Heaven on Earth - Where To Toss The Bags

Where To Toss The Bags

Direct, round-trip air service between Los Cabos International airport and many U.S. cities is offered by a number of commercial carriers, including Alaska, American, Frontier, AeroMexico and Mexicana. It’s best to book your ground transfers for the 45-mile drive from the airport in San Jose del Cabo to your East Cape resort in advance. Most East Cape hotels recommend T.T. Cabo Del Este taxi service (arrangements can be made through Van Wormer Resorts 877-777-8862).

Some of the nicest accommodations in East Cape are located on Bahia de Palmas near the small villages of Los Barriles and Buena Vista. Three of these resorts - Hotel Palmas de Cortez, Hotel Playa del Sol and Hotel Punta Colorada - were established back in the 1960s by legendary angler and adventurer Bobby Van Wormer, who still owns and operates them along with his two sons, Eddie and Chucky.

Once rustic lodges, the Van Wormer Resorts (www.vanwormerresorts.com) have undergone extensive renovations. Now first-class resorts, they offer traveling anglers a long list of creature comforts and amenities. Next door to Palmas de Cortez is the Van Wormer family’s latest project, the newly-built Villas de Cortez Resort Hotel and Condominiums, offering the most upscale accommodations in the East Cape. Of course, for anglers, the best part of staying at one of the above-mentioned resorts is easy access to the Van Wormer Sportfishing Fleet, featuring top-quality boats, excellent tackle and some of the most experienced skippers in all of Baja. The hotels also offer complete fish-cleaning, freezing and packaging services for a nominal fee.

Bring Your Camera

Although world-class fishing is the East Cape’s number one attraction, there are other things to see and do. For eco-minded types, a variety of adventure tours can be arranged through the various hotels. You can take a guided ATV tour of the region’s tropical treasures (waterfalls, coastal lagoons and mountains). Horseback rides along stretches of unspoiled beach or in the local mountains are also an option.

If you want to experience local culture and history, visit the small town of Santiago, 35 miles north of San Jose del Cabo. This village, founded in 1723 by an Italian priest who built a mission there, is known for its farming, orchards and the only zoo in southern Baja. Even closer to most of the East Cape resorts is the quaint little town of Los Barriles, which features a number of quaint art galleries, coffee shops, surf stores and tackle outfitters.

Snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity to dive nearby Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, an 11-mile long official government preserve featuring coral reefs and wrecks that play host to an amazing array of sea life.

The East Cape also offers some of the best wind-surfing and kite-surfing on the planet, especially during the winter and early spring when the winds kick into high gear. Other activities offered include, kayaking, tennis and biking. If you want to pitch and putt, there’s a new 9-hole course located next to the Villas De Palmas in Los Barriles.

Other Notes of Interest

About Southern Baja:

• Official Name: Baja California Sur
• Area: 28,369 square miles
• Capital: La Paz
• Location: In northwestern Mexico. The Baja California peninsula is comprised of two states, Baja California (the northern half of the peninsula) and Baja California Sur in the South. East Cape is located at the lower tip of Baja California Sur between San Jose Del Cabo to the south and La Paz to the north.
• Population: 480,000 (approx.)
• Religion: Predominantly Catholic
• Languages: Spanish
• Government: Democratic Republic
• Currency: Mexican Peso (10.8306 MXN = $1 USD)