Savoring time under the sun in Los Cabos is always a good idea. Those heading here during the fall season are sure to find inspiration every step of the way. The following are just a few of the activities available to be enjoyed that are sure to have you booking your autumn Los Cabos getaway today!
A highlight of a trip to Los Cabos any time of year is the chance to embrace the sand and sun and make the most of the area’s spectacular shorelines. Beach goers who can’t wait to dig their toes into sugary-white sands will find there’s plenty waiting for them across Los Cabos! Travelers who are heading this way in the fall are in luck when it comes to crowds to contend with on the beach. This time of year is considered a shoulder season so typically, you can count on finding fewer visitors in some of the more popular stretches of the coastline. That’s said, nothing is sacrificed in the way of seasonal beauty, so making time to unwind on the beach in the fall is always a great idea! Hacienda Beach is a beautiful place to settle into the sand when you’re lingering around Cabo San Lucas while Acapulquito Beach tops the list in the San Jose del Cabo area. Medano Breathless Beach is another must-visit stretch of sand in the Cabo San Lucas region while El Surgidero Beach promises to delight if you’re out exploring along East Cape.
For all of the land-based fun time on the beach offers to fall travelers to Los Cabos, this time of year is also ideal for time spent out on the water! While whales don’t typically make their migrational way in this direction until later in the year, there is plenty of other marine life to be encountered when you hop in the waves. A great way to get up close is to book a snorkeling tour that ensures you’ll be swimming through the best spots in the area. Cabo Adventures is a good place to start when you’re looking for a guided sail and snorkel experience that can be customized with ease. The Sea of Cortez Wildlife & Snorkeling Adventure is a comprehensive way to get out on the water and make it a day that’s as educational as it is thrilling! Cabo Expeditions caters to adult snorkelers looking to make the most of a Land’s End Snorkel Adventure while Big Mike Sea Adventures provides snorkel tours as well and has been serving the area for over 10 years.
If your travel plans have you heading to Los Cabos toward the middle of September, you’ll be just in time to enjoy the Mexican Independence Day celebration in the area which happens on September 15th. One of the highlights of this day is typically the celebration hosted at the Hardrock Hotel Los Cabos. Starting around 6:00 pm, guests flood this destination to enjoy everything from live music and a regional show to traditional Mexican games, Mariachi performances, and fireworks. Be sure to keep an eye on the event calendar for any last-minute changes in 2022.
Mild temperatures and stunning views are yours to enjoy when you set aside time on the itinerary to get out on the greens during your Los Cabos adventure this fall. This destination is known and loved for its incredible courses that are suitable for golfers of all skill levels looking to make the most of their long and short game alike. There are plenty of course options to choose from, but make sure to book your tee time in advance to ensure your place on the lineup at their popular locales. Some of the destinations to select from include Cabo Real Resort, Cabo Del Sol, Cabo San Lucas Country Club, and Palmilla Course.
If you’re looking for an incredible fall day trip during your time in Los Cabos, booking a tour of Espiritu Santo Island is a must. This inspiring destination is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where wildlife thrives in abundance. From sea lions and tropical fish to a bird sanctuary brimming over with everything from hummingbirds to pelicans, your time on the island promises to be unforgettable. Day sailings from Los Cabos to the island take you across the waters of the Sea of Cortez to this protected space where you can choose to hike, swim, or perhaps enjoy both! Meals are often included on the itinerary making it a convenient way to enjoy this one-of-a-kind destination while you’re here.
Make more of your Los Cabos fall getaway by making sure you have luxurious accommodations in place for your trip. Get in touch with Elegant Mexico today to learn more about our captivating collection of upscale homes and villas ready to be experienced while you’re here! See our villas in Del Mar Palmilla here.
When it comes to incredible and unforgettable vacation destinations, Los Cabos has a way of topping traveler lists year after year. This scenic and inviting destination is one where it’s just as easy to spend time savoring the beauty of the great outdoors as it is making the most of city-center fun! Brimming over with amazing natural landmarks, stunning shorelines, and delectable restaurants too, indulging the senses is easy to do when you set your travel sights on Los Cabos. It also proves to be a place where shopping can be enjoyed at its very best as well! Whether you’re looking to enjoy souvenir shopping, have your heart set on a high-end experience, or can’t wait to browse locally crafted goods–shopping in Los Cabos has it all and more.
One of the highlights of shopping during a Los Cabos getaway is the chance to browse and purchase a variety of exciting, handcrafted goods. If you’re on the hunt for incredible locally-made arts, there’s no better place to find yourself than the Gallery District in San Jose del Cabo. Often considered the cultural center of Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo’s Gallery District is a one-of-a-kind locale to shop and explore. Here, visitors can find everything from sculptures and paintings to woven works of art and more. Between November and June, this district hosts a Thursday night Art Walk between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm as well. Stores stay open late, and the street becomes exclusively pedestrian so everyone can enjoy taking time to browse at a more leisurely, if not vibrant pace! Packed with art galleries and boutique storefronts, this district promises to inspire.
If the traditional mall experience is more your shopping style, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more at Puerto Paraiso Shopping Mall in Cabo San Lucas. This multi-level shopping complex has everything from apparel and home goods to Mexican crafts and art galleries too. Across levels, guests can find a variety of savory stops to enjoy when they need to energize for the shopping fun ahead. This is a popular shopping stop for locals and tourists alike thanks to the variety of stores available. Puerto Paraiso Shopping Mall also houses a 10-theater cinema for those looking to enjoy a film after they’ve found everything they’re looking for in the stores. The theater is located on the third floor of the mall and hosts movies in both Spanish and English alike.
While it can be fun to shop for clothing during a getaway to Los Cabos, picking up the perfect souvenirs can be just as appealing! That’s where a stop at Plaza Gali comes in. This shopping plaza is found near the cruise ship terminal, meaning it’s a simple thing to find souvenirs and trinkets of all types. Plaza Gali offers up a comprehensive shopping experience that’s designed for the cruise ship passenger without much time to spare. This makes it just as convenient for those excited to make the most of their souvenir shopping experience who have time to set aside in the name of purchasing fun. Here, you’ll find everything from custom apparel shops and jewelry stores to duty-free destinations as well. Whether you’re looking for a colorful coffee mug or you’re hoping to stock up on those cute keychains, you’ll find it’s all readily available at Plaza Gali.
An upscale shopping experience is yours to enjoy when you make time on the itinerary for The Shoppes at Palmilla. This inviting destination is situated outside of San Jose del Cabo near the Palmilla resort community. Its location is convenient for those staying in either San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas as it connects the two seamlessly. Within The Shoppes at Palmilla, shoppers will find everything from high-end art galleries and luxury boutiques to a collection of fine dining establishments that can top off any day of shopping in savory style. From jewelry stores to upscale real estate offices, The Shoppes at Palmilla is a place where you can truly indulge in your very own sense of style.
Taking time to unwind, relax, and enjoy life in Los Cabos is always a good idea. Whether you’re here for the beaches, the outdoor adventure, the nightlife, or the shopping, having luxurious accommodations in place to top it all off is essential! When you partner with the property professionals at Elegant Mexico, you’ll find luxury, style, and comfort are always at your fingertips. Our team takes care of the details that matter most so our guests can simply enjoy the journey ahead. Take time to browse our exciting luxury rental options or get in touch to learn how we can help you turn those travel dreams into a reality. We look forward to seeing you in scenic Los Cabos soon! See our villas in Del Mar Palmilla here.
Making your way to Los Cabos is always a captivating adventure but those who book a winter trip this way are in for a real treat! With so much waiting to be discovered and explored, there’s never been a better time to plan an adventure. The following are just a few of the many options for fun and activities that will have you booking your 2022 winter Los Cabos vacation today!
When you’re fortunate enough to leave cold weather and snow behind in the name of fun in the sun this winter in Los Cabos, all of those summertime adventures can be continued! That includes scuba diving for those who prefer to plan their excursions under the waves. In fact, the Sea of Cortez is known and loved as a prime scuba diving location for both experienced divers and those in the process of learning for certification alongside an instructor. Wherever your skill level falls on that scale, spending time scuba diving through your winter vacation is sure to thrill. Getting a closer look at the amazing creatures and habitats that exist just below the waves is truly a remarkable way to spend time during your winter getaway. Waters around Cabo San Lucas in particular are home to everything from whale sharks and coral reefs to octopi, sea turtles, sea lions, and more!
One of the most exciting aspects of a trip to Los Cabos in the winter is that you’ll be arriving in town alongside a collection of migrating whales! This time of year, a variety of whale species hit the waters in pursuit of the perfect places to have their calves before returning on the route once more. Enjoying time watching these magnificent creatures could easily be the highlight of your getaway experience. The best whale watching times in Los Cabos fall between December and March, putting winter travelers in prime time to make the most of the exciting views. The best way to whale watch is by booking a tour with a company that specializes in this type of excursion. The boats used by these local companies are often designed to protect people and whales alike while the professionals onboard know exactly where to go and when to spot the most whales at once. Many tours even offer guests a chance to utilize a hydrophone along the way which allows you to listen to whale songs as they travel underwater!
While time on the water is a delight in the winter months in Los Cabos, this area is just as rich in history for those with a passion for pursuing culture, arts, and the past. One of the best places to spend time exploring when you’re looking for some historical or creative inspiration this winter is the gallery district in San Jose del Cabo. This area is generally thought of as a more traditional space within the greater Los Cabos area as it’s packed with historical landmarks, unique traditional architecture, and specialized stores featuring handcrafted goods as well. The gallery district in this area highlights some of the most intriguing Mexican art traditions in abundance—all of which are well worth checking out while you’re here. On Thursday evenings between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm, the gallery district hosts an Art Walk where stores are open later than usual, inviting visitors to come and linger and admire work while making the most of delicious options available along the street too.
Because the cold and snow simply aren’t a risk here this time of year, taking time to unwind on the beach is a popular winter activity to enjoy when you’re in Los Cabos! Sunseekers will be thrilled to find that time on the sand is a delight in the winter months. That means you can feel free to grab a beach chair and towel and head over to popular stops like Chileno Beach or Medano Beach when you’re looking to soak up the sun in style. Those on the hunt for a more tranquil locale will find it waiting for them at destinations like Palmilla Beach with ease. Whether you’re dedicated to enjoying ocean views, or you can’t wait to grab a snorkel and get in the water, there’s no reason to leave beach hopping off your winter itinerary.
There’s never been a better time to book your Los Cabos vacation. When a vacation to Mexico is exactly what you crave, making sure you have accommodations in place that infuse luxury, comfort, and style into your stay is a must! Reach out to the property professionals at Elegant Mexico today to learn more about our incredible property options available and how we can help you plan your next trip in this direction. See our villas in Punta Mita here.
With spring just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to consider your ultimate road trip destination. When you’re the type of adventurer that craves the sunshine and can’t wait to settle into a sandy shoreline complete with emerald waves, there’s no better place to find yourself than Los Cabos, Mexico. This spring vacation destination is brimming over with culture, flavor, and fun to be had at every turn. When you’re ready to turn travel plans into a reality, the following stops and activities are sure to elevate your itinerary and your trip to Los Cabos from start to finish.
Those who decide to make their way to Los Cabos in the spring are in for a delightful treat if they happen to be adventurers with a passion for time on the sand. Los Cabos is known and loved for its incredible stretches of scenic shorelines that can be enjoyed year-round. However, spring comes with mild temperatures without the summer crowds, making it a great time of year to savor time on the sand and under the sun in abundance. While there is a long lineup of beaches just waiting to be explored, a few stand out as fan favorites year after year. While you’re here, be sure to grab your chair, blanket and umbrella and head over to Medano Beach at least once during your stay. Lovers Beach is also a scenic and exciting place to settle in and Chileno Beach is also well worth your while. Whether you choose to include Santa Maria Beach and Divorce Beach on your itinerary, or just prefer to cozy up on the shoreline at one place during your stay, you’ll be treated to tantalizing and colorful sights at every turn. The sugar white sands contrasted with emerald waves make the beaches of Los Cabos a landscape photographers dream come true too!
Half the fun of a road trip to Los Cabos this spring is the chance to enjoy a variety of tours and attractions that are just waiting to be discovered. When you’re the type of traveler that can’t wait to put iconic area stops at the top of the must-visit list, a trip to the infamous El Arco is sure to inspire! You’ll have to rent a boat to reach this landmark, but the view is worth the effort. Those who are excited to experience authentic Mexican culture and browse a wide variety of handcrafted arts and wares will want to set aside time to explore San Jose del Cabo while they’re in town. This is considered the cultural and artistic heartbeat of Los Cabos and hosts a fantastic central square as well as boutique galleries to check out. If you’re hoping to enjoy time on the water, amazing adventures are well within reach in Los Cabos this spring. Head over to the Marina of Cabo San Lucas and rent a personal vessel to enjoy or link up with a tour guide who can help you savor the best of chartered fishing, sightseeing, and more! Watersport rentals are extremely popular in Los Cabos as are snorkeling excursions when you’re looking to get up close to some incredible marine creatures from a vantage point on the waves. For those spring road trippers with their sights set on Los Cabos with a passion for wildlife, one of the absolute highlights of this season by far is whale watching! Book your place on a sightseeing cruise that can take you directly to the migration path of these stunning marine animals. Most tours are led by naturalists who provide amazing insight into whale behavior. Often, guests onboard will have the option to listen for whale songs beneath the waves with the assistance of a hydrophone too!
It’s hard to imagine a spring road trip to Los Cabos without considering the vibrant nightlife this destination offers up as well. When you’re a traveler that loves to keep the party going long after the sun goes down, there’s no shortage of places that will entertain your desire for fun in Los Cabos. Cabo San Lucas is known as the nightlife hub in the area, and one only needs to follow the neon lights to know where to go. Destinations like Cabo Wabo, Mango Deck, and Squid Roe are popular stops that pair amazing food and drink options with music and entertainment that last well into the early morning hours. Both Senor Frogs and Mandala are worth checking out as well when your energy is high, and you’re excited to embrace the best of spring nightlife, flavor, and fun.
Making the most of your spring getaway to Los Cabos starts with booking luxurious accommodations that keep you close to the fun and living in elegant style. That’s where the team at Elegant Mexico comes in. Our collection of Los Cabos vacation rentals is one-of-a-kind and endlessly inspired. When you’re looking for the ideal retreat to match your Mexico stay, we have what you’re searching for and more. Reach out today! See our Los Cabos private villas here.
Los Cabos has long been a beloved vacation destination for travelers from near and far. While it’s an exciting destination, it’s also one brimming over with romantic activities to enjoy. When you can’t wait to spend quality time here with your significant other, the following activities in Los Cabos should definitely be added to your romantic itinerary!
Making the most of a romantic trip to Los Cabos means incorporating a couples massage on your itinerary. There’s nothing more romantic than time set aside to be pampered while you’re in town! Those who can’t wait to indulge in refreshing services will find everything they’re looking for and more at Eden’s Spa Los Cabos. Open daily from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm, Eden’s Spa is a fantastic place to book everything from a deep tissue massage or hot stone treatment to a Swedish massage, facial or scrub. Eden’s Spa Los Cabos also offers salon services for those banking on looking and feeling their best when they leave. Be sure to book your appointment in advance to make the most of every moment!
Those couples who find their romantic vacation state of mind most easily on sandy shorelines will love every minute spent side by side on Lover’s Beach during their Los Cabos getaway. Offering up the sensational scenery and privacy to match, it’s a place where relaxation is top of mind at all times and the landscape sets the scene for breathtaking views at every turn. Lover’s Beach sits within proximity to the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas but does require a boat to reach. A water taxi can be easily booked to take you and your loved one this way when you plan on spending hours on end soaking up the sun in tranquil style. Enjoy waves lapping the sand from both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez when you make this romantic spot a must on your agenda.
A romantic meal for two is something every couple looks forward to. When you’re traveling to Los Cabos together, you don’t have to go far to find those flavorful and intimate moments, especially when you reserve your dining time at Romeo & Julieta while you’re here. This inviting and undeniably sophisticated eatery provides couples with access to mouthwatering Italian dishes paired with seafood selections that can be enjoyed in an elegant dining room or out on a patio complete with stunning column work. Those who choose to dine indoors will enjoy live music to pair with their plate, making the moment that much more romantic from start to finish. Here, the service is impeccable, and the romantic mood is set with prime lighting, elegantly covered tables and the musical ambiance that elevates your dining experience to a new level.
For those Los Cabos-bound couples who connect most successful on the waves, booking a private sunset cruise through Seashine Adventures is an ideal choice for your visit. Those who book a sailing will be invited to step onboard a private luxury yacht and enjoy access to delicious beverages and a restaurant-quality menu while making their way along the shoreline right as the sun goes down. Between the captivating colors in the sky, amazing flavors to enjoy and talented onboard team of professionals to curate your experience, it’s easy to see why this is a fan-favorite romantic activity in Los Cabos!
Reserving a charming home away from home to enjoy while you’re in Los Cabos only elevates the romance factor further. Those who book their stay through Elegant Mexico will find they have the options they crave when it comes to location, rental property style, upgraded amenities and luxurious extras too! From stunning views and spacious floorplans to sophisticated furnishings and private pools overlooking amazing landscapes, a stay in a charming rental for two promises to please.
When you and your partner are passionate about flavor and like learning together, booking a margarita making class right in the comfort of your vacation rental is a wonderfully romantic idea! Mixology sessions can easily be booked through Gourmet Cabo Catering and when 60-minute on-site instruction is complete, you’ll have a lineup of savory local beverages to enjoy as well as a new skillset to take home with you!
Your Los Cabos adventure awaits and when you’re ready to stop planning and start packing your bags in the name of a romantic escape the team at Elegant Mexico has your rental details covered. Let us take care of the logistics so when you arrive, you can focus on spending quality time together. Reach out today to learn more about our many beautiful Los Cabos private villas in the area. We can’t wait to help you make it an amazing stay and look forward to seeing you in Mexico soon! See our Del Mar homes for rent here.
Cabo Beach Weddings can be magical — and as Valentine’s Day approaches it may be time to examine more closely what goes into planning a wedding in Cabo, possibly the ideal backdrop for launching a romantic life together. Exchanging wedding vows in front of loved ones and friends often lives up to the hype and for that moment, couples want everything to be perfect. But, before getting to that particular moment (the parties, receptions, honeymoon), we need to look at just what a wedding in Los Cabos requires and how to best manage these details.
It goes without saying that Los Cabos, Mexico is an ideal wedding destination. Top reasons include the variety of scenic backdrops available, top-shelf luxury venues to keep guests talking about it for months to come, and, often, reasonable costs. To organize a dreamy Cabo wedding celebration, read onward.
Consider the warm and sunny days year-round, mountainous and desert landscapes accessing the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific, and flexibility regarding wedding costs.
Planning a wedding celebration calls for perfect weather and Los Cabos definitely has the shimmering weather to match the glittery dresses and table dressings.
Cabo has around 360 sunny days a year on average. Also, air temperatures are comfortable or warm most of the year, becoming hot from late spring to early autumn during afternoon hours.
Thus, if you crave sunny weather and good light for your wedding photos, a wedding in Cabo will do the trick.
Do you want to exchange wedding vows on the beach or in a resort’s lush garden? Or do you prefer saying I do where the desert meets the sea or with the mountain as a backdrop? Whatever your wishes are, you can make them come true in Los Cabos.
The Cabo wedding budget depends on many things – the expertise of your wedding planner, location of the venue, selected services, number of guests, etc. Still, some realistic estimates by the number of guests are:
To benefit from certain discounts, consider organizing your wedding in Los Cabos from May to September. Note, that spending less than $20,000 for a Cabo wedding is virtually impossible, regardless of the season and the number of guests.
Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and the Tourist Corridor between them brim with venues suitable for your wedding celebration. And most of them fall into the following categories:
Restaurants: Booking the entire venue isn’t usually possible since they remain open to the public. The cost for around 50 guests is typically between $25,000 and $35,000.
Villas: Renting a villa is ideal for up to 100 guests. the main benefit of having a villa-style wedding is having everything your way, plus you enjoy premium services and have all the privacy you need. The major downside may be a minimum stay of three nights. Plan to spend between $25,000 and $45,000 for a 50-guest wedding, although some creative research can bring costs down considerably. Booking a large villa for these plans may turn out to be the most cost-effective choice and the one with the most “wows.” it may also be the most convenient. For instance, Elegant Mexico offers plenty of large villas on the beach that can sleep up to 20 guests. All ceremonies and receptions can be held there, chef services and catering arranged by Elegant Mexico’s dedicated concierge service. The marrying couple can have nuptials on the beach and then be ferried off to a nearby resort or additional villa for privacy. Beachfront villas start at $3,500 a night for ten guests, saving them plenty of problems and overcharges that may be found at resorts for the simplest of services.
Resorts: The price tag for your wedding may vary widely from one resort to another. All-inclusive resorts usually charge up to $25,000 for a 50-guest nuptial event. Higher end luxury resorts are likely to run $55,000 and $85,000 for these guests, although there is room to trade around and get added perks and complimentary rooms for some of the guests. Often these venues offer departments that put it all together for the big day, food, flowers, libations, entertainment – all the details that need to go just right.
Now, let’s take a look at some Cabo wedding venues that offer premium services and amenities.
Mantea Casa Cabo is a villa in Cabo San Lucas offering a wide range of amenities and services. It accommodates 20 sitting and 75 standing guests, and has eight rooms that could accommodate up to 16 lodgers in total for a buy-out.
This Cabo wedding venue features two infinity pools with views of the sandy beach and the Pacific, massage, yoga, and swim-up bar.
The oceanfront views and the lush tropical environment make Miramar a reasonable contender for your Cabo wedding venue. It can accommodate 20 sitting and 60 standing guests, while four bedrooms can sleep 12 people. Some of its premium facilities include a Jacuzzi, infinity-edge swimming pool, patio, and bar.
Couples need to obtain the marriage license by meeting certain requirements and providing paperwork to wed in Los Cabos.
To get the license, each party has to provide the following:
In general, you’ll need a few days to complete the required procedure. To speed things up, consider hiring a coordinator.
Also, you can choose one or both of the following types of wedding in Los Cabos:
To have enough time to organize your Cabo wedding stress-free, take the following approach:
More information:
www.visitloscabos.travel/weddings
Renting a car in Los Cabos is an ideal option for an active holiday if you arrive without your four-wheeler. There are many spots, beaches, and attractions within a short driving distance you should check out. And many of them line the Tourist Corridor running between famed Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Mexican car rental agencies and authorities accept US driver licenses. But before you get to it, be aware that there is more to renting a car in Mexico than the price tag suggests. As it happens, you came to the right place since you can find useful tips about Cabo car rentals here.
Whether renting a car in Cabo is the right move depends on what type of traveler you are.
If you’ve come to spend most of the time in a luxury resort or villa and check out a few neighboring beaches, you don’t really need a car. You can hire Uber or a taxi for a few quick excursions from the base.
But if you wish to do beach-hopping and explore everything from photogenic El Arco in Cabo San Lucas to Cabo Pulmo National Park, you really should rent a car. Otherwise, you will need a big holiday budget to accommodate the pricey taxi services that will add up in a flash.
The documents you will need to rent a car in Cabo and Mexico are a passport, driver’s license, and a major credit card.
Prioritize reputable companies when renting a car in Los Cabos. Avis, Budget, Alamo, Thrifty, and Enterprise are some of the big brands. Think twice before choosing the off the grid car rental company offering tempting deals – they’ll likely come with risks you may not be able to predict.
Furthermore, you’d do well to reserve your vehicle online at least two weeks in advance, if not earlier, especially in these pandemic times of ongoing shortages. In this regard, confirm with your chosen agency to see if they offer free cancellation. Moreover, booking ahead of time allows you to see whether they have efficient customer service.
Car rental prices in Cabo will surprise you for sure, but only at first glance. For example, renting an economy car for a week may set you back around $40. Yet, you’ll need to buy extra insurance because Mexican authorities will not accept US insurance policies, even if they cover all the damage. And that usually multiplies the cost of the deal by unexpected amounts.
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll receive a free upgrade even if you’re a frequent traveler or have a shiny Platinum American Express card. Still, ask and see what answer you’ll receive, there’s no harm in that. Also, your credit card may cover collision damage as an added back-up measure.
Finally, frequent travelers to Cabo and Baja California Sur recommend purchasing the most expensive insurance offering full coverage. They state that tourists, especially those who do not speak Spanish well, should opt for this type of insurance. Sleeping well is worth a few extra pesos.
Here, we give a short overview of Mexican car insurances and agreements for you to decide which one suits you best.
Securing insurance online a week or more in advance may bring a more favorable deal than on-site purchase.
When you complete the car rental formalities, inspect the car before leaving. Report any scratch or damage you find and take a photo of them. Usually, the scratch has to meet a certain size to be considered damage, but better safe than sorry.
Signs in Mexico denote speed limits in kilometers (km), not miles. And these typically range from 60 km (37 mph) to 90 km (55 mph) per hour, depending on the road width, whether the highway is straight, and other factors.
All road signs are in Spanish, but you shouldn’t have trouble deciphering them. Some of the basic ones are:
If you become unsure about the right direction at some point, most signs in the Baja lead to Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and further away to La Paz.
Self-service at gas stations in Mexico? Not so fast. And that includes Los Cabos. You’ll need to wait for the attendant to get fuel. You can pay with your credit card but should prioritize pesos, if you have them, to make the process seamless and save time.
Of course, check how much fuel you have in the tank before leaving the car rental agency in the first place.
Parking in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo may strike you as challenging at first glance. Yet, there are places where you shouldn’t struggle to find a spot.
In Cabo San Lucas, find parking in the multi-level building at the Puerto Paraiso Plaza shopping center in the downtown area. The price is 15 pesos a day.
Downtown San Jose del Cabo has many street parking spots, but you should count on the complications of congestion and narrow byways. Alternatively, put some distance between you and Avenue Centenario. That way, you can still park near enough to the central plaza, while ginning up an appetite for gourmet tacos and primo tequila during short the walk from your rented car. See our Los Cabos villa rentals here.
Where is Cabo? Los Cabos is a famous Mexican municipality located in Baja California Sur. It is known for warm crystal-clear waters year ‘round, and that does not describe the migrating whales, the quirky and luxury shopping to be done, and many sports and outdoor opportunities at one’s fingertips. The area’s prime destinations are Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, connected by Tourist Corridor of golden beaches and swank resorts. Beach-hopping, golfing, and sightseeing are a few popular activities there, and, of course, the photogenic El Arco (Land’s End) is a must. The beach houses in Cabo are incredible.
But where is Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose del Cabo? You’ll be surprised to learn that is not a trick question.
Los Cabos is at the southern tip of Baja California Sur, in the northwestern corner of Mexico. You’ll find the region sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) in the east, and the US-Mexican border in the north.
Cabo San Lucas, the largest resort city in the region, is 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of La Paz, the capital of the Baja California Sur state. San Jose del Cabo, the municipal capital, is 22 mi/35 km distant from Cabo San Lucas in the northeastern direction.
Up for a riveting road trip? Pack the cooler and take the route over 1,000 miles from Tijuana – across the border from San Diego — to Ensenada and La Paz and onto Cabo.
Along the way, consider visiting the following places:
When you get to La Paz, you’ll be just over two hours from the Cabo’s golden Tourist Corridor.
You can fly from major cities on the US West Coast – San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego – to San Jose del Cabo directly in less than three hours. Phoenix also maintains non-stop flights to the Cabo’s capital, while you’d need to catch a connection when flying from Las Vegas. For private flyers, the becomes an easy destination with amenities that include seamless private transfers from Airport Cabo San Lucas International (MMSL) to your private villa rental or resort suite.
Many factors joined forces to make Cabo the perfect vacation destination, and these are some of them:
Los Cabos is among the nearest foreign vacation destinations to the US West Coast. Thus, traveling to Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo is pretty straightforward. And, it consumes less time when compared to trips to Hawaii, Cancun, or any Caribbean destination, for example. Located beneath the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range, Cabo boasts diverse landscapes. There, you can spend mornings sunbathing and swimming, afternoons exploring the mountainside, and evenings stargazing in the desert, for example.
Traveling to Cabo San Lucas and the rest of Los Cabos would be worth it for tourist activities, if for no other reason. Due to its diverse countryside and location, Los Cabos teems with outdoor opportunities.
Swimming and snorkeling are rewarding activities because of the rich marine life, especially in the Sea of Cortez, dubbed “The Aquarium of the World.” There, you can see whale sharks, dolphins, sea lions, turtles, and rooster fish, among other aquatic species – and even swim with them.
Hiking and ATV rides reveal a stunning coastal, desert, and mountainous scenery teeming with cacti, white-sand beaches, and verdant greenery. While inland, you may spot a fox, roadrunners, owls, and rabbits. Moreover, you’ll relish ocean and sea views from various viewpoints in the mountain.
Also, did you know that Los Cabos boasts some of the world’s finest golf courses outside the USA? And quite a few of them are masterpieces of legendary designers, such as Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.
Finally, kayaking, boating, parachuting, and skydiving are a few other activities popular among travelers.
Los Cabos’ many and diverse attractions are some of the reasons why travelers choose Cabo for their warm weather vacation. While there, we recommend you to visit the following points of interest:
Now that you know where Cabo is and how to get and what to do there, buy yourself a couple of swimsuits, golf and snorkeling equipment, and good hiking boots.
Most vacationists travel to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, but these are far from the only places you can choose for your base. Any place or resort along the Tourist Corridor is likely to meet your expectations and needs, no matter how high they may be.
See our Los Cabos villa rentals here.
Mexico, including Los Cabos, is wide open for business. Tianguis 2021 has come and gone as the gathering spot for leaders of Mexico’s robust tourism industries, but remains a window into what to watch and where to go as the popular tourism zone emerges from Covid with some very strong trends. As tourism ministers and directors mixed with the latest in destination attractions across Mexico’s 31 states and 15 popular tourism regions, we found some exciting reasons to be hopeful about the year ahead, although the tourism conference’s time-frame in mid-November meant that the Omicron variant had not yet been identified.
Still, given the tough two years that has hit most tourism industries and destinations in the gut, we sat down with Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director for the Los Cabos Tourism Board, to see why the resort location at the bottom of the Baja has had so much to offer during this age of COVID, and what the destination has done right.
In numbers, Los Cabos is open — touting a remarkable 100 percent recovery in tourism with spikes as much as 20 percent in recent months above other popular tourism spots in Mexico. In September 2021 alone, Los Cabos showed nearly 118,000 international arrivals – marking its most successful September month ever with a 40 percent increase in international arrivals compared to 2019.
While Cabos is open and its travel industry’s successes have been impressive, the region’s marketers are not sitting on their laurels. Safety protocols remain in place, especially as new virus variants show up in hot spots around the world. Still, Los Cabos has some radical approaches to this unprecedented era we navigate, bolstered by tight cooperation from tourism industry suppliers and hospitality purveyors.
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How has this past year been for Los Cabos. How were you able to not just survive, but thrive?
Well, we know that we have to work together to collaborate to overcome adversities. That’s been the case in several occasions in natural disasters and other situations. So the floor was set before COVID, with team challenges that meant working in unison to implement the highest standard protocols.
When we reopened Los Cabos in June 2020, we really aimed at that time to position Los Cabos as the best option for travel in the context of COVID-19. We knew we would have to have the best environment and the safest environment for our travelers as they often rely on the destination and travel frequently to Los Cabos (20 percent of our visitors come four times or more during the year).
When word of mouth about destination started to spread last year we launched a marketing campaign called Los Cabos Rules, aimed at the United States. It entertained a double meaning throughout: like Stay at Home but make that home in Los Cabos; Wear a Mask, but that mask is a snorkel mask in the water. And for Keep Your Distance, we showed a lone paddle boarder floating peacefully in the Sea of Cortez.
And then we have been evolving the messaging, so now we launched a campaign that says: Set Yourself Apart. We did this especially for the US market, as we knew that the concern about traveling was not over, and visitors really want to separate themselves but be in a place that is unique, not crowded.
So where are things now?
Locally, we are in the last part of the Los Cabos reopening plan and 85 percent of the community 18 and older as vaccinated. We continue implementing the protocols and the number of cases has been super low. What we see going forward is that we cannot relax and that the quality needs to be maintained. We are now having bigger numbers than what we had in 2019. In October, for example, we had 30 percent growth vis-à-vis October of 2019. But we cannot take for granted that we will be having the same type of growth moving forward. So we keep innovating and at the same time being very assertive in our communications.
Are you offering new products to bring people back?
Yes, we need to keep innovating. One of the new products that we have just launched is called District 23 400. That is the zipcode of the downtown area of San Jose del Cabo.
It’s a fantastic area, all the renovated, and we created a chic district focused on the gastronomic experience. Some 30 restaurants belong to the program, all within walking distance of each other in the downtown part of the town. This is at the northern end of the tourism corridor. We have a specific section in the Visit Los Cabos ecosystem for this where we feature, the chefs, their recipes, and the special menus they offer on Tuesdays – we call it “Tasty Tuesdays.” We promote the freshness of the area organic farms and farm-to-table experiences, the fresh seafood you can have with the very talented cooks and chefs that have been moved to Los Cabos from all around Mexico in the world. And it appeals to the very select audience of travelers that come to Los Cabos.
There has been a big renaissance for downtown San Jose del Cabos. Visitors will see this district on Tuesdays. They already know about Thursdays arts markets and these are usually totally full. That’s why we did we created the Tasty Tuesday option, to have a different day of the week for people to come and walk around and experience the fun. And then we’re going to have another part of this program that will focus on street food in this area.
What are some of the audiences you seek to reach?
We have seen an evolution in the travel, especially on the high end with the evolving high-end traveler. Those are people who travel a lot and can go anywhere in the world. We have seen that there is a big evolution in the things that they are looking for in a vacation. We are also working on the factor of inclusion. We have three tracks there, one on LGBTQ, another is on accessibility, and then we have a focus on black travel, which is another big trend we are seeing in Los Cabos. And one final focus is on community engagement. Everyone wants to know what is happening with the community and how they can engage with the community. They want to visit the ranches where the people actually live and know the story behind the story. So those are the new channels in travel we’re working on.
What are some of the new experiential trends afoot?
A big trend we see is in sustainable vacations. We have, very close to Los Cabos, hiking trails with natural waterfalls and natural reserves that people can explore on their own and they won’t need a four by four vehicle to get to these places.
And we are also looking at the adventurous toys people like to play with in the waters. For instance, there’s a company that has been coming up, and they want to be environmentally friendly. And they have a lot of toys, but they are all electric. They are called Caboelectric and they use something called an eFoil that is a surfboard with an electric propeller that powers the board to move through any water. And they have paddle boards and a variety of other boards and equipment and it’s all geared for sustainability. So this is one of those only in Cabo ways to have fun in a unique way and still stay friendly to the environment.
What are some trends in hospitality gaining traction in Los Cabos?
The whole villa concept is taking off in Cabo. So that’s actually fairly unique, and helping to create a Mediterranean experience there. And we have variety, such as villas inside such luxury resorts as Rosewood, and other villa-focused developments that are owned and leased out through various companies. To stay in a villa is different from a stay in one of the resorts in Los Cabos. Maybe the guests are coming in by private plane and coming with many members of the family. For other guests, sometimes they want to simply stay in a resort so they can play golf or just relax in a wellness program.
What about airline travel to Los Cabos?
Currently, we have 45 percent more lift than we did during the same time in 2019, and from more gateways. We used to have 21 gateways from the United States with nonstop flights. Now we have 26 gateway cities in the United States and more frequencies. We went from 350 flights on a weekly basis to 500 weekly frequencies and we have been diversifying, especially the Northeastern U.S. I think the demand is there now, because the airlines follow the demand. But we cannot take this for granted. Now that visitors have experienced the destination, we need to make sure that they come back.
How are meetings managing in Los Cabos? Are they coming back?
We have seen a big, big comeback in meetings, especially involving incentive programs and small corporate meetings. And again, there are a couple of interesting dynamics that we have here that are different from other destinations. If you make a check of average daily rates on meetings in various locations, usually the bigger bulk of rooms, the lower the average daily rate. In the case of Los Cabos, the average daily rate of meaningful incentives is higher, say $465 a night, and the average daily rate for meetings is $250. But that is because the incentive programs and the corporate meetings prefer to work with premier product when they come to Los Cabos as it’s an aspirational destination and a great way to reward an employee.
But we have seen some changes, the incentive groups are now smaller, and they break up. So instead of bringing 150 people, they break up into sections of 50. Or if they are coming for a corporate retreat, they want to have a much more meaningful type of connection or reflection or experience when they come to Los Cabos.
Many conferences have been taking place with very specific protocol — everyone that comes goes through an arrival team test before getting access to the meeting. And then when these attendees go back to the United States, they need to go through another COVID test. We make it very easy because all the hotels offer this service on site through a certified facility.
What happens if a visitor tests positive for COVID-19 and must quarantined. Who pays for that?
In the beginning, it was popular for visitors to have insurance and many hotels also offered this option. More recently the incidents of a positive result have been super minimal. But we have a specific protocol for hotels and hospitality members and they need to advise the state medical authority immediately when somebody tests positive – once false positive results have been ruled out. Once confirmed positive through a PCR test, the guest must quarantine at the hotel. Medical authorities have to get in touch with the patient on the phone to assess the condition and needs, including food. The patient cannot leave the room, they need to stay there for the stated duration. But many hotels and resorts and villa companies are cooperating by offering at least a 50 percent discount if the guest does not have insurance.
However, the number of cases has been so low that many properties are promoting the amenity that guests contracting COVID can quarantine for free. They can do this because the number of positive cases are so so few that is makes a strong promotional statement.
For some visitors who may be staying with friends and relatives in a $5,000/night villa, though, the prospect of spending only $2,500 a night to quarantine may still be a little high. So, we have some business class hotels with special rates so those who need to quarantine can do so without too much financial pain. We have not had a positive case ion a very long time, but it’s something we need to protect.
Do you have any kind of a closing thoughts about Los Cabos and 2022?
We believe that 2022 is going to be a year with a lot of challenges. Los Cabos is open for business and we need to keep making sure that Los Cabos will still be considered the best and safest option for anyone looking to come. That’s the word and we need to keep working on it to make sure that it remains. See our Palmilla vacation rentals with chefs here.
Christmas in Mexico is Christmas like no place else. Combining elements of Catholic Christianity and indigenous (Mayan) culture, it runs longer than anywhere else in the world. It typically lasts from December 12 to January 6, with the final celebration taking place on February 2. During this time, Mexicans and travelers partake in musical concerts, processions, carol singing, and other performances.
Mexican Christmas traditions also feature decorated Xmas trees, displays of nativity scenes (the birth of Christ), and a lot of traditional specialties. Needless to say that tequila flows in abundance.
So, maybe you won’t have much snow to accompany your Christmas celebration in Mexico. But you’re still in for a great time while visiting Mexico City, Merida, Cancun, Los Cabos, or any other of the nation’s top tourist destinations.
Christmas time in Mexico lasts approximately a month, and we could divide this traditional celebration into the following stages:
Virgin of Guadalupe is a feast accompanied with parades, fireworks, and other festivities. Held on December 12, it offers various insights into multi-layered Mexican culture.
The focal point of the celebration is the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, which welcomes pilgrims from all over the country. The basilica contains an image of the Virgin Mary and is located at the exact spot where the Holy Mother of God appeared to an indigenous man in 1531.
Las Posadas, taking place from December 16-24, is a re-enactment of Jesus’s parents’ (Joseph and Mary) journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Children dressed like angels and wearing outfits reminiscent of these ancient times carry candles and sing carols.
They go from one house to another and ask for admittance. The celebration ends at a different home every day. There, the participants treat themselves with various specialties and delicacies stored in piñatas – dedicated vessels made of paper, cloth, or pottery.
Starting from December 16, the nativity scenes called Nacimientos decorate Mexican homes.
On Xmas Eve, or Noche Buena (Good Night in Spanish), on December 24, you’ll admire floral arrangements throughout town and city centers and in Mexican houses. The locals have festive dinners in the evening and attend a midnight mass known as the Mass of the Rooster.
During Christmas celebrations, you are likely to hear carols you are unfamiliar with. While some are translations of well-known Silent Night, others may be local carols, such as Los Peces en el Rio (The Fishes in the River) and Canta, Rie, Bebe (Sing, Laugh, Drink).
After Christmas, on December 28, Mexicans commemorate the mythical massacre of male children ordered by Herod, the King of Judaea. According to legend, it was his reaction upon learning of the birth of Jesus, who was destined to become king of Jews.
This Mexican Christmas tradition pretty much resembles Fools Day celebrated in April in the USA.
On January 6, Mexican kids receive gifts symbolizing those brought to baby Jesus by three wise men (kings).
On La Candelaria – 2 February – the Mexicans take Jesus Christ figurines to the church to receive blessings. After that, you can attend festivities and parties, or feast at your host’s home.
To celebrate Christmas in Mexico even longer, visit Los Cabos. Here, the celebrations start from December 1 and run until February 2. And don’t worry about cold weather, a pullover or a light jacket is the warmest outfit you’ll need.
Daily temperatures in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo typically range between 59°F (15°C) and 86°F (30°C) during December and January. As for water activities, you’ll have great swimming, snorkeling, and diving since sea temperatures usually fluctuate from 72°F (22°C) to 77°F (25°C).
So, if you fancy warm weather during Xmas, the Los Cabos Tourist Corridor is your ideal destination.
Christmas and New Year celebrations and traditions in Los Cabos are similar to the rest of Mexico. Thus, you can attend Las Posadas, Holy Innocents Day, and other ceremonies.
Also, you’ll admire nativity scenes on the streets, private residences, and commercial areas and take part in the festivities. Along the way, spice up your holiday mood with delicious food, such as Buñuelo (fried dough) and Tamale (a traditional dish), and beverages (tequila, for example).
In San Jose del Cabo, take a walk along the main plaza and relish opulent decoration. Also, discover the Art Walk in Gallery District.
For something entirely different, attend Cabo San Lucas Nautical Christmas Parade held around mid-December for a few days.
To enjoy such a unique spectacle, go to the marina or the nearby beach and watch sailing boats and yachts featuring Christmas lights. A fireworks display may be staged while the vessels return to the marina to lift Xmas spirits further.
Finally, don’t miss whale-watching, which kicks off around mid-December in Los Cabos and lasts way longer than Christmas celebrations in Mexico do.
You can also consider having a Xmas dinner at eateries and resorts in Los Cabos. Many hospitality facilities offer meals brimming with delicious courses and desserts. Of course, carol singing is a part of the program, while some establishments offer you dining under the open, starry sky.
As elsewhere, shopping is an important Christmas tradition in Cabo. You will find many opportunities to buy gifts to place under your Christmas tree along the Tourist Corridor. But, to get yourself spoiled, prioritize Cabo San Lucas.
For example, you can shop Xmas presents till you drop at Diamonds International – one of the world’s largest duty-free jewelry stores. For Cuban cigars, pay a visit to J&J Habanos. If you prefer spending Christmas and New Year wearing swimsuits instead of winter coats, stop by Zingara Swimwear.
The boutiques and plazas are bright with lights and festive decor leading up to and after the holidays, and there are always great bargains to be had in souvenirs and spirits throughout the holidays and other times of the year.
See our Palmilla vacation rentals with chefs here.
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