:::Todos Santos Information San Pedrito Surf Hotel Pescadero Whale Watching Baja Mexico:::

The town of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico is a natural paradise where the desert hugs the
Sierra de la Laguna mountain range on one side and kisses the Pacific Ocean on the other. The
Southern Baja peninsula (Baja California Sur) hosts several unique eco-systems that are special to this
unique area.

Near Todos Santos and the surrounding area you will see the Cardón cactus in all of its majesty. The
cardón cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) is the world's largest cactus. There are about 1200 species of
cactus, all of them native to the Americas. The cardón is nearly endemic to the deserts of the Baja
California peninsula. Some of the largest cardones have been measured at nearly 21 meters (70 feet)
high and weigh up to 25 tons. These very slow growing plants are also extremely long-lived, and many
specimens live well over 300 years. ''Cardo'' means ''thistle'' in Spanish. It is said that when Hernando
Cortes attempted to establish a settlement in Baja in 1535, the many spiny cacti earned it the name
''Isla de Cardón'', because at the time, they believed the peninsula was an island. In Latin, ''pachy''
means thick and ''cereus'' means waxy. One has only to see the thick arms of this pale gray-green, waxy
skinned cactus to understand what the traveling American botanist, Cyrus Pringle, meant when he
named the species. To read more on this subject go to the Los Cabos Guide to Good Eating and More!

In December you can watch the Whales migrate along our coastline here near Todos Santos. Every year
between Mid October and the end of March, thousands of gray whales make their annual 5,000 mile
migration from the waters off of Alaska's Bering Sea, to the temperate waters off of Baja California Sur,
Mexico. This is nothing short of spectacular watching them frolic and play in the ocean. Literally you
can be standing on any one of the many beaches in around the Todos Santos area and watch a jaw
dropping whale show. You will witness the longest known mammal migration in the world. Hunted
nearly to extinction, these magnificent creatures have survived thanks to recent conservation efforts.
Be sure to make early reservations with us to experience one of the most memorable encounters of a
lifetime!

Todos Santos, Mexico also has an annual Turtle Migration that begins in October. Please be mindful
that these are a protected species of Turtle and please aid the efforts of Tortugueros Las Playitas Their
mission is to protect the endangered sea turtles, who nest on the shores near Todos Santos, with a
special emphasis on Leatherbacks, whose nests do not incubate naturally here due to low sand
temperatures. To accomplish this, the group builds an incubation invernadero every year to elevate the
sand temperature. Then the Leatherback nests are moved inside where they incubate successfully.
Volunteers in and around Todos Santos run nightly patrols relocating nests into the incubation area,
monitor the hatchery, organize beach clean-ups, and educate school-aged children, fishermen and
residents on environmental conservation, sea turtle restoration, and water safety in and around the
Todos Santos area. If you would like to volunteer during your vacation, please click on the link to go to
their website.

Todos Santos means All Saints and is located on the Pacific coast side of Baja California Sur about 45
miles north of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. As you approach this special area by car, the town of Todos
Santos will delight you with its sanctuary of palm and fruit trees producing delicious mangos, papayas,
and avocados. The farming fields and the quaint villages are situated beside miles of pristine,
un-spoiled beaches. Many people are attracted not only to the wonderful weather in this area of
Mexico, but they are also attracted to the beaches, birds, hiking trails, fishing and the many ocean
sports that are offered here in Todos Santos, Mexico. Surfing at any of the world class point breaks can
be an exciting past time.

For More Great Information visit Todos Santos Official Site!

Additional information on this beautiful area can be found by visiting the Todos Santos Guide.

If you are interested in reading more about the history of this richly cultural area. Click on this link!

Key Words: Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Leatherback Turtles, Mexico Whale Watching,
The protected Cardon Cactus