WORLD HERITAGE SITES OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR ENTICE AND ENCHANT TRAVELERS
Mexico ranks first in the Americas and eighth worldwide in this regard, with a total of 25 World Heritage sites within its borders; and the State of Baja California Sur Mexico is the setting for three of the most significant. The Sierra de San Francisco in El Vizciano reserve of Baja California Sur, declared a World Heritage site in 1993, contains one of the most exceptional collections of prehistoric rock paintings in the world. Left behind by an ancient civilization which inhabited the land between 100 B.C. and 1300 A.D., the paintings have been remarkably well preserved due to their sheltered location as well as the region’s dry climate. Colorful illustrations of human figures along with a multitude of animal species including rabbits, puma, goats, whales, turtles, octopus, eagles and pelicans can be found on both the walls and roofs of remote caves. The use of representation techniques such as flat color, silhouette, and shading is testament to the highly developed nature of Baja Sur’s early inhabitants.
On the other side of the Baja Peninsula, the Gulf of Baja California (also known as the Sea of Cortes) and its 244 islands, islets and coastal areas were declared the state’s third World Heritage site in 2005. Referred to as the “world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the region is home to 695 vascular plant species, more than any other locale on the World Heritage list. These bountiful waters are the natural habitat for 891 fish species, 39% of the world’s total number of species of marine mammals and a third of the world’s cetacean species. The Sea of Cortes provides a naturally beautiful setting of islands, high cliffs and pristine waters which prove to surprise and delight eco-adventure travelers from around the world. Eco-tourists, families, honeymooners, mature travelers, artists, photographers, and others delight in their discovery of Baja California Sur. Within convenient driving distance from Los Cabos and with non-stop flights or connecting service to La Paz from numerous U.S. and Mexican cities, Baja California Sur is both accessible and exotic. For more information about Baja California Sur call (877) MY-BAJA SUR or visit www.mybajasur.com. MORE MARVELOUS THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MEXICOBEST MAP GUIDEBOOKS MEXICO: HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAVEL GUIDE INSIGHT GUIDES MEXICO A TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE JEWISH CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH AMERICAN LET’S GO MEXICO Lonely Planet Mexico EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDES MEXICO FOLK WISDOM OF MEXICO TRAVELERS TALES GUIDES MEXICAN DAYS MOON HANDBOOKS PACIFIC MEXICO Michelin Tourist Guide to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize HIDDEN BAJA EAT SMART IN MEXICO LIVE BETTER SOUTH OF THE BORDER ON MEXICAN TIME BEST SOUVENIRS OF MEXICO Damiana. A sweet liquor believed to be an aphrodisiac. I think it works because it is so yummy you drink too much. And the bottle could be a collector’s item, it is shaped like a voluptuous nude woman Mexican sea salt. Easily available in supermarkets. A wonderful gifts for gourmet foodie friends. Other food gifts include mountain grown coffee, Mexican vanilla, and sweets made of tamarindo and coconut. MOST REQUESTED THINGS TO BRING BACK FOR FRIENDS MY FAVORITE MEXICAN DRINK Combine all ingredients and blend with ice TO GET A TASTE OF MEXICO AT HOME LA COMIDA DEL BARIO A YUCATAN KITCHEN SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS OF MEXICO MEXICO MUSIC FROM THE COFFEE LANDS Edited by Madelyn Miller Madelyn Miller is a writer and web entrepreneur who writes for www.travellady.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, and www.carladynews.com |
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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage sites are historical, cultural and natural landmarks that represent the rich mores of a country. Since 1972, UNESCO has selected 812 properties in 137 countries worldwide as deserving international recognition by its inclusion on the World Heritage List. 
Also present in El Vizciano is the remarkable Whale Sanctuary. While whales migrate through the Pacific Ocean along the entire 1300 km length of the Baja Peninsula each winter, the coastal lagoons of Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio are recognized as the primary hosts for the propagation of the grey whale species. Half of the world’s population of grey whale calves is born here each year. The lagoon’s unique ecosystem additionally provide reproduction and wintering sites for the harbor seal, California Sea Lion, northern elephant seal, blue whale and four species of the endangered marine turtle. Vacationers can view these majestic mammals in this protected setting for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.