Salinas en Guerrero Negro
Predestined to stand out from the ordinary, this town is different in every way. Its name does not come from some native tongue or from some saint or conqueror. It is due to a whal-ing ship called the “Black Warrior,” which went down in these waters in 1858. Lying here for decades, the ship’s name was translated to Guerrero Negro. The name was first attributed to the lagoon and then later to the city with this name.
As unike many of the other towns in this region, Guerrero Negro’s origin has nothing to do with missions, old indigenous settlements, fishing or agriculture.
The town first appeared after the salt mines of San Francisco, California became unable to supply some of its markets.This opportunity motivated U.S. businessman Daniel K. Ludwig to make use of the salt richness of this region.
This venture eventually led to the establishment of the Exportadora de Sal S. A. company in 1954 and its subsequent first shipment in 1957. A port of entry to the state, this territory is especially attractive for its ecological tourism due to its privileged location within the El Vizcaíno Bio sphere Reserve. Additionally, the salt mines make up another important site of interest as do the beautiful sand dunes and beaches of Guerrero Negro Lagoon. For a pleasant stay, the city offers high-quality hotels, trailer parks and restaurants with delicious food. The invitation is open. Come to Guerrero Negro and see that everything is different.
Salt Exporter
With sites in both the state of Baja California and Baja California Sur here just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of the 28th parallel), Exportadora de Sal S. A (ESSA) is a Mexican company with majority state participation which has the largest open air salt mine in the world. As a world supplier, the salt from Guerrero Negro is ranked third in the world, a position which it occupies mainly thanks to the high quality of the product, among other factors.
Its principal markets are found in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and Taiwan, with Japan as the most important in terms of sales volume (50%). Currently, the annual salt mine production is 7.5 million metric tons and its main uses are in the Chlor-Alkali industry, human consumption, soda ash and de-icing highways, among others.
The salt production process which ESSA uses is known as Solar Evaporation of Sea Water. This method, carried out in a natural way, is used in many parts of the world and it is a technique that has been handed down since the origins of man. Factors that have assured the transcendence of this area have been its natural characteristics. With large, flat and impenetrable areas of land, high solar radiation, a constant wind and low levels of rain, a high evaporation index is guaranteed. In addition, because of its proximity to the coast, the supply of seawater, the only raw material needed for the process, is easily attainable.
As an added bonus, the company’s enormous, concentrated bodies of water, have been developed as a protected wetland for birds. These areas, which are a great expanse of salt water, are the main source of nutrients for the various marine flora and fauna that call this place home. Among the endemic and migratory animals, the osprey eagle and peregrine falcon catch visitors’ eyes. Guerrero Negro is internationally considered a significant site for the conservation of these species.
For those interested in visiting this area, the company permits guided tours, with prior appointments. Tel. (615) 1575 100.
Ojo de Liebre Lagoon
Declared a safe haven for whales and their calves, as well as a World patrimony for Humanity, this aquatic system incorporates three connected la goons. Comprised of the Ojo de Liebre, Guerrero Negro and Manuela lagoons, the expanse covers nearly 360 square kilometers (139 square miles).
It is a fairly shallow system (6-12 meters / 20-40 feet) with channels that reach up to 16 meters (52 feet) deep. Every year, from February to March, this site rep resents the favorite meeting spot of thousands of tourists from all over the world that come to enjoy a friendly encounter with the grey whale. Arriving from their long journey from the Artic Circle, they come in search of a mate and to give birth to their calves. Visitors should be aware that there are specific areas designated for watching these creatures and standards that regulate the activity. Visitors are expected to respect these rules, and they are strictly enforced.
The majority of physical contact with the whales is because they come too close to the boats due to their friendly behavior. Service providers helping visitors to get a closer look at these amazing animals operate in the area. The Ojo de Liebre Lagoon system alone, with its spectacular beauty, makes for a great setting. Its dunes with fine and crystalline white sand make it the perfect canvas on which to view this astounding natural event.
Biological Station for Recovery and Management of the Peninsular Pronghorn
Unfortunately, since 1998, the peninsular pronghorn has found itself on the endangered species list. However, thanks to the united efforts of the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, the Natural Species and Sustainable Development Company (a non-governmental organization) and the Ford Motor Company, a recovery plan has been put into motion.
A multi-stage program, the first phase seeks to increase the number of these animals in a controlled environment through encouraging their reproduction in semi-captivity. After eight years of operation, the project has successfully increased the number of these animals to a little over 200. The next phase will be to release these animals back into the wild. The plan allows for their care and monitoring in an approximate 5,000-square meter (1.2-acre) habitat, making sure that their greatest enemy, poachers, is reduced to zero. For this reason, rules only permit visitors to observe these amazing creatures on authorized guided tours.
The protected area is located in the Vizcaíno Desert, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Guerrero Negro heading towards Asunción Bay. For more information: Tel. (615) 1571 777. E-mail. vizcaíno@conanp.gob.mx
La Concha Cave
Leaving the town of Guerrero Negro on the Peninsular Highway to Baja California, visitors arrive at La Concha Cave, located right in the heart of the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. At the top of a mountain, this small cave owes its name to the small concha shell shape that the cave makes. The cave paintings that it guards within its walls illustrate colossal two-color figures and animals native to the area.
Looking out over the land, the landscape of the valley is very impressive. It also permits visitors to observe different cacti such as cardon or the Mexican giant cactus, cirio or the Boojum tree and trees known as torotes.
