Why visit Los Cabos
Los Cabos, that magical point where the vast Pacific Ocean meets the warm and friendly Sea of Cortez, a tourist phenomenon stands guard, ready to welcome anyone who seeks luxury, tranquility, and adventure. Los Cabos, Mexico is located at the very end of the Baja Peninsula, where the desert and its gold sands meet the calm turquoise sea and create one of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet. However, this place is not only a balm for the eyes but also a cure for the tormented soul and relief of accumulated stress. The area is known as one of the best tourist spots worldwide, offering wild parties, thrilling adventures, breathtaking views, tranquility, culture, and exceptional culinary masterpieces.
Los Cabos is really a fairy tale. The heroes are the brothers Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. They are two towns located right on the coast, at the top of the Baja Peninsula, which today attract hundreds of thousands of tourists, and millions dream of going to them. However, their story does not begin so glamorous. This is a true underdog story.
Until the late 20th century, Los Cabos was just a desert with a few locals trying to survive the harsh conditions nature provided, unaware they actually live in a gold mine. During the last quarter of the XX century, Mexico invested vast amounts of money in turning this desolate and secluded rural area into a genuine global cultural and tourist hub. The older brother (San Jose del Cabo) attracts with its cultural richness, colonial spirit, and exceptional architecture. The younger one, Cabo San Lucas, couldn’t be more different. It started as a port for a tuna canning factory, but it grew to become a world-renowned party center in just several decades. Today Cabo San Lucas is known for its charming restaurants, and noisy parties fueled by excessive tequila use, which is poured in abundance into the tourists’ glasses.
Between the two cities stretches a 20-mile long tourist corridor, surrounded by luxury resorts, private villas, and quiet places where one can relax from the two cities’ hustle and bustle. On the doorstep of these resorts lay some of the most picturesque beaches you will ever see—golden stripes of sand framed by mighty rocks, to create the most Instagramable pictures in the world.
One of the reasons this place is so attractive to tourists is the effortless access. These phenomenal luxury resorts are just a 2-hour flight from Los Angeles, and both Los Cabos International Airport and Cabo San Lucas International Airport accept both scheduled and private flights. The transfer to your hotel or city itself is a piece of cake with the provided shuttles and well-arranged public transport, which costs $ 2 per person. However, we recommend you rent a car so you can fully enjoy all that Los Cabos offers. As a last resort, taxis are also a good option, as prices are not affordable and depend on your destination. It is essential to negotiate the price before departure to avoid any drama upon arrival.
Los Cabos is a magnet for tourists not only because of the combination of luxury, party, and culture but because of its specific geographical features that allow tourism all year round. The desert climate provides warm and dry days and cool nights for a truly relaxing rest. However, we recommend visiting this tourist gem between December and April if you have the opportunity. Then the weather is a bit cooler, which means that you will be able to spend a whole day outside, without having to shelter from the hot sun. You will also have the opportunity to observe whales. For this, however, we will talk a bit later.
If you visit during the summer months, be sure to spend the hours between 1 and 5 pm in a closed, well-air-conditioned space or at the least in the shades. The temperatures become unbearably hot. If you still want to avoid the crowds, you can go in the spring or fall months. Then the temperatures during the day are not so soul-crushingly hot.
Communication with local people is extremely easy. Most of them speak fluent English, especially in luxury restaurants and cafes. However, for your convenience, it would be nice to know some basic phrases in Spanish. This would not only make it easier for you, but it would make the day for a local. They are always glad when someone tries to speak to them in their native language. All locals are incredibly kind and responsive, which will make your stay an undoubtedly wonderful experience.
It is essential to know that the local currency is the Mexican peso, and although most places accept US dollars, it is still a good idea to have some pesos in your pockets. It would be best to exchange before you depart on your travel. However, if you need to exchange some currency on the spot, it’d be best to do so at the airport or at a bank.
One of the things you must try is the local cuisine. Mexican cuisine, we assure you, is significantly better than the one you ordered at home.
Elegant dishes with local products will make a real fiesta in your mouth. To experience the authentic taste of the excellent Mexican cuisine, be sure to visit one of the many restaurants located on the outskirts of San Jose del Cabo, which specialize in serving farm-to-table food. This culinary experience allows you to enjoy unquestionably fresh produce just picked from the farm next door. The taste is unique, and the quality is guaranteed. Suppose you are curious enough to dive into the kitchen and learn how to prepare these mouth-watering dishes. In that case, some restaurants even offer cooking classes to teach you the secrets of authentic Mexican cuisine. A skill with which you will happily show off in front of your neighbors at home.
Besides the excellent food, Los Cabos offers exceptional entertainment, supported by heavy alcoholic beverages, some of which are even made near the bar. Tequila, as the most popular Mexican alcohol, is among the leaders of the local alcohol production, as each brand is of the highest quality and is extremely drinkable. However, we do not recommend buying drinks from unlicensed sellers for your personal safety.
Los Cabos offers dozens of exceptional experiences that will make your vacation truly unforgettable. One critical clarification is that you will need at least 3 pairs of shoes. Yes, we know it’s weird to mention this, but for your experience to be absolutely top-level, you’ll need to have at least one pair of sneakers to walk the cobbled streets of San Jose del Cabos. The ancient colonial spirit of the city is completely preserved, and with flip flops or formal shoes, it will be difficult for you to walk for a long time. And in this city, every street is worth visiting. San Jose del Cabos is a real cultural hub, full of galleries, small shops, and cozy cafes. Be sure to join the San José del Cabo Art Walk, which takes place every Thursday (between November and July) from 17:00 to 21:00. The experience is incomparable.
You will also need sports shoes if you want to reach the top of Mount Solmar. This not so hard-to-reach peak, located at Land’s End, is accessible to almost all ages, as the rocks make a natural ladder to the top. Remember, however, that the area is not ennobled, and in nature, only you are responsible for your health. The peak rises to 100 meters above sea level, providing a phenomenal view of both the Pacific Ocean and Los Cabos. It may sound cliché, but the fact is that the view cannot be captured by any camera. It just has to be seen.
The second pair of shoes you will need is the formal ones. You will only need them if you decide to visit one of the finest restaurants or galleries in Los Cabos. You will not be allowed there with flip-flops or sports shoes, and the luxury that these places offer is really worth finding a place for some formal shoes in your luggage.
Flip-flops are the shoes you will need most during your vacation. They are ideal for the dozens of bars and other entertainment that this tourist paradise offers. Flip-flops, of course, will be most useful to you on one of the countless beaches that surround Los Cabos. Although soft and attractive, the golden sand is quite hot, especially in the middle of the day, and not everyone can walk barefoot on it.
Places to visit
Santa Maria
Playa Santa María is located in the middle of the tourist corridor and is easily reached by both private car and public transport. When you look at the beach, it will seem as if the sea has cut through the rocky shore to make a magical bay, framed by two high cliffs to the east and west. The rocks are not only for you to make a super-successful Instagram post but also keep the currents away from the shore, making the water in the bay extremely warm and calm. Santa María bay’s incredible underwater flora and fauna attract many scuba-divers and snorkelers, who enjoy the rocks’ unique curvature.
El Chileno
Playa el Chileno is like the twin of Playa Santa María with the difference that it is not yet completely ennobled. The pristine desert seems to literally cut into the sea, as small rocky dots make the view a real masterpiece.
Del Amor
Playa del Amor, however, is perhaps the most famous of all. Here, in addition to the golden sand and the turquoise sea, the beach offers a view of the biggest attraction in Los Cabos – El Arco. On this beach, you should be somewhat more careful when entering the water. The beach overlooks the vast and beautiful Pacific Ocean, but it is unfortunately quite dangerous. The change of currents can pull you inwards, and this, even if it passes without severe consequences, will spoil your vacation. However, the place’s view is worth it, and even if it is only for the walk, it is worth going.
El Arco
You can also rent a kayak nearby to visit the real frontman of Los Cabos – El Arco. The rock formation is located in the southernmost part of the Baja Peninsula, also known as Land’s End. Nature can be a real artist, and El Arco proves it beyond any doubt. The rock, rising several dozen feet, has made a natural bridge under which the braver can cross. Boating from there is almost impossible, but with a kayak, you can not only do it, but you can take advantage and dive into the exceptional beauty that awaits you under the waves.
In fact, wherever you go scuba-diving or snorkeling on the coast of Los Cabos, you won’t regret it. The area is famous for its underwater sandy waterfalls, making even the most reserved people gasp.
Los Cabos offers many other outstanding adventures. Watching the whales that migrate in this area between December and April is perhaps one of the vacationers’ favorite activities. You can rent a boat and literally almost touch the noble giants.
If you come in the months between July and November and adore animals, don’t cry. You may not see whales, but you can enjoy watching the unique natural phenomenon when the sea turtles lay their eggs in the Los Cabos sands. 5 out of 8 sea turtle species nest in Los Cabos. Under no circumstances are you to touch or interfere with this magical moment. Some tourists think that they can take an egg as a souvenir. This is not only unethical but will bring you serious trouble with the law and even jail time.
Sierra de la Laguna
If adventure is in your blood, you can explore an Oasis at the Sierra de la Laguna or join an off-road adventure in the desert. The possibilities in Los Cabos are positively endless.
If you prefer more relaxed and classy activities, maybe playing golf in one of the 100 best golf courses in the world will satisfy your taste.
Whether you’re staying in San Jose del Cabos or Cabo San Lucas (or most probably somewhere in between), the fantastic beaches, breathtaking views, and exciting adventures are just a stone’s throw away.
So do not hesitate to visit Los Cabos. The luxury, combined with the graceful colonial style, the mouth-wateringly delicious food, and the thrilling parties, will make this holiday unforgettable.
