SANTA ROSALIA

Santa Rosalia is the capital city of the Municipality of Mulege north of Baja California Sur. The Jesuit monk Juan María Basaldua founded the town in 1705.  Today, it is a modern city and an obligatory stop along Ruta 1 due to the industrial infrastructure that belonged to the old mine that once ran operations and a reminder of the thriving mining past in the region. Gustav Eiffel designed the Church of Santa Barbara, which was set up in Santa Rosalia in 1897, obviously showing a French style and architecture difficult to find somewhere else in Mexico.

Strolling around the busy streets of downtown Santa Rosalia offers many opportunities to take pictures of several French style buildings, visit the Mining Museum as well as the History Museum of Santa Rosalia, the Municipal Palace and archive.

The unique gastronomy of Baja California Sur which is itself an extraordinary experience and that the visitors will be able to enjoy throughout Ruta 1, here in Santa Rosalia, a delicious option is to taste the “Bachicha” or the “Boleo”, handcrafted breads baked inside stone ovens.

Only 33 kms north along Ruta 1, one can find Las Tres Vírgenes Volcanoes, a true beauty and challenge for those travelers who enjoy mountain climbing.  This place is also the starting point for the bighorn watching safaris.

The ferry that sails from Santa Rosalia to Guaymas in the state of Sonora, takes 10 hours approximately crossing the California Gulf.  This connectivity makes of Santa Rosalia the perfect place to either start or finish the adventure along Ruta 1.

The nearest airport is the Loreto International Airport located 197 km south along Ruta 1.