ZOCO SURFING ADVENTURES

SURFING HOLIDAYS IN MEXICO, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

MEXICO'S STATE OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

Baja California Sur is one of the 31 States of Mexico, occupying the part of the Baja California Peninsula south of the 28th parallel. It is bordered to the north by the state of Baja California, to the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to the east by the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez.

The state is known for its natural riches, and for its tourism. In the north is located the Vizcaíno Desert, as well as the small coastal lakes of San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre, which are protected by the federal government. The state includes the Pacific islands of Natividad, Magdalena, and Santa Margarita, as well as the islands of San Marcos, Coronados, Carmen, Monserrat, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, San Diego, San José, San Francisco, Partida, Espíritu Santo, and Cerralvo, which are located in the Gulf of California.

In 2003, its estimated population was 463,500 people. The state is also home to the tourist resorts of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

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LORETO

Located 84 miles south of Mulegé and 217 miles north of La Paz is the historic town of Loreto (loh-REH-toh) or 'Conchó' in the indigenous language which means 'red mangrove'. Not only is it the oldest town in Baja California, founded in 1697 by the Jesuits, but its surrounding scenery is incomparable; the magnificent Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, the awesome desert and the azure Sea of Cortez.

Facing Loreto (pop. 10,000) are the wonderful islands such as the Coronados with its turquoise waters and sea lion colonies; Isla Carmen with its beautiful beaches and coves; the Danzantes with its rocky edges and small coves, a paradise for scuba diving; and Catalina, a favorite of the ecologist with its unique flora and fauna.

The surroundings of islands offer the great sportfishing with an abundance of fish like yellowtail, sailfish, dorado, marlin, wahoo and roosterfish. Sportfishing has made Loreto famous and is one of its main tourist activities. Likewise, great schools of dolphins can be observed and with any luck, one might see the blue whale, the biggest animal on the planet. Recently a wide area of the Sea of Cortez in front of Loreto was declared a Nation Marine Park by the Mexican government thus preserving the pristine waters here.

As the oldest permanent settlement and first capital of Baja, Loreto is steeped in history. The mission of Nuestro Señora de Loreto, built in 1752, has been rebuilt due to earthquakes and floods many times, but serves as the lead mission in colonialization of the Baja peninsula. A museum filled with religious art and colonial artifacts is found next door. One of Baja's most magnificent missions, San Javier, can be found 23 miles to the west in the Sierras. A must see!

There is an 18 hole golf course and a magnificent tennis center with 9 courts and a stadium, considered among the best in Baja.

Loreto has an international airport which is served daily from California, a bus depot, and excellent tourism services; hotels up to five stars, bed & breakfast inns, restaurants, R.V. parks and campgrounds, car rentals, recreational services and much more.

The residents of Loreto are very friendly and welcoming toward windsurfers and surfers. As with most of the places in Baja, it is very special and visitors should give the utmost consideration and respect to the residents and locals.

Source: Mexonline.com