Treasure Hunting in Baja

by Hugh & Carol Kramer

Whether you are traveling to Baja for the first time or the hundredth time, there is ALWAYS something new to explore. We have been traveling in Baja for 36 years and we are still finding new treasures. Here are some not to miss.

The Natural History and Cultural Museum of Bahia de Los Angeles just celebrated its 23rd birthday. This museum dedicated to central Baja California includes exhibits on the Seri Indian life, an 1800-furnished ranch house, Cochimi Indian artifacts, a 70-year photographic history of the town, Sea of Cortez shells, sea turtles, bighorn sheep, whale sharks, fossils and sharks.

One hundred years ago LA Bay had the largest gold and silver mine in all of Baja. Outside the museum is a replica of the hanging ore baskets, baby-gauge railway carts, and machinery. There is also a botanical garden to identify local plants. The 40-minute film, Ocean Oasis can also be viewed with advanced arrangements. Don’t miss this gem.

Tour of Saltworks in Guererro Negro: The saltworks port facilities were built in Laguna Guerrero Negro in 1957. The Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan presently owns 49% of the company with the Mexican Government

The Compañía Exportadora de Sal facilities constitute the greatest outdoor eco-process salt works in the world. The harvest machines collect 2,000 tons of salt per hour and load it to special tractor trucks of three gondola cars of 60 ton capacity. The product is transported in boats to Isla de Cedros where it is shipped to its final destination – mainly Japan. Each of these processes can be viewed in a tour which is fascinating. Just remember, this is a working center. To visit the salt works it is essential to obtain a permit from Compañia Exportadora de Sal. The office is located at the west end of the town of Guerrero Negro.

Pronghorn Antelope Reserve is part of the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. This “critically endangered” species is found primarily in Western and Central North America (mainly Wyoming and Montana) and there is this small distinct population in the Northern part of Baja California Sur. The reserve is not easily found. The road is unmarked and it’s best to engage the services of a guide. The experience is unforgettable.

The observation station is situated on a high bluff overlooking a seemingly infinite expanse on which over 300 pronghorn roam. The population was down to 80 before the reserve was established. About 150 are in corrals to protect the young and assist in breeding. There is much to view and, if you are lucky, one of the wild pronghorns may come up to say “hola”.

Music Museum in El Triunfo. We had been through El Triunfo dozens of times but it was only recently we stopped to visit the Music Museum there. Multiple rooms of a small hacienda have been converted into a delightful museum. Well-displayed in bright, cheerful rooms was an absolutely amazing collection of well-preserved pianos, organs, guitars, violins and very unusual instruments. Excellent signage in Spanish and English describe the instruments and the history of music in Baja.

There are indeed treasures throughout Baja, it only takes a little effort to discover them. Happy hunting.

Hugh and Carol Kramer are owners of Discover Baja Travel Club providing quality insurance, permits, information and services to those traveling in Baja