Natural Beauty of Baja California

It’s understandable to think of Cabo San Lucas and Tijuana when talking about Baja California, but it would be doing the entire peninsula a disservice if you didn’t know about all the natural beauty that Baja has to offer.

The state is home to seven national parks and is home to 700 endemic plant species, 25 endemic animal species, and 740 marine endemic species. Endemic means that these species cannot be found outside this area, which means Baja California is one of the most bio-diverse areas in Mexico and also has some of the most unique places to visit.

Biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez

Nearly 900 species of fish, with 77 found nowhere else on the planet, and 43 species of marine mammals call this place home. At least 26 species of seabirds breed on the islands. Not to mention the land and plant species we talked about above, but here are a few species you can visit when you visit Baja California.

Vaquita

This is probably one of the most famous marine animals in the area because they are a small, critically endangered porpoise that wasn’t discovered until the 1950s, with an estimated less than ten animals left in the wild and none in captivity. That makes Vaquitas the most endangered marine mammal in the world. 

Only found in the Gulf of California, vaquitas have black patches around their eyes and lips and small spade-shaped teeth the back of the body is dark Gray, while the underside is lighter in color they typically travel in groups of two.

Ctenosaura Hemilopha 

This is a type of spiny-tail iguana that can only be found on the mainland peninsula and the islands within the Gulf of California.

There are a couple of subspecies, all of which are endemic to Baja. They can grow to be about three feet long and are mostly herbivores. They also make their nests in old woodpecker nests and cactus holes.

National Parks

Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park

This beautiful national park is a mountain range that cuts down the middle of Baja California. The mountains in this national park have been compared to the Alpine region of the Alps. When I say Baja California and Italy share a climate, I mean it. The mountains in this region even get snow in the winter.

Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park is a great place to hike or camp for the more adventurous people buying a home in Mexico, or just a great place to visit as it’s only a short drive away from San Felipe.

Valle de los Gigantes 

Down the road from San Felipe is another national park, Valle de Los Gigantes, or Valley of the Giants. This historic site hosts giant cacti that have been a popular tourist site for some time. 

These giant cacti have been around for centuries and give the region a unique, otherworldly landscape. You can find some of the largest cacti here, some of which grow to be over 55 feet tall. 

These are only two unique destinations you can visit when living in San Felipe. Visit here for more attractions around San Felipe. But if you ask yourself where in San Felipe you should set up your home, we have a few suggestions.

Loreto National Marine Park

This is one of North America’s largest marine parks, with 2,065.81 square kilometers (797.61 sq mi) of wonderfully protected islands, cliffs, and submarine canyons. This area is a wonderful place to see dolphins, manta rays, sea lions, whales, and even blue whales.

Biosphere Reserve of the Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta

The Colorado River Delta feeds into the Gulf of California at the furthest point of the Gulf, but water scarcity has led to the river is all but dried up.

A sanctuary for rare endemic species in danger of extinction, such as the totoaba and the vaquita, the smallest type of dolphin on the planet, the Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta Biosphere Reserve is a unique place with extraordinary biological richness.

In addition, 29 species of land mammals, over 300 types of resident and migratory birds, and over 350 types of plants, of which at least 15 are endemic, were counted in the reserve. In addition, Mexican legislation provides special protection for 50 species native to the area that are at risk.

Given the sheer variety of species that call the area home, The Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta Biosphere Reserve was declared a Natural Protected Area in 1993. It has an area of 934,000 hectares (2,300,000 acres), of which more than 60% corresponds to the marine ecosystem where some 18 species of mammals and 149 types of coastal-marine fish live, including several endemic species.

San Felipe

San Felipe is an amazing city on the northern mouth of the Sea of Cortez. They strive to maintain the natural beauty of the area as well as the waters of their neighboring sea. International Land Alliance’s real estate developments in San Felipe also strive to maintain the area by offering sustainable living through sustainable building practices and powering our homes with green energy. To find out more about our homes at Oasis Park and Rancho Costa Verde, please visit us at our website.

Rancho Costa Verde

International Land Alliance is working hard to develop a beautiful piece of land just south of the town center. More than 1,000 lots and 70 homes have been built at Rancho Costa Verde, and if you are looking to buy property in Mexico in 2022 and beyond, this may be the development for you. 

Rancho Costa Verde is a gated, beachfront community that also boasts a fabulous hotel and pool. 

Whether you are looking to rent or own, getaway, or stay for a while, Rancho Costa Verde has accommodations for you and your family. Not only are you close to so many wonderful attractions, but you also have the security and privacy you need.

Oasis Park

Nestles between the ocean and the mountains, this is a great place to lay down your roots. This place is great for anyone looking for a location for their second home or something close to nature for their forever home. If you are looking to invest in real estate, please visit us here.