San Jose del Cabo

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Cabo San Lucas

Spotlight on Baja’s Los Barriles

Cabo San Lucas has beautiful desert landscapes, and sparkling Sea of Cortez views, and stunning natural beauty. As a result, it is a popular tourist destination in Mexico.  Just outside of Cabo, there are charming towns to visit for a day trip, too. For example, Los Barriles is located 40 miles north of San José del Cabo, on the eastern coast of Baja. Looking for the best Cabo real estate in Mexico? At Villa La Estancia, we are proud to offer an ideal hotel-condo concept that expats love. We have built solidly constructed private residences that come with resort quality amenities and services, too. Although travel is on hold right now due to the coronavirus and COVID-19 crisis, before we know it life should resume a sense of normalcy. Next time you are in Cabo San Lucas, schedule a property tour to see what you’ve been missing. Also, plan to take a day trip from Cabo to Los Barriles. Read below to learn more about this charming town that is a bit off the beaten path.

Spotlight on Baja’s Los Barriles

To start with, Los Barriles features excellent weather, natural beauty, a rich culture and a desirable slower pace of life. As a result, many people love to visit Los Barriles or even want to buy a second home in the area. Small town life in Mexico is especially attractive right now. If you prefer having the modern conveniences that Cabo offers, Los Barriles is still perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Visitors love the sense of community and peaceful ambiance. While small, the town does have a grocery store, local tortilleria, and local fish market, too. When hunger strikes, you can feast on tasty and inexpensive fish tacos on the street. Or have a nice meal at the Italian restaurant in town. Plus, there is a bank with English-speaking staff members, 2 gas stations, a health care clinic, a dentist, hardware store and veterinarian office, too.

The Origins of Los Barriles

The origins of Los Barriles date back to 1535 when Spanish explorer Hernan Cortez and missionaries arrived in the southern Baja. Years later, Jesuits, Dominican and Franciscan padres inhabited the area and built beautiful missions. Many of these churches have been restored to their original beauty and are still in operation today. Baja Sur have rich mineral deposits in the area that contributed to its growth. The local economy in the area is mainly fueled by tourism, especially world class sportfishing. Lastly, organic farming is very popular.  Delicious and healthy fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, dates and avocados are grown in the area.

Local Flora and Fauna  

The local flora and fauna is impressive. Los Barriles is situated between the Pacific’s rocky coast and the flat sandy beaches of the Sea of Cortez. The Baja peninsula features the Sierra de la Laguna where hills turn into sandy flats. There, a diverse landscape with unique flora and fauna thrive. Cardón filled desert, ancient mango groves, and conifer covered mountain ranges abound. Plus, more than 125 species of plants grow in the area.  In addition, bird watchers will be keen to look for the 6 endemic bird species in the area including the adorable Cape Pygmy Owl. 

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor sports lovers will not be disappointed by Los Barriles. While the area is well known for fly fishing, is also Baja’s kitesurfing and windsurfing capital. There are tons of lovely beaches that are ideal for water sports including swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, too. Other popular outdoor activities include hiking, ATV tours, mountain biking and horseback riding. Depending on the time of year you visit, marine life includes manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, whales and whale sharks. Plus, Baja have pleasant weather nearly all year long. Temperatures average between 63º and 84º Fahrenheit all year round, and Los Barriles desert terrain only receives less than 10” of rain annually. Sporadic rain showers in the fall serve to refresh and hydrate plants in the area.  

In Cabo San Lucas, Villa La Estancia is a hotel-condo concept property that has beachfront residences for sale. In the market to buy a dream home in Mexico? If so, don’t forget to check out Villa La Estancia. Contact us today to learn more. It truly is an ideal place to call home and the perfect home base for fun day trips around Baja. 

by VLEAdminRE,
Cabo San Lucas

Top 5 Day Trips from Cabo

Are you a fan of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico or live in the area at Villa La Estancia Los Cabos? With a pleasant climate all year round and beautiful beaches, Cabo is a top tourist destination that receives thousands of visitors each year as well as individuals who invest in property in the area. Ideal for relaxation or water activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can find incredible restaurants from gourmet fare to traditional Mexican cuisine. Shopping? Local arts and crafts are available as well as high end fashion designer brands. Do you live at Villa La Estancia Los Cabos? If so, if you ever want to get out of town for a bit of adventure, you can easily day trip to neighboring towns to mix up your vacation. Here are our top 5 choices if you are looking for an interesting day trip from your home in Cabo San Lucas.

Day Trip from Cabo: #1 Santiago

Santiago is a quaint farming community located about 35 miles from San José del Cabo in Baja California Sur, about 23 miles north of the Los Cabos International Airport. Visitors will be enchanted by the colorful agriculture farms, fruit orchards, and thousands of palm trees which provide palm leaves for the construction of palapa roofs. The fruit orchards primarily consistent of mango, orange and grapefruit trees. Originally founded as “Misión de Santiago el Apóstol” in 1723, Santiago has a small rustic museum located next to the church with interesting exhibits including colonial artifacts and local fossils. Open from Monday through Friday from 8am to 1pm, admission is free to the museum. Make sure you also enjoy some of the local dishes in this picturesque town. In addition to authentic Mexican cuisine, you can enjoy soothing hot springs found just 8 km to the south which include Agua Caliente, El Chorro and Santa Rita springs.

Day Trip from Cabo: #2 La Paz

If you are up for a big day, you can even day trip a few hours to the north to La Paz. In fact, La Paz is actually the capital city of Baja California Sur. La Paz has about 250,000 residents and it is an important regional commercial center. The population of La Paz has grown greatly since the 2000’s, and has one of the highest standards of living and security in Mexico. Get an early morning start and you can visit several coastal villages along the way to La Paz from Cabo. Once you arrive to La Paz, make sure to explore the historical center and stroll the town’s Malecón boardwalk. Visitors will enjoy interesting architecture and beautiful Bahía de La Paz views from this coastal village.

#3 Miraflores

The 3rd top choice for a fun day trip from Cabo is to head to the quaint town of Miraflores. Miraflores is a quaint village just 30 miles north of the Los Cabos airport that is best known for having a wide variety of handmade leather goods for sale that attract visitors to the small town. This sleepy pueblo is surrounded by organic farms and ranches that comfortably nestle amongst the Sierra Laguna mountains. As you make your way into town, you should plan to visit some of the old leather works talleres, or workshops, that line the road. You can do some shopping and peruse a variety of fine leather wares including purses, wallets, belts or horse saddles. Want to destress and relax at the end of your day? Plan a stop at the nearby hot springs that is located just outside town near the base of the mountains.

#4 Todos Santos

A small coastal town located at the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, Todos Santos is about 1 hour north of Cabo. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in tourist activity and real estate developments are on the rise. Visitors will find numerous handicraft shops, art galleries, upscale restaurants, boutique hotels and restored colonial buildings which have contributed to the redevelopment of the charming town. In addition, there are regular festivals such as Festival de Cine and the Todos Santos Music Festival that draw tourists to the area. Make sure to visit The Hotel California, a favorite stop for visitors to Todos Santos.

#5 San Jose Del Cabo

San Jose Del Cabo has a rich and interesting history that dates back to the 1700’s. Today, San Jose del Cabo is a laid back community that maintains authentic Mexican charm and hospitality as well as Spanish colonial architecture. Just 25 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo was the only community at the tip of the Baja California peninsula for hundreds of years. Thanks to the freshwater that flows into palm-lined lagoons at the edge of the Sea of Cortéz, the area was initially home to Native Indian communities prior to Spanish colonization. It was also a water and provision stop for Spanish sailing vessels that were travelled from the east with their fares that included silks and spices for trading.

We hope you enjoyed this list of our top 5 Day Trips from Cabo. Villa La Estancia Los Cabos homeowners should try to visit each of them, and then let us know which was your favorite day trip and why.

by VLEAdminRE,
Cabo San Lucas

Visiting San José del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo is known as the quieter and more sophisticated cousin to the nearby tourist hotspot of Cabo San Lucas and is a real breath of fresh air for those who want a more cultured and relaxed atmosphere. Though this area has miles of stunning coastline the real appeal is the action going on in town; read on to find out how to make the most of your time in San Jose del Cabo!

Study the Architecture

The colonial architecture found in this town is unbelievably charming and interesting, and the town plaza is the crown jewel! Noteworthy buildings include the missionary church, rebuilt in 1940, the Misión de San José del Cabo Anuiti, which dates to the 18th century, and the City Hall, which was built in the 19th century.

Peruse the Galleries

This city is a haven for art lovers; a number of chic galleries can be found here and many strive to display work by as many local artists as they can… you might just stumble upon something created by the next Picasso! The famed Thursday night Art Walk also offers the chance to meet local artists and gallery owners!

Tour the Wildlife Estuary

The San José Wildlife Estuary can be found just east of the city and presents the opportunity to marvel at the sight of bird species such as heron, hummingbird, and ibis. This is a quiet refuge of a reserve which offers an amazing chance to appreciate the beauty of the local area.

Dine on Incredible Cuisine

Foodies in the know will skip the tourist traps of Cabo San Lucas in favor of the chic dining options on offer in San Jose del Cabo; this is an area which continues to attract the top chefs who have helped to turn this city into a foodie destination. Unsurprisingly the mouthwatering fresh seafood to be found here often tops the menus of local restaurants.

Do Some Shopping

A vacation is never complete without a shopping spree, and San Jose del Cabo has more than enough options to satisfy any shopaholic! You will find artisan-made handicrafts, ceramics, blankets, bags, and jewelry, and of course there is the Las Tiendas de Palmilla mall which contains a range of shops to suit all needs.

San Jose del Cabo offers so many amazing things to do that it may soon replace your favorite vacation destination and steal your heart entirely!

by VLEAdminRE,
Live in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, Real Estate, Residences

Why you Want to Live in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination located at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. Joining the town of San Jose del Cabo by a 20-mile corridor of championship golf courses, beaches and natural beauty, this exclusive vacation hotspot is noted for its vitality, fine dining restaurants, nightlife and celebrity visitors who grace its shores in search of privacy and guaranteed sunshine. Making Cabo San Lucas your home may seem like a pipe dream, but the reality of homeownership in Mexico’s most coveted beachfront destination can be a reality.

Land’s End

Cabo San Lucas is perhaps most famous for its stunning rock formation at Land’s End, which can be appreciated in all its glory from the Villa La Estancia property without even leaving your residence. However, those wishing to take a closer look at Cabo’s iconic arch and visit Playa Del Amor (Lover’s Beach) can enjoy a convenient tour leaving from Medano Beach or the elegant Marina. Swimming in both an ocean and a sea in a matter of minutes is something that very few destinations in the world can offer.

Mountains, Desert and Sea

Another distinguishing feature of Cabo San Lucas is how the mountains and the desert meet the sea. A series of impressive mountain ranges run south along Baja California Sur to the vicinity just north of Cabo San Lucas where the Sierra de la Victoria and Sierra de la Laguna complete their trajectory.

A Great Lifestyle and social scene

Besides enjoying the scenic beauty of the incredible Mexican destination, those who choose to make Cabo San lucas their home benefit from a host of privileges such as fine restaurants, great shopping, a thriving expat community and many different activities to take advantage of during your free time.

Direct Flights

Cabo San Lucas is served by a number of direct flights from the United States and Canada, which makes get to and fro easy, and encourages your friends and family to come and visit you in your second home by the sea.

Rental Potential

As one of the most exclusive yet popular vacation destinations, you will find that should you wish to make some income on your second home in Cabo San Lucas when you are not using it, renting your property is a viable option.

by VLEAdminRE,