By: Marcia Abramson
I had visited Los Cabos for the first time more than a decade ago on a Mexican Riviera Cruise sailing the Blue Pacific Ocean. The beauty and serenity of the area left a lasting impression on me. It is where the Pacific Ocean meets with the Sea of Cortez with the site's most famous geographic landmark "El Arco" which dips into the sea at the meeting spot between the two bodies of water and was believed to be formed by the pounding waters on both sides. The geography of the region is the spectacular mix of an exquisite desert landscape, white sand beaches and scraggy rock formations. Recently, I returned to Baja California and Los Cabos by AeroMexico from JFK to find a vibrant fast-growing vacation destination with a history and diversity as rich as all of Mexico. There are now also more than 150 to 200 flights weekly on American, Delta, Continental, Alaska, American West, Mexicana Airlines from major American cities that land at San Jose del Cabo International airport, making it more accessible. It is understandable that this is the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts as well as romantics. In fact the celebrated author Ernest Hemingway found Cabos to be the best place for game fishing and marlin angling in his lifetime. Bing Crosby, the famous crooner, took advantage of the first-rate golf courses as well as the rich fishing waters. They enjoyed the secluded getaways of Los Cabos in the 1950s and 60s. Currently just about every top movie star finds their way to Los Cabos and you can find yourself rubbing shoulders with the likes of George Clooney, Julia Roberts and even Ben Aflack and Jennifer Lopez.
Los Cabos is made up of two distinctly different towns. There is San Jose del Cabo to the northeast and Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip. They comprise a 20-mile seacoast "Corridor." San Jose del Cabot is the picturesque, historic sleepy mission town founded in the 18th century. I enjoyed its quaintness, typical of 19th century Mexico. On the other hand, Cabot San Lucas, with the famous landmark, the famed arch "el Arco" has shops, restaurants, nightclubs open round the clock with my favorite mariachi bands and a delightful zocalo (town square), bordered by al fresco shops, food stalls and lively marimba music in the center of the zocalo.
I stayed at the Fiesta American, a top-quality comfortable Mexican property. However, with the increased air accessibility, more upscale international hotels and chains including Hilton, Rosewood, Starwood, Auberge and Melita in addition to the classic independent resorts in breath taking scenic environs are dotting the landscape.
There is no dearth of activities for the Los Cabos visitor. I found a great way to relax with the wonderful all encompassing spas at the resort hotels. They range from the full service European style to the exotic and innovative massage and are fast becoming one of Latin America's important spa destinations for me and other visitors to Los Cabos.
The warm Sea of Cortez waters were inviting enough for me to take some kayaking instruction and take to the oars and go off to explore the sea. Of course there are also a plethora of water sports including snorkeling, water skiing, parasailing, surfing, scuba diving and wind surfing. A spectacular dive to the Sands Fall was featured in a Jacques Cousteau television special. Gorda Banks is for the more experienced diver where the hammerhead and whale sharks swim and feed in the deep waters.
In addition to beach horseback riding and desert excursions, I chose a ride through the desert in a dune buggy. It was an interesting experience, noteworthy for blowing sand and loud noise. I plan to stick to the tranquility of the azure Sea of Cortez waters to marvel at the awesome coral reefs and observe the antics of the Gray Whales. The California Grays make their winter home in Los Cabos where they bear and rear their young. January through March are the best times for whale watching either by plane or by boat.
Los Cabos is also the best place for game fishing in America. Novices and experienced anglers catch more than 40,000 marlin each year. There are rumored to be more varieties of fish here than anywhere on earth, with most concessionaires adhering to a policy of "catch and release," unless you plan to dine on your catch. Affordable prices for fishing excursions make this a very popular sport.
Additionally, golfing is taking the spotlight with five fairways and 81 championship and recreational holes. The elite designers of the greens, Nicklaus, Trent Jones II, Tom Weiskopf and Fazio, produced noteworthy challenges for golfers.
All in all I could not find a more desirable vacation mecca for a peaceful sojourn.
For more information contact your local travel agent or call 1-866 Los Cabos or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.loscabos.com."
© Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@aol.com
