Experiences in Comundú
A LOST GEM IN THE DESERT
Upon arriving at Comondú after traveling the peninsula, Fernando Jordán exclaimed "Shangri-la exists," and also said that it smelled like wine and olive oil.
Rock paintings
Rock Paintings
Being able to communicate has always been one of man's primary needs in order to survive, especially in a time when one had to move from place to place to find food, a place to sleep, and face animals in order to continue on the path.
San Jose de Comondu is known for housing some of the oldest and best-preserved rock art sites in the world. These rock paintings were created by pre-Columbian indigenous groups that inhabited the region, specifically the Cochimí and Pericúes. It is believed that these rock paintings were a form of communication and expression for these peoples, and could have been used to tell stories, convey information about the natural environment, or for religious rites and ceremonies. Although much of what we know about these rock paintings is speculative, since these pre-Columbian cultures did not leave written records and many of the details about their meaning and use are unknown.
Many of the paintings, probably made for magical and religious purposes, constitute extraordinary productions for us in the field of art. Their preservation is of paramount importance, and further studies are required to better define their style and, if possible, place them chronologically.
In terms of history, it is important to mention that these rock paintings are very old, some dating back more than 9,000 years, and are a sample of the ancient cultures of the Baja California peninsula, a valuable sample of the ways of life and beliefs of the region's inhabitants at that time.
These are the most vulnerable art manifestations that exist, due to their antiquity and exposure to erosion and the passage of time, so it is of utmost importance to try to preserve them since it is practically the only legacy that exists from the ancestors of the ancient inhabitants of the Baja California Peninsula. Therefore, visitors must follow the rules and instructions of guides and local authorities to ensure that the rock paintings remain intact for future generations.
There are several books related to the subject, such as "Rock Art of Baja California: Discovering the Great Murals of an Unknown People" by Harry W. Crosby, "The Cave Paintings of Baja California: Discovering the Great Murals of an Unknown People" by Harry W. Crosby, "Baja California Rock Art: Ancient Murals of the American Southwest" by Mark J. Harper, among others.
Basaltic rocks
Basaltic rocks
Between San Miguel and San José de Comondús, in Baja California Sur, there is a natural wonder that houses a great biological diversity in the middle of a desert area.
The Basaltic Prisms cover part of the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, these are geological structures that originated more than 2.5 million years ago, through a process of rapid cooling of magma or lava. This phenomenon occurs when magma is close to the Earth's surface and solidifies into a crystalline structure called a basaltic column.
These were formed by volcanic activity that took place in the area at a certain time in geological history. These basaltic prisms have a cylindrical structure with ordered hexagonal sections, which are formed as hexagonal feldspar and plagioclase crystals coalesce during magma solidification.
It is important to highlight that the magma cooling rate influences the formation of basaltic prisms. If the cooling is fast, a single column can be formed, while if it is slower, several columns can be formed together; as is the case of those of Comondú.
The Basaltic Prisms of San José de Comondú are a fascinating example of the geological activity that has taken place on our planet throughout history. Its formation is the result of a complex natural process that has taken millions of years, and that allows us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of nature.
It should be mentioned that these geological structures are very delicate and must be protected and visited carefully, it is important to follow the conservation regulations to avoid their deterioration.
Misión de San José de Comondú (1706)
MISIÓN DE SAN JOSÉ
In San Jose de Comondu, the Jesuit mission was founded by Father Juan de Mayorga in 1708. However, its construction did not take place until 1750 by Father Franz Inama. This was the largest mission of all, consisting of three naves. In the 1930s, a governor made the sad decision to dynamite a large part of the church. The resulting material was used for the construction of his house and other buildings such as the local school, where carved stone can be observed today. Currently, only one of the three naves remains standing, which was the sacristy and the house where the missionary fathers lived, and serves as a reminder of the history of the place.
In the years 1972-1973, the National Institute of Anthropology and History carried out restoration work, mainly on the twisted roof of the barrel vault and details in the stone masonry walls.
Mission Wine
Mission Wine
Wine production is a tradition that emerged during the mission period in Baja California Sur. The missions, located in oases such as San Jose de Comondu and San Francisco Javier, had favorable conditions for fruit cultivation, particularly grapes, which were essential for Catholic liturgy and wine production. The tradition continued even after the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1768, with soldiers and servants taking over the vineyards. Today, wine is still produced in San Jose and San Miguel de Comondu, with production taking place during the summer and commercialization starting in October and November.
The first Californian wine was produced in Baja California Sur, and the region's vitivinicultural tradition is over 300 years old. The grapes used for wine production are of European origin (Vitis vinifera), specifically the Misional or Mission grape variety. The grapes are used to produce both sweet wine and brandy.
The tradition of producing artisanal wine in mission towns has been kept alive since the early 18th century. The wine produced in San Jose and San Miguel de Comondu includes pale red and amber-toned wines. The large and loose grape clusters make the grapes resilient and able to mature for long periods. While the local fauna can pose a threat to the vineyards, no insecticides are used, making the wine organic (although it is not currently certified as such).
In addition to the favorable conditions for grape cultivation in San Jose and San Miguel de Comondu, there are also natural enemies that can threaten the vineyards. The local fauna, such as bees, wasps, and raccoons, can damage the grapevines and reduce the crop yield. However, despite these challenges, no insecticides are used in the vineyards, making the wines potentially organic, although they currently lack formal certification.
Nightsky
Stargazing
NightSky
The area is famous for its dark night sky and no light pollution, allowing for a clear and detailed view of the stars, planets and galaxies. In San José de Comondú, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Milky Way, the Orion constellation and other celestial formations that are not visible in places with high light pollution.
This unique experience of connection with nature is ideal for lovers of astronomy and those looking for an unforgettable travel experience.