THE MAYAN RUINS OF COPAN, HONDURAS

     Reproduction of Temple Rosalila at the Museum of Copán, Honduras

My husband and I were living in the wonderful town of Antigua, Guatemala when my chronic “itchy feet syndrome” kicked in. They were telling me it was time to get on a bus and go to the beach. The big question, however, was which beach, which country, and which coast. For a change from the Pacific coast of Guatemala we decided to visit the Caribbean coast of Honduras and visit the Bay of Islands. In order to break up the multiple bus rides from Guatemala we decided to stop in Copán Ruinas, Honduras. It would give us the perfect opportunity to visit the nearby Mayan ruins of Copán. As anyone who has read my previous blog postings knows I ADORE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RUINS!  So please join me in this visit to the Mayan ruins of Copan, Honduras.  

  An artistic rendering of what Copan may have looked like during the peak of its civilization

Copán is exotic and fascinating in a beautiful semi-tropical forest setting yet small enough not to be overwhelming. I will never forget the day we explored this amazing archaeological complex especially since we had it almost all to ourselves. What a delight! Please join me in my introduction to Copán.

The Ballcourt is immediately north of the Court of the Hieroglyphic Stairway and is to the south of the Monument Plaza. It was remodeled by Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil, who then demolished it and built a third version, which was one of the largest from the Classic period. It was dedicated to the great macaw deity and the buildings flanking the playing area carried 16 mosaic sculptures of the birds. The completion date of the ballcourt is inscribed with a hieroglyphic text upon the sloping playing area and is given as 6 January 738

Someone I know looks really happy to be in Copán or is it the camera he doesn't like!   

Mayan stelae were essentially created to glorify the king and record his deeds although the earliest examples depict mythological scenes.The sculpting of these monuments spread throughout the Maya area during the Classic Period (250–900 AD) and the pairing of sculpted stelae and circular altars are considered a hallmark of Classic Maya civilization.

The Great Plaza of Copán is an immense plaza which is famous for its stelae and altars that are found scattered around a well-groomed lawn. One of the most famous stelae is of “18 Rabbit”, who was the 13th ruler of Copán. The sculpture depicts the ruler with a decorative headdress and an intimidating scepter with a two-head snake. The area also includes the ball court which is the second largest court in Central America.

Copán is known for a series of sculptured stelae most of which were placed along processional ways in the central plaza of the city and the adjoining acropolis, a large complex of overlapping step-pyramids, plazas, and palaces. 


Located in the far west of Honduras, the Mayan ruins of Copán have to be one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites I can imagine visiting. Located in a semi-tropical forest setting, Copán is populated by vibrant macaws and is truly exotic, fascinating, and captivating. Copán stands out because of its massive and intricate sculptures which decorated the faces of the structures as well as the number of hieroglyphic texts which suggest the existence of an extensively literate culture. Copán flourished during the 7th century of our era and is representative today of what Athens was to the old world: the cradle of its civilization. Because of this and other reasons, UNESCO declared it a world heritage site in 1980.

 

Located at the entrance of Copán, the Copán Mayan Sculpture Museum includes many sculptures and replicas from the site. The entrance to the museum is made in the form of a snake’s mouth representing the Mayan belief that snakes represent a journey into the underworld. The museum’s most notable attraction is the full-size replica of the Rosalila Temple which is complete with the bright red colors and ornate designs that once composed this structure. Also in the museum is Altar Q, the incredible carved square stone that depicts the 16 rulers of the Copán Dynasty.

   

The area of the Acropolis consists of both the western and eastern court. The western court includes Temple 11 which was built as a gateway to the underworld. Temple 16 was built on top of a previous temple (the Rosalila Temple) without damaging the remains. You can climb to the top of Temple 16, approximately 100 feet high, where you can see the overall layout of the Copán ruin complex.  The Tunnels:  archaeologists have dug 4km of tunnels under the acropolis to view earlier stages of Copan civilization. Two of the tunnels are open to the public for an additional fee.

Stelae became closely associated with the concept of divine kingship and declined at the same time as this institution. The production of stelae by the Maya had its origin around 400 BC and continued through to the end of the Classic Period around 900 although some monuments were reused in the Post Classic period (c. 900–1521).

The majority of archaeologists agree that Copán formed part of the three largest and most lavish cultural centers of the New World. The Maya of Copán developed a civilization based on a complex sociopolitical foundation with an advance knowledge in the fields of science, mathematics and astronomy. They also developed a writing system based on hieroglyphs. Equally impressive was their architecture which was based on the construction of scaled graded pyramids. The carved sculptures of Copán are without doubt some of the most spectacular found in the archaeological ruins of the Maya. The altars and historical monuments in Copán were often covered with painted murals which were stunning in red pigmented paint. And if this was not enough, their work in jade, ceramic, and stone was also amazing. 



 
The two-headed monster is one of three structures that make up Altar G and is located at La Acropolis. A human figure can be seen emerging from the mouth of the east-facing head of the two headed-monster.

The stunning carved stonework of Copán is some of the most impressive found at any of the many Mayan archaeological sites throughout Latin America.

ALTAR G is the most famous monument at Copán. It was dedicated by king Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat in AD 776 and has each of the first 16 kings of the Copán dynasty carved around its side. Each figure is depicted seated on his name glyph.

The following quoted text is the Long Description from UNESCO which can be found at the following:  http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/129

“Copán with its temples, plazas and terraces, comprises a type of architectural complex among the most characteristic of the Mayan civilization. The lengthy inscription on the Hieroglyphic Stairway Plaza is of considerable historical significance."

 




The Hieroglyphic Stairway:  This is the most famous of Copan’s monuments. The stairway is located on Temple 26 and it contains 63 steps completely carved with hieroglyphs that tell the history of the royal house of Copan. It is the longest known text of ancient Mayan civilization. Archaeologists are still studying and deciphering the whole meaning of the hieroglyphic text.

 Taking a break with the incredible Mayan remains of Copán.  If only these stones could speak!

                    Stela as seen at the Mayan Sculpture Museum at Copán 

"There is evidence that Copán was inhabited during the American Formative period (2000 BC-AD 300), although few remains exist today which attest to this occupation. The great period of Copán, paralleling that of other major Mayan cities, occurred during the Classical period, AD 300-900. Major cultural developments took place with significant achievements in mathematics, astronomy and hieroglyphic writing."



            Stela H detail depicting king Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil



A return visit to Copán would be at the top of my wish list!




    Simply fantastic and awe-inspiring sculptures at the ruins of Copán


"Architectural activity, as well, made strides during this period. The site of Copán went through three principal stages of development during which evolved the temples, plazas, altar complexes and ball courts that can be seen today. Shortly after 900, the site was abandoned. Although Copán was discovered in 1570 by Diego Garcia de Palacio, its existence did not receive worldwide attention until the work of John Lloyd Stephens from 1839 to 1841. Since then, numerous archaeological expeditions have explored and excavated various parts of the site."

One of two simian sculptures on Temple 11 which possibly represent Howler Monkey Gods.  

"The Mayan city of Copán as it exists today is composed of a main complex of ruins with several secondary complexes encircling it. The main complex consists of the Acropolis and important plazas. Among the five plazas are the Ceremonial Plaza, with an impressive stadium opening onto a mound with numerous richly sculptured monoliths and altars; the Hieroglyphic Stairway Plaza, with a monumental stairway at its eastern end that is one of the outstanding structures of Mayan culture. On the risers of this 100 m wide stairway are more than 1,800 individual glyphs which constitute the longest known Mayan inscription. The Easter Plaza rises a considerable height above the valley floor. On its western side is a stairway sculptured with figures of jaguars originally inlaid with black obsidian."

So much more to be explored and absorbed at the incredible Copán ruins in Honduras!

"From what is known today, the sculpture of Copán appears to have attained a high degree of perfection. The Acropolis, a magnificent architectural complex, appears today as a large mass of rubble which came about through successive additions of pyramids, terraces and temples. The world's largest archaeological cut runs through the Acropolis. In the walls of the cut, it is possible to distinguish floor levels of previous plazas and covered water outlets. During the period when Mayan civilization spread across Central America, Copán was the largest and most influential city in the south-eastern sector.”

    GO TO LINK:   IMAGES OF MAYAN SCULPTURES 

 
THE LOVELY NEARBY TOWN of COPAN RUINAS:

The town of Copán Ruinas, also often referred to as simply Copán, is the town close to the wonderful archaeological ruins of Copán. It is a charming town paved with cobblestones and lined with white adobe buildings with red-tiled roofs. There is a lovely colonial church on the plaza and all the amenities necessary for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Copán has become a primary tourist destination because of its proximity to the ruins, but fortunately this hasn't disrupted the charm of the town. Our two night stay in Copán Ruinas was a total delight.

 Lovely landscape, charming town, and friendly inhabitants make a stay at Copán Ruinas delightful after visiting the ruins of Copán.
             
    

Getting around Copán Ruinas is fun, convenient, and colorful in the local tuk-tuks!

Copán Ruinas also offers the visitor many nearby activities in addition to visiting the ruins. There are opportunities for enjoying hiking, trekking, biking, horseback riding, coffee farm visits, bird watching, and more. Remembering our time and experiences in Copán Ruinas certainly makes me wish I had a magic carpet to transport me back for another more in-depth visit. Until then I will just have to share my photographic memories with you and hope you enjoy!

    

                                 

                    
Come back again soon and bring some peanuts, por favor! 

The link to my previous posting on Mayan ruins in Mexico:  

  THE RUINS OF PALENQUE, UXMAL, AND TULUM


Please scroll down to the bottom of the home page in order to access the posting ARCHIVE for previous postings and the FOLLOW BY EMAIL link to receive automatic posting notifications.  I sincerely appreciate hearing from my readers with their questions, comments, and suggestions. Until then, gracias and safe travels! Laura

                                        Memories are only a click away!

BAJA CALIFORNIA: A LOVE AFFAIR

               WELCOME TO BAJA CALIFORNIA

(Including Ensenada, Cataviña, Laguna San Ignacio, Mulegé, Bahia Concepción, Loreto, and Bahia de Magdalena)

My husband and I had a long term love affair with Baja California. Those were the years when we escaped to Baja whenever we could and for no reason other than to absorb it’s magic. We loved everything about Baja. The landscape. The climate. The cactus. The quiet. The peace. The people. The culture. The sea and its marine life. The food. The drink. The music. We flew it. We drove it. We swam it. The long, often challenging, and lovely drive down the peninsula from the California border to the tip of Baja set the mood for this love affair. With time things changed as we did. Eventually it was time to end our affair with Baja. It was time to move on. But the memories I hold in my heart will always be cherished. Thank you, Baja, for sharing yourself with us. In thanks, great appreciation, and love I dedicate this posting to you.

Laura and "Old Blue"are ready to hit the Trans Peninsular Highway of Baja California and you are invited.  

Map of the Baja California Peninsula showing the northern state of Baja California and the southern state of Baja California Sur.

This iconic photograph represents all the beauty of Baja California that I loved.

The Trans Peninsular Highway (aka Mexican Federal Highway One) is the lifeline of the Baja California Peninsula. Baja is a jagged finger of mountains and desert torn from the Mexican mainland along the San Andreas Fault by millions of years of geologic violence. The highway of approximately 1,060 miles is mostly hard road with two-lanes which winds its way all the way to Cabo San Lucas and Land's End at the southern tip of one of the longest, wildest, and spectacular peninsulas to be found anywhere.

At times Mexico Federal Highway One seemed never-ending, but the landscape and beauty were undeniable.

There is an ancient beauty to this desert and mountain land of Baja California. And although the highway can be very challenging, it is also beautiful with a landscape of towering cacti, palm trees, and giant boulders. From Tijuana in the north to Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip, travelers will encounter world famous grey whale watching, ancient cave paintings, high-end vineyards, turquoise bays, and amazing beaches.

The vineyards of Baja California have become well known and their wines are now available throughout Mexico and North America.


Baja California is isolated on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the Sea of Cortez whose blue waters fill the deep chasm between Baja and the rest of Mexico. Officially named Golfo de California by the Mexican government it is commonly referred to as the Sea of Cortez after the Spanish conquistador who "discovered" it.  The peninsula of Baja California is comprised of two states. The northern state is correctly referred to as Baja California (Lower California).  The southern state is correctly referred to as Baja California Sur ( Lower California South).  Carretera Peninsular Benito Juárez is the highway's official name and it was completed in 1973. The challenges of this highway along with the spectacular scenery makes the journey through Baja California a truly memorable experience.

The coastal highway of Baja California from the Tijuana border down to the port city of Ensenada reminds me of California State Highway 1 on the magnificent Pacific coast region of Big Sur.

I am excited to start this nostalgic trip through Baja California and will enjoy your company.  So let's get started!  Crossing the border at Tijuana immediately takes you into Baja California and you will immediately know you are in another country. Everywhere you look will tell you that you are in Mexico and that always excited me. As soon as you navigate through the city and the outlying areas of Tijuana you will find yourself on the Mexican Federal Highway No. 1 which will take us south on our journey. This is one of the most scenic coastal highways I have ever experienced.

 On a driving break I had to stretch my legs and hug this huge Saguaro cactus - isn't it amazing!

Our first destination will be the city and port of ENSENADA.  Along this scenic stretch of highway we will pass through the beach town of Rosarita Beach and then we will come to one of our favorite places in Baja to stop for lunch or for the night.  The name of this place is La Fonda and it is has been a favorite of Baja goers for decades.  Located on a bluff above a long beach which is perfect for walking or just relaxing it has some of the greatest Mexican "comfort" food and margaritas any where in Baja.  It's funky and friendly and we have known friends to drive down from San Diego just to have lunch there.  Better yet, however, to spend the night so you can also enjoy dinner and breakfast!

Hot Mexican colors are a great greeting at La Fonda!  

 La Fonda's outdoor dining terrace with fabulous ocean view and  great Mexican food are a must!

An alternative to funky La Fonda is Hotel Las Rosas which is just north of Ensenada. We spent many weekend getaways relaxing at the beachfront Hotel Las Rosas when it first opened and it was a perfect location for exploring Ensenada.  As a matter of fact, we unknowingly were the very first guests to stay at Las Rosas and had the entire place to ourselves.  What magic!

  Enjoying our stays at Hotel Las Rosas was not exactly"tough duty"! 

THE PORT AND CITY OF ENSENADA

       The exciting port and city of Ensenada and home to fish tacos!  


Ensenada is the first sizable city south of the border in Baja.  When we knew it was known for both commercial fishing and sports fishing and some fun night life. Those were the days when it was a fairly small town and before it became a port of call for cruise ships.  It was also before the surrounding area became known for its vineyards and wineries much to my regret.  Funny as this may sound, the most important memory of time spent in Ensenada was of fish tacos!  This is where my husband introduced me to the delights of fish in a tortilla with salsa and I have never been the same!  We would eat fish tacos for breakfast and lunch at the local fish market on the bay. This is where my love of fish tacos began and where our children were introduced to them.  We all cannot thank you enough Ensenada!

    A resting panga fleet in the port of Ensenada after a morning of fishing

My love of fish tacos started in Ensenada and I say"un mil gracias!"

     Introducing a younger generation to the delights of fish tacos!  

   Another view of the port and city of Ensenada.  Thanks for the memories!

   A fun excursion from Ensenada is visiting the nearby vineyards and wineries. 

   A reminder to drive ONLY during daylight hours on the highways of Baja.


Cataviña

After leaving Ensenada there are long stretches of highway passing by towns by the name of San Vicente, San Quintin, and El Rosario. Then the Trans Peninsular Highway cuts inland through spectacular desert landscape until you reach Cataviña, located 76 miles south of El Rosario which is one of those very memorable places in Baja.

Cataviña is known as Baja’s rock garden and the area is truly stunning.

Cataviña is easily remembered by almost all who drive the peninsula. If you didn’t know where you were you would probably think that you were on another planet. The thousands of magnificent, huge sized boulders, and gigantic rock formations in the area are not to be believed. Cataviña's amazing desert landscape with its unbelievable boulders look as though the gods had been playing marbles which they left behind where they had dropped. There is not a whole lot to do in Cataviña, but the desert landscape and the giant rocks are what makes Cataviña unique and memorable. It's also a good place to stop and spend the night before another day on the road.

LAGUNA SAN IGNACIO





After a good night's sleep and topping off the gas tank, we leave Cataviña for another day on the Trans Peninsular Highway. We will be passing through the town of San Ignacio (definitely worth a detour to visit) and the cutoff for the nearby Laguna San Ignacio (San Ignacio Lagoon). Every year gray whales migrate more than 10,000 miles between their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic and the coastal lagoons of the southern Baja peninsula. Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California Sur is one of three lagoons on the southwest coast of Baja that are the winter home of the gray whale. The whales use these protected, shallow, warm waters during the months of December to April mating, giving birth, and feeding their young calves.

Check out this video which was just published on YouTube: 

VIDEO OF GRAY WHALES

San Ignacio Lagoon is within the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, designated a Biosphere Reserve/World Heritage Site by the Mexican government in 1988 and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  If time permits on your Baja driving journey and the whale season is on, a stop at San Ignacio Lagoon is highly recommended!

OK, it's time we get back on the road to continue our journey south.  You might want to refer to the map at the top of the posting to get your bearings and confirm where you have been and where we are headed.  Strap on your seat belts and let's visit MULEGE and BAHIA DE CONCEPCION on the SEA OF CORTEZ.


Mulegé



Misión Santa Rosalía de Mulegé backed by mountains: La Misión and Santa Clara. The meandering Mulegé River appears on the right lined with palm trees as seen on a sunny December afternoon. "Mulege Mission Pano" by Farwestern Photo by Gregg M. Erickson Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Commons (Gracias for permission to share!)

Mulegé is situated at the mouth of the Río Santa Rosalía on the Sea of Cortez (see note at end of posting) in the state of Baja California Sur. Nestled between two hills in a lush tropical palm oasis the town of Mulegé is divided by a shaded river that runs towards an estuary that flows to the sea. Mulegé is rich in history with lots of great sites to see including the Misión Santa Rosalía de Mulegé, founded in 1705, the old state penitentiary finished in 1907; and the Sierra de Guadalupe cave paintings. Outdoor activities in the area are the main attraction and include mountain biking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and deep sea fishing.

               Ready to check out Mulegé  before it gets "discovered"!

The cold northern current and the warm southern current come together to create an environment great for catching some of the 100 different species of fish in the Mulegé waters. Mulegé has a very casual vibe and is definitely on the funky side. We loved it and it was a perfect and convenient place to stay while ourselves visiting the incredible Bahía Concepción area.

Bahía Concepción

Panorama of Playa Santispac of Bahía Concepción, Baja California Sur. Several islands are visible in the bay: (left to right) Isla San Ramon, Isla Blanca, and Isla Coyote. On the right is Playa Concepcion. Photo by Gregg M. Erickson (another gracias for sharing!)

Bahía Concepción (Conception Bay) is one of the largest bays of Baja California. Lying on the the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) it is less than 20 miles south of Mulegé. Bahía Concepción as over 50 miles of beaches and is fantastic for beach lovers and those with a love of water activities. Some of the more popular beaches include (from north to south) Playa Los Naranjos, Playa Punta Arena, Playa Santispac, Playa Escondida, Playa Los Cocos, Playa El Coyote, Playa Buenaventure, Playa El Requeson, and Playa Armenta.

Although the beaches on the Bahía Concepción are very popular with campers, we spent many a day snorkeling and sunning on this beautiful bay with not another person in sight! A simply wonderful area and experience we will never forget.

Meeting some fellow north-of-the border Californians and sharing Playa Concepción with them.  Gracias for your hospitality, amigos!

Another new-found friend at Bahía Concepción.

Are you ready for another lovely beach and bay area? You better be as we are continuing down Mexico Highway One to the town of LORETO which is also located on the Sea of Cortez for more R&R.

LORETO

Photo credit to http://www.playasmexico.com.mx/ since I do not YET do aerial photography!  

Loreto may not be as well known as some of the other larger Baja California beach resorts, but it has a charm and variety of activities which makes it a good place to visit. Loreto is also a good place to take a driving break.  Loreto (aka Conchó) was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula and served as the capital of Las Californias from 1697 to 1777. The city of approximately 17,000 is located on the coast of the Gulf of California (aka Sea of Cortez) about 84 miles from Mulegé and about 220 miles north of the state capital of La Paz.

     With some fruit and lettuce it was easy to make new friends in Loreto!

Loreto is a pretty town with a good choice of hotel, restaurants, and water-sports. Loreto also has a reputation as an excellent sport fishing location. It is home to the magnificent Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto where the shoreline, ocean, and offshore islands are protected from pollution and uncontrolled fishing. Gray whales aren’t the only species to see while in Baja. Visitors to Loreto can watch fin back and blue whales, along with dolphins, sea lions, and exotic fish. In addition from kayaking among the offshore islands, additional activities include snorkeling and hiking up scenic canyons which offer breathtaking panoramas. There's something for everyone!

The "crown jewel" of Loreto is the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó, or Mission Loreto, which was founded on October 25, 1697 by the Jesuit missionary Juan María de Salvatierra. This was the earliest successful mission in Baja California and it is often referred to as "the head and mother of all the Spanish missions in Upper and Lower California" (aka Baja California and Baja California Sur). Quite impressive! Most hotels and services are near this landmark mission church while the attractive seafront malecón is ideal for evening strolls.

The Loreto area is also considered by anthropologists to be the oldest human settlement on the Baja Peninsula. In "La Giganta" Mountain Range ("Sierra de la Giganta"") there are cave paintings in canyons and rock shelters. The nearest sites to Loreto are "Cuevas Pintas" (9 miles to the west) and "La Pinguica" (37 miles to the North). These cave paintings by the ancient indigenous groups of Baja California are world famous and some of them have been added to UNESCO'S list of world heritage sites. For anyone who enjoys cultural anthropology and archaeology as I do this might just be the excursion for you!

               
Loreto is also a member of the prestigious PUEBLO MAGICO organization and is one of only two cities in the Baja Peninsula to be be so honored.  Congratulations, Loreto!  See the following link.

                                  

                                    LORETO - UN PUEBLO MAGICO

It's now time to say adios to Loreto and here we come Bahia de Magdalena! We are now crossing the peninsula of Baja California Sur once again back to the Pacific Coast. Our destination is BAHIA DE MAGDALENA, one of three gray whale birthing bays in Baja California. If our timing is right, we are in for another opportunity to visit the gray whales that have migrated to Baja for the birthing season.

BAHIA DE MAGDALENA 

Magdalena Bay (Bahía Magdalena) is a 31 mile long bay along the western coast of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. It is protected from the Pacific Ocean by the sandy barrier islands of Isla Magdalena and Isla Santa Margarita. Every year in November, approximately 10,000 (!) gray whales exchange the freezing waters of Alaska’s Bering Sea for the warmth of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Once the whales reach the Mexican coast, they mate, bask in the warm lagoons, and give birth which makes January through early April the peak time to whale watch. During these months, boat excursions are available all along Baja California which give visitors the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.

The best places to have a "whale of an experience" are:

Laguna Ojo de Liebre (also known as Scammon’s Lagoon): this body of water is located about half way down the peninsula on the Pacific side in Guerrero Negro about 440 miles south of the border. It was the principal hunting lagoon used by commercial whale hunters in the 19th century. Today visitors arrive at the lagoon by car, but a national airport is also available for visitors flying in from other destinations in Mexico.

Laguna San Ignacio: is a peaceful natural lagoon that opens to the Pacific and lies approximately 40 miles west of the town of San Ignacio (which I recommend visiting). Access to this site is mostly by car although charter air service from international airports such as San Diego and Tijuana can be arranged along with group tours. See description and photos above.

Bahia Magdalena (Magdalena Bay): This bay has become increasingly popular for whale watching due to its proximity to the La Paz and Loreto International airports. See description and photos above.

My thanks with sincere appreciation to Google Images for use and sharing of the above whale photographs.

I think we have all earned a little R&R so lets take a short break. When we are rested up we will continue this journey exploring much more of Baja Sur.

LA PAZ will be the first destination when we continue this adventure which I will publish as a sequel to this posting.  BAJA CALIFORNIA: PART TWO will include CABO, LA PAZ, TODOS SANTOS, AND SAN JOSE DEL CABO.

Roadside shrines area vivid reminders to watch the road while driving in Baja!

No cheating!  This is a journey by road and not by plane.  See you soon.  

A little "Aztec" entertainment at the border crossing.  Adios, Baja California and see you again soon!  

 I look forward to your company when we continue this journey and I certainly would appreciate your help with the driving.  Until then, rest up and get ready for more adventure on Mexico Federal Highway One! See you soon, Laura

                                                   Memories are just a click away!

                                          

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