There are many reasons to visit Mexico’s state of Baja California, but a major attraction for the region is its world famous cave paintings. Each of the major mountain regions are filled with spectacular paintings that may be described as unique to the particular locale. The Sierra de San Francisco was designated a World Heritage Site in 1993 by UNESCO and since then, more tourists are flocking to see these amazing works.

Most of these prehistoric paintings are positioned at an elevation over one thousand feet. Researchers are not entirely sure who painted this art, but many murals have been dated at two thousand years old. However, painting continued for centuries—even over the older works.

One reason the Sierra de San Francisco paintings are so famous is because some of the caves are nine meters high making for a stunning canvas of work that is typified by figures painted black and red sporting unusual head gear. The paintings of the Sierra del Guadalupe area feature oddly shaped figures with outstretched arms. Other typical subjects for the various paintings include humans, fish, reptiles, deer, rabbits, whales, etc…While black and red are the primary colors used, visitors will also see pink, yellow and orange.

Be sure to visit Cueva Pintada which is slightly north of San Ignacio to see the unbelievable work there. Roughly five hundred feet of walls and ceilings are arrayed with sea creatures, humans and birds. While Mexico has many unique offerings, the cave paintings of Baja California reveal ancient history we can view.

While the cuisine of Mexico may be broken down regionally, collectively speaking, it is culinary magic for the senses. A trip to Mexico means immersing yourself in the culture and a big attraction for many visitors is the simple, yet delightful array of foods. Corn, chilies, tomatoes, beans and chocolate—Mesoamericans introduced the world to these foods and they are still at the heart of Mexican cuisine.

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While each region of Mexico is known for a famous specialty, overall the country enjoys fresh foods prepared simply. Complex dishes exist, of course, but the genius of the cuisine lies in basic ingredients comprised of locally available staples like beef and corn. Chilies, garlic, tomatoes, onions and cilantro accompany many traditional recipes.

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While enjoying an afternoon in any of the thousands of taquerias, visitors will note the astounding variety of dishes accompanied by tortillas or masa, finely ground cornmeal typically used for tamales. Many local taquerias feature a signature antojitos (appetizer) which can usually be enjoyed with a fine mug of Mexican coffee or hot chocolate.

Be sure to visit some market places to mix with the locals who will be helpful in pointing out some of the best places to eat as well as to see the visual wonderment of Mexico’s fresh foodstuffs en masse. Fruits like bananas, mango and papaya are readily available at such markets as well as great varieties of chile peppers.

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Depending on where you travel in Mexico, ask to try some of the following dishes for which the cuisine is famous for: frijoles charros, cabrito, mole verde, poc chuc, ceviche and for breakfast—huevos rancheros. Wash it all down with a cool glass of cantaloupe juice or sweetened prickly pear tea. The key to enjoying each region of this vast country is sampling the local specials.