East Cape, Mexico
Get to know East Cape
The East Cape area at the southeastern tip of Baja California Sur has long been an oceanfront expanse of undiscovered natural beauty and sleepy fishing villages, until recent years. Current development has seen the addition of several newer resorts, more restaurant options, and a sprinkling of luxury homes, but not to the extent that the “away from it all” feeling of the area is spoiled.
Located about 90 minutes by car south of La Paz or a 45 minute drive east from San Jose del Cabo, the East Cape area consists of a string of small villages along the scenic Sea of Cortez. From north to south, the villages are El Bledito, Buenos Aires, Los Barriles, Buena Vista, La Ribera, Las Lagunas, El Rincon, Miramar, Los Frailes, and Boca del Salado. The largest of these towns includes Los Barriles (population: approximately 2,000) and La Ribera (population: approximately 1,200). For regular grocery shopping and supplies, most people drive into San Jose del Cabo to stock up.
The breathtaking beaches and prolific fishing are two of the main draws to the East Cape region. Endless secluded stretches of golden-white sand, empty except for shells and pebbles, beckon beachgoers searching for privacy. Cabo Pulmo is one of the better-known beaches; snorkelers and Scuba divers enjoy this area due to the colorful reefs, caves, and arches under the water near this beach. Bahia Los Frailes is another of the beaches in the area; considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on the East Cape, the water seems to change color depending on the time of day. A number of businesses specialize in fishing trips on the Sea of Cortez, which is known for its abundant sea life. Most of the hotels and resorts in the area offer packages which bundle accommodations and sport fishing outings; the Hotel Playa del Sol (http://www.palmasdecortez.com/hotelplaya.html), Hotel Punta Colorada (http://www.palmasdecortez.com/hotelpunta.html), and Hotel Palmas De Cortez (http://www.palmasdecortez.com/hotelpalmas.html) are a few options for travelers interested in fishing packages.
Other hotels and resorts in the East Cape area also offer comfortable and luxurious accommodations with spectacular mountain and ocean views. The Hotel Bahia Los Frailes (http://www.losfrailes.com/) is near excellent swimming and snorkeling spots and has an on-site massage therapist. At the Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort (http://www.hotelbuenavista.com/), guests can bask in the natural hot springs jacuzzi or sip a refreshing cocktail at the swim-up bar. Near Los Barriles, the Hotel Punta Pescadero (http://www.puntapescadero.com/) has its own private airstrip and pampers guests in its 21 oceanfront rooms with private balconies. When the lazy days at the beach and on the water give way to mealtime, the East Cape offers a variety of restaurants, from traditional Mexican to seafood to international cuisine.