Boasting a taste of decadence on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, escape to the seductive golden shores of Los Cabos.
LOS CABOS
Los Cabos has long enjoyed a reputation as Mexico’s ultimate vacation destination, exhibiting a wealth of luxury resorts and a magnetic party atmosphere. This allure has cemented Los Cabos as a favourite for celebrity vacationers, honeymooners, and American spring-breakers alike.
The area finds its nexus at the resort city of San José del Cabo, which occupies the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula and is bordered by the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez colliding with the Pacific Ocean. Mainland Mexico lies to the west, whilst San Diego, California can be found some 1,070 miles north. San José’s sister town of Cabo San Lucas (otherwise known as Cabo) is the area’s other major draw, defined by the natural landmark of El Arco. An area known as ‘the Corridor’ spans these two areas, where you will be presented with an array of lavish all-inclusive accommodation.
High-end hotels, yoga retreats, and world-class spas beg indulgence, whilst more active travellers may be lured by hiking through nearby canyons, waterfalls, and a host of aquatic activities from taking to the surf or unwinding on a paddleboard. For those seeking a more authentic experience beyond slurping piña coladas on the beach, hire a car to explore the rest of the peninsula where you will find historic settlements and organic farms a little further up the coast.
Most recently, Los Cabos became the world’s first verified ‘Health Secure Destination’, after its hotels earned independent health validation confirming their security measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TOURISM INSIGHTS: THE LOS CABOS TOURISM BOARD
The Los Cabos Tourism Board is the official body tasked with the promotion of tourism across the region for both national and international markets. The board provides an authoritative account of where to visit, what to do, and how best to explore the region – whether travelling for business or leisure.
Head to Visit Los Cabos to learn more.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
EAT:
For artisanal cuisine in the Gallery District
The Agave Handcrafted Kitchen is found in the beating heart of San José del Cabo within the colourful 23407 District. Devised by Chef Guillermo J. Gómez, this rooftop restaurant serves only sustainably sourced ingredients that combine to create a rich fusion of cuisines, including Mexican classics prepared with international flavour.
For lazy lunches in an outdoor sanctuary
Acre is an oasis hidden in the foothills of San José del Cabo. On this 25-acre organic farm, you will find a boutique hotel and event venue, alongside a scenic open-air restaurant and thatched-roof dining room. Here, you can sample an unforgettable taste of the bounty of the Baja peninsula, like the ‘Sea of Cortez Tiradito’ washed down with a Mezcal tasting.
DO:
For aquatic adventures
Based in Cabo, Pez Gato is the go-to provider for a range of water-based activities throughout Los Cabos. Snorkel with tropical fish in Santa Maria Bay, take a sunset whale-watching excursion, or enjoy a ‘Mexican Flavours’ dinner on an evening boat tour.
For adrenaline junkies
Cactus Tours have a fleet of vehicles designed to spice up your holiday with a taste of adventure. Take to the sand dunes on an ATV tour and head off-road on a ‘Can Am x3 Turbo Adventure’. This is an exhilarating way to discover the desert, mountains and canyons surrounding Los Cabos.
SLEEP:
For a modern stay in an ocean setting
The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal presents a taste of luxury that caters to your every need. A veritable haven, the Pedregal celebrates Mexican culture and cuisine within an idyllic cliffside location. Expect infinity-poolside service, world class restaurants and your own private casita.
For an indulgent retreat
Querencia Los Cabos offers a secluded sanctuary with an exclusive community feel. As a private golf and beach club, visitors can enjoy unmatched luxurious amenities from infinity pools to wellness programmes in the Movement Pavilion. For those reluctant to leave Baja, Querencia’s real estate offering may just be the answer you’re looking for.
CABO SAN LUCAS IN FOCUS
Commonly known as Cabo, Cabo San Lucas is reputed worldwide as an iconic vacation destination for those looking for luxury amidst spectacular scenery. However, as the centre of the fastest-developing region in Mexico, the city is extremely built-up with a plentiful supply of hotels and resorts. It may be hard to believe that Cabo had humble roots as a simple fishing village with just a few settlers in times of colonisation.
In spite of this, the natural beauty surrounding Cabo is undeniable, best evidenced by the natural rock formation at Land’s End known as El Arco. It is here where the Pacific Ocean meets with the Sea of Cortez in spectacular fashion, close to the idyllic white sands of Playa del Amor. These rich waters host playful dolphins and migrating pods of whales that can be viewed on a multitude of excursions.
Known as the Marlin Capital, Cabo is a long-time favourite for sport fishing and hosts the largest fishing tournament in the world. The city’s world-class Marina is well worth a visit, whilst the long stretch of beach at El Medano is ideal for swimming and water sports – from jet skiing to banana-boating and everything in between.
Although a raucous reputation for nightlife precedes the city, Cabo’s cultural offering of independent art galleries and organic markets should not be overlooked. Here, you have everything within your reach to make your holiday as active or relaxed as you like.
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
Cabo Pulmo
Two hours from San José del Cabo, this protected National Marine Park is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Cabo Pulmo hosts the only hard coral reef in the Gulf of California and bears the nickname of ‘The Aquarium of the World’. Snorkel here to unveil over 800 species of marine life in a protected ecosystem.
Todos Santos
Known as a ‘Pueblo Magico’ (Magic Town), Todos Santos offers an authentic snapshot of Mexican culture with postcard perfect colonial buildings lining cobblestoned streets, regional foods and uncrowded beaches away from the busy the southern resorts. The town is located an hour from Cabo San Lucas and is widely considered as the most picturesque in southern Baja.
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas
This distinctive rock formation has become the iconic backdrop of tourism in Baja. The golden stone arch emerges from the sea at Land’s End and is easily visited by boat as one of the area’s most popular tourist activities. Undeniably impressive, take in the sights by kayak or even atop a paddleboard.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Thanks to its proximity to the US, Los Cabos is easily accessible by air from many destinations across America with daily scheduled flights. If travelling by plane, you will arrive into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which is found eight miles north of San José del Cabo and 23 miles from Cabo San Lucas. Most all-inclusive resorts will offer airport transfers with your stay.
Since the principal sister towns are concentrated in a small portion of the Cape Peninsula, it is worth hiring a car to get a taste of the wider region, as private travel here can be costly. If using car rental, many travellers choose to drive the established loop north of Cabo San Lucas. This route along Highway-19 runs alongside the Pacific Coast and traverses through the town of Todos Santos and continues to the Transpeninsular Highway heading north from San José del Cabo.
Otherwise, since most sites are clustered in downtown areas, getting around on foot or by car is typically the best option.
