Pichilingue

Pichilingue is a small port town and famous beach some 30 minutes north from the city of La Paz, in Baja California Sur. The area may be best known for the ferries that arrive from Mazatlán and Topolobampo, cerca de Los Mochis. But the area is also really important for the giant Balandra Flora and Fauna Protection Area. The natural wildlife preserve covers two big areas to the north of La Paz, nearly just outside of the port to the north and the south.

Balandra is a living ecosystem. Among the mangroves, the estuary is home to a sanctuary of marine and land birds that bring the landscape to life. The area is both a World Heritiage site and RAMSAR Site recognized for its ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, and hydrological importance. The larger area contains dunes, islands, reefs, and smaller bays that make it an ideal destination for snorkeling, kayaking, diving, paddle boarding, and some of the most overwhelming natural beauty available to humankind. And that is no exaggeration.   

The Balandra beach, often cited as the most beautiful in all of Mexico is along the same route. This is in addition to the Tecolote, Pichilingue and El Tesoro beaches. There are others still closer to the city, perhaps most famously the El Coromel beach. Closer to the city there are a number of private resorts, but people visit for the fantastic natural landscape, and for the chance to enjoy some of the most stunning and dramatic places on earth. 

From La Paz, visitors can take the Playa Bus every 20 minutes from the bus terminal located on the coastal boardwalk between Independencia Street and 5 de Mayo Street. Fares are reasonable and they can bring you back too.  Visits to La Paz are necessary too, of course. And the little state capital offers a wealth of diversion, from museums, shops and galleries, to places to plan your next exciting excursion.