#1 Land’s End is not the southern most point.
Yes the iconic arch is a beautiful symbol of the southern tip. It is not however the southern most point. That distinction goes to Cabo Falso a few miles west and a smidge more south. That is the point where the Pacific begins at the old Lighthouse. This was the first permanent structure built in 1905. It was decommissioned when the new lighthouse was built on the top of the mountain. The old lighthouse has been surrounded by the Quivira golf course to the disappointment of the local history buffs. It was once a favorite area for ATV tours.
#2 Our state has the most beaches in Mexico.
The beaches in Baja California Sur are amazing and very clean due to the remoteness and the prevailing ocean currents. To the south of the tip you will have to go 12,863 km or just under 8,000 miles until you reach land in Antarctica. So do not swim south. To the east is Hawaii 4718 km or about 3,000 miles. The state coastline measures 2230 km just under 1400 miles. That makes it Mexico’s longest with 22% of the total. It also has the most islands, predominately in the Gulf of California. Side note our Sea of Cortez has a Nickname- El Acuario Del Mundo (The aquarium of the world.) Mexicans prefer to call the Sea of Cortez el Golfo de California due to the nasty, murderous reputation of Hernán Cortés
#3 BCS is the least crowded state in Mexico.
With all the new hotels and developments popping up all over the place one could mistakenly think we are getting crowded. Especially on Medano Beach during Spring Break. But BCS has the lowest population of any state in Mexico and a huge amount of land with 73,909 km2 (28,536 sq mi) and less than 1 million inhabitants. Another reason to rent a Jeep and go adventuring.
#4 We are the newest state in Mexico.
Baja California Sur is the newest state admitted into Mexico October 8, 1974. Prior known as El Territorio Sur de Baja California (Southern Territory of Baja.) We were similar to the territory of Puerto Rico to the USA, except we received better aid and respect from our sovereign nation. The year 1974 was a big deal as that was when Highway 1 was completed and the year the San Lucas Marina was opened.
#5 We own the luxury category for resorts.
We have 4 of the top 100 resorts in the world according to Condé Nast and have the highest average hotel rates in Mexico at $300 a night, plus a heavy hotel tax of 13% plus the IVA of 16% OUCH! But that higher cost and level of luxury gives us an unique experience and highest quality of restaurants, yacht charters, activities, tours and infrastructure. You don’t have to stay in the top four luxury resorts to have an amazing stay as there are a wide range of great properties in every price category.
#6 We have beautiful mountains.
People know us for our ample supply of clean beaches, the bio diversity of our waters, the epic fishing and the world class golfing. Most don’t know us for our amazing mountain ranges. These mountains are up to 2,080 m (6,820 ft)in the Sierra de la Lagunas. There are many waterfalls, hot springs and swimming holes in which to choose. So on your next visit be sure to explore the mountain towns of Miraflores, Santiago, el Triunfo and Aqua Calientes. The name means The lakes of the sierras but that is due to the ancient lake beds high up in the mountain range. Today there are no natural lakes.
#7 Los Cabo’s is exploding in growth.
You may know there are new hotels by the looks of the numerous cranes up and down the corridor. What you didn’t know is that there are 20+ major developments currently underway within Los Cabos. The international jet setters have discovered just how wonderful we have it here on our desert by the sea. The big boy luxury companies are ‘all in’ with some massive plans. Names like Montage, Ritz Carlton Reserve, The Luxury Collection at Solaz, St Regis Los Cabos, Cesar’s Palace, Nobu Hotel, Hard Rock, Aman Resorts, Park Hyatt and two separate Four Seasons
are either in construction or being planned. If you are missing the simple ways of the old Cabo don’t despair all you need to do is rent a Jeep and head out to Cerritos, Cabo Pulmo, Ventanas or Pescadero. There are plenty of wonderful boutique hotel options all over the southern tip so remember you have options.
#8 Most everyone in Los Cabos is from somewhere else.
Cabo San Lucas used to be a small, sleepy fishing village of a few thousand lucky souls. Today there are people from all over the world living and working in Los Cabos. If you are over 25 years old you are most likely from somewhere else. In our neighborhood alone we have friends from Italy, Britain, Spain, Poland, Columbia, Chile, Brazil and of course Canada, USA and Mexicans from all over Mexico. You never know which language will be spoken at the pool. Fortunately for us most speak decent English. Side note- this diversity brings a great wealth and variety of restaurants.
#9 Mount Solmar is really Cerro Del Vigia.
The mountain above the arch is commonly called Mount Solmar due to the original hotel Solmar by Luis Bulnes. Long before this fishing lodge the 560 foot mountain was called El Vigía or the Watcher. This was an ideal lookout for incoming galleons of pirates or even worse Spanish missionaries
The Arch is part of the oldest rock formation that dates back an estimated 84 million years. That makes it truly old and appears to be sculpted sand stone but is in fact ancient granite. The whole peninsula splintered from mainland approximately 4 million years ago during a giant seismic event that is still active today called the San Andreas Fault.
#10 Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach have a dubious origin.
Originally the two beaches had just one name Playa Doña Chepita. The old time Choyeros (local Cabo residents that were born here) still use this term to refer to the Beach that was used for the oldest business in the world. Yes Seniorita Doña Chepa was a working girl who used this isolated area to sell her services to the fishermen of the area. Once the wives found out about their husbands proclivities they were possibly going to end up divorciado. The name Playa Amor was an inside joke that the gringos mistook as Lover’s Beach and the wider Pacific beach became Playa Divorcio or Divorce Beach. In any event this is a place of romance both innocent and unsavory.
