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Buena Vista and Los Barriles (GPS coordinates 23'67 N ~ 109'69 W) are two seaside areas that still retain much
of the kick-back pace that made Baja popular! Fabulous sandy beaches, clean
beautiful seas filled with fish, crystal clear air, and a remote feeling
that seems far removed from civilization. The Baja Highway briefly kisses
the coast here, helping to support the LOCAL inhabitants, before heading back inland on its way to the 24 hour party at Cabo San Lucas.
Fishing is still big in Buena Vista, much as it was in the glory days of the Peninsula when Baja legend Ray Cannon called Rancho Buena Vista home. Although the fish are not as thick as they were in those old days, this beautiful fish trap still has plenty of pesca to go around.
There are a few small (yet wonderful!) beach side hotels in the area,
but other services are just basic (no Home Depot or big box stores)...yet. Each year a few more homes are built on or near
the beaches, yet Buena Vista still retains a relaxing and peaceful pace.
A dirt road heading north from here leads up to Punta Pescadero, which features the beautiful Hotel Punta Pescadero (one of Carlos Fiesta's favorite hotels in the world!). The recently enlarged verandah offers to-die-for views of the Sea of Cortez, and even the pool has a great view! The pace is s-l-o-w and very relaxing.
Just north of the hotel, spectacular beach front homes, complete with a paved airstrip, await the Baja aficionado who really wants to get away from it all.
The road south from Buena Vista also skirts miles of postcard-perfect beaches, with a couple of small, well maintained hotels ready to serve the needs of Baja travelers.
The Buena Vista area has always been a victim of heavy rains and road wash-outs, especially north of town. Baja Highway One has finally gotten it's just desserts with a new bridge over one of the huge washes north of town (2005), and hopefully the other big arroyo one mile further north will get a bridge soon. Until it does you can plan out waiting out any big rains on Highway One until the water level drops low enough to drive over the Highway.
The once famous airstrip at Buena Vista has been replaced with a soccer field and beachfront condos....progress!
If you are looking for a quiet beach to stretch out and read that new Danielle Steel or Deepak Chopra paperback, you won't have to look far. These beaches are some of the you will find in Baja!
If you would like to see what the Buena Vista looks like FROM SPACE check it out!
Thinking about moving south of the border? Visit the web site of BAJA RELOCATION for a head's up for what awaits you.
To purchase a good map of the Baja Peninsula visit the web site of MEXICO MAPS.
Buena Vista was one of the coastal stops for Carlos Fiesta on his 2,200 mile BAJA CIRCUMNAVIGATION!
THE GRINGO FACTOR
Buena Vista and Los Barriles are ground zero for the gringos who missed the affordable beach-side real estate land grab an hour down the coast at CABO SAN LUCAS. Prices have risen considerably over the last few years but the gringos keep coming down (mostly from California) to set up second homes on or near the beach. Except for a few Mexicans working at some of the local stores and restaurants it's getting hard to find the local people who once had this little piece of paradise to themselves. Progress?
YOUR FIRST STOP IN TOWN
Looking for a place to relax and to get a feel for the Buena Vista area? Look no further than the Hotel Rancho Buena Vista, just south of Los Barriles off of the Baja Blacktop. The ocean front bar and patio areas offer spectacular views of the beach and the Sea of Cortez! The photos, jetsam and flotsam hanging on the walls try to paint a picture of some of the East Cape history that made the East Cape and Buena Vista famous. If you listen carefully you can almost hear the laughter of Buena Vista fishing legend Ray Cannon as he reels in another Yellowtail offshore. It is almost impossible to have only one margarita here...Carlos Fiesta has tried several times and has always been unsuccessful.
THE BEST OF BUENA VISTA
Baja travelers looking for top cabin lodging in Buena Vista usually head 8 miles north of town to the HOTEL PUNTA PESCADERO RESORT. This classic Baja hotel is located on a low promitory just above spectacular sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It's a small resort that offers the intimate feel that fits right in with the East Cape lifestyle. Although there are miles of beautiful beaches north and south of Buena Vista for campers and RV's, visitors look for basic creature comforts will enjoy the facilities at EAST CAPE RV RESORT. It's an easy walk to most of the services in the Buena Vista - Los Barriles area. Looking for a nice air conditioned restaurant to escape the heat and eat an informal but tasty meal? MANANA'S RESTAURANT is located just north of the main intersection on the west side of the street and offers indoor and outdoor dining. Carlos Fiesta's favorite place for a cold drink with a view of the ocean is the beachfront bar at the RANCHO BUENA VISTA RESORT on the north end of town. Historic photos of Buena Vista's early days fill the walls and a quick dip in the Sea of Cortez is just a short walk across the warm sand. The best excursion from Buena Vista is the deserted silver mining town of EL TRIUNFO about 30 minutes up Baja Highway One. Once a thriving community of over 10,000 people, El Triunfo now is the perfect place to put your photographic eye to work. Cold drinks are usually available from a small market on the west side of the street.
CARLOS FIESTA'S HOT TIP: A short drive north west of Buena Vista on the main highway lies the once-booming mining town of El Triunfo. It is a fascinating place to walk around, and one of Baja's most historic towns. Although silver and gold are no longer mined here, there is a treasure chest of unique photos awaiting the photographer with a good eye.
The beautiful beaches of Bahia de Palmas run for over 20 miles, from Punta Pescadero on the north end to Punta Colorada on the south. These are some of the best beaches in Mexico!
And the good news is that, except for a few small settlements and hotels, these great beaches remain largely undeveloped. Growth has been increasing in the Buena Vista - Los Barriles area largely because this is where the Transpeninsular Highway briefly kisses the coast before heading inland again.
NORTH to SOUTH, these beaches include:
PLAYA PESCADERO
North of Los Barriles on a decent coastal dirt road, approximately 8 miles.
Beautiful long white sandy beach with large tidal rock areas great for snorkeling! Parking and access are easy at the arroyo, about a hundred yards before the hotel.LOS BARRILES
Where the coastal road nears the coast, take the new paved spur road east to beach.
Beautiful sandy beaches start north of town, all the way to the hotels of Buena Vista. More homes are being built along the beach here, but the area remains pretty quiet.BUENA VISTA
Just south of Los Barriles, take one of several dirt roads east to the Sea of Cortez.
Picking up where Los Barriles left off, miles and miles of beautiful calm beaches. Hotels front the beach in several areas, but guests tend to stay close to their pools.PLAYA COLORADA
Accessible from a dirt road that runs parallel and somewhat inland from the coast.
Wide open beaches run south for a dozen miles from Buena Vista all the way out! Out here you need to bring along your own ice, drinks, and food. No services.
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BAJA EXPO
Many Baja travelers like camping and R.V.ing in the Buena Vista-Los Barriles area because they can find the wide open spaces and beauty that used to be easy to find down Los Cabos way.
Now that Cabo has grown up, the beaches of the Buena Vista area are the hot tip for those folks looking for empty beaches and solitude. There are over 20 miles of beaches to set up camp on, as well as the following campgrounds:
PLAYA NORTE RV PARK
Telephone 011-52 (624) 142-8001.
U.S. phone (425) 252-5952.
Fax (425) 252-6171.
Web site: www.playanortervpark.com.
Located north of Los Barriles on the coastal road.
Number of spaces: 50.
Beachfront and ocean view spaces!
Open year round.
Caravans and solo R.V.er's welcome.
ATV rentals, horseback riding, fishing charters and more.
Major credit card accepted.
Drop by their awesome web site for further information.EAST CAPE RV RESORT
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0231.
U.S. phone (208) 726-1955.
Fax (208) 726-1801.
Located in the heart of Los Barriles.
Number of spaces: 50.
30/50 amp hook-ups / large and clean bathrooms / washer and dryer / volleyball and horseshoes / 300 yards to beach.
Internet access 3 minutes away.
Caravans and solo R.V.er's welcome!
Drop by their cool web site for further information.EL CARDONAL CAMPING
Telephone 011-52 (624) 114-0040.
(514) 467-4700.
Fax (514) 467-4668.
Located 14 miles (23 Km.) north of Los Barriles on the coastal road.
Large camping sites / hot showers / picnic tables / full hook-ups.
Located on a quiet beach, offering fishing, diving, volleyball, kayaking, and horse shoes. Very affordable rates!JUANITO'S GARDEN R.V.PARK
Telephone / Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0024.
Apartado Postal #50, Los Barriles, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23501.
Located on the main coastal road in Los Barriles, north of the "Y" intersection, west side of the street.
Trailer and RV spaces, plus camping spaces. Daily and monthly rates. Storage facilities available!MARTIN VERDUGO'S TRAILER PARK
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0054.
Apartado Postal 17, Los Barriles, B.C.S. Mexico 23501.
On the beach, a half mile off the blacktop in Los Barriles.
69 RV spaces / 25 tent sites / full hook-ups / flush toilets / showers / laundry / restaurant / palapa bar / fishing fleet.
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BAJA EXPO
There are more boats anchored off shore in the Buena Vista-Los Barriles area than anywhere else in Baja. And they are all there for one reason . . .hook-up! Most of these boats are chartered from the local hotels, although a few are privately owned and operated by locals. For the Baja traveler who dares the adventure of driving down the Baja Highway with a vessel in tow, there are several places to launch in the area, including the ramp just north of the Hotel Buena Vista Resort.
The fishing in these waters offers something for everyone. Sailfish are plentiful offshore from June through December, and the dorado, yellowtail, roosterfish and wahoo keep the anglers busy all year long. Inshore fish include pargo, cabrilla, grouper, and sometimes yellowtail. There are definite advantages in going out with someone who know the local waters, and it's usually worth the price for an experienced captain.
The Tuna Hole, about 4 miles south of Punta Pescadero, offers yellowfin tuna year round, but the underwater terrain has been known to chew up many a line and leader. Most of the fishing in the areas is arranged through the various hotels, each offering special fishing packages. There is also a fishing shop in the new shopping center at the entrance to Los Barriles. This is tight-line heaven!
And you haven't lived if you haven't gone fly fishing in Baja waters! Totally fun! For more information on this growing sport, check out the web sites of BAJA ON THE FLY.
And for the best charts for your open water peso BAJA DIRECTIONS is the perfect shortcut to tight lines.
For information on fishing in Cabo San Lucas drop by our extensive CABO FISHING section.
And for information on fishing in other parts of Baja check out our main BAJA FISHING section!
For more information on obtaining the proper fishing documentation required for dipping your hook in Baja waters check with the professionals at MEXICO ADVISORY SERVICES.
BAJA FLYCASTERS
Telephone (877) 359-2787.
Based out of the Hotel Rancho Leonero, on the beach on Baja's pristine East Cape!
Offering high quality fly fishing packages with personal service and top quality equipment.
Delia Maria and Ron Russell will do their best to make your fly fishing experience a great one!BAJA ON THE FLY
Telephone (800) 919-2252.
Fax (619) 223-5080.
Post Office Box 81961, San Diego, California, 92138.
An Orvis endorsed saltwater flyfishing organization designed to combine the educational benefits of a flyfishing clinic with the fun, excitement, and beauty of the Sea of Cortez!BAJA FISHING ADVENTURES
Telephone (800) 458-3688.
Fax (310) 465-0314.
Post Office Box 3489, Rolling Hills, California 90274.
Fishing tours and packages in the waters off of La Paz!
36 years in the business!BARBLESS HOOK FLYFISHING
Telephone (888) 487-4500.
(425) 487-3645.
4730 228th Street, SE, Bothell, Washington, 98021.
Web site: www.barblesshook.com.
Specializing in Buena Vista and East Cape waters!
Dorado, Skip Jack, Yellow Fin Tuna...can you say "tight lines?".
Check out their web site for additional information.BLUEWATER TOURS
Telephone (562) 799-8475.
Toll free Califfornia (800) 799-8475.
Post Office Box 15596, Long Beach, California, 90815.
Web site: www.bluewatertours.com.
Fishing in Buena Vista as well as other Mexico locations.
Visit their web site for additional information.CASS FISHING TOURS
Telephone (800) 593-6510.
(714) 692-6970.
Family owned and operated custom fishing tours off of Baja's East Cape.COSTAMAR SPORTFISHING
Telephone (800) 347-2760.
22565 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, California, 91364.
Serving Baja and the East Cape since 1985!EAST CAPE TACKLE
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0366.
Located in Plaza del Pueblo next to the smokehouse.
Large selection of tackle at very competitive prices. Lines, hooks, lures, weights, surf rod rentals, and fly fishing!- FISH WITH ME
Telephone (800) 347-4963.
9140 Gramercy Avenue #196, San Diego, California, 92123.
Specializing in East Cape fishing adventures. FLOTA BUENA VISTA BEACH RESORT
Telephone 011-52 (624) 14)1-0033.
Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0133.
Located in at the Buena Vista Beach Resort.
Most of the hotels in the Buena Vista - Los Barriles area have been here for a long time. Most of the main hotels are all right on the beach.
Up until just recently the hotels were the only places in the general vicinity to grab a bite to eat or drink. The hotels of Buena Vista were 'destination resorts' long before the term became popular in other parts of the world.
Cash is always accepted, credit cards usually and checks are sometimes not. Making payment plans before you go is highly recommended.
Check out CASA BAJA.COM for private home rentals!
Running along the beach, from NORTH to SOUTH, these are your choices:
LAS ARENAS RESORT
Telephone (619) 299-7602.
Toll free (800) 644-7376 * (888) 644-7376.
Fax (619) 299-7604.
Bahia de la Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Located north of the East Cape off of Highway 286, then east at the "Hotel" sign.
Located on a very remote point on the Sea of Cortez.
Web site: www.lasarenas.com.
Number of rooms: 48.
Two separate 2 story wings, separated by a large pool area.
On the beach / swimming pool, tennis courts / large restaurant / huge ocean view bar / air conditioning.
The staff are always very friendly and helpful, and the food is very good. The grounds are very well kept up, and the beautiful empty beach is wonderful for snorkeling and just hanging out!
For more information on the Las Arenas area and fishing here, check out the web site of BAJA MOTION TOURS.EL CARDONAL HIDE-A-WAY
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-004.
(514) 467-4700.
Fax (514) 467-4668.
Located 14 miles north of Los Barriles on the coastal road.
Web site: www.elcardonal.net.
Beachfront rooms with full kitchenettes and 2 double beds and a sofa.
Restaurant / fishing / diving / volleyball / kayaking / horseshoes / on the beach!HOTEL PUNTA PESCADERO RESORT
Telephone (800) 426-2252 * (800) 765-0653.
Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0101.
8 miles north on a decent dirt road.
Web site: www.puntapescadero.com.
Number of rooms: 21.
On the beach.
Hotel amenities: Pool / restaurant / tennis / airstrip / ping-pong / horse shoes / library / gift shop / video viewing.
Room amenities: Air conditioning / ocean views / private balconies. from all rooms.
Excellent snorkeling right out front, especially at the north end of the beach at the point. Wonderful fishing also!
The airstrip is one of the best in Baja!CARLOS FIESTA GIVES THIS RESORT A 5 STAR (fish) RATING.
LOS BARRILES MOTEL
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0024.
(800) 837-1556.
Web site:www.eastcapefishing.com.
Located in Los Barriles on the main road going through town, west side of the street.
Air conditioned rooms with 2 queen size beds. Nice pool area!
The newest lodging in the area! Very clean, and very affordable. Rooms from $40.00 per night, single.MARTIN VERDUGO'S MOTEL
Telephone / fax 011-52 (624) 141-0054.
Apartado Postal 17, Los Barriles, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23501.
Located on the main road in Los Barriles, east side of the street.
Pool / restaurant / palapa bar / fishing fleet / RV park / kitchenettes.HOTEL PLAYA DEL SOL
Telephone (800) 368-4334.
Fax (818) 591-9463.
North of town on the beach.
Post Office Box 9016, Calabasis, California, U.S.A. 91372.
Rooms / AC / pool / restaurant / bar / fishing packages.
Gets real busy when the Vela Highwind center opens for the windsurfing season.HOTEL PALMAS DE CORTEZ
Telephone 011-52 (114) 1-0050.
(800) 368-4334.
Just off Highway One, on the beach.
Post Office Box 9016, Calabasis, California, U.S.A. 91372.
Web site:www.bajaresorts.com.
Number of rooms: 48.
AC / pool / tennis / restaurant / bar / store / airstrip / fishing.
Beautiful beach!RANCHO BUENA VISTA RESORT
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0177.
Toll free (800) 258-8200.
U.S. (805) 928-1719.
Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0055.
U.S. fax (805) 925-2990.
P.O. Box 1408, Santa Maria, California, 93456.
On beach, south of Palmas de Cortez.
Number of rooms: 55.
Suites / AC / pool / shuffleboard / restaurant / bar / airstrip / fishing.
Great pool area and large palapa bar overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Beautiful!HOTEL BUENA VISTA BEACH RESORT
Telephone (800) 752-3555.
011-52 (624) 141-0033.
Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0133.
Web site: www.hotelbuenavista.com.
Number of rooms: 60.
A bit south, head east at the large sign.
Number of rooms: 60.
2 pools / 2 Jacuzzis / volleyball / tennis courts / shuffleboard / restaurant / air conditioning / bar / meeting rooms / fishing fleet.
Pool and lounging areas are somewhat removed from the beautiful beaches. Pity.
Open since 1976.HOTEL RANCHO LEONARO
Telephone (714) 692-6965.
Toll free (800) 334-2252.
Fax 011-52 (114) 1-0216.
Off Highway One at Km. 103, east.
Post Office Box 7, Buena Vista, Baja California Sur, Mexico, CP 23501.
U.S. mailing address: 22603 La Palma Avenue, Suite 307, Yorba Linda, California, 92887.
Web site:www.rancholeonero.com.
Number of rooms: 34.
AC / small pool / tennis / restaurant / bar / gift shop / 2,840 dirt strip.
A small, quiet resort with two large verandahs and big dining room facing beach.HOTEL PUNTA COLORADA
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0050.
(800) 368-4334.
Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0046.
10 miles south on the coastal dirt road.
Post Office Box 9016, Calabasas, California, U.S.A. 91372.
Number ofrooms: 29.
AC / pool / restaurant / bar / 3,200 hard packed airstrip / very remote!
A large stone verandah (complete with bar!) offers great views of the Sea of Cortez.
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EL TRIUNFOOver a hundred years after silver was discovered in the southern Baja mountains at San Antonio, silver and gold were discovered in a nearby mountain area, soon to be called El Triunfo (The Triumph). The year was 1862, and the fever grew quickly as minors from other parts of Mexico and the United States set up camp to find their fortunes. Many of the miners who missed out in the California gold rush of 1849 came to El Triunfo for a second chance at striking it rich, along with many of those who hit pay dirt in California, and wanted do try their luck again.
By 1865 this once-sleepy cattle ranch became a boom town of approximately ten thousand souls. It was, at the time, the largest settlement in all of southern Baja. After 60 some-odd years of mining, El Triunfo finally closed it's operations in 1926.
Today, as the Baja traveler drives the Transpeninsular highway approximately 30 miles north west of Buena Vista, it seems difficult to picture this quaint collection of brick buildings as anything more than just another quiet Baja village. The buildings that are located right on the highway in town are very scenic, but the empty ghost-town feel of the area makes it hard to imagine that over 400 people still call El Triunfo home.
The tall chimney and surrounding brick buildings just in from the south side of the highway are the remains of the old smelter. The interior ceilings of the smelter buildings are lined with dried smoke remnants inches thick from the many decades of operation.
As we near the next millennium, mining on a very small scale still takes place today, as a small reminder of the grand history of this very special Baja town.
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For a sleepy little village, there's plenty to do in the Buena Vista - Los Barriles area. You'll probably get all excited about doing something constructive when you first get into town. Don't worry, your high spirited enthusiasm will soon take a back seat to the 'manana' mode that catches every Baja traveler.Check out the WHALE WATCHING section of Baja Expo for mucho mas information on Baja's Whales!
Two good web sites to review for RVer's who want to tour the Baja Peninsula in an escorted RV caravan include BAJA WINTERS and BAJA AND BACK RV TOURS.
ATV's
All Terrain Vehicles are a great way to get around Los Barriles and Buena Vista. They are also tons of fun to rent for a few hours!
AMIGO'S MOTO RENT
Telephone 011-52 (624) 148-3549.
Located at the main entrance of Los Barriles on the north side of the blacktop, between the market and Chapitos.
A.T.V. and Wave Runner rentals. Half hour, hourly, and daily rates. Mountain and private tours also available!
BIKES
The Buena Vista - Los Barriles area is a great place for mountain bikes, largely because of the dozens of miles of coastal dirt roads and very little traffic. The road north towards Hotel Punta Pescadero is well graded and flat for the first few miles, and then becomes hilly and rocky as it approaches the hotel. The views from this road are spectacular! The road seems to smooth out just past the hotel, but don't be fooled. It turns in to the road from Hell as it eventually cuts through the mountains towards Los Planos, eventually turning into blacktop as it heads up towards La Paz.Heading south from town the road stays relatively flat for dozens of miles, although it does tend to run a mile or so inland from the coast itself. There are several spur dirt roads that connect with the Sea of Cortez, most of these are access roads for the various resort hotels. A nice place to stop, have a cold one, and enjoy the view!
Visit the web site of WIDE OPEN BAJA for awesome buggy tours of the Baja Peninsula.
DIVING
Most of the snorkeling and diving in the Buena Vista area tends to be along the coastline, as there are no islands directly offshore here, and the offshore shelf tends to drop off rather quickly along most of this stretch of the Sea of Cortez. The one advantage of this rapid drop off is that the local fish usually aren't too far from shore. Spearfishing can be good along the rocky beaches, and north of the Hotel Punta Pescadero.For an excellent place to snorkel head 8 miles up the coast to the Punta Pescadero Hotel. There are 3 different groups of large rocks in front of the hotel property. The collection of rocks at the northern point (take the steps down from the hotel and walk 100 yards north) offer some of the best snorkeling in the Buena Vista area! Large boulders set in white sand offer an incredible underwater setting, along with dozens of different kinds of colorful tropical fish! There are 2 medium sized sea caves that can be swam through when the water is calm. Best diving here is at low tide.
For further local dive information:
BAJA DIVE ADVENTURES
Telephone / Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0271.
(800) 533-8452.
Rentals / air / Visa and Master Card accepted.BAJA EXPEDITIONS
Telephone (800) 843-6967.
(858) 581-3311.
2625 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, California, 92109.
The professionals for diving in the Sea of Cortez in the waters north of Buena Vista! Check out their great web site for more information.PUNTA PESCADERO DIVE CENTER
Located at the Punta Pescadero Hotel, 8 miles north of Buena Vista / Los Barriles on the dirt coastal road.
Dive and snorkel adventures at some of the East Cape's best locations. C-cards required.VISTA SEA SPORT
Telephone / Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0031.
(800) 368-4334.
Apartado Postal #42, Buena Vista, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23580.
Sales / rentals / air / Visa and Master Card / scuba and snorkel trips / 2 hour - half day - all day.
Mark and Jennifer Rayor do a great job running this first class dive operation. Experienced dive masters, quality equipment, and local knowledge of the best dive locations make this company one of the best in the East Cape area.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Horseback riding on the beach, just like you've seen on TV commercials, but better. Because you are on the horse! Most of the hotels will help you arrange a macho steed to romp with along the surf line. Even a casual ride through town, along the tree lined streets, can be a relaxing experience.KAYAKING
Most of the shoreline along the Buena Vista - Los Barriles area is very calm, and the water is clear (except during the occasional summer chubasco, or during the brief windy periods of spring and fall). Launching off of any beach is very easy. For a greater variety of viewing options, the rocky cliffs start a few miles up the road toward Punta Pescadero. These cliffs also provide a greater degree of wind protection when the afternoon sea breezes kick in. Longer excursions north towards Punta Arena, and south towards Cabo Pulmo provide plenty of beautiful empty beaches for overnight camping!
BAJA EXPEDITIONS
Telephone (800) 843-6967.
(858) 581-3311.
2625 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, California, 92109.
The professionals for kayaking in the Sea of Cortez and the islands north of Buena Vista! Check out their great web site for more information.NORTH STAR ADVENTURES
Telephone (928) 773-9917.
(800) 258-8434.
Multi-day kayak adventures in the Sea of Cortez.
Check out their web site for more information!
SURFING
Surf, senior, did you say surf? Hard to believe, but true, when a southern hemi or Mexico tropical storm pumps up the volume in the East Cape, Cabo and Scorpion Bay, there's a good chance that the point break at Punta Arena will be offering roller coasters. This often takes place from June through September. It's a goofy-footer's dream come true . . .chances are good you and your buddies will be the only ones in the water. No Sex Wax here, bring your own.
SWIMMING
Because the beaches of Buena Vista are tucked in behind the East Cape, the waves from the open ocean rarely get past Punta Colorada. This provides calm, often totally flat waters off of the sandy beaches. The combination of flat seas and warm waters (June through November) make taking a dip hard to resist!
WAVE RUNNERS
The glassy waters of the Sea of Cortez are just begging for a Wave Runner or Jet Ski. Local residence, however, would probably appreciate you taking the noise a bit offshore, or up or down the coast away from the area homes!
AMIGO'S MOTO RENT
Telephone 011-52 (624) 148-3549.
Located on the main road coming into Los Barriles, north side of the street.
Wave Runner rentals by the half hour, hour, and by the day. Tours available.
WHALE WATCHING
San Ignacio Lagoon is located about two hours north west of Buena Vista, and is one of the "big three" destination lagoons used by the California Gray Whales for their annual mating rendezvous. It seems these huge mammals become friendlier to humans each year.
BAJA EXPEDITIONS
Telephone (800) 843-6967 * (858) 581-3311.
2625 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, California, 92109.
The professionals for whale watching in Laguna Ignacio! Check out their great web site for more information.
WINDSURFING
Los Barriles is sailboard central. When the winds come screaming in during the spring, the wave-hopping begins! Although the swells are not as big as Maui, and the different skill levels offered are not as diverse as The Gorge, experienced sailors can strap in and fly all day long when the winds are up. When the winds are calm, there's always other fun stuff to do during the lull. Like trying to figure out how old that girl is in the Brazil Reef sandal ads.
SOLO SPORTS BAJA WINDSURFING
is a great web site to surf if you are looking for more information on windsurfing in Baja. These folks wrote the book...check it out!Another good web site to check out for boardsailing in Baja is BAJA GUIDE by Mike Godsey.
(310) 833-3397.
Fax (310) 833-3781.
E-mail: ckirks@aol.com
Windsurf vacation packages to La Ventana, Baja, north of Buena Vista. Vacation packages also include fishing, kayaking, mountain biking and other outdoor adventures!Telephone (800) 782-6037.
E-Mail: wythina@crestedbutte.net
Located 40 miles north of Buena Vista.
Complete windsurf center and bed & breakfast, including rentals, instruction, and much more. All this in a remote and mellow corner of Baja. Paradise!-
(800) 223-5443.
Located at Hotel Playa Del Sol.
These guys are some of the best in the business. Other locations world. wide. BAJA SURF CLUB
(800) 551-8844.
Hotel Palmas de Cortez.
TOP OF PAGE MEXICO EXPO TRAVEL GUIDE BAJA EXPO 
A few years ago the Baja traveler had few choices to pacify the palate in the Buena Vista-Los Barriles strip. Today, although still narrow by most standards, the choices will are increasing.
In the past, the hotels were the main place to eat and drink, and for the most part, they still are the main social gathering places and watering holes. However, new options in town offer diverse menus in nice environments, and nobody seems to be complaining about the new choices.
ALPHONSO'S RESTAURANT
Located on the main highway, just north of the Pemex station.
Basic Mexican food at very reasonable prices. The great view of the Sea of Cortez is free!EL SINALOENSE
On the Los Barriles road, west side of street, next to Los Pinos Electric.
A very small restaurant with just a few tables. Good Mexican food, cheap.MANANA'S
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0344.
VHF #65.
Main road in Los Barriles, west side of street.
Pizza, pasta, burgers, and a whole lot more. Tell Jim and Donna that Carlos sent ya!OTRA VES RESTAURANT AND CANTINA
West side of the Los Barriles road.
Palapa restaurant and cantina. A good place to eat, drink, & watch the world go by. On those warm Baja days you can sit outside in the fresh air, and when the winds pick up you can enjoy a meal and a cocktail inside. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner!TIO PABLO'S BAR AND GRILL
Located in downtown Los Barriles, north east corner next to Tio Pablo's Market.
TAQUERIA LOS BARRILES
Located on the main street in Los Barriles coming down from the Highway, bottom of the hill, north side.
Excellent tacos in a squeaky clean environment! Build your own masterpiece.
TOP OF PAGE BAJA EXPO If the Buena Vista-Los Barriles are is short on anything, it's shopping. Even still, the pickin's are much greater now than they were a year or two ago. Not too long ago a Baja traveler had to down to San Jose Del Cabo, or up to La Paz, for even the most basic supplies. There are now a few small stores in the area, including the new pueblo style shopping center on the north east corner of Highway One at the entrance to Los Barriles. You can't miss it. Hopefully, as the paint becomes a bit weathered, this nice collection of shops won't stand out quiet as much as it does now.
Visit the web site of JOHN RAMOS to review his unique and colorful Mexico art work.
PLAZA DEL PUEBLO
(Alamo-style shopping center as you enter town).
Corner of Baja Highway One, at the entrance to Los Barriles.A PLACE IN THE SUN
Mexican furniture and more!BAJA BEACH
Gifts, silkscreen, embroidery.THE BAKERY RESTAURANT
Breakfasts and lunches, fresh breads, rolls and cookies!BUZZARD'S BAY CANTINA
Sports cantina and food.BUZZARD'S BAY WORLD FAMOUS HEALTH CLUB
Exercise and lifting equipment to burn off that nasty fat you got drinking cervesa at Buzzard's Cantina.EAST CAPE SMOKEHOUSE
Custom smoking and packaging of your pesca!MARIA SILVER
Beautiful silver items for sale.PASA TIEMPO
Unique arts and crafts.SUNRISE CAFE
A quaint place for a good meal.THRIFTY ICE CREAM
Famous the world over...now in Los Barriles!
CHAPITOS
On the parallel road, west side of the street.
A small market featuring basic staples and supplies.FAYLA SUPER MERCADO
Located on the main Los Barriles road, west side of the street.
Bigger selection, also includes a farmacia.LA PEQUINITA BOTIQUE
Located in Los Barriles on the main coastal road, west side of the street.
A very small boutique offering plenty of fun items.TAMAYO HARDWARE STORE
Located between Pueblo Plaza and Baja Highway One.
A good selection of items to keep your casa in shape!TIO PABLOS TIENDA / BAIT AND TACKLE
Main Los Barriles road, west side of the street.
Not a big selection, but it beats driving to San Jose del Cabo when Fayla is closed.
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The Transpeninsular Highway is the lifeblood to the Buena Vista - Los Barriles area. Until Highway 19 was completed on the west coast back in the 80's, this strip of blacktop saw all of the traffic between La Paz and Cabo. Now, much of that traffic takes the western route through Todos Santos, which tends to be straighter and maybe a bit faster (although both routes have more than their share of cattle on the road).The coastal road heading north from Buena Vista has recently gotten the okay for pavement towards El Cardonal. Look for completion sometime in the year 2001.
The road headed south around Punta Arena and down the East Cape still offers blacktop for several miles, but turns to dirt again 5 miles north of Cabo Pulmo. Die-hard East Cape aficionados hope the rest of this road remains unpaved for many years to come!
Two good web sites to review for RVer's who want to tour the Baja Peninsula in an escorted RV caravan include BAJA WINTERS and BAJA AND BACK RV TOURS.
AIRPORT
For more information on flights into Cabo San Lucas International Airport drop by the AIRPORT section of Cabo Expo.
PUNTA PESCADERO AIRPORT
LOCATION: Seven miles north of town.
SURFACE: Paved.
ELEVATION: 25 Feet
RUNWAYS: 7 / 11
LENGTH: 3,500 Feet
TOWER: Unicom 122.8
FUEL: No
AIRPORT OF ENTRY: No
COMMENTS: The best private airstrip in Baja. The hotel is awesome! Great beach, wonderful snorkeling...a great place to fly in and drop out. One of Carlos Fiesta's favorite hotels in Baja.
BUSES
The bus stop is right on the main highway, near the PEMEX station. Buses going south are headed for San Jose del Cabo, but not necessarily to Cabo San Lucas. Buses going north are headed for La Paz, and changing buses is usually required before heading further north. Most of these buses are pretty nice, and some even feature color TVs. Plan on the bus making a few stops to pick up locals in both directions. No chickens.
CAR RENTALS
EAST CAPE CAR RENTALS
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0333.
Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0133.
Km. 105 Carr. al Sur, Fracc. Spa Buena Vista, Buena Vista, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Located at the Buena Vista Beach Resort.
Free mileage, weekly discounts, minimum age 25 years old.
From V.W. sedans to Suburban S.U.V.'s and everything in between!FERRIES
Baja does have two direct water connections to mainland Mexico, via the ferries from LA PAZ (one hour north of Buena Vista) and Santa Rosalia in Baja California Sur. The ferries in Santa Rosalia offer regular scheduled service to Guaymas every Friday departing at 11:00 P.M. (starting at $14.00 U.S.), while the ferries in La Paz offer regular service to Topolobampo and Mazatlan every day except Saturday (also starting at $14.00 U.S.).
Ferries carry vehicles as well as passengers, and are a great way to ad extra adventure to any Baja excursion!
For ferry schedules and rates, you can also go right to the source by checking out the SEMATUR FERRY or calling them directly at 011-52 (112) 5-4666!
The corporate office of SEMATUR is located in La Paz and can be reached at 011-52 (612) 125-8899.
LA PAZ FERRY
Telephone 011-52 (612) 122-5005.
Fax 011-52 (612) 125-5217.
Located 5 miles north of town.SANTA ROSALIA FERRY
Telephone 011-52 (615) 152-0014.
Located east of town.TOPOLOBAMPO FERRY
Telephone 011-52 (668) 862-0141.
Located southeast of town.GASOLINE
The supply of reliable gasoline in the Los Barriles area is improving. The PEMEX station (#1699) on the main highway keeps pretty regular hours, and has unleaded gas.
TOURS
MAXIMIANO COTA
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0057.
Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0199.
Located in Buena Vista.FERNANDO GERALDO
Telephone / Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0216.
Located at the Hotel Rancho Leonaro.
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TOP OF PAGE MEXICO EXPO TRAVEL GUIDE BAJA EXPO 
Buena Vista-Los Barrilles real estate has slowed considerably since the housing bubbple popped in the U.S. More and more Baja aficionados are realizing that this little slice of paradise is only an hour away from the airports of Los Cabos or La Paz, via the paved Transpeninsular Highway, but prices are now a big issue
If you missed your chance to purchase prime beachfront property in Los Cabos before the prices went up, Buena Vista-Los Barriles is probably your last chance to get in on beachfront property at a reasonable price, and still be near the blacktop.
REAL ESTATE BROKERS * DEVELOPER PROPERTIES
Thinking about moving south of the border? Visit the web site of BAJA RELOCATION for a head's up for what awaits you.
DEVELOPER PROPERTIES
As Los Cabos prices head off the chart developers are headed for Buena Vista and the East Cape to make the American Dream available in Baja.
LIGHTHOUSE POINT ESTATES
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0303.
Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0323.
Custom oceanfront homes on the East Cape, south of Buena Vista. Check out their web site for more details!BAHIA LAS BARRACAS
Telephone (800) 714-1826.
011-52 (624) 126-6878.
Ocean view lots on the Sea of Cortez in a planned gated community on the East Cape.
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
There are a few real estate Brokers who specialize in Buena Vista-Los Barrilles properties. These properties range as far north as Punta Pescadero and beyond, and as far south as Punta Colorada.
BAJA BEACH INVESTMENTS
Telephone 011-52 (624) 142-8074.
U.S. (760) 742-5170.
Los Barriles, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23501.
Web site: www.bajabeachinvestments.com.
Lots, houses, acerage, rentals and much more.
Contact Jeff or Kimberly Niemi for your East Cape real estate needs.
Check out their very informative web site.BAJA PROPERTIES - BUENA VISTA
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0075.
Fax 011-52 (624) 141-0066.
Apartado Postal #5, Los Barriles, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23501.
Located on the main Los Barriles road, heading north, east side of the street, on the corner.
The oldest established real estate company in Los Barriles. A full service company and a charter member of the Los Cabos Multiple Listings Service.CENTURY 21 - COSTA AZUL
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0303.
Located in Los Barriles.
East Cape real estate sales.COSTA REAL ESTATE
Telephone 011-52 (624) 141-0277.
Home and lot sales in the Los Barriles area.
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