Bewitched by Baja

With bountiful supply of fresh produce and abundant fishing waters, restaurants have an enviable larder at their disposal – and chefs takes pride in showcasing these sought- after ingredients. No trip to the southern state would be complete without sampling some of the local seafood. At El Farallon, perched on a majestic spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean, fishermen haul their daily catches of red snapper, amberjack, dorado and clams up the mountain to the market-style kitchen. Amongst the visceral noise and salty smells, you can take your pick of the plunder as the waves crash against the rocks below. Once selected and weighed, the fish is simply grilled to release an unadulterated depth of flavour.

While you are in the area, you can sate your senses some more in the peaceful old Spanish colonial town of San José del Cabo. The art scene here is second to none, and there’s no better way to explore it than with a walking tour from a local expert. As you meander through the palm-tree lined streets with a tamale in hand, you’ll meet gallery owners and street artists with original oil paintings and suss out the best jewellery designers and leather crafts on offer.

Not far along the coast is the organic farm and restaurant Los Tamarindos. Saunter past the free-roaming chickens to take in the rustic charm of this old 19th-century brick farmhouse surrounded by fields of juicy vegetables. From the stone verandas covered by wooden ceilings entwined with lush green foliage, you’ll have an astonishing view of the Mexican agricultural landscape.

Not only that, but you will enjoy one of the best meals in Baja California Sur – and learn how to cook it too. Unearth the importance and value of every petal, leaf, vine and fruit under the guiding hand of local chefs. Using your newfound knowledge, you can select and pick the produce yourself, douse in herb oil and bake it over wood in the old stone ovens to infuse it with a rich, natural incense. Afterwards settle down on the long trestle tables to relish your hard work with a crisp glass of Mexican sauvignon blanc.

Further north is the sleepy village of Todos Santos, placed at the point where the Sierra de la Laguna mountains meet the desert and the Pacific. A good shot of culture is prescribed here as the area’s cobblestone lanes are filled with divine artisan shops overflowing with hand- woven textiles, bohemian kaftans and silver necklaces from local designers. These alluring treasures mixed with the impressive landscape classify this quiet seaside secret as a ‘Pueblo Mágico’, one of only a select few areas labelled to be truly magical by the Mexican government – and you’ll be sure to fall under its charming spell.

Take on a challenge

Baja California Sur is a playground for those seeking adventure out in the open. Lace up your walking boots and head for the hills. You don’t have to venture far to find yourself in dusty desert territory, where you might spot slithering rattlesnake tracks or be dwarfed in the shadow of a 50-foot cactus. For a route to really get your heart pumping, hike up El Picacho, part of the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. Ascending the summit involves a punishing 15-mile climb to 7,000 feet above sea level, but focusing on each breath and every step will reward you with verdant, sweeping views from the top.

Unleash your sense of adventure

There is simply one reason why every wildlife lover should visit Baja California Sur: the annual grey whale migration. The best way to see these majestic, gentle, barnacle-covered creatures splash through the water is by boat. Hop on to a vessel expertly navigated by a pro skipper for a sea voyage like no other. With the insider track, you’ll stop at places with the best vantage points at the tip of Isla Partida and the rocky Los Islotes.