Why Tourists Are Flocking To This Natural Reserve Near Los Cabos

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Last Updated 7 months ago

The Director of the Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere Reserve, Benito Rafael Bermúdez Almada, recently declared that this UNESCO site has experienced a 700% increase in the number of tourists visiting the area. 

This reserve is located roughly 16 miles north of San José del Cabo and is home to the highest peak in Baja California Sur, with a height of 2090 meters.

According to the Director, roughly half of the tourists flocking to Sierra de La Laguna are foreigners, while the remaining half is composed of Mexicans and locals. 

People tend to visit this site to take a close look at the unique animals and plants living here, as well as to try out one of the many outdoor activities for which the area is renowned, such as canoeing, climbing, hiking, and more. 

According to Benito Rafael Bermúdez Almada, locals tend to visit Sierra de La Laguna in the month of November, especially on the 20th and on the Dias de los Muertos.

A ticket to the park is 58 pesos, but there are some exceptions. Children under 10 years of age, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and locals can access the site for free. 

But why should tourists leave the wonderful beaches of Cabo San Lucas to visit this site? 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere Reserve is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Baja California Sur.

This hidden gem is home to diverse landscapes ranging from the only pine-oak forest in the Baja California Sur Peninsula to lowland rainforests. 

Over 154 species of birds currently live here, of which 24 are endemic to the Cape region, while 15 are endemic to the oak forest. 

Talking about man-made construction, visitors can also visit one of the many stone dams built by the local population to take advantage of the runoff during the rainy season. 

According to UNESCO data, the upper parts of the dams collect up to 700 mm of water per year. 

Why are tourists flocking to Sierra de La Laguna?

One of the reasons that brings tourists to this paradisiac reserve is surely the possibility to see the many unique animal and plant species inhabiting these areas. But this is not the only factor. 

Sierra de La Laguna offers all sorts of outdoor activities, making this a great area for nature and adventure lovers alike. 

Hiking is, without a doubt, one of the most popular activities, with the months from November to the early spring having the best conditions for this sport. The reserve features several hiking trails, such as the Cañon San Dionísio trail.

This hike, beginning in Boca de La Sierra, on the east side of Sierra de La Laguna, and ending in Santo Domingo, on the west side, is one of the most popular and easiest paths in Sierra de La Laguna.

The Cañon San Dionísio trail is about 22.5 km in length, and it takes visitors an average of three days to complete it. 

On top of this, water pools providing potable water can be found all over the trail, making it easier for hikers who won’t have to carry heavy bottles in their backpacks. Despite this, it is important to keep in mind that following hiking trails in this reserve is not always so easy. 

This is mostly due to the fact that trails can be quite difficult to find and follow. This is why tourists are recommended to hire a local guide to avoid getting lost. 

But hiking is surely not the only outdoor activity offered by Sierra de La Laguna. 

Canoeing, climbing, bouldering, and camping are some of the other popular activities that every year attract more and more tourists to this reserve. 

At the moment, Sierra de La Laguna can host a total of 600 people per night.

According to Benito Rafael Bermúdez Almada, despite the recent drastic increase of tourists in the reserve, this number was never reached, meaning that tourists wanting to spend a night here shouldn’t worry about availability. 

This may also be due to the fact that the site is fully off-grid, meaning that people camping here have to deal with the lack of electricity and water.