La Paz is a town located by a bay of the same name on the eastern part of southern Baja, in Mexico. Over 12 thousand years ago, humans have occupied the area which is now known as California, originally by nomadic groups that subsisted thanks to fishing, hunting and seed harvesting.
As proof of the ancient presence of these groups, signs and traces have been found such as cave paintings, which are protected now as part of the heritage of this area. Currently, the city of La Paz offers its visitors beautiful beaches, interesting colonial architecture and lovely landscapes, all this along with the warmth and hospitality of its people. In La Paz vacations, you can't miss out on all these eye-catching attractions.
Description
La Paz features an excellent location which is why it is an important departure point to a great variety of tours and excursions to beautiful sites that will place you in direct contact with true nature. The city of La Paz was born as a result of the battles between the different invaders, explorers, colonists, evangelists and merchants. These historic facts, full of legends, incidents, traditions and challenges, create an enigmatic and magical ambiance expressed in La Paz' rich culture. The incomparable sunsets that you will be able to admire on La Paz vacations, drape over this gorgeous town every day of the year.
This charming place marks the entrance to the bay and all its tourist attractions. You can enjoy incredible beaches during your La Paz vacations, as well as the extraordinary islands (where you can also find the famous town of Todos Santos) full of natural diversity, impressive cave paintings, natural and artificial reefs for a more interesting diving experience and whale watching.
La Paz and its surrounding areas are the perfect places for ecotourism. It represents one of the most internationally renowned vacation destinations for diving since it offers different places to practice this exciting activity. These spots are located along the bay, on the islands of Espiritu Santo, San Jose and Cerralvo.
History
This magical bay is located in a key region of the Sea of Cortez. It was discovered and inhabited by colonists coming from Spain in the 1500s and by evangelists of the 18th century.
It was Hernan Cortez who arrived first and tried to colonize these territories on May 13, 1535. He disembarked on this land, inspired by the stories telling of an enchanted place, inhabited by women and lots of precious stones. He named this region the Bay of Santa Cruz, even though the real colonization did not start until 1720, when the Jesuits built the mission of Nuestra Senora del Pilar de La Paz.
The Spanish merchant Sebastian Vizcaino was responsible for giving this town its current name. He traveled all the way along the Peninsula of Baja California, some time between June and November in 1596, and after exploring the coast of the Gulf of California, he founded this particular place in the bay called "Bahia de La Paz" (La Paz Bay).