La Paz, Baja California Sur
Encyclopedia
La Paz is the capital city of the Mexican
state
of Baja California Sur
and an important regional commercial center. The city had a 2010 census population of 215,178 persons, but its metropolitan population is somewhat larger because of surrounding towns like el Centenario, el Zacatal and San Pedro. Its surrounding municipality
, which is the fourth-largest municipality in Mexico in geographical size, reported a population of 251,871 persons living on a land area of 20275 km² (7,828.2 sq mi).
hunter-gatherer
s at least 10,000 years ago who left traces of their existence in the form of rock paintings near the city and throughout the Baja peninsula. On May 3, 1535, Hernán Cortés
arrived in the bay by La Paz and named it Santa Cruz; he attempted to start a colony but abandoned his efforts after several years due to logistical problems. In 1596 Sebastián Vizcaíno
arrived, giving the area its modern name, La Paz.
From January 10, 1854 to May 8, 1854 it served as the capital of William Walker's Republic of Sonora
. The project collapsed due to lack of US support and pressure from the Mexican government to retake the region.
La Paz is featured in the John Steinbeck
novel The Pearl
(1947) and mentioned extensively in his travelogue The Log from the Sea of Cortez
(1951). The city is also the setting of the children's novel The Black Pearl
(1967) by Scott O'Dell
, chosen as a Newbery Honor Book in 1968.
During the summer the cooling Coromuel
winds, a weather phenomenon unique to the La Paz area, blow during the night from the Pacific over the Peninsula and into the Bay of La Paz.
Eco-tourism is by far the most important source of tourism income in La Paz as people come to enjoy its marine wonders, as well as its diverse and often unique terrestrial species endemic to the region. Tourists also visit the city's balnearios
. There are some 900 islands and inlets in the Gulf of California with 244 now under UNESCO
protection as World Heritage Bio-Reserves and the Isla Espíritu Santo
group, which borders the south-eastern portion of the Bay of La Paz and are considered the crown jewels of the islands of the Gulf (also referred to as the Sea of Cortez/Mar de Cortes), the primary tourist destination of the area. Its diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are considered second to none.
La Paz is also favored by water enthusiasts for its marinas, boatyards, marine supply stores and cruiser club activities. The surrounding waters are full of adventure for experienced captains. Novice captains enjoy its nearby island coves for day or overnight trips along with a wealth of experienced sailors and boaters willing to share their expertise.
Industries include silver
mining, agriculture
, fishing
and pearl
s. Tourism is also an important source of employment for this coastal community.
Along with the area's marinas, new developments are emerging because of the proximity to the USA (2 hour flight from Los Angeles
), the mild weather, the services the city offers, and the peaceful atmosphere of this small city.
When Aero California
existed, its headquarters were in La Paz.
with flights to the most important cities of Mexico: Mexico City
, Guadalajara
, Monterrey
, and United States
, with a flight to Los Angeles
. Airlines flying into La Paz include Alaska Airlines
, Aeroméxico Connect, Volaris
and VivaAerobus. Two ferry
services operate from the port of Pichilingue outside the city, connecting the Baja California peninsula to the mainland at Mazatlán
and Topolobampo
, near Los Mochis
.
In September 2011, a bicycle lane was added to the Malecon road, giving cyclists a safe area where they are protected from cars by metal bumps and where they are a safe distance from walkers so not to cross paths.
La Paz is served mainly by two highways, highway 1 that links the south of the state from Cabo San Lucas to the north of the peninsula to Tijuana, and highway 19, that connects La Paz with the population of the south pacific towns such as Todos Santos and El Pescadero.
It is also served by two secondary roads, the Los Planes highway that connects La Paz with places like La Ventana, Ensenada de los Muertos and Los Planes, the other is the Pichilingue highway which links La Paz with its maritime port.
(UABCS, CIBNOR & CICIMAR), largely because it sits on the Gulf of California
which is the most bio-diverse body of water in the world. It also supports several other university level institutes of learning.
Tijuana
, Mexico
Ensenada, Mexico
Rosarito, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
state
States of Mexico
The United Mexican States is a federal republic formed by 32 federal entities .According to the Constitution of 1917, the states of the federation are free and sovereign. Each state has their own congress and constitution, while the Federal District has only limited autonomy with a local Congress...
of Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur , is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. Before becoming a state on October 8, 1974, the area was known as the South Territory of Baja California. It has an area of , or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises...
and an important regional commercial center. The city had a 2010 census population of 215,178 persons, but its metropolitan population is somewhat larger because of surrounding towns like el Centenario, el Zacatal and San Pedro. Its surrounding municipality
La Paz (municipality)
La Paz is a municipality of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Its area of 20,275 km² makes it the municipality in Mexico with the fourth-largest area. It had a population of 251,871 inhabitants in the 2010 census...
, which is the fourth-largest municipality in Mexico in geographical size, reported a population of 251,871 persons living on a land area of 20275 km² (7,828.2 sq mi).
History
La Paz was first inhabited by NeolithicNeolithic
The Neolithic Age, Era, or Period, or New Stone Age, was a period in the development of human technology, beginning about 9500 BC in some parts of the Middle East, and later in other parts of the world. It is traditionally considered as the last part of the Stone Age...
hunter-gatherer
Hunter-gatherer
A hunter-gatherer or forage society is one in which most or all food is obtained from wild plants and animals, in contrast to agricultural societies which rely mainly on domesticated species. Hunting and gathering was the ancestral subsistence mode of Homo, and all modern humans were...
s at least 10,000 years ago who left traces of their existence in the form of rock paintings near the city and throughout the Baja peninsula. On May 3, 1535, Hernán Cortés
Hernán Cortés
Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro, 1st Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century...
arrived in the bay by La Paz and named it Santa Cruz; he attempted to start a colony but abandoned his efforts after several years due to logistical problems. In 1596 Sebastián Vizcaíno
Sebastián Vizcaíno
Sebastián Vizcaíno was a Spanish soldier, entrepreneur, explorer, and diplomat whose varied roles took him to New Spain, the Philippines, the Baja California peninsula, the California coast and Japan.-Early career:...
arrived, giving the area its modern name, La Paz.
From January 10, 1854 to May 8, 1854 it served as the capital of William Walker's Republic of Sonora
Republic of Sonora
The Republic of Sonora was a federal republic composed of two states: Baja California and Sonora....
. The project collapsed due to lack of US support and pressure from the Mexican government to retake the region.
La Paz is featured in the John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck
John Ernst Steinbeck, Jr. was an American writer. He is widely known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden and the novella Of Mice and Men...
novel The Pearl
The Pearl (novel)
The Pearl is a novella by American author John Steinbeck, published in 1947.- Analysis :A story based on a Mexican folk tale, The Pearl explores the secrets of man's nature, the darkest depths of evil, and the disastrous effects of stepping out of an established system...
(1947) and mentioned extensively in his travelogue The Log from the Sea of Cortez
The Log from the Sea of Cortez
The Log from the Sea of Cortez is an English language book written by American author John Steinbeck and published in 1951. It details a six-week marine specimen-collecting boat expedition he made in 1940 at various sites in the Gulf of California , with his friend, the marine biologist Ed Ricketts...
(1951). The city is also the setting of the children's novel The Black Pearl
The Black Pearl (Scott O'Dell)
The Black Pearl is a young adult novel by Scott O'Dell first published in 1967 about the coming of age of the son of a pearl dealer living in the Baja peninsula. It was a Newbery Honor book in 1967.-Plot summary:...
(1967) by Scott O'Dell
Scott O'Dell
Scott O'Dell was an American children's author who wrote 26 novels for young people, along with three novels for adults and four nonfiction books...
, chosen as a Newbery Honor Book in 1968.
Climate
La Paz has an arid climate. The climate of La Paz is typically dry, warm and sunny with a year around average of between 23C-25C(75F-77F). Summer months (July-September) are often in the 30C’s(90F's) and can be humid. The winter months (December-February) are the coldest with temperatures dropping below 15C(60F), but mostly in the low 20’sC(68-75F). Breezes from Bahía de La Paz keep the temperature mild. The bay also acts as a barrier against seasonal storms in the Sea of Cortez. Rainfall is minimal, although infrequent downpours can bring heavy rains. La Paz averages over 300 days of sunshine annually.During the summer the cooling Coromuel
Coromuel
The Coromuel wind is a weather phenomenon unique to the La Paz area of the Baja California peninsula and adjoining Gulf of California . Occurring primarily in the late spring and summer, it is a south to south-west wind that typically starts late in the afternoon or early evening and blows...
winds, a weather phenomenon unique to the La Paz area, blow during the night from the Pacific over the Peninsula and into the Bay of La Paz.
Economy
The population of La Paz has grown greatly from the 2000 census and now stands at 215,178 people. This growth is largely because the city enjoys one of the highest standards of living and quality of life in Mexico, with average wages in the range of $27 USD per day, whereas minimum wages in the country overall stand at closer to $4.25 USD per day. Many of the poorer southern Mexican States' workers often have to work for half of that. For this reason many migrate to La Paz, and other areas in Baja California Sur, to enjoy a better life without leaving the country and still be able to remit portions of their incomes to their families in their home states.Eco-tourism is by far the most important source of tourism income in La Paz as people come to enjoy its marine wonders, as well as its diverse and often unique terrestrial species endemic to the region. Tourists also visit the city's balnearios
Balneario
Balneario is a Latin American seaside resort, although they may also occur along great lakes, rivers and at hot springs. In Spain balneario typically only refers to spa town resorts. Whatever the case these resorts offer recreation, sports, entertainment, food, hospitality and safety services,...
. There are some 900 islands and inlets in the Gulf of California with 244 now under UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
protection as World Heritage Bio-Reserves and the Isla Espíritu Santo
Isla Espíritu Santo
Isla Espíritu Santo is an island in the Gulf of California, off the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. It is connected to Isla Partida by a narrow isthmus....
group, which borders the south-eastern portion of the Bay of La Paz and are considered the crown jewels of the islands of the Gulf (also referred to as the Sea of Cortez/Mar de Cortes), the primary tourist destination of the area. Its diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are considered second to none.
La Paz is also favored by water enthusiasts for its marinas, boatyards, marine supply stores and cruiser club activities. The surrounding waters are full of adventure for experienced captains. Novice captains enjoy its nearby island coves for day or overnight trips along with a wealth of experienced sailors and boaters willing to share their expertise.
Industries include silver
Silver
Silver is a metallic chemical element with the chemical symbol Ag and atomic number 47. A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal...
mining, agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
, fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
and pearl
Pearl
A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of a mollusk, a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other...
s. Tourism is also an important source of employment for this coastal community.
Along with the area's marinas, new developments are emerging because of the proximity to the USA (2 hour flight from Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
), the mild weather, the services the city offers, and the peaceful atmosphere of this small city.
When Aero California
Aero California
Aero California was a low-cost airline with its headquarters in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, operating a network of domestic passenger flights with its hub at the city's Manuel Márquez de León International Airport..-History:...
existed, its headquarters were in La Paz.
Transportation
La Paz is served by Manuel Márquez de León International AirportManuel Márquez de León International Airport
Manuel Márquez de León International Airport is an international airport located at La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It handles national and international air traffic of the city of La Paz. In 2010, the airport handled 558,800 passengers, representing a 9.0% increase over 2009.-Airlines and...
with flights to the most important cities of Mexico: Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
, Guadalajara
Guadalajara
Guadalajara may refer to:In Mexico:*Guadalajara, Jalisco, the capital of the state of Jalisco and second largest city in Mexico**Guadalajara Metropolitan Area*University of Guadalajara, a public university in Guadalajara, Jalisco...
, Monterrey
Monterrey
Monterrey , is the capital city of the northeastern state of Nuevo León in the country of Mexico. The city is anchor to the third-largest metropolitan area in Mexico and is ranked as the ninth-largest city in the nation. Monterrey serves as a commercial center in the north of the country and is the...
, and United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, with a flight to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. Airlines flying into La Paz include Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is an airline based in the Seattle suburb of SeaTac, Washington in the United States. The airline originated in 1932 as McGee Airways. After many mergers with and acquisitions of other airlines, including Star Air Service, it became known as Alaska Airlines in 1944...
, Aeroméxico Connect, Volaris
Volaris
Concesionaria Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A. de C.V., operating as Volaris, is a low-cost airline from Mexico, and the country's second largest airline after Aeroméxico, thus being a leading competitor in the Mexican domestic market, with a market share of around 13-14% of domestic...
and VivaAerobus. Two ferry
Ferry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
services operate from the port of Pichilingue outside the city, connecting the Baja California peninsula to the mainland at Mazatlán
Mazatlán
Mazatlán is a city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa; the surrounding municipio for which the city serves as the municipal seat is Mazatlán Municipality. It is located at on the Pacific coast, across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula.Mazatlán is a Nahuatl word meaning...
and Topolobampo
Topolobampo
Topolobampo is a port on the Gulf of California in northwestern Sinaloa, Mexico. It is the fourth-largest town in the municipality of Ahome , reporting a 2005 census population of 6,032 inhabitants....
, near Los Mochis
Los Mochis
Los Mochis is a coastal city in northern Sinaloa, Mexico. It serves as the municipal seat of the municipality of Ahome. As of the 2010 census, the population was 256,613, which was 61 percent of the municipality's population....
.
Roads
Running along the coast in-front of La Paz is a 5km long Malecon Road. The main purpose of this road is to allow easy movement across the city however it quickly became the focal point of tourist related activities with a large number of bars, restaurants and shops opening up along its length. Since 2004 a large level of development to this road and its large sidewalk has taken place. The sidewalk offers a safe place for a large number of people to walk along the coastal front of La Paz.In September 2011, a bicycle lane was added to the Malecon road, giving cyclists a safe area where they are protected from cars by metal bumps and where they are a safe distance from walkers so not to cross paths.
La Paz is served mainly by two highways, highway 1 that links the south of the state from Cabo San Lucas to the north of the peninsula to Tijuana, and highway 19, that connects La Paz with the population of the south pacific towns such as Todos Santos and El Pescadero.
It is also served by two secondary roads, the Los Planes highway that connects La Paz with places like La Ventana, Ensenada de los Muertos and Los Planes, the other is the Pichilingue highway which links La Paz with its maritime port.
Education
La Paz is the state capital and center of commerce, as well as the home of the three leading marine biology institutes in Latin AmericaLatin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
(UABCS, CIBNOR & CICIMAR), largely because it sits on the Gulf of California
Gulf of California
The Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland...
which is the most bio-diverse body of water in the world. It also supports several other university level institutes of learning.
Sister cities
| Redondo Beach Redondo Beach, California Redondo Beach is one of the three Beach Cities located in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 66,748 at the 2010 census, up from 63,261 at the 2000 census. The city is located in the South Bay region of the greater Los Angeles area.Redondo Beach was originally part of... , United States Valley City Valley City, North Dakota As of the census of 2000, there were 6,826 people, 2,996 households, and 1,668 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,062.5 per square mile . There were 3,250 housing units at an average density of 982.0 per square mile... , United States |
Tijuana
Tijuana
Tijuana is the largest city on the Baja California Peninsula and center of the Tijuana metropolitan area, part of the international San Diego–Tijuana metropolitan area. An industrial and financial center of Mexico, Tijuana exerts a strong influence on economics, education, culture, art, and politics...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
Ensenada, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
Rosarito, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
External links
- Ayuntamiento de La Paz Official Website of Municipality of La Paz
- Marina de La Paz A marina in La Paz B.C.S.
- VivaLaPaz La Paz official visitors web page
- To Be In La Paz All the information you need about La Paz.
- http://www.allaboutcabo.com/allaboutcabo.com guide to information about La Paz and surrounding areas.