The peninsula
Baja California is the 1,250km peninsula running south from the US border to Cabo San Lucas. There are two states: Baja California (north) and Baja California Sur (south).
La Paz
The capital of Baja California Sur. Quiet, less developed than Cabo, and the gateway to Espíritu Santo island and whale shark snorkeling tours.
Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas is the party-and-resorts town. San José del Cabo is its quieter, more Mexican neighbor. Both share the same airport.
Whale watching
Grey whales calve in Magdalena Bay and Laguna San Ignacio between January and April. Whale sharks visit La Paz from October to April.
Driving Baja
Mexico Federal Highway 1 runs the whole peninsula. The full Tijuana-Cabo drive is 1,700km — allow 5–7 days. Fuel up whenever you see a station.