About 50 miles north of Cabo on the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula is a pueblo magico called Todos Santos – All Saints. And truly, the handiwork of all the saints seems to be reflected everywhere in our home town. It’s easy to imagine that St. Anthony (San Antonio), the Patron Saint of the Desert, had his hand in the underground springs that make the town a true desert oasis, thick with palms, lush with lagoons and filled with the birds they attract. St. Francis (San Francisco), Patron Saint of the Environment, seems like a sure bet for the town’s seemingly endless miles of pristine beach – home to 5 of the 7 turtle species found in the world, host to surf breaks that make the town one of the best surfing destinations on the Cape, and favored people watching spot of gray whales on their annual trip to Baja because they can get so close to shore. St. Isidore (San Isidro), Patron Saint of Agriculture, almost certainly got in on the act with the vast orchards of mango trees and fields filled with strawberries, chilies and herbs, while St. Peter (San Pedro), Patron Saint of Fishermen, could easily be the wily soul who ensured no natural harbor in the town to keep the waters from being overfished and therefore full of bounty for the intrepid local fishermen, masters of the surf launch and landing. But perhaps the saint who most shaped the town with his piece of manna was St. Aaron (San Aron), the Patron Saint of anyone who lives a passionate life. Todos Santos may be a tiny town but it is filled with Mexican and expatriate artists, chefs, musicians, fishermen, photographers, philanthropists, surfers, sculptors, farmers, film-makers, potters, spiritualists, naturalists, adventurers, entrepreneurs, explorers, yogis and more, all pursuing their passions in this paradise that draws, inspires and drives them. The result is one heckuva place to indulge your passions for travel and adventure so grab your St. Christopher (the Patron Saint of Travelers) and head to Todos Santos!
The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve on the southern tip of the Baja peninsula is one of Baja´s most beautiful but least explored areas. Part of an island off the coast of Baja 10 million years ago, the Reserve is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Reflecting its long history of island isolation, almost 25% of plants and 10% of animals found in the Reserve are endemic to the area, i.e, they are not found anywhere else on the planet. In a recent study in the Reserve, scientists documented entirely new species of plants and insects that had never been seen before, and they believe there are many more yet to be discovered. In addition to wildlife such as mountain lions, mule deer, gophers and badgers, a wonderful array of birdlife inhabits the reserve, including the endemic cape pygmy owl, Xantus hummingbird and Belding´s yellowthroat.
The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve is nestled between Todos Santos to the west and Los Barriles to the east, La Paz to the north and Los Cabos to the south. It is an island of lushness surrounded by shores of desert and sand.
As previously described
The amazing Isla Espiritu Santo is one of 900 islands in the Espiritu Santo Archipelago that are part of the Gulf of California Islands Flora and Fauna Protected Area established in 1978. In 2005 Espiritu Santo and 244 other islands in the Sea of Cortez were named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 2007 the Marine Zone of Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park was established. This marine national park covers an area of 48,000 hectares and includes Isla Espiritu Santo and La Partida, the island right next door. Because of its protected status, no permanent structures of any sort are allowed in Isla Espiritu Santo, aside from the camps of the local fishermen who have traditionally made their living from the island and its surrounding waters, and from whom we regularly buy seafood for the camp. Ecotourism companies must be fully licensed and registered to conduct operations on the island, and basecamps must be completely dismantled for a few months each year to allow the beaches to rest. Every visitor to Espiritu Santo contributes to the maintenance of the park through park fees. Your guide will give you a full briefing on the park rules and regulations that help protect the flora and fauna of the area, and we ask everyone to do their part to maintain the wild natural beauty of this remarkable place.
As previously described
