The forgotten minning towns of Baja Sur

About the town of San Antonio:La Paz, Baja California Sur – El Real de San Antonio dates from the 18th century and it is said that it was founded by Gaspar Pisón in 1756. The re-discovery of gold during the mid nineteenth century brought with it a period of economic growth and development to the remote southern region of Baja California. Porfirio Díaz granted concessions to the mines to foreign investors – mainly English – and they brought Chinese labor to work alongside Yaqui Indians to work in the prosperous mines of San Antonio, El Triunfo and Santa Ana.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   1 hour

   Gold and silver once came out of the mines in El Triunfo during the town’s heyday. The first mine was originally founded in the late 18th century by Manuel de Ocio. In 1878 the British El Progreso Mining Company took over the mine and brought prosperity to El Triunfo. At one point, El Triunfo was the largest town in Baja California Sur, with a population of over 10,000 people. When the mines closed in 1926, most of the people left town in search of jobs elsewhere and the town eventually became a mere shadow of its glory days.A trip to El Triunfo isn’t complete without a walk through the old mining grounds. Access to the area can be found on Calle Libertad (just head toward the tall smokestack). Here, visitors will find old mining equipment, brick ruins, and old smokestacks. The largest smokestack, “La Romana” is 35 meters tall and is rumored to be designed by Gustav Eiffel (of Eiffel tower fame).

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   Los Barriles

   2 hours

   With a windswept perch on glittering Las Palmas Bay, the fishing village of Los Barriles, Mexico is an adventure lover’s paradise, and the kind of place where one can easily get off the grid. ‘The Barrels’ (as it’s known in Spanish) is on the southeast tip of Baja California Sur, and best known for its kiting spots, sport fishing and laid-back vibe that lures sun-seekers down the area for months at a time.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.