Los Cabos – Travel Guide
Los Cabos, located at the southern tip of Mexico`s Baja California Peninsula, is famed for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of El Arco, a dramatic rock formation at Land`s End where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. The twin towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo offer a mix of lively entertainment and serene cultural experiences, from bustling bars to art galleries. Outdoor activities abound, including world-class fishing, golfing, snorkeling, and whale watching during the migration season. Los Cabos` combination of luxury, adventure, and breathtaking scenery makes it a top destination for travelers.
All about Los Cabos
Getting around Los Cabos
By Taxi and Water Taxi
Although taxis are readily available throughout Los Cabos and rates are negotiable, they can be expensive.
Water taxis congregate near the downtown marina and go to Cabo’s popular beaches like Playa del Amor (located near the iconic Land’s End rock formation) or Playa Medano. These taxis are not metered, but rates are reasonable. You can always negotiate the rates with the water cabbies before accepting a ride, although some have fixed prices.
By Bus (Suburcabos)
There are public buses, also known as Suburcabos, that run from the airport to Los Cabos with frequent stops. For day trips to areas such as Todos Santos and La Paz, there are two bus companies, ABC and Aguila, in operation. Both companies also run a service between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
By Car
The best way to get around Cabo San Lucas is by car. Especially if you are planning many day-trips that are not covered by a resort or timeshare shuttle, then a rental will likely be the most cost-effective. There are car rental companies at the Los Cabos International Airport, which is roughly 25 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas and 7 miles north of San Jose del Cabo. There are also some rental agencies in the downtown area as well. the minimum age for renting a car is 24.
Los Cabos FAQ
Where in Mexico is Los Cabos located?
Cabo San Lucas is a city at the southern tip of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is a lively hub for sport fishermen, cruise ships, handicraft vendors, water sports enthusiasts, and nightlife seekers. The area is considered the second fastest-growing resort destination in all of Mexico.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
The regional airport, Los Cabos International Airport, is outside of San Jose del Cabo and will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to travel to Cabo San Lucas. You have a few options if you have not booked a private transfer with us. The Ruta del Desierto bus is the cheapest method to get to San Lucas. The stops are just outside Terminal 1 (domestic) & 2 (international) and the route to San Lucas (the bus stop is near Puerto Paradiso Mall and the downtown marina) takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic. The buses are newer and air-conditioned, yet not well maintained. Keep in mind that there is limited space for luggage and sometimes all seat will be occupied, so you will have to stand.
If you have a lot of luggage, a private shuttle service is the next most economical option and is significantly cheaper than a taxi, since you are sharing the ride with other passengers. Vans at the airport charge per person for a ride to the resorts, which can be paid with or without a prior reservation.
How do I get around Los Cabos?
One of the best ways to travel around Cabo is to rent a car. Car rentals can be found at the airport or downtown. The “Cabo Loop” consists of a 200-mile paved ride, starting in Cabo San Lucas and going through the larger cities of San Jose del Cabo, Los Barriles, Todos Santos and returning to Cabo San Lucas.
The downtown area is easy to explore on foot. Sites are clustered within easy walking distance, though some visitors opt for a ride on the scenic water taxi to get from the downtown marina to the best beaches. To get between San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo you’ll need to drive or take a taxi along the Corridor.
Taxis are common, but you will want to agree on a price before starting. there are no meters. There is also a bus that drives between San Lucas and San Jose. Buses will drive by every ten to twenty minutes and can be waved down to stop.
Is Uber available in Los Cabos?
Yes, Uber is available in Los Cabos, including the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and Cabo San Lucas International Airport (CSL). You can request a ride up to 30 days in advance, or at any time on any day of the year.
Read More
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The local currency is Mexican pesos, which you get on arrival at a local ATM. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Cabo. However, credit card fraud Is common when you get away from resorts, like restaurants out in town and on excursions. It is best to take money out of an ATM and use cash for outings that are away from resort areas.
What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?
Cabo has very mild weather year-round. Most days throughout the year are sunny, however in mid-July to September, there could be a few rainy days.
Typically, the best time to visit is between April to May and October to November. These are the months when the weather is perfect and the chance of rain is very low. However, if you are looking for a great deal and don’t mind the chance for a little rain, then July to September can be great with lower crowds and cheaper accommodations and outings.
Is Los Cabos safe for tourists? Are there parts of the city I should avoid?
Like Cancun, Cabo is popular with foreign tourists and expatriates because its remoteness and relative isolation from Mexico’s main land transportation routes makes it less attractive to the drug cartesl. For this reason, it has been largely free of the drug-related violence which has affected some of Mexico’s Pacific resorts.
While major crime is uncommon, there is petty theft across the state. fraud is one of the major crimes reported in Cabo. These crimes deal with bank transactions and consumer fraud. Be sure to use a reputable company when making arrangements for accommodations and/or excursions. In addition, make sure you are aware of your surroundings when traveling off resort grounds.
The safest part of Cabo for tourists is the area around the marina; that is, Avenida Lazaro Cardenas, Boulevard Paseo de La Marina, and Paseo de La Marina.
Do not walk the beach at the water’s edge on the Pacific side. This area is very treacherous, and huge waves can come ashore with little to no notice. This danger does not end at the “El Arco” point, but extends to all south-facing beaches as well, including the Pueblo Bonito and Riu Palace resorts.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Los Cabos?
No, the water is not safe to drink. Stick only to bottled water and reliable sources.
I don`t speak Spanish. Will many people speak English?
While English can be common, the local language is Spanish, and we always suggest you get a good English-Spanish guide book, or app on your phone, and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the shopping like in Los Cabos?
With plenty of boutiques to choose from, Cabo’s is a shoppers’ delight. The largest and most modern shopping center is Puerto Paraiso Shopping and Entertainment Plaza, which is indoors and air-conditioned. Both Puerto Paraiso and the adjacent Marina Cabo San Lucas offer a variety of shops and goods with a pleasant ambiance.
Shoppes At Palmilla are mostly high-end boutiques. The stores here include day spas, art galleries, find dining restaurants, coffee shops, and much more.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Emergency: Dial 911
Los Cabos has several hospitals and clinics available for emergencies:
Hospiten Cabo San Lucas (in Cabo San Lucas), +52 624 145 6000
Blue Net Hospitals (Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo), +52 624 104 3911 (Cabo San Lucas) / +52 624 142 5911 (San Jose del Cabo)
Be sure you have travel or medical insurance that covers emergency care in Mexico. Some hospitals might require upfront payment or proof of insurance before providing services.
Top Attractions
The Arch of Cabo
Its pristine beaches invite travelers to explore the tranquil waters of Lover`s Beach, as well as Divorce Beach, known for its cliffs and crashing waves.
San Lucas Marina
Bustling with boats coming in and out of port and lined with all sorts of boutiques and restaurants.
Lovers Beach
This small little area of secluded sands is probably the most popular and yet most sublime of the swimmable beaches in Los Cabos.
Medano Beach
This area, filled with resorts, bars, and restaurants, feels like a traditional resort area, featuring boats on the bay, swimmers in the ocean, lifeguards on duty, and more.
Unique Experiences
.
Dinner Cruise Tour in Cabo San Lucas with Tequila Tasting: This tour combines shopping and tequila tasting with a sunset dinner cruise. Enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean while you feast on a delicious barbecue, including live entertainment and unlimited drinks.
.
.
Cabo San Lucas Mexican Cooking Experience with Market Experience: Choose from menus that change each day of the week, shop for fresh ingredients at a local market, then cook alongside a local chef as you learn the techniques and recipes of Mexican cuisine.
.
.
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride and Snorkel Tour in Cabo San Lucas: Explore the beauty of Los Cabos and the Sea of Cortez, including the dramatic features of Land`s End. Pass by the Arch of Cabo San Lucas and snorkel with your guide at Pelican Rock, accessible only by boat.
.
.
Outdoor Ziplining and UTV Adventure from Los Cabos: Glide along suspended steel cables while absorbing the unspoiled scenic beauty of the landscape, then drive through with ecological habitats on a modern ATV vehicle.
.
Los Cabos Sea Adventure, Snorkeling, Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle: Sail, snorkel and swim in the shimmering seas of Los Cabos on a sea adventure tour from Los Cabos. Cruise to a secluded cove and choose from a variety of adventurous activities.
.
What to expect while traveling
