Baja California

The narrow peninsula of Baja California extends southward from the Californian border to the town of Cabo San Lucas for nearly 800 miles, flanked by the Sea of Cortez on the east and the Pacific on the west. The region is home to huge cacti, pine forests, stunning desert landscapes, extinct volcanoes and fascinating wildlife. Baja is renowned for its luxurious hotels and endless recreational activities, such as surfing, sailing, scuba diving and world-class fishing. Perhaps most famous of all is the whale and dolphin watching, the best time of year for this being Jan to Mar. Other highlights include the town of Loreto, with its centuries-old Jesuit mission and La Paz, where old world grace blends with contemporary culture.