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Though the area boasts an average of about 340 sunny days a year, it receives enough rain between July and November that parts of it are classified as “arid tropical forest” by botanists. Woodlands of oak and piñons in the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range make up the rest of the area’s botanical specificity. While about 4,000 plant species grow on the Baja Peninsula––from the small elephant tree to the spiny ocotillo––the Cape Region’s vegetation is dominated by cactus, other drought–tolerant plants, and pine and palm trees.
As for creatures, Los Cabos is still on the wild side. Several species of lizards and iguanas share their territory with coyotes, gray foxes, raccoons and even bobcats, but you’re not very likely to have a face–to–face encounter with any of these as they are active primarily at night.
The 125–acre estuary in San José del Cabo is a bird–watcher’s paradise and the only officially designated bird sanctuary on the Baja peninsula. Within its confines are white–winged doves, vermillion flycatchers, macaws, hummingbirds and up to 100 other species. It is located at the end of Paseo de San José, the street that runs along “hotel row” in San José. Drive completely to the end of the street to the Presidente InterContinental Hotel. Signs will point you to a walkway that leads to the estuary.
There are several ways available to explore Baja’s amazing wilderness. If you like the wind in your hair and a cloud of dust behind you, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are for you. Speeding across the desert and over sand dunes along the shore, you’ll witness some of the most spectacular views in Los Cabos. ATVs are available for rent at Baja ‘s Activities. A 3–hour tour is $60 U.S for a single vehicle and $80 U.S. for a double. For reservations call (624) 142-2922.
Horseback riding allows visitors a unique opportunity to experience the landscape at a more leisurely pace. Horses can be rented at Cabo Real’s Cuadra San Francisco Equestrian Center (624) 144-0160.
And if you like to touch and feel as well as see things up close, a hiking tour into the Sierra de La Laguna Mountains is for you. This area was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1994. It attracts many hikers, mountain bikers and naturalists. Reliable tour operators offering daily mountain excursions include Baja Xplorer Expeditions (624) 142-4082 at $75 U.S, per person and Cabo Xtreme (624) 130-7959 at $90 U.S. per person.––Anna Urbanik
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