La Perla de La Paz

La Perla de La Paz is a commercial building in downtown La Paz with a stone facade dating to 1860. The structure occupies a prominent corner location and displays the architectural style typical of the era.

Antonio Ruffo Santacruz founded this trading house in 1860 as the region's first major commercial establishment. The business served as a vital supply center for the expanding population of Baja California.

The building received Historical Heritage status from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology in 1986, marking its role in regional commerce development.

The building is visible from the street and easy to locate due to its corner position in downtown. Interior access is limited since operations moved to an adjacent building after a fire in 1906.

The store supplied miners in the area with specialized tools and imported goods that were not available locally. The trade flowing through this location shaped the economic development of the entire peninsula in the early colonial period.

Location: Baja California Sur

GPS coordinates: 24.16139,-110.31750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:26