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The Best Museums
Museo Histórico Comunitario: It's a little-known fact that this region -- now known as Mexico's wine country -- was originally settled by Russian immigrants who were granted political asylum by Mexico in the early 1900s. A tribute to these pioneers of grape cultivation in the area, this small but intriguing museum tells the story of this curious time. An adjacent restaurant serves traditional Russian food.
Museo de las Misiones, Loreto: The missionaries who came to Baja in the 17th through 19th centuries did more than work on converting the local populations to Christianity. This museum features a complete collection of historical and anthropological exhibits pertaining to the Baja peninsula, and includes the zoological studies and scientific writings of the friars. It also documents the contribution of these missions to the demise of indigenous cultures.
Museo de Antropología (Anthropology Museum), La Paz: If you can't make it to see the actual cave paintings of central Baja, this museum has large, although faded, photographs of them along with a number of exhibits on various topics concerning the geology and history of Baja California.
Serpentarium, La Paz: Reptiles are the star of this mostly open-air natural museum that offers plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the snakes, iguanas, lizards, crocodiles, and other reptilians of Baja. Children seem especially happy to explore here.
Museo Regional de Historia, Mulegé: It's not so much this museum that fascinates me; it's more about the fact that it was once a state penitentiary that allowed its inmates to leave during the day -- on the condition they return at dusk! For some reason, escape attempts were rare in this honor-system prison. The museum details the operation of this unique entity and the town of Mulegé.
Museo de Cera, Tijuana: Many of the 90 figures in this wax museum are creepy, but it's hard not to be fascinated by the eclectic mix of personalities memorialized in wax that range from Aztec warriors and Dominican friars to Bill Clinton and Whoopi Goldberg. Don't miss the Chamber of Horrors.
Museo de las Identidades Mexicanas (Museum of Mexican Identities), Tijuana: Located inside the Centro Cultural Tijuana, this permanent collection of artifacts from pre-Hispanic through modern times displays the gamut of Mexican historical and cultural influences, leaving visitors with a better understanding of this complex society.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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