Baja, California

Baja, one of the thirty-one states of Mexico, is known the world over for its numerous tourist spots – breath-taking in their beauty and teeming with widespread life. The state is a unique combination of varied topography – ranging from mountainous land, desert lands, oasis, narrow canyons, islands, and stretching coastlines, being bordered by different water bodies. The state is steeped deep in the mysteries of the past.

Attractions include La Paz, the Sea of Cortez, Loreto, and Los Cabos. La Paz, Baja California Sur's capital, is a premier travel destination. The perfect balance between unspoiled natural surroundings and the quiet ambiance of town life presents a welcoming warmth that tourists find hard to resist. The Sea Of Cortez, known as the "world's aquarium" houses endemic lifeforms like dolphins, whales, hammer headed sharks, sea lions, manta rays, and other marine lives.

Loreto is a fine blending of colonial heritage and modern structures. Magnificent cave paintings and the semi-desert niches sheltering endangered species add to the appeal of the spot. The gray whales, accompanied by their offsprings, boost the enthusiasm surrounding Loreto.

Los Cabos, a 32-mile corridor, is an outlandish beach of Mexico. It is the perfect place to chill out during vacations. The place is famous for its charismatic marinas and majestic golf courses. The ancient cave paintings, remnants of the past era further add to the charm of the place.

Baja, comprising a number of islands and other attractions, lures more and more visitors to this part of the world. Baja activities promise enough to unwind – lazing about in the peaceful bays or basking in the sun, strolling along its seaside waterfront or the white sandy beaches to hiking up canyons. The area offers a bevy of activities that revitalize you mentally and physically. Exploring the underwater world while snorkeling, engaging in sport fishing, diving with the dolphins, boating, etc., all guarantee good physical activity while a stroll around the historic museums or the handicraft shops are enough to stimulate the mind and the eyes. Baja also offers the best of the challenge sports like mountain biking and kayaking.

As far as vacation rentals are concerned, Baja proffers excellent all-round facilities – lodging, food, and transport. The lodging facilities include five-star hotels and luxury condominiums like Casa Natalia, Danzante, Todos Santos Inn, Hacienda Santa Maria, just a few available. In most cases, these vacation rentals are mansions or haciendas of the past eras remodeled/reconstructed into vacation quarters.

Recreational facilities are also often part of the vacation-rental packages. Many professional tours covering the popular local attractions are conducted in the region. For these and your other transport needs, many car rental services maintain large fleets of cars and vans (economy to luxury rentals) throughout Baja. And Baja promises some very palatable and appetizing cuisines of the region. —by Terry Malone, owner and developer of www.vrul.com, an established vacation rental-by-owner website with over one thousand listings worldwide. Rent directly from the owner and save money.