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San Luis Gonzaga |
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In the valley of Santo Domingo, in the midst of the most desolate desert,
some 53 kms. to the southeast of Ciudad Constitución, you will find the community of San Luis Gonzaga, location of the mission that goes by the same name.
In 1721, Father Clemente Guillen found this spot and established ties with the Nuestra Señora de los Dolores Mission. Later, in 1740, a mission was founded at this location.
Father Baegert lived in San Luis Gonzaga for 17 years, resulting in his book 'News from the American Peninsula of California,' one of the most controversial and interesting books about the mission, the indigenous population and the adjoining area, considered as a valuable and objective testimony which has served as a reference book for students interested in the history of the Californian people.
San Luis Gonzaga is one of the most beautiful and surprising oases of Southern Baja California, the waters of the spring being used to provide sustenance for the livestock of the local ranches and for the irrigation of the fruit orchards, which include olives, oranges, figs, grapevines and vast palm groves.
The easiest way to arrive here is to take the road leading to the El Iguajil Dam, at kilometer 194 of the La Paz-Ciudad Constitución highway.
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