by M.P. Bulnes
As you soar through the clouds and start to descend into San Jose del Cabo’s International Airport, you’ll begin to notice the particularities of the Baja scenery. The mesmerizing blue below in shades you’ve never seen, contrasting with the golden, sandy beaches and pale green of the oceans of cacti and desert. This is what Los Cabos promises; a surreal landscape where the driest of lands coexist with the liveliest of oceans. As you get closer and closer to land, between the mountains and the sea, you’ll notice a green stain made up of palm trees, willows, and grass. The San Jose Estuary.
This sanctuary isn’t just a haven for nature; it’s a testament to the delicate harmony of diverse ecosystems and a reminder of a secret life that awaits those who delve into its depths.
The story of the estuary begins with the Pericu tribe, the original inhabitants of this land. Their nomadic pursuit of freshwater led them to discover the life-sustaining qualities of this unique environment. The estuary became more than a source of water; it became their home, providing not only sustenance but also the means for social development.
Years later, Spanish colonizers saw the potential of the Peninsula and recognized the strategic value of the estuary. The legend says it even served as a hiding spot for pirates. Then, the Mission was founded only a couple of miles away, proving that the richness of the marshland is an important reason, if not the main, as to why San Jose del Cabo exists as we know it today.
The San Jose Estuary held a special place as the favorite watering hole among the community. Its serene waters used to provide an idyllic backdrop for activities, such as fishing, swimming, and gathering around a huge casserole, which they would cook on the spot after catching the biggest blue crabs and borrowing vegetables from nearby gardens. Children’s laughter would mingle with the rustle of palm trees and friendships were forged over shared fishing lines. It was a place where locals connected with each other and created memories. The history of the estuary proves that it is not just a passive backdrop but a living museum.
The journey starts in the majestic heights of the Sierra de la Laguna, as water carves its way through the rugged desert bringing life to everything it touches, painting the parched landscape green. It winds down and finds its way to the Estuary, a sanctuary that sustains a diversity of flora and fauna that calls this intricate ecosystem their home.
The San Jose estuary serves as a vital connection between the land and sea, as tides and currents interact. The merging of freshwater and saltwater sustains a rare and delicate balance. It also plays a role in temperature regulation, keeping the surrounding area approximately four degrees Celsius cooler.
Like pieces of art, the birds perch themselves on the branches, some visiting from other countries, others endemic to this land. It is the home of approximately 200 different species, mostly birds. One of them is the iconic Peninsular Yellowthroat, a small-sized yellow-colored bird that is considered endangered. Among the array of inhabitants are various species, spanning from insects to fish, turtles, and snakes, all of which discover solace within the estuary’s green embrace. It serves as a crucial site for breeding, feeding, and resting for various migratory species, making it essential for biodiversity conservation and avian preservation.
In the case of San Jose del Cabo’s estuary, its health and vitality directly impact the well-being of the entire region, making it essential for maintaining the ecological balance. Today, it faces many challenges. Its preservation is a shared responsibility, a promise to the past, and a gift to the future.
The secret life of the San Jose Estuary speaks of coexistence, where land, water, and creatures of all kinds live in harmony. This is how natural spaces become part of the beating heart of a healthy, resilient community. By honoring the Estuary, we’re honoring our profound connection to this land, which is really what brought us all here, after all.