Baja California - The Land Of Contrasts
World Travel|October - November 2018

A Journey To Mexico’s Baja Peninsula Is Never What You Expect, But Just What You Need.

Audrey Hills
Baja California - The Land Of Contrasts
Desolate, dry, harsh, and unforgiving are all ways to describe the nearly 1,250-kilometre long finger of land that hangs off the west coast of California. Mexico’s Baja California is indeed rough and rugged, yet rising out of this abrasive landscape are things of ridiculous beauty and unexpected sophistication. The inhospitable desert sits in juxtaposition to life thriving despite the odds: sparkling turquoise bays full of marine

life, towering brilliant green cacti, and hidden oases of palm trees. Deep dark storm clouds pour buckets of rain over otherwise barren terrain and brilliant yellow wildflowers pop up across the desert. In small towns, friendly locals lift the veil of poverty to share the songs of the mariachis and a taste of tequila. An oppressive and impassable border creates an atmosphere for a culinary revolution.

Travelling in Baja is 100% about the journey rather than the destination. Throughout a trip to Mexico’s northern and westernmost state, you come to expect the unexpected. Unforeseen bounty hides in what appears to be the scarcest of circumstances. From the border town of Tijuana to “Cabo,” or the land’s end, Baja’s magic is waiting for the discerning traveller to come and find it.

TIJUANA: DESPITE THE WALL, LIFE FLOURISHES

Whether you walk or drive across, For most visitors, a journey to the Northern half of Baja California begins at one of the busiest and most fortified borders in the world. The wall between America and Mexico looms larger than life despite covering an expanse of land not much wider than a fútbol field. On the Mexican side, you instantly know you’re in another country by the sight of colourful hand-painted signs, the smell of street tacos, and the voices of men in cowboy hats offering unsolicited taxis.

This story is from the October - November 2018 edition of World Travel.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October - November 2018 edition of World Travel.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WORLD TRAVELView All
Cairns An Astonishing Taste Of The Tropics
World Travel

Cairns An Astonishing Taste Of The Tropics

Cairns and its environs offer a wealth of experiences on Australia’s east coast.

time-read
7 mins  |
February - March 2020
What's New Santorini?
World Travel

What's New Santorini?

As one of the world’s top destinations and a never resting one, Santorini is getting ready for the season 2020! Want all the updates?

time-read
2 mins  |
February - March 2020
Unravelling The Giant Pieces Of The Philippine Puzzle
World Travel

Unravelling The Giant Pieces Of The Philippine Puzzle

A dreamy active holiday awaits you in Kappalady, a kitesurfing village in Sri Lanka with newfound eco-luxury; Explore the many national parks and rice marine life of the Philippines.

time-read
5 mins  |
February - March 2020
Road Trip Through Cyprus
World Travel

Road Trip Through Cyprus

A road trip through Cyprus is like a journey through time – old monasteries and hipster cafes. The island’s short distances are jam packed with history and endless views of the Mediterranean.

time-read
8 mins  |
February - March 2020
Private Luxury: The Caribbean Islands
World Travel

Private Luxury: The Caribbean Islands

From Grenada to St. Lucia: The most undiscovered Caribbean islands to visit this year.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February - March 2020
Island Resorts Protecting The Oceans
World Travel

Island Resorts Protecting The Oceans

Turtle, marine mammal and coral preservation; celebrity-led developments and the rehabilitation of ecosystems: some of the world’s most exclusive island resorts excel most for the commitment they show to protecting the oceans. Venture to these isolated locations across the planet to see the difference resorts like this can make to life beneath the waves.

time-read
6 mins  |
February - March 2020
Ibiza: Off The Beaten Dance Floor
World Travel

Ibiza: Off The Beaten Dance Floor

Ibiza has a reputation as a glitzy location for the influencer jet set but digs a little deeper and you’ll find an island of gourmand wellness gurus and bohemian creatives.

time-read
9 mins  |
February - March 2020
Chasing The Wind In Coastal Sri Lanka
World Travel

Chasing The Wind In Coastal Sri Lanka

Experience the tropical bliss in sweeping flat waters and eco-resorts putting a small coastal village on the tourist map

time-read
5 mins  |
February - March 2020
Waves & Wellness
World Travel

Waves & Wellness

Guide to Luxurious Surf Resorts for Grown-ups.

time-read
4 mins  |
February - March 2020
An Icelandic Road Trip
World Travel

An Icelandic Road Trip

The beauty of the glacier-swept region has topped bucket lists for decades, spurring a love for a winter-kissed Nordic escape blessed with icy volcanoes and boiling geysers. As the night sky parts with a curtain of lights, explore the dazzling city of Reykjavik and discover what more Iceland has to offer.

time-read
5 mins  |
December-January 2020