Telephone (760) 346-3685.
E-mail: ramajamaadventures@hotmail.com.
45405 Via Corona, Indian Wells, California, 92210.
Web site: www.bajacharter.com.
Live aboard scuba and snorkel adventures in the waters and islands off of La Paz.
Check out their web site for additional information!
SCUBAJA DIVING SAFARIS
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-7423.
E-Mail: diving@scubaja.com
Nicolas Bravo & Obregon, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Web site: www.scubaja.com.
Dive and camping trips to Espiritu Santos. Recommended!
FUN BAJA DIVING
Telephone 011-52 (612) 121-5884.
Toll free (800) 667-5362.
E-mail: funbaja@prodigy.com.mx.
Web site: www.deepdiscoveries.com.
Multi-day diving and camping safaris on Ispirito Island.
Whale shark expeditions June through November.
Package trips with several lodging options available.
THE CORTEZ CLUB
Telephone 011-52 (612) 121-6120.
Fax 011-52 (612) 121-6123.
E-Mail: jcurtiss@cortezclub.com.
Carretera a Pichilingue Km. 5, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Web site: www.cortezclub.com.
Located at the end of La Concha Beach Resort.
Complete diving and water sports center.
Fast custom built dive boats.
Maarten Hoffman and his group will be happy to help you!
VISTA SEA SPORT
Telephone / Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0031.
(800) 368-4334.
E-mail: vseasport@aol.com.
Apartado Postal #42, Buena Vista, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23580.
Web site: www.vistaseasport.com.
Sales / rentals / air / Visa and Master Card / scuba and snorkel trips / 2 hour - half day - all day.
Mark and Jennifer Rayor do a great job running this first class dive operation. Experienced dive masters, quality equipment, and local knowledge of the best dive locations make this company one of the best in the East Cape area.
DIVING FOOLS
Telephone (949) 874-FOOL.
E-mail: divingfools@cox.net.
Multi-day diving packages to La Paz.
Review their web site for additional information.
BAJA BUCEO AND SERVICIO
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-1826.
Avenida Independencia 107-B.
Diving instruction, service, and sales.
BAJA DIVING & SERVICE
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-1826.
Fax 011-52 (612) 122-8644.
E-mail: bajadiving@lapaz.cromwell.com.mx
P.O. Box 782, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico.
Sales / rentals / air / credit cards.
BAJA JOE SCUBA
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-4006.
Fax 011-52 (612) 122-4000.
Melchor Ocampo and Alvaro Obregon #460, Local #1, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Specializing in small groups and and personalized trips, diving and snorkeling.
Wrecks, sharks, sea lions, walls, deep diving and more!
Owner Jose Antonio Aguilar Choy will do his best to make your Sea of Cortez diving experience an excellent adventure!
BAJA QUEST
Telephone 011-52 (612) 123-5320.
Fax 011-52 (612) 123-5321.
Sonora 174, E/Topete at Rangel, Col Manglito, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Daily dive trips and multi-day dive trips.
Equipment rentals and air available.
DEPORTIVA LA PAZ
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-7333.
Paseo Obregon #1680. La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Dive equipment, instruction, and air.
SEA, SCUBA DIVE, AND SNORKEL
Telephone 011-52 (612) 123-5233.
Malecon at Ocampo, in town.
Snorkel and scuba trips to the islands, single day and multi-day.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.mexonline.com/lapaz.htm
The most accessible visitor information office is on Alvaro Obregón across from the intersection of Calle 16 de Septiembre (tel. 612/122-5939; turismo@lapaz.cromwell.com.mx). It's open daily from 9am to 8pm. The extremely helpful staff speaks English and can supply information on La Paz, Los Cabos, and the rest of the region.
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