Cabo San Lucas Articles

Now, let’s take a look at some Cabo wedding venues that offer premium services and amenities.

Mantea Casa Cabo

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.

Villa Miramar

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.

Los Cabos Wedding Requirements

Couples need to obtain the marriage license by meeting certain requirements and providing paperwork to wed in Los Cabos.

Documents

To get the license, each party has to provide the following:

• Birth certificates copies
• Valid passport or driver’s license to confirm identity (note that officials accept copies). Four witnesses have to prove their identities, too.
• Tourist card or visa received upon arrival
• Parents’ ages, names, addresses, occupations, and nationalities
• Blood test certificates you received at a Baja California Sur lab no later than 48 hours before the wedding takes place. Your hosts may help you with this.
• If applicable, divorce or widowed decree. If divorced, you need to be apart for at least a year to wed in Mexico.

In general, you’ll need a few days to complete the required procedure. To speed things up, consider hiring a coordinator.

Cabo Wedding Types

Also, you can choose one or both of the following types of wedding in Los Cabos:

• A civil (legal) ceremony(Matrimonio Civil) is the official wedding ceremony in Mexico. Carried out by a Spanish-speaking judge, it can be organized at a registry office or at the location you choose for a fee. If you wish to have a wedding service in English, you can hire a translator. When you exchange vows, you get wedding documents recognized throughout the world.
• A religious (symbolic) ceremony, unlike civil, isn’t legally valid and won’t alter your marital status. However, a religious ceremony allows you to personalize wedding vows, speeches, and rituals. In short, you are in complete control of your wedding ceremony.

Recommended Cabo Destination Wedding Timeline

To have enough time to organize your Cabo wedding stress-free, take the following approach:

1. Think about the wedding type (civil or religious) some nine to 12 months in advance. Also, start thinking about the details, such as designs and activities.
2. Start shortlisting Cabo wedding venues between six and nine months before the wedding. Send invitations and inform your guests about flight and other details.
3. Guests should have their room reservations in order three to six months before your wedding. Also, brainstorm what outfits you’ll wear during the various celebrations.
4. Leave the last months before the wedding day only for adjustments, requirements you can’t complete earlier, and final payments.

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.

Should You Rent a Car in Los Cabos?

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.

Cabo Car Rentals Basic Recommendations

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.

Los Cabos Car Rental Prices

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.

Mexican Car Insurance Coverage and Costs

Here, we give a short overview of Mexican car insurances and agreements for you to decide which one suits you best.

• Basic personal liabilityis mandatory insurance included in the rental price. Also called third-party liability insurance, it covers damage or injury you inflicted to another participant in an accident. However, the insurance doesn’t cover you or your injuries. In Mexico, you can’t rent a car without this insurance.
• Supplemental liability insurance (SAI)isn’t mandatory, but car rental staff may lead you to believe it is. Still, you should consider buying this insurance, which covers you with 50,000 pesos (roughly $2,500) in case of an accident – enough to manage just minor damage. The rate is around $13 per day.
• Personal accident insurance (PAI)protects you and your co-travelers for less than $10 per day, so consider purchasing if your health insurance doesn’t cover it. For the price, you get transport to a hospital and medical treatment in case of an accident.
• Collision or Loss damage waiver (CDW/LDW)is an agreement confirming that the rental agency waives some or all the damage done to the car. If you have this particular insurance through your US credit card, keep in mind that most such insurances aren’t accepted in Mexico. The price of CDW is about $15 per day.

Securing insurance online a week or more in advance may bring a more favorable deal than on-site purchase.

Things to Know Before You Hit the Cabo Road

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.

Speed Limit

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.

Road Signs

All road signs are in Spanish, but you shouldn’t have trouble deciphering them. Some of the basic ones are:

• Alto = Stop
• Entrada = Entrance
• Prohibido = Prohibited
• Retorono = Return

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.

Gas Stations Service

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

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.

Los Cabos may have a notable up and coming fine dining scene of international mention but the area’s fish tacos are a truly sublime experience not to be missed. The contents are as fresh as can be and no longer made of shark meat – the catch of choice that once put fish tacos in Cabo on the map. These dishes are wrapped in a warm flour tortillas as is the tradition along Mexico’s northern border. The fish inside is lightly battered and breaded, infused with lime and herbs, and topped with red cabbage and other items.

Admirers of true Mexican cuisine sometimes say that fish tacos are not entirely traditional Mexican dishes. First because of their English name, and secondly because they come from Baja California Sur, now famous as a tourist destination in North America.

But the truth is, as usually happens in the culinary world, the areas accessible by ocean or sea present us with dishes rich in fish and seafood. Baja California Sur is shaped like a swordfish, with its tail abutting the border with the United States. And as Baja California Sur is surrounded on all sides by the sea, it is quite natural that the popular tacos filling here is fish fried in Mexican sauce and under the Mexican salsa Pico de Gallo.

After Cabo fish tacos were invented in the coastal Pacific Mexican state of Baja California, they became a favorite dish not only of Mexico, but also of North American cuisine. In fact, fish tacos have been a trademark of the Baja California region since the 1950s. Over the years, this gastronomic tradition has gained many admirers all over the world. Many Cabo San Lucas guests make it an important part of their vacation to enjoy the finest fish tacos.

The delicate taste of the fish goes well with flamboyant complements such as guacamole, pico de gallo and tropical fruits such as mango. Baked, fried, or fried fish are delicious when marinated with olive oil, jalapenos, chili powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro, especially when served in a warm tortilla with all the spices.

Besides the amazing taste, fish tacos are also a great example of healthy food. The dish is rich in protein, essential Omega 3s, beneficial for both our body and brain.

Where to Go for the Best Fish Tacos in Cabo

If you want to enjoy the taste of the best fish tacos in Cabo San Lucas then here are some top places to consider. Be sure to visit the Tacos Gardenias restaurant for wonderful shrimp and fish tacos dishes. Tacos Gardenias is a favorite place for locals and tourists alike for authentic homemade Mexican food. This place is over 30 years old. Although they’ve updated the interior, their food still retains the traditions of days gone by. This small, cozy taqueria is located very close to the marina, a peaceful place usually devoid of crowds.

Another family-run taqueria serving great fish and seafood tacos is 1 & Only Taco, a solid, unassuming café also in Cabo San Lucas that serves very inexpensive, loaded tacos to collections of ardent fans.

The Sand Bar is another popular option to try great fish tacos in Cabo San Lucas. It is a beautiful spot looking out onto the ocean with great service and the atmosphere, all located on Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas. Before or after enjoying these delicacies you can have a massage on the beach, an exquisite experience as you feel the breezes and listen to the surf to the relaxing motions of knowing hands. And massages at the Sand Bar cost a quarter of what they might at other resorts or in U.S. spas.

The Office on the Beach is another Fish taco hot spot where delicious stuffed tortillas come in three choices: Lobster Tacos, which are loaded with fresh lobster, sautéed with garlic, onions, California peppers, tomatoes, coriander and 0live oil. ​Then are the Fresh Sea Bass tacos stuffed with sea bass filet marinated in fine herbs and virgin olive oil. And finally,  Shrimp Tacos with Cheese full of shrimp sautéed with garlic, onions, tomatoes, green peppers and smothered with Monterrey cheese. The outdoor seating makes it a perfect place for informal gatherings.

Further up on along the Tourist Corridor try Asi y Asado – a known the pit stop for taco lovers. Find more than two dozen variations on the taco theme in a grub shack so popular, it has been called out by Guy Fieri and others and offers a wide menu of other options as well, including tasty vampiro, arrachera (marinated skirt steak) and pulpo (octopus).

Naturally, there are countless cafes in Los Cabos, from three-seat beach stands to celebrity chef restaurants, that have made an art of wrapping seafood in chewy, warm flour tortillas. And an order is in order in the Baja no matter what the nature of your trip. Discovery is half the fun.

• Shopping in Cabo San Lucas, the prime shopping destination in the region, is going to spoil you. Amble around the marina, mall and downtown area to browse souvenir shops or check out specialty stores selling Cuban cigars, jewelry, and other sought-after goods.
• Do some beach-hopping to get a bronze tan and/or scout beach bars before New Year’s Eve parties kick off. Medano, Santa Maria, Lover’s, and Chileno beaches are some of the beaches to check out.
• Whale watching is another reason why people head to Los Cabos around New Year. You can either go to a beach (Santa Maria, for example) or book a guided tour to see these giant cetaceans in action.
• A relaxing sunset cruise is an ideal prelude to the New Year’s party that awaits you once your boat anchors in the marina. As the sun descends beyond the horizon and soft light baths the coastline, enjoy the moment with a specially-selected drink at hand. It’s also a good way to end New Year’s Day when anything more active might prove problematic.

Cabo New Year’s Eve Celebrations

You can choose among many events to bid farewell to the old and welcome the New Year in Cabo. Enjoying an evening dinner at a restaurant or having a party at a nightclub or a beach bar are some options that won’t disappoint. Of course, lighting a candle on the beach and watching the starry sky before grand fireworks go off may be just the ticket for romantic couples.

Partying in Los Cabos

Partying is a trademark of this north-western region in Mexico, and not only for a New Year’s Eve. And many party enthusiasts travel to Los Cabos – Cabo San Lucas, in particular – for this very reason. In short, many visitors agree that the local party scene is among the best, if not the very finest, they experienced.

Note that parties may be a part of the holiday package if you book one. If you search locally, there are two criteria you might wish to take into consideration:

• If a party comes with a hefty price tag, it’s likely a luxury event that caters to travelers visiting the region.
• Affordable parties typically attract locals, but they are happy to have tourists joining them.

Finally, you can look for a party everywhere since they take place at beach bars, clubs, restaurants, resorts, spas, and town piazzas.

Cabo’s New Year Events

Various events take place around Christmas and New Year’s in Cabo, and these are some of them:

• Feasts with specially-selected menus are available at hotels and restaurants, many of which are world-class eateries. For example, you could have a welcome cocktail, a five-course menu, and a midnight glass of champagne on offer. Classic, festive, or some other music accompanies the event.
• Dancing the night away at nightclubs and bars is another popular option for welcoming the New Year in Los Cabos. As a bonus, you may enjoy performances by DJs, acrobats, and other special guests.
• If you are for something less common, why not try meditation on New Year’s Eve? Along the way, you might let your creativity run loose with something such as mala making.

In addition, you can enjoy grand fireworks taking place at midnight. Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas is ground zero for the most spectacular fireworks and parties in the region. Even if you opt for another place to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, there are many fireworks shows you can watch along Cabo beaches, both from land and aboard a boat.

New Year’s in Mexico

If you travel to Los Cabos for New Year, you may welcome it the way the Mexicans do. So, consider practicing some of the following New Year traditions in Mexico:

• According to beliefs, wearing brightly hued underwear may bring you luck next year. Choose red to attract love, yellow to have more money or green for better health.
• Another way to ensure better finances and additional love is to have a glass of sparkling wine or Champaign with a ring in the glass. But, there’s a catch!!! You must leave the ring in the glass afterward, or the ritual won’t work.
• You’re likely to find grapes at your party. When midnight comes, eat 12 of them while quietly calling out what you want. The grapes represent 12 wishes and the 12 months in which they will be granted.
• Staging and watching grand fireworks is another big tradition in Mexico and Los Cabos. This practice is believed to scare evil spirits and bring luck in the New Year.
• If you wish to have more fun travel moments in your life, try this – walk a suitcase around the block or place it in the middle of the room for people to walk around it.
• Eating lentils is another way to ensure good fortune in the coming year. Eat a tablespoon of cooked lentils and offer your companions and relatives a handful of raw lentils as well to share the wealth.

Do one or a few of these handy New Year’s rituals while you are in Los Cabos and chances are you will live to see a few more Los Cabos beach holidays in your future.

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.

Finding Cabo

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.

Traveling to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo by Road

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:

• Ville de Guadalupe near Ensenada is the most productive wine region in Mexico.
• La Bufadora, also near Ensenada, is a natural phenomenon staging a geyser-like spectacle.
• Set in an oasis, Mulege is a town in the mountains of Baja California Sur featuring cobbled streets and colorful habitats.
• El Mogote, in the vicinity of La Paz, is a peninsula popular among kayakers that boasts mangrove trees.
• Todos Santos, roughly halfway between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, is a cultural landmark teeming with art galleries and crafts shops.

When you get to La Paz, you’ll be just over two hours from the Cabo’s golden Tourist Corridor.

Traveling to Cabo by Air

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.

What Makes Los Cabos an Ideal Vacation Destination?

Many factors joined forces to make Cabo the perfect vacation destination, and these are some of them:

Los Cabos on Location

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.

Activities to Try in Los Cabos

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 Attractions

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:

• El Arco is the most photogenic and recognizable landmark of Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos by far. Located where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortes meet, it is a popular spot among sightseers and sea lions basking in the sunshine. You can explore the famous arch by boat or surfing board.
• Nearby Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) is by many the most attractive beach in Cabo. As its name suggests, it is the ideal place for romantic picnics and wedding photo sessions. Also, this pristine beach offers premium snorkelling.
• Fox Canyon, approximately 50 miles/80 kilometers north of Cabo San Lucas, is an attraction beloved by hikers, in particular. It has a signposted trail leading through a mountainous setting and introducing desert plants and wildlife. Granite stones flanking a pond are the highlight of Fox Canyon.
• Cabo Pulmo, located some 60 miles/100 kilometers northeast of San Jose del Cabo and 80 mi/130 km of Cabo San Lucas, is a national marine park. Go there to explore the attractive underwater world brimming with rays, whales, turtles, and the widest coral cover in the Gulf of California.
• Medano Beach (Playa el Medano) is a two-mile (three-kilometer) beach strand and is often the epicenter of Cabo San Lucas’s social life. You can find many eateries, stores, and water sports opportunities there.

Destination Cabo: the Breakdown

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.

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.

There is so much more to the Los Cabos food and restaurant scene than just tacos, melted ice, and tortilla buffets in identical resorts for those seeking the best restaurants in Cabos San Lucas In fact, Los Cabos offers some of the best cuisines from across the globe. The city has some of the best seafood in the Baja, with exquisite chocolate clams, juicy lobsters, and irresistible smoke marlin — delicacies that give the peninsula bragging rights.

Los Cabos is also well known for its brilliant flourish in fusion cuisines and Pan-Pacific culinary orientations. If you are looking to fully experience Cabo in all its culinary glory, then read on to find the best restaurants in Cabos San Lucas.

Nik-San

Simply put, Nik-San is one of the best Japanese Mexican fusion restaurant in Cabo San Lucas. The original restaurant opened downtown in Cabo San Lucas back in 1994, and since then, it has become one of the city’s most popular local sushi spots and remains on of its best restaurants. The restaurant’s superstar chefs, Ángel Carbajal and Masayuki Niikura, do not disappoint when creating the most beautiful and innovative fusion of Mexican and Japanese elements.

There are two Nik San restaurants in Los Cabos: one at the Shoppes at Palmilla near the One & Only Palmilla, and the second at the Plaza de la Danza in Cabo San Lucas. For most visitors, having sushi in Mexico might seem like an odd way to spend time at this popular Mexican beach resort destination. However, Nik-San prioritizes ambience, sanitization, and topnotch service. If you want a one of a kind dinner, choose the Omakase, a multi-course chef’s choice array that will explode your tastebuds.

El Farallon

Nothing beats enjoying a wonderful meal in a breathtaking cliff-side setting. Dining in El Farallon, hands down one of the best restaurants in Los Cabos if only for the setting, gives you the magnificent opportunity to enjoy great cuisine while looking over the stunning Pacific Ocean. Aside from this breathtaking scenery, El Farallon couples an intoxicating romantic atmosphere with the best fresh locally sourced seafood. The rustic, elegant atmosphere pairs wonderfully with the chef Gustavo Pinet’s market concept, in which diners get to pick the main course market style from a presentation of fresh catch on shaved ice. You will get to choose from a delectable assortment of sea bass, red snapper, tuna, dorado, lobster, shrimp, and clams.

Your entree choice is then weighed and taken to the chef to create a beautiful dish with exquisite soups and salads for you. For those who want to enjoy the ocean view without seafood, the menu is just as extensive and exquisite. The romantic feel in this restaurant is nearly unmatched and it is absolutely an unforgettable way to experience Los Cabos’ fine dining scene. Don’t want the meal? Choose the Champagne instead. The terrace above the rocks overlooking the ocean from this tight Cabo San Lucas vantage at the Pedregal is the right setting to sip from a menu of some 15 different champagnes ranging from Blanc de Blancs to Rosé and vintage champagnes, guided by a dedicated sommelier and complemented by a selection of moles and artisan salts.

Restaurant Cocina de Autor

When translated to English, the Spanish phrase “cocina de autor” means “signature cuisine.” In many ways, the name of this restaurant already promises you a memorable experience. Cocina De Autor, another of Los Cabos’s best restaurants, is the perfect place to experience the signature touch of renowned chef Sidney Schutte’s playful but artful menu. Each dish made in this restaurant has been artfully created with fresh local ingredients and unusual but somehow perfect pairings like clam and chocolate. Find this restaurant at the Grand Velas Resort above Cabo San Lucas along the Tourist Corridor marking the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez.

Wine pairings are also included for diners above the age of 18, offering an impressive and diverse selection. The eclectic menu focuses on what can be done with octopus, prawns and New York steak but there is also a vegan menu to consider, a rare option in Mexican dining. Price fixe multi course choices run around $170 per person.

Nobu Los Cabos

Long before its premiere in November 2019, the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos had been highly anticipated mostly because of the promised Nobu Los Cabos restaurant. Headed by the culinary world royalty, Nobu Matsuhisa, this restaurant promises a creative fusion of Peruvian ingredients and elements with Japanese cuisine. This seamless integration is presented with style, class, and high quality.

The sophisticated atmosphere is accented with unmistakable Japanese detailing in the wood, and the stunning Pacific Ocean views. Accompanying the celebrated menu is a lengthy and impressive wine list. Should you prefer a less fancy and less pricey option. Malibu Farm is also operating at this resort that is partially owned by Robert Di Nero. Malibu Farm offers an eclectic menu of Mexican delights fused with fresh catch, organically grown vegetables and healthy side dishes in an airy indoor-outdoor romantic setting.

Edith’s

Edith’s is a precious secret tucked into the heart of Cabo San Lucas and a fun experience in dining with excellent food, pleasant service, and a beautiful setting. The cozy setting brings beautiful rustic wood tables, thatched ceilings, and an overall barefoot ambience. You can find a beautiful combination of flavorful Baja home-grown recipes and elements from Edith’s hometown in the Guerrero mountains.

Seared at One&Only Palmilla

Seared by Michelin-star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his internationally renowned, culinary style to contemporary wood-fired cuisine. The restaurant is convenient to guests staying at Elegant Mexico’s Villa’s del Mar properties as it is just a two-minute ride away for guests via their provided villa golf carts and they have signing privileges at all One&Only Palmilla’s restaurants.

Seared showcases the finest cuts of meats, the freshest seafood and delectable sides with one of the most extensive wine lists in all of Mexico. But the chef is wide and varied in his talents and offers such options as aromatic artichoke tagine with kumquats and corn nut crusted salmon.

Caviar, too, is on the menu – Daurenki, which is the result of pairing two sturgeon species found in a lake that borders both Russia and China that produced a wonderful new caviar. It is offered with egg toast and herbs or chive crème fraîche on warm blinis. Not a caviar fan? Try oysters from Laguna San Ignacio in La Paz.

Food in Focus

Dining in Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas can be an adventure in luxury with restaurants to pin on your “been there, done that” list. With these curated restaurants in Los Cabos, the choices are easy and the meals are memorable.

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 Traditions in Los Cabos

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.

Celebrating Christmas at Cabo Restaurants and Resorts

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.

Best Christmas Shopping in Los Cabos

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.

GastroVino Food and Wine Festival: This is an annual three-day festival held in Todos Santos. There are special events at the best restaurants and wineries the city can offer, including wine tastings, a distinguished ball, and a silent auction for a local charity.

Los Cabos Surfing Open: In June, the surfing competitions start in earnest. This six-day event brings tourists and surfers from all across the globe, with free concerts and food festivals.

Fiesta de la Música: Every year on the solstice, June 21, this live music festival is a wonder to behold. The festival occurs at various locations in San Jose’s Art District, offering all musical styles and encouraging all experience levels to participate.

Stars and Stripes Tournament: The Stars & Stripes Tournament is an annual deep-sea fishing and golfing tournament organized with a fun music festival. Proceeds gathered at the event are often distributed for the benefit of the seven chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Mexico and California.

Best Activities in Cabo: July to September

Cabo Weather in July

July ushers in the first real month of summer in Cabo. Cabo Weather in July is very hot, with nearly every day starting and ending muggy. The rain has not yet come, but the skies are often clouded. July marks the start of the hurricane season, while the water is warm and great for surfing. While the summer heat might not be all that enticing, the sweet summertime discounts may be worth sticking to your beach chair.

The rain finally makes its appearance in August but the month only ushers in the rain sporadically. Muggy days and high heat give August a bad rap as the most uncomfortable month of the year in Cabo. Los Cabos weather in September is the rainiest of the entire year. September is the last month in the hurricane season, although the city typically experiences tropical storms instead.

Summer in Cabo: What to Do

Fiesta of the Virgin of Carmen: This festival lasts all day and celebrates the Virgin Mary. The day is filled with cultural craft vendors, an afternoon parade of children, and a fishing tournament in The Cabo San Luca marina. If it catches your interest, bullfights are held in downtown areas as well.

Festival of St. James: This July festival celebrates the patron saint of Spain, St. James. It begins with a beautiful parade of riders on white horses and ends with evening street parties. Other fun events include the Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore fishing tournament, the Los Cabos Tennis Open for men, and the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, all in August.

Mexican Independence Day: This is the most important event in September. The celebrations begin on September 15thy at night with huge crowds in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose.

Best Times to Go to Cabo: October, November

Cabo Weather in the Fall

From October to November, Cabo San Lucas’s weather promises warmth. Although October remains a little muggy, the rain decreases drastically, thus making those cloudy days perfect for snorkeling and welcoming the first whale sharks of the season. November brings in cooler temperatures and decreased humidity with far less frequent rain. The first Humpback whales make their appearance now.

Cabo in October and November: Top Things to Do

Fishing events are at an all-time high during this season. In October, you have two major fishing tournaments:

The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament and the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament bring on the anglers and dole out generous jackpots.

Fiesta de Cabo San Lucas is held on October 18 to celebrate the city’s patron Saint with music, parades, food, and dancing.

Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is held on November 1-2 in remembrance of deceased family and friends. It’s a festive time of celebration rather than mourning. Tip: cleck out  the Secrets of the Catrinas festival from October 31 – November 2 in San José del Cabo. The period is elevated through art installations, performances, cooking classed and workshops,

The Los Cabos Jazz Experience brings the ultimate experience for jazz lovers in the city.

Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament is yet another fun fishing event with cocktail parties and big money jackpots and usually happens around the beginning of November.

Dia de la Revolución (Revolution Day) comes later in November to celebrate the 1910 start of the Mexican Revolution with parades, food, and rodeos.

Best Times to Go to Cabo: December to April

Los Cabos Weather: December to April

Cabo Weather in December is nice and comfortable as the low humidity returns fully for winter and spring. December is the busiest tourist month here as rain is rare and the water temperatures cool down. There is plenty to do and see for snow lovers – the Humpbacks start calving while the Whale Sharks and Gray Whales start migrating across the area. Spring Breakers start coming in as well. March marks the last month to snorkel with whale sharks.

Cabo in Winter: Top Things to Do

December

* Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe)
* Christmas Posadas
* Sabor a Cabo Restaurant and Food Festival: More than 3000 people gather at this time to taste sumptuous selections created by some 60 restaurants, as well as sample products from Baja’s wineries, as well as mezcal and tequila distillers. The event closes with a spectacular concert.

Other winter activities include:

January

• Feast Day of San Antonio de Abad
• La Ventana Classic

February

• San Jose Jazz Weekend
• Todos Santos Open Studios Tour

March

• Festival of San Jose marks an 11-day festival starting on March 8th that honors the city’s patron saint, San Jose.
• Festival de Cine de Todos Santos is the place to be if you are a lover of Latin cinema.
• Gala de Danza brings dance and dance culture to light with Dancers, choreographers and musicians from 20 different countries congregating in Los Cabos for some memorable performances. 

April

Paws ‘n Claws Open Golf Tournament happens at the Palmilla Golf Course in early April. Format is unspecified with various challenges that make it fun and interesting.

Palmilla is among the top golf clubs in the Cabo region. Boasting a signature design by Jack Nicklaus, it features diverse landscapes throughout its three courses – Mountain, Ocean, and Arroyo. The club has 27 holes, and each course has 18-hole combinations.

To enjoy mountain views under the clear skies between holes, head to Mountain Course. At holes four and five, take some time to admire a scenic water reservoir. Mountain Course occupies a 3,602 yards area.

If you prefer canyons and deserts over mountains, Arroyo Course is where you should go. This fairway measures 3,337 yards and prides itself in “The Three Best Holes in Los Cabos” (sixth, seventh, and eighth). Besides centuries-old cacti, you may spot roadrunners, hawks, and other wildlife as you advance.

To get from the first to the sixth hole of the 3,572-yard Ocean Course, you have to overcome an elevation change of 600 feet. Along the way, admire the Sea of Cortes and palm trees. When you get to the ninth hole, the mountainous and desert landscapes will welcome you.

The best part of playing at One&Only Palmilla is the convenience. For guests of Elegant Mexico, the access is open, privileged and ready to go with your own dedicated cart to take you from your villa on the sea to the undulating greens with all your clubs and provisions. Plus, guests of Elegant Mexico have full signing privileges for all dining, spa and activities offered at the stunning One&Only Palmilla resort, a verified member of the Forbes Travel Guide Luxury portfolio.

Cabo Real Golf Club

Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Cabo Real is the only golf club in Los Cabos that hosted two PGA events so far (in 1996 and 1999). And the appearance of whales near the green during the former made this golf course famous throughout the world.

Located along the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the 18-hole Cabo Real boasts fairways climbing the mountainside almost 500 feet above sea level. In accordance, you’ll relish rewarding vistas of the Sea of Cortes while enjoying your favorite pastime.

The 7,037 yards golf course also features seaside holes, and each of them offers sea views. But don’t let these distract you since you’ll have to deal with arroyos and sand traps along the way.

Cabo Real Golf Club caters both to beginners and advanced golfers. Due to the club’s popularity, you would do well to make early reservations, preferably no less than seven days in advance.

Vidanta

Vidanta is the oldest and the most affordable golf course in the Cabo region. It measures 3,153 yards and is pretty flat compared to other courses that make Los Cabos famous. It has nine holes, moderate bunkering, relatively narrow fairways, and a substantial water hazard.

Vidanta boasts an attractive location, with the Sea of Cortes, desert landscapes, and Sierra de la Laguna mountains flanking the golf course. And well-manicured greens run between those while palm trees and other vegetation dot the area.

You are sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery as you get from one hole to another. However, other golf clubs scattered throughout the region typically boast more spectacular views than Vidanta does. Still, that is the price you pay for a budget-friendly golfing in Cabo.

If you need to brush up on your skills before getting to the course, use an on-site practice ground.

Campestre

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, just like Palmilla, Campestre is minutes away from the San Jose del Cabo downtown and among the most popular golf clubs on the Baja Peninsula. Occupying the undulating hills of the Sierra de la Laguna, Club Campestre has a 7,055-yard course with 18 holes. The landscape combines mountain, desert, and sea views.

While playing golf, expect to find green fairways, sandy areas, omnipresent big bunkers, and curved arroyos. Also, you’ll have to contend with elevation changes in the process. If you like to challenge yourself, you will enjoy the par-5 7th, par-3 11th, and par-4 18th holes, in particular.

Besides the golf course, Campestre boasts other facilities for a premium experience. A private beach, an infinite edge pool, and tennis courts are some of them. Note, though, that only club members can enjoy these additional facilities.

Puerto Los Cabos

Laid out by two legendary designers, Nicklaus and Norman, Puerto Los Cabos is another sought-after golf club in the Los Cabos region. At present, it features three nine-hole courses dubbed the Norman, Nicklaus I, and Nicklaus II courses.

Norman Course is a 3,590-yard signature design featuring a 400-foot elevation change. Nicklaus I measures 3,758 yards and stretches from mountain hills to the sea. Nicklaus II, flanked by dunes, covers 3,436 yards.

Besides views of the blue and turquoise waters from around 3/4 of the entire ground, you can benefit from tacos, burritos, margaritas, and other food and drinks from on-course comfort stations.

What Are the Most Popular Public Golf Courses in Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo San Lucas Country Club, boasting Lands End views, is another course open to the public.

Cabo del Sol Desert Course is also publicly available. Yet, this may change in 2022 following the opening of a nearby Park Hyatt Los Cabos hotel.