This unique natural treasure, with its peculiar shape, stands out as a true rarity, enveloped in magic and charm. The whales’ migratory path spans from icy waters to warmer regions, including both the Gulf of California and the Pacific.
A poignant legend speaks of a calf that, while exploring, became separated from its family and found itself stranded among the rocks. Despite its attempts to call out and free itself, it became permanently attached to the rocks, now part of the landscape.
It is said that even today, the calf continues to cry and spout water, yearning for rescue. (Awe, sniff, sniff. The poor little thing)
Whether or not this tale reflects the shape of the rock formation to everybody, it has captured the fascination of scientists, scholars, and curious travelers who come to witness this natural marvel. Located on the southern coast of the Gulf of California, “La Ballena Pelechada” (The Stranded Whale), is a rock formation that, when viewed from specific angles, particularly from above, resembles a real whale. Erosion has sculpted the rock into grooves and furrows that mimic the fins, tail, and body of a whale stranded on the beach.
This remarkable formation is nestled between two beaches renowned for their fishing and ecotourism opportunities: El Burro and El Coyote in Mulegé. In the Baja California Sur region, “pelechada” describes something massive or robust, fitting for this whale-like rock formation. Interestingly, the term originally referred to the shedding of fur or feathers in certain animals.
In this stunning area, visitors can hike in the highlands, which are rich with rocks and diverse vegetation.