AAA Journeys....

RIVIERA RENDEZVOUS

Known as the Mexican Riviera, the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California coastlines of mainland Mexico and Baja California peninsula offer sun, sand, and Mexican culture to visitors in the know. That’s why it’s easy to say ‘si’ to destinations like Los Cabos and the rest of the Mexican Riviera.

The Mexican Riviera covers a wide geographic range and features varied destinations. Except for snow skiing, you’re sure to find what you want during a Mexican Riviera vacation.

Some of the possibilities along the mainland of the Pacific coast of Mexico include (from north to south) Guaymas, Mazatlan, San Blas, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo, and Acapulco. Of course, there are many other smaller up-and-coming possibilities all along the coastline, offering great weather, varied accommodations, the culture of Mexico, and much more.

Over on Baja California, which is the longest peninsula in the world, tourism is truly hot. Along with the Los Cabos duo of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the possibilities (from south to north) include Todos Santos, La Paz, Loreto, Mulege, and Santa Rosalia. For those who want just a taste of the Pacific coast, Tijuana and Ensenada are just across the border from San Diego.

Much to See and Do in Los Cabos

The twin towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo Los Cabos that make up the destination of Los Cabos make for a true Mexican tourism success story.

The area was comprised of sleepy fishing villages and wild stretches of sand for centuries, until the marine-rich waters attracted fisherman and other adventurers from the early-1900s through the 1970s.

By the mid-1980s, resort infrastructure and a new airport made Los Cabos even more attractive.

Los Cabos is situated at the southernmost end of the 1,000-mile-long Baja Peninsula and bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Gulf of California on the east (it’s also often called the Sea of Cortes). Though many early visitors arrived after a long boat ride, today’s non-stop flights and convenient connections make Los Cabos easier than ever to reach.

This convenience to a relatively remote destination has made Los Cabos famous for celebrity visits. The long list includes Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Bono, Oprah, John Travolta, Spike Lee, Celine Dion, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many more.

The area’s geography is an amazing mix of beautiful white sand beaches, rock outcroppings, and virtually unspoiled desert landscapes stretching for miles. In fact a dramatic rock formation called “El Arco” (the Arch) is the region’s most famous natural landmark. It sits at the tip of Land’s End, which marks the exact spot where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez--and pounding waves from both sides formed the arch’s expanse.

There’s so much to see and do in the Los Cabos area that longer stays are the norm. From beautiful beaches to super shopping, Los Cabos has a lot to offer.

There are 20 main beaches in the region and each of them have their own character. For instance, Playa El Medano is the center of Cabo San Lucas watersports, while Playa del Amor is accessible only by watercraft and is near the famed El Arco.

Playa Palmilla is one of the best places to get a classic Los Cabos beach picture, while Playa Costa Azul is a great place to take pictures of surfers catching waves. Other options include Playa Chileno (great swimming and snorkeling) and Santa Maria Bay (a marine sanctuary).

Besides the beach, there’s much to see and do. Eco-adventures can include whale watching (generally late-December to late-March), hiking, biking, desert excursions (see more information on next page), horseback riding, and birding.

On, below or above the surface, options include scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, parasailing, windsurfing, sea kayaking, water-skiing, sailing, boating, and world-famous fishing (a Hemingway favorite).

Los Cabos has also become known for its championship golf courses, including designs by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, and Robert Trent Jones II. There are more than a half-dozen public options, with more on the way.

The area is also becoming renowned for its shopping, relaxing spas (using indigenous ingredients), varied dining options (especially fresh seafood), and nightlife at many resorts and nightclubs.

Additional sightseeing options can include the San Jose del Cabo lighthouse, San Jose’s old church, the nearby colonial town of Todos Santos, and the more remote East Cape to the north of San Jose.

For general Mexican Riviera information, visit: www.visitmexico.com or your local travel agent.

Quiet Cabos

One of the many beauties of the Los Cabos area is that it’s so close to the remote desert regions of southern Baja California. the area is quiet and barren, with few tourists. In less than a half-hour, visitors can be in the midst of a rugged desert environment.

The best way to enjoy the rugged desert is with a comfortable excursion from tour operators like Terramar (www.bookcabo.com). This long-time Los Cabos company offers an array of touring options, but the best bet for heading to the desert is in one of their brightly colored Hummer H2 four-wheel vehicles. Its website offers lots of choices for booking, including many guided tours and drive-your-own possibilities. From desert vistas to deserted beaches, it’s a great way to see another side of Los Cabos.

If you’re more into convenient beaches and shopping than the desert, Terramar’s Hop-On Hop-Off pass provides total flexibility in exploring the southern cape of Baja California (Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo and everything in between). This well-priced 24-hour pass for adults and children provides a bus loop (with posted--and frequent--pick-up and drop-off times) that features 13 convenient stops providing access to shopping, beaches, activities, dining, and everything else between Cabo and San Jose.

Open-air Bazaars, Souvenir Stalls and More

there are many shopping possibilities in Los Cabos. Cabo San Lucas is more known for open-air bazaars and souvenir stalls, while San Jose del Cabo offers an array of unique boutiques and galleries with arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, and more.

Without a doubt, something from the unique Glass Factory definitely a Cabo San Lucas lure. This sprawling facility includes a quick demonstration and thousands of glass pieces for sale, from tiny figurines to huge and colorful vases.

The shopping possibilities for crafts from Baja or over on mainland Mexico might include leather, silver, colorful Mexican blankets and artwork from the burgeoning local arts community. Cabo’s Mercado Mexicano is a good place to start comparison shopping for both quality and price. If you’re looking for a unique painting, sculpture, or other artwork, head to the galleries of San Jose del Cabo. Sol Dorado Art Gallery, Jose Pez Gordo Arte Contemporaneo, and Galleria de Ida Victoria are all locals favorites.

There are many opportunities to taste and buy a wide variety of famous (and not so famous) Mexican tequilas. Barhoppers in Cabo San Lucas should check out Pancho’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar, supposedly one of the largest tequila selections in the world with 500 plus and counting, or Cabo Wabo Cantina, including Sammy Hagar connections and tequila shop next door.

Over in San Jose, Los Barriles de Cuervo is a labor of love for friendly Rigoberto Cuervo Rosales, son of Don Malaquias Cuervo (a direct descendant of Jose Cuervo). Ask for a taste of the smooth Tequila Don Malaquias and about the miniature handmade white oak barrels--both are great buys.