It’s probably safe to say, that when asked which fruit is the most popular fruit in the world, the majority of Americans and Canadians would respond with apples or bananas. That response would be normal, but far from accurate.

To the astonishment of most North Americans, mangoes are consumed worldwide by a factor of three to one over bananas and ten to one over apples. Although mangoes are still considered to be exotic fruits in America, ranking as number 24 of the top 25 fruits consumed in the US, they are considered to be staples in India, South Asia, China, and Latin America; often being referred to as “the king of the fruits”. Evidently, those in the many far corners of the world have learned something that has yet to be discovered in North America!

There are over 2,000 different varieties of mangoes ranging in size from a few ounces to as much as four pounds. One thing they all have in common is their nutritional value; mangoes are a fantastic source of vitamins C and E, niacin, potassium, iron, and beta carotene which converts to vitamin A in the body.

The fresh, ripe mango is a very juicy and sweet fruit with a unique and delicious taste. Some mangoes have a soft and pulpy texture similar to an over-ripe plum, while others have a firmer flesh similar to that of a cantaloupe.

Mangoes are widely used in chutney, fruit bars, cereal products, juices, pies, ice creams, and even milk shakes. Although a little messy due to their high juice content, they can be enjoyed simply by slicing the fruit as you would a peach or pear.

Okay, now that we know what the most popular fruit in the world is, we must determine from where in the world these mangoes come. Mangoes are grown throughout the tropics but India is by far the largest producer and consumer of mangoes in the world. In fact, for more than 6,000 years, mango trees have been a status symbol in India. Behind India are other areas within South Asia and parts of Australia. It wasn’t until the 19th century that mangoes were introduced to parts of Africa, South America, Hawaii, and Mexico.

For years, India has been unsuccessfully negotiating the exportation of mangoes to the US, however just recently some agreements have been finalized, clearing the way for exportation of mangoes from India to the US. In return, they will allow the US to export peas, beans, almonds, and would you believe, Harley Davidson motorcycles to India. Of those mangoes that currently make their way to the US and Canada, approximately 80% come from Mexico with the majority being grown in the Mexican state of Nayarit which is on the same latitude as Hawaii.

Nayarit, one of Mexico’s 31 states, is located along the Pacific Ocean having its southern border with the state of Jalisco. The beautiful tourist destination and retirement community of Puerto Vallarta lies at the border of these two states with its downtown area or El Centro located in Jalisco and Nuevo Vallarta located in Nayarit. Puerto Vallarta is located at the northern end of the Mexican Riviera and just recently, Fonatur, the National Tourism and Development Board of Mexico, has coined the term Riviera Nayarit for that section of pristine and majestic Pacific shoreline in the state of Nayarit. As a note of interest, Fonatur has recently earmarked billions of dollars for a 15 year development program that will include more than 20,000 new condos and villas with the associated infrastructure. This entire area is surrounded by mango orchards where approximately 1.5 million metric tons of mangoes are grown annually, making Mexico the third largest producer of mangoes after India and China.

After vacationing in Vallarta two or three times a year for 15 years we decided to move there in 1997 and make Vallarta our permanent retirement destination. We bought our dream villa on the mountainside with a panoramic view of Banderas Bay in an area known as the Beverly Hills of Vallarta. One of our first projects was to landscape the

There is no question that Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for a family vacation, but a stay in a Puerto Vallarta villa rental can be an incredibly rewarding experience for a party of adults, too. A nice feature of playing in the company of other, so-called ?grown-ups? is the chance to enjoy some of the advantages of advancing age away from the prying eyes of youngsters who never miss a thing.

Ain?t It Great to be All Grown Up?
Among the pleasures of adult-hood is the opportunity to partake of grown-up libations on occasion, and who says that a late afternoon spent around the private pool of your Puerto Vallarta villa rental isn?t an occasion? You only need ask, and you?ll find someone among the staff who can help you build a perfect drink. If you want to go traditional Mexico, you?ll probably find yourself sipping something that includes tequila, the national drink of Mexico, in the mix.

Ah, but what if you prefer to savor the liquid taste of Mexico in a more public setting? Any number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs can mix a drink for you and your friends. Before you start ordering, it might not be a bad idea to understand what?s in that drink, though. To mix a margarita, your bartender will mix tequila, cointreau, and fresh lemon juice, poured into a frosted glass rimmed with salt.

Depending on how far you trust other drinkers? opinions, you can partake of what is said to be the Best Margarita in Puerto Vallarta. Folks who responded to the local Reader?s Choice awards survey anointed Daiquiri Dick?s at Los Altas 314 in El Centro as the margarita champ. El Arrayan, also in El Centro at Allende 344, came in as runner-up. According to an unscientific and unofficial survey, a remarkably good margarita can be had at Steve?s Sports Bar at Basilio Badillo 286, as well.

What Did You Call that Drink?
Mexico has made another contribution to the imbibers of the world ? Kahlua. When you choose drinks made with this smooth coffee-flavored liqueur, be careful ? these yummy concoctions go down way to easily. Those who are determined to en joy only those things in Mexico that originate in Mexico might try a sip of the unfortunately-named Cockroach: 1

Michael Cottam, one of the founders of TheBigDay, offers advice on how to go about choosing where to go on your honeymoon.

So you’re engaged…congratulations! One of the most fun parts about getting married is planning that honeymoon trip of a lifetime. And if you haven’t even narrowed it down to a country, much less an island or a resort, don’t worry-many (if not most!) honeymoon couples are in the same boat.

Some couples start by leafing through travel or bridal magazines and looking for pictures that are appealing and romantic-you can do this, but you’re more likely to settle on the best-MARKETED destination rather than the best destination for your wants, needs, and style.

The following are questions you should ask yourself-it’ll help you figure out what your options are, and help you ask better questions of your travel agent…which will help you plan that perfect honeymoon.

When are you going?

Every destination has its high and low seasons-and this is typically a combination of weather and the times of the year that their tourists typically take vacations. Some destinations, such as Hawaii, have very little variance in their weather year-round; others, like the Caribbean have a definite hurricane season. Yet it’s important to know that the Caribbean is a very big place-and different parts have different hurricane seasons, and some parts of the western Caribbean really aren’t hurricane prone at all. Other destinations–such as Central America and Southeast Asia-have rainy or monsoon seasons. You really need to know the specific destination in order to have a feel for whether or not their “green” season is too “green” (rainy!) for you.

Also, ask yourself if you’re willing to delay the start of your honeymoon a couple of weeks or months. Summer months are very popular for weddings, as it tends to be easier for family and friends to get to the wedding; plus, if you’re having an outdoor wedding, the odds of good weather are more in your favor. However, this also tends to be the expensive (and sometimes more crowded) season for many honeymoon destinations. Giving yourself a month off after the wedding before leaving on your honeymoon can give you time to relax and wind down from the wedding, write your thank-you notes, and take advantage of the lower prices of what’s known as the “shoulder season” (between high and low season).

Travel time/vacation time

How much time off work are you going to take? And how much of it are you willing to spend on an airplane?

If you’re going on an African safari, you’re going to consume about a day and a half traveling each way from the U.S. This is fine if you’re going to be there a couple of weeks, but if those days are coming off your total of 7 days on vacation, you might consider someplace closer. And distance isn’t the only factor: how many stopovers is it going to take to get where you’re going? If you’ve got to land on a main island, then wait around for 4 to 6 hours for the “island hopper” flight to take you out to your remote private island retreat, that’s going to consume your vacation time too.

A great option, if it’s available, is a red-eye flight, where you sleep on the plane and wake up at your destination, saving a day of vacation time.

Language

This is less of a problem than you might think. Unless you’re backpacking around some exotic country, you’re going to find people in restaurants, hotels, and the activity vendors all speak English. One bit of advice: try to learn a few words and phrases in the local language, as you’ll find you’re treated differently if you begin conversations with “hello” in their language, and show you’re willing to make the effort to get along in their country.

Cost

The big question! First, some statistics: the average U.S. couple spends about $3700 for their honeymoon package…and this doesn’t included expenditures once they’re at their destination. When considering a resort that’s NOT all-inclusive, take some time to research the area and find out what meals cost, what a snorkel trip costs, what taxis cost, etc. Tourist bureau sites are a good place to start.

Costs of excursions and meals can easily add up to much more than your airfare and hotel, and you need to be realistic and prepared for this. Consider staying at multiple hotels on your honeymoon-perhaps one or two nights at someplace really nice to start, then a more moderate property with perhaps less of a view for the remainder.

People, people, people

There are a number of important considerations here. First off, who else is going to be at your resort? Are most of the guests at the resort in your age group? Are they young and adventurous, or older and mostly interested in golf? Does the resort market to families-are you going to find a ton of kids splashing around in the pool when you’re trying to have a romantic, relaxing time? Is the bar going to be lively, with your kind of music? Are you going to feel right at home, or a bit out of place?

Next, let’s talk about density: do you prefer to be in the middle of the action, with lots of other happy honeymooners all around, or quieter and more secluded? Think about whether you want to be in a hotel with 400 rooms, or a resort with 40 private villas…the experience will be very different. And do you want to be waited on hand and foot, or left alone to explore by yourselves? Do you want to shop, maybe pick up souvenirs or local style clothes, or maybe some artwork? Maybe you want a mix: in Hawaii, popular combinations would include a few nights in the heart of Waikiki combined with a few nights on the North Shore…on Maui, perhaps a split between the Lahaina/Kaanapali area and the secluded Hana coast.

Finally, how much do you want to learn about the locals, their language, food, and culture? Generally, at the all-inclusive resorts, you’ll find yourselves with other tourists, separated from the local style. If you want to immerse yourselves in the local environment, perhaps consider a smaller hotel, farther from the main tourist areas.

History and culture

Do you enjoy visiting ancient ruins…centuries-old cathedrals…seeing native villages? The beauty of the art, architecture, and history of Greece, Italy, Scotland and Ireland, or Mayan civilizations can make for a fabulous honeymoon experience.

Europe is an obvious destination, but think also about the Mayans and Aztecs in Latin America…Buddhist temples in Bali and Thailand… Angkor Wat in Cambodia…Buddhist and Hindu temples in India. China is becoming a much more popular destination as well: consider visiting the Great Wall and seeing the Terracotta Warriors.

Accommodations

How sensitive are you to humidity and temperature? This can determine not only the destination, but also the choice of resort, as not all A/C systems are created equal. How close do you want to be to nature? I’ve stayed at fabulous safari lodges in Africa that didn’t even have complete walls…just mosquito nets to protect you at night. For some, this is a dream come true-for others it might be a nightmare.

How important is your living space in your hotel room? Do you feel claustrophobic easily? Do you like to lounge around in the morning, have breakfast in bed, or do you like to get up and out there exploring the island? Is a spa on-property important to you? Is a view of the ocean from your room important to you…enough to justify the higher price?

Also think about how you typically spend your day on vacation. If you go back and forth from the room to the beach, the pool, the restaurant, you might want a place with ground-level villas rather than have to get on and off elevators all the time. If you’re going to spend most of your days out exploring the island, this might not matter so much.

Nightlife

Are you going to want to go out dancing/clubbing? Or maybe see some native dances or performances? If you’re going to Hawaii, and you ARE looking for nightlife, you’ll probably want to think about Oahu or maybe Maui.

For Mexico, you should be thinking about Cancun or Cabo, rather than some of the more isolated resort areas. If you’re considering the Caribbean, the answer to this question might affect the island or region you choose as well. Music: what do you want to hear on your honeymoon? Mariachi bands, steel drums, reggae, or Hawaiian hula…what appeals to you?

Food!

How adventurous of an eater are you? How about your fianc

Do you remember the 1927 novel, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”, which was about a couple of down-and-out Americans that joined up with a crusty old timer to prospect for gold in Mexico? It was later adapted into a film by John Huston in 1948, who returned to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 1964 to film “Night of the Iguana”.

The Sierra Madres have been and continue to be rich in mineral wealth containing vast deposits of gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper, and tin. The problem is; the majority of us North Americans can’t do very much to prosper from or enjoy the benefits associated with these rich mineral assets. However, the Sierra Madres do possess another great asset that we can benefit from and enjoy; that is real estate!

Now, we ask, where exactly are the Sierra Madres? Well, there are actually three mountain ranges in Mexico, all referred to as the Sierra Madres. The first is the Sierra Madre Oriental range that runs about 700 miles from north to the south on the eastern side of Mexico. On the western side of Mexico, the Sierra Madre Occidental range runs about 700 miles from the US border south to an area just north of Puerto Vallarta. The Sierra Madre Del Sur begins close to where the Occidental range ends and continues south to Guatemala. The two western ranges are bisected by the Trans-Volcanic Axis which is a geologically active volcanic mountain range whose smoldering cones link the western ranges with the eastern range. This east to west volcanic range starts near Cabo Corrientes, at the southern tip of Puerto Vallarta

When you stay in a luxurious villa rental Puerto Vallarta, you are surrounded with all the comforts of home, and then some. Your villa could very well be the nicest place you?ll ever sleep, and it gives you a unique perspective on what it means to visit Mexico and Puerto Vallarta. There is another, more traditional, side to this region, however, one you can only experience when you spend a day out of town, away from the hum of the city, in a quiet seashore fishing village.

Many visitors to Puerto Vallarta take a day trip to the village of Yelapa to get a taste of rural Mexico that is not too far distant from town, yet worlds away. This little slice of paradise is not surrounded by modern convenience, like electricity, highways and automobiles, which means you must arrive by water. Take a water taxi or purchase a seat on the Princesa Yelapa tour boat and step into a whole new kind of Mexico.

No Yelapa ? looza

A day at Yelapa is a truly unique experience, a step into a small, quiet village, separated in spirit from many of the challenges of the modern world. Visitors won?t find diesel fumes and honking horns here; on the other hand, if they miss the last water taxi, they won?t find a way home until tomorrow.

That doesn?t mean you won?t have a long list of items on your Yelapa “to do” list. A visit might include a day at the beach, snorkeling or parasailing in Yelapa Cove; a delicious meal of freshly-caught seafood; and a ride on horseback to the waterfall beyond the village. Visit the shops and pick up something crafted from rosewood by local artisans. Whatever you do, bring cash because many merchants do not accept credit cards.

A number of artists and musicians make Yelapa their home, at least for part of the year, and they frequently perform in the local bistros; the restaurants and bars on the beach usually close when the last water taxi heads back to the city, but many in the village stay open for dinner.

Greening Yelapa

It shouldn?t come as a huge surprise that this little community struggles to manage the waste generated by increasing numbers of tourists; some locals have begun to encourage their friends and neighbors to recycle. A word to thoughtful visitors: if you haul it in to Yelapa, be courteous and haul it right back out when you leave.

When you get back to the gracious setting of your villa Puerto Vallarta after a successful day in the country, you may wonder at the difference in these two ways of life, rustic village and modern city. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and each opens a window on the culture and traditions found in this part of Mexico.

What do you look for in a dream vacation? Are you an adventure traveler who wants an opportunity to experience new thrills? Do you love to soak up new and exotic cultural experiences? Can you picture yourself relaxing by the water, moving only to retrieve a cold beverage? If you answered “yes” to any one of these questions, consider a visit to Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta is one of the friendliest and most diverse resort destinations in the world. Great food, scenic beauty, warm ocean breezes – it’s all here. This lovely city on the Bay of Banderas on Mexico’s Pacific coast offers you a chance to write your own vacation story against a backdrop of warm people, fascinating sights, and sandy beaches.

Naturally, you are going to need a place to stay, a place that reflects the natural beauty and vibrant life of the area. In this regard, you’re in luck. Puerto Vallarta is known for its many lovely and luxurious vacation villas — fully staffed, private accommodations located in the city’s finest neighborhoods.

Villa Encantada is one of the finest vacation villa Puerto Vallarta. Close to the city’s perfect beaches and lively nightlife, Villa Encantada is set in lush tropical surroundings above the hustle and bustle of town. Here, you can relax beside your own private pool, enjoy meals prepared by a private chef, and enjoy all that the city has to offer.

The expansive villa offers guests five bedroom suites, so there is ample room for the entire family or a group of friends. On the other hand, the environment positively breathes romance, so the two of you may not want to share the space at all! Dine al fresco beside the pool in the glow of warm lights and let the rest of the world slip away.

The combination is nearly irresistible – a visit to Puerto Vallarta coupled with a stay at a gorgeous vacation villa like Villa Encantada. The climate is gorgeous year-round, the entertainment never ends, and your stay in this magnificent villa will create a lasting impression. As the city becomes ever more popular as a get-away destination, it makes sense to reserve your time at Villa Encantada well in advance.

As you settle in to your beautifully furnished home away from home and watch the sun set over the bay for the first time, you’ll discover that you were cut out for life in a Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta!

Among the most moving and jubilant holidays around the world are those that celebrate great moments in a nation?s history. Book a Mexico Vacation Villa Rental in Puerto Vallarta in mid-September and you will have an opportunity to take part in a series of special events that commemorate Mexico?s successful bid for independence from Spain in 1810. Their victory was a hard one, and they recognize it with gusto.

El Grito de Dolores
It took the Spanish Crown nearly three centuries, but by the early 1800s, it had managed to put together a record of human relations that was remarkable for its failures. On 16 September 1810, in response to Spanish mistreatment of indigenous people and those of mixed blood, the parish priest in the village of Dolores in central Mexico rang his church bells and called his followers to revolt. His cry (grito), ?Mexicanos, viva Mexico!? (?Mexicans, long live Mexico!?) became the movement?s rallying call.

The story of the Mexican revolution isn?t pretty, and history tells us that Father Hidalgo soon regretted his role in it. Nonetheless, the priest was and is recognized as a leader and hero of the revolution. The Mexican patriots continued their fight for more than a decade under the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a native patron saint depicted as a woman of color, and Father Hidalgo?s ?Cry of Dolores? before they won their cause.

Celebration in the Streets
Cinco de Mayo has become something of a national holiday in the southwestern United States, much like St. Patrick?s Day in the Northeast. That date isn?t nearly as important in Mexico as Las Fiestas Patrias, Mexican Independence Days, which fall on 15 and 16 September. Every year at 11:00 p.m. on 15 September, the President of Mexico leads his countrymen in Father Hidalgos? cry, ?Mexicanos, viva Mexico!? The next day is a day of official ceremonies and military parades, bullfights, rodeos and dancing in the streets.

In Puerto Vallarta, the celebration starts on the 15th in the Plaza Principal and along the Malec

A beautiful woman meets the handsome man of her dreams in a chance encounter 10,000 miles from home.

Perhaps you can’t afford to live in Malibu, but if you can afford to drive a Malibu, read on; you are about to be introduced to a lifestyle in Paradise equal to or better than Malibu at a fraction of the cost!

In 1997 we purchased a beautiful, newly constructed villa located in the Sierra Madres overlooking Banderas Bay and El Centro, the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. During the first four years of living in PV, we doubled the size of the villa bringing it to nearly 20,000 square feet of construction. It has been featured in a number of architectural books and real estate magazines and was shown many times on the nationally syndicated TV program, “Famous Homes and Hideaways”.

That being said, a very unusual incident recently occurred when we received a phone call from a film studio in Mexico City requesting an opportunity to preview our villa with a group of executives from the Disney Company in Los Angeles. They were searching for the ideal set for filming a new project titled “South of the Border” which is to be released in 2008. It is cute story about a Beverly Hills socialite that lost her chihuahua while visiting a spa in Mexico. The story was actually taken from the true story about Paris Hilton and the pup that she thought was stolen but was left with her grandmother. The folks from Disney toured the villa, loved what they saw, but rejected it as a possible movie set. The story is to take place in Beverly Hills and they said that although the villa is furnished like the finest mansions in Beverly Hills, the location was too much like Malibu. Since our villa is not going to be the movie set for “South of the Border”, as a consolation, we’ll just have to continue living in an area just like Malibu!

Recently, we had a realtor friend from Santa Cruz, California visit us. After touring our villa, she informed us what she estimated the selling price would be if we were in Malibu. We are absolutely flabbergasted every time that we’re told that our villa would sell for three or four times as much if it were in California. In all probability, we couldn’t afford to live there! Located on the Mexican Riviera, our view in Vallarta is equal to or better than Malibu and the weather is substantially better during the seven month “high season” of November through May.

In Vallarta there are thousands of new houses and tens of thousands of new condos, all having sweeping views of Banderas Bay, El Centro or downtown, and the Sierra Madres. Palm trees, flowering amapa trees, orchids, bougainvilleas, and other tropical vegetation abound. Multi-colored parrots and tropical birds are routinely seen as they live in the neighborhoods of Vallarta.

The climate has to be one of the finest on the planet with an average daily temperature of 73°F, highs of 83°F and lows of 64°F, during the “high season”. There is normally one wet day per month during that period with an average of .6 inch of rain, which if it occurs, will do so in the evening.

The houses and condos in PV include all the amenities found in any houses or condos in the States, however, their costs are approximately half of what they are in Florida and a third of what they are in California. Malibu, forget it! Property taxes are .1% of the selling price. During the ten years that we’ve lived here, there have been no property tax hikes and no property revaluations, even though values have tripled.

It’s difficult to imagine what the property taxes on our villa would be if it were located in Malibu. As another note of interest, you pay no capital gains tax on the sale of property in PV if you can show that it was your primary residence for more than five years. On the downside, mortgages are somewhat difficult to obtain and therefore, most properties are paid for in full upon purchase. Also, when living on the Mexican Riviera, foreigners do not receive title and deed to their property. Instead, the property is held in a 50 year trust where we have the exclusive right to usage. Unfortunately, we’ll probably not survive the 50 year period, however if we do, it will be automatically renewed for another 50 year period. Upon death, our heirs receive the trust and can renew it for another 50 years. Upon sale, the buyer sets up a new 50 year trust. The trust is as safe as holding title and deed and is virtually untouchable by any entity.

Perhaps we can’t afford to live in Malibu but maybe, just maybe, we have something here in the Paradise known as Vallarta that is a little nicer than anything in Malibu!

If you are looking for the best seaside vacation homes at the most affordable prices, Mexico has the lot to offer when it comes to ocean views, sunsets, water sports, activities, and amenities in their vacation home rentals.

It wasn’t that long ago when foreigners of Mexico were not allowed to own or invest in beachfront real estate, which left a lot of “would be” buyers frustrated, knowing there was cheap oceanfront property available in a prime location but the opportunity to own or invest in beachfront real estate in Mexico was nil.

In 2005 the government of Mexico enacted fideicomiso, which is roughly translated to mean real estate trust, making it possible for US and other foreign investors to purchase the cheap oceanfront property available, making Mexico a popular spot for exclusive luxury style residences and a haven for beachfront real estate investments

What Makes Mexico a More Affordable Vacation Home Choice?

One of the biggest reasons that vacation homes are more affordable in Mexico is the fact that the value of Mexican currency has historically been consistently lower than US or other foreign currency.

Foreign investors having the opportunity to buy property and the need for economic stimulus in Mexico, has brought back the long forgotten idea of finding cheap oceanfront property and has made it a reality again.

Not only is the property less expensive to buy but the cost of building, staffing, and everything else that comes with developing vacation home rentals is far less expensive too. Some of the savings seen by developers is being passed down to the vacation home renters, keeping the cost of vacation home rentals at a very modest rate.

Naturally the lower cost of vacation home rentals in turn is bringing an increase in visitors. This makes it a win-win situation for both investor and consumer. Just as an example of the savings you can expect, consider this…luxury beach villas in Florida, with the same amenities and features will sometimes cost you two or more times the rent of a vacation home south of the border. The dollar doesn’t go near as far stateside as is does in neighboring Mexico.

The Trend in New Beachfront Real Estate Development is Luxury

Luxury beach villas with on-site golf course, tennis court, spa, and personal chef are just examples of the amenities you’ll get to choose when searching a vacation home in Mexico. The trend in the development of beachfront real estate has been to provide exclusive, luxurious residences and vacation homes with more amenities than thought imaginable. You’ll also find that you’ll have a unique choice in architectural features in many of the seaside vacation homes available. Luxury beach villas, with walls that seem to disappear, expanding your living area to the beautifully landscaped stone deck and allowing you the full enjoyment of beautiful views and seaside breezes.

It’s Not Just The Price That Makes Mexico a Great Vacation Home Area…

Mexico offers a vacationer a wide variety of lifestyle settings. A tranquil way of life, where clear skies over serene deserts engulf you or a busy tourist filled beach with amusements and lot of fun for the family. Some of the most popular spots are just minutes from the California border. And include Northern Baja, Cancun, Puerto Penasco, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel. Northern Baja is the major center of ecotourism, with whale sanctuaries, coral reefs, surf destinations, and desert areas with exotic animals and plants. Visitors come to enjoy the cactus covered mountains year-round, the soft beige sandy beaches, and the sparkling waters of the Pacific or the Gulf of Mexico. Baja boasts every type of available activity, including hiking a desert wash, kayaking, walking the miles of uninhabited beaches, boating, shopping or bird-watching.