The peninsula of Baja California, geographically isolated from the rest of Mexico, has not been fully incorporated into the country's economic, political or cultural life. The Sea of Cortez virtually separates Baja from the mainland, and a mountain range runs down the middle of the peninsula, making travel difficult. The primitive charm of the region has been preserved, and the endangered species found there have been protected by the absence of tourists. Overcoming obstacles of geography and climate, engineers have succeeded in building a fine highway running the length of the peninsula from Tiajuana to LaPaz. Travel is now possible to archeological and historical locales. Maps of Baja are dotted with pre-Columbian sites through the mountains. Along the shores are clusters of unmolested indigenous villages. Long-abandoned Spanish missions can be discovered near the highway. Accommodations and guide services for the Baja Peninsula are listed on page 201.

Adapted from: Wood, Robert D. 1979. A Travel Guide to Archeological Mexico. New York, NY: Hastings House. pp. 53-54.