History

Though most tourists coming to the Los Cabos region are intimately familiar with the nightlife partying of Cabo San Lucas or have felt the breezes along the sleepy stretch of San Jose del Cabo, many aren’t aware of the long and storied history of the native culture that runs through the veins of the Baja landscape. Early Spanish conquerors of Mexico encountered three tribal groups – the Pericues, the Guayacaras, and the Cochimes. Cave paintings throughout the region reflect the native life and culture, notably at El Faro Viejo lighthouse, Plaza Amelia Wilkes and Misión de San Jose. More than 50 places have survived over the years. You can find trails of native mural paintings, notably in Miraflores and Los Barriles. In 1535, Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez attempted to colonize the peninsula but had no luck due to conflict and the inability to grow crops. After 150 years, the Spanish Jesuit missionaries came to spread religion to the Baja region and established a number of missions that can still be accessed today: Misión Santa Rosalía de Mulegé (1705), Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó (1697), Nuestra Señora del Pilar de la Paz (1733) and Misión Estero de las Palmas de San José del Cabo Añuití (1730). Wonderfully sublime inland towns capture the indigenous background as a stroll through any of the streets in Miraflores or Santiago will transport you back in time to a much simpler age. Next time you visit, take a moment and give respect to the antiquity of the area you explore.