ECOTOURISM

In La Paz’s environs you’ll find areas where you can observe an abundance of flora and fauna, proving once again that this destination offers much more than it beaches.

Serpentario de La Paz – Located very close to downtown La Paz. At this unique place you can observe typical species that inhabit the Baja California Peninsula region, such as snakes, arachnids and reptiles, among others.

Isla Cerralvo – Lies 65 km (40 mi) east of La Paz. This island is 30 km (19 mi) long and as wide as 9 km (5.5 mi) on the southern end. Known for its gorgeous blue waters, this is one of the largest islands on the Sea of Cortez. At this place you can see interesting wildlife like sea lions and countless bird species, including booby birds, pelicans, seagulls and cormorants. You also can observe a wide variety of plant life, particularly cacti species such as the saguaro and the cardon.

Isla Espiritu Santo – Located 30 km (19 mi) north of La Paz from the port of Pichilingue. This is one of the most visited islands on the Sea of Cortez. It is surrounded by a group of small islands, including Isla Partida, Los Islotes, La Ballena, El Gallo and La Gallina. Among the incredible fauna you’ll see here are colonies of sea lions, especially near the Isla Partida. The rock formations on the island’s west coast serve as breeding grounds for marine birds such as seagulls, frigate birds, pelicans and cormorants.

Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere Reserve – Located 125 km (77 mi) southeast of La Paz, off Highway 9. This reserve covers an area of 112,437 hectares (277,719 acres) and has the only coniferous forest in the state of Baja California Sur. This reserve has abundant forest and lowland jungle vegetation, as well as semidesert areas where you can observe mostly pine and oak trees. You’ll also see small mammal species, birds and reptiles.

San Carlos – Located at Bahia Magdalena, 271 km (168 mi) northwest of La Paz, off Highway 1. This is one of the region’s most important areas for whale-watching. From January through March, these cetaceans migrate to the warm waters of the Pacific coast and the Sea of Cortez to reproduce. Among the species you can observe are orcas, humpbacks, pilot whales, gray whales and the blue whale, the largest mammal on earth.