Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern point of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, is one of my favorite travel destinations and just a hop, skip, and a jump from the USA. Below, I’m sharing the most important things to know before you go to Cabo in both video and blog post format (so you can decide how you want to learn about this beautiful place!).
For travelers with less experience, Cabo San Lucas is a great place to start – especially if it’s your first time visiting Mexico. Most vendors, shops, and restaurants accept the American dollar, so you don’t really need to exchange it for pesos. Although I always recommend getting local currency for better pricing and exchange rates in shops, Cabo is one of the few places in Mexico that readily accepts U.S. dollars. Also, most people speak English, so it’s a great first introduction to this beautiful country and all it has to offer.
Sometimes, people like to focus on the dangers of traveling to Mexico, but I’ve personally never had any issues. I find it’s a very safe travel destination, even as a female solo traveler.
I hope you enjoy these travel tips and plan a fabulous time in Cabo San Lucas!
Table of Contents
My Top Travel Tips for Cabo San Lucas
The Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has good weather almost all year round, and there’s something for everyone here. The best time to visit depends on what kind of vacation you want to have.
Seeking a vibrant adventure?
High season (December to April) brings beautiful, clear skies, calm waters, and temperatures perfect for a beach vacation. Crowds are at their peak, though, meaning prices are higher, too. Whale watching is a huge draw during this season as they pass through the area from mid-December to mid-April. Keep in mind the heaviest crowds will be during spring break in March and April and the December holiday season.
Prefer a more balanced experience?
Cabo’s shoulder seasons (May to June and September to October) offer smaller crowds and price drops. The weather is warmer but still comfortable – and the ocean is right there whenever you need to cool off! Surfers can catch the best waves from May to July, while snorkelers and divers find the best conditions from September to November. Fishing enthusiasts take note: October is prime time for major fishing tournaments!
Looking for ultimate peace and relaxation?
If you want to visit Cabo in its quietest season, then look at traveling from July to September. While temperatures reach the 90s and some businesses limit their hours, you’ll encounter significantly fewer crowds and find the best deals. Immerse yourself in local culture by celebrating Mexican Independence Day on September 16th!
So, the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas is: whenever you want!
Airport Travel, Transportation, & Passport Tips for Cabo
Booking Flights to Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has two international airports to choose from. Both offer direct flights to and from major cities across North America, and most big-name airlines operate there weekly.
Cabo San Lucas International Airport (CSL) is closest to the main tourist area, about 6km (4mi) away. It’s also the smaller of the two airports and has fewer flight options, catering mostly to private jets, charters, and cargo flights. The terminal offers free wifi, coffee and snacks, souvenir shops, currency exchange, private transfers, and personalized concierge services.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is slightly further away, around 42km (26mi) from Cabo San Lucas. However, it’s much larger and has more international and domestic flight options. This airport offers a wider range of amenities for travelers, like restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, VIP lounges, wifi, currency exchange, and more.
I recommend going with CSL if you want a more luxurious experience or are short on time, and SJD if you want more flexibility and amenities to enjoy while you wait.
Book Your Transportation from the Airport in Advance
The main airport in Cabo is actually in San Jose del Cabo, which is about a 30-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas. While the CSL airport is closer, it can still be a 20-minute drive to most Cabo hotels. My suggestion is that you go ahead and book your transportation in advance of arriving at either airport to maximize your time.
Transportation to and from the airport isn’t cheap, but it’s worth a private shuttle. You can also do a shared shuttle, but honestly, I think it’s just worth having a private driver.
We chose Danny Boy Tours, and they picked us up and organized to drop us off. We arranged everything before we arrived in Cabo, so we were ready to go as soon as we landed.
Here’s the shuttle link if you’re interested in booking a private driver.
Hang On To Your Mexico Tourist Card
When you arrive in Mexico, you get a little white piece of paper with your immigration. It’s called your Mexico Tourist Card. It’s ripped off and stuck in your passport. You have to hold on to that because you have to turn that in when you leave the country. Don’t lose that! It’s has big fines and can cause a big ol’ hassle, so you definitely don’t want to lose that.
Yes, You Need Your Passport to Visit Cabo
You do need your passport to travel to Cabo San Lucas.
One of my pro travel tips is to email yourself a photograph of your passport, just in case something happens. You never know if you might lose your passport. Even if you print out copies, it’s possible for those to get lost or damaged while traveling.
This will help prevent a real headache in tracking down passport records in a foreign country.
Adjusting to the Time Zone Difference
If there’s one bad thing about traveling, it’s that visiting different time zones can disrupt your sleep and eating schedules. But hey – I think the rewards of exploring a new destination are definitely worth it!
Fortunately, adjusting to Cabo San Lucas’ time zone is often manageable as it isn’t too far off from many places in North America. It follows Mountain Standard Time (MTS), which is one hour ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST) and two hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST).
West Coast travelers (California or Vancouver) won’t experience much of a difference landing in Cabo.
Travelers from the East Coast (New York or Toronto) might find themselves feeling a little sleepy and hungry earlier than usual.
Here are some personal tips for beating any tiredness or hunger you might feel from schedule changes while traveling:
- Slowly adjust your sleep schedule leading up to your trip.
- Take a nap on the plane if you’ll be arriving earlier in the day (this memory foam neck pillow is great for this), and try to stay awake if arriving later.
- Pack little snacks to munch on between meals to keep your energy up (and the hanger away!).
Personally, the excitement of traveling and experiencing a destination for the first time cures any jetlag right up for me!
Follow me on social media!
Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Cabo San Lucas, there’s a wide range of accommodations to choose from. You’re sure to find something to suit your travel style and budget!
What Are My Hotel Options?
Cabo San Lucas boasts a diverse range of hotels. Whether you crave hassle-free luxury or an authentic local experience, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Typically, the busier the area is with restaurants and activities, the more hotel options you will find. Here’s a breakdown of the services and experience you can expect at each accommodation style:
All-Inclusive Resorts: Immerse yourself in complete relaxation with everything included – meals, drinks, activities, and entertainment – right at your fingertips. This is a good option if you want to travel hassle-free and don’t plan to leave the resort property very much.
Boutique Hotels: Embrace a more intimate and personalized experience at a charming boutique hotel. Often showcasing local touches in design and service, these gems provide a unique escape. You might find fewer amenities compared to larger resorts, but with Cabo’s vibrant scene at your doorstep, you won’t miss a beat.
Budget-Friendly Options: These options don’t have all the bells and whistles and are typically further away from the main areas, but they’re much more affordable. Hostels, guesthouses, and smaller hotels are great for the traveler who knows they’re going to spend all their time exploring every inch of Cabo!
Choose a Hotel Based on Your Lifestyle
It’s really important to pick a hotel based on your style of travel. A good 3.5-star hotel is Pueblo Bonito Rose, about a 15-minute walk into town, the marina, and the other major activities and things to do. It’s also near the clubbing at Mandala and Cabo Wabo, and all of that fun nightlife stuff.
So if you want to be near the nightlife, near a bunch of restaurants, you want to be staying as close to Cabo San Lucas as possible. If you’re looking for a relaxed, low-key place to stay – you just want to beach and not worry about anything – then I would suggest staying at one of the resorts between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Resorts like Puebla Bonita Pacifica Golf-Adults only and The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, are more exclusive and luxurious and a bit of a drive from all the action in Cabo.
If you’re looking for “bohemian chic” away from everything, try the Hotel San Cristobal near Todos Santos.
Ever shown up to your dream destination only to realize you left something important at home? Avoid travel mishaps with my FREE download: 20 Must-Have Travel Items!
Currency and Cash While You’re in Cabo
What currency and cash should you take with you on your Cabo trip?
The official currency in Cabo San Lucas is the Mexican Peso (MXN), but U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted in most places. For the best exchange rates and to immerse yourself in the local culture, you might prefer to use pesos. ATMs are readily available for withdrawing cash, but be careful of the transaction and exchange fees.
I personally haven’t had any trouble using cash in Cabo San Lucas; it’s my preferred way to pay here.
Bring Plenty of U.S. Cash to Use
Another tip I have for you is to bring lots of cash from the U.S. if you’re coming from there. Everybody is using U.S. dollars, so if you’re coming from Canada or another country, then definitely exchange them before you arrive. You’re likely to get a better exchange rate in your place of origin rather than waiting until you arrive in Cabo.
It is best to have cash with you in the form of small bills. Having U.S. dollars with you is also convenient because when you go home, you don’t have to exchange it back!
Do They Accept Credit Cards in Cabo?
What about major credit cards? Some people are really uncomfortable carrying cash around, and I understand that. I’ve found that credit cards are widely accepted in Cabo.
Always tell your bank about your travel plans to avoid any card usage interruptions. Some banks say you don’t need to report your trips anymore, but I find it’s best to just do it and be on the safe side. Also, ask about their foreign transaction fees so you can be aware ahead of time and manage your budget effectively.
If you don’t already have a credit card with great travel rewards or are looking for a new one, then check out my post on the best cards!
Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas
Imagine a place where the sea meets the desert and luxury meets adventure – it’s Cabo San Lucas! This vibrant city is a haven for group and solo travelers seeking both relaxation and thrills. From lounging on sun-drenched beaches to diving into the deep blue, Cabo’s got it all. You can sail around the famous Arch (El Arco), catch a glimpse of some amazing marine life, or simply indulge in the local cuisine and culture. There’s never a dull moment here!
Shop on the Beach
At the beach in Cabo, you’ll find plenty of vendors selling their goods – some have been here for decades! My friends and I bought some silver items, although we suspect they might not be genuine. We also picked up two blankets, which I absolutely love.
Here’s a tip: when you’re on the beach in Cabo, bring plenty of cash and be prepared to haggle for at least a 50% discount from the initial price.
Now, there’s someone special you should know about. His name is Lupe, and he walks along the beach every day, selling his wife’s unique items. If you’re in Cabo and at the beach, keep an eye out for Lupe. And don’t forget to try his tamales!
Try Lupe’s Tamales
Just around the corner, there’s a big vendor case where he takes orders. Typically, he serves beef, chicken, and cheese with poblano pepper tamales. Let me tell you, we indulged in these tamales every day we were here, and they are something else! I’ve tried the cheese and the ground beef ones, and they’re hands down some of the best tamales I’ve ever had.
Speaking of food, here’s tip number three, straight from a good friend of mine and a local from Mexico City. It’s a taco bar called La Lupita, just a stone’s throw from our hotel (there’s also one in San Jose de Cabo). These tacos are divine. They may be a tad fancy with options like pork belly or lamb barbacoa. But the standout is a taco with a cheese shell and succulent pork al pastor inside. Trust me, it’s mouthwatering!
When you’re in Cabo, make a beeline for La Lupita, and be sure to order three or four different tacos per person. That way, you can savor a delightful variety of 12 to 15 different tacos. It’s totally worth it. I went there twice on the same trip!
Catch the Sunrise
The beauty here is simply breathtaking. Picture this: the sunrise graces the horizon on one side, while the evening sun paints the mountains in mesmerizing hues on the other. (But sunrise is a tad early for all this beauty, so I’ll need coffee first!) The sunsets are something else, especially when it sets behind the arch and rocks on the west side. And when the sunrise paints the Bay of Cortez, it’s pure magic! No matter where you are in Cabo, these sunsets and sunrises are absolutely unforgettable.
Now, let’s talk about experiencing those spectacular sunsets.
I highly recommend going on a sunset cruise with Rancho Marino. I had the pleasure of sailing with about 35 people on a beautiful sailboat. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner with shrimp, free-flowing cocktails, and a leisurely cruise up to the arch. The best part? It was all included in one price.
Just a little tip: make sure your all-inclusive package includes top-notch booze, not just the cheap stuff. We paid a bit extra for quality, and it was totally worth it. The sailboat had an amazing staff, and we sat at the front, soaking in the view and that stunning sunset.
Take a Water Taxi
Let me break it down for you: if you want to visit Lover’s Beach, here’s the deal. Grab one of those water taxis, and they’ll whisk you away to the beach. They’re super accommodating; they’ll leave you there as long as you like and then bring you back again.
So, when I tried it, we spent around 30 leisurely minutes cruising at lower speeds. We took a quick tour, got to see the iconic arch, and snapped all the pictures we wanted. Afterward, they dropped us off at the beach, where we had the option to chill for just a half-hour or make a day of it. When we were ready to head back, our trusty boat operator, Louise, came back for us. In a mere 11 minutes, we were back at the beach near our hotel.
Here’s the scoop: Paying extra for a sunset cruise is an excellent idea, but if you’re just headed to Lover’s Beach, grab a water taxi—it’s the way to go.
Experience Cabo Nightlife
When the sun goes down in Cabo, the excitement doesn’t stop! Looking for a swanky wine bar or a club where you can dance till dawn? Cabo’s got both and everything in between.
Even if you’re not a die-hard clubber, I’d still recommend hitting one of the clubs at least once during your stay. But if that’s not your scene, no worries.
Check out some karaoke spots or venture out late into the night, even if it’s just until 10 or 11 pm or even midnight. And if you’re a night owl, go ahead and explore around 1 am; it’s a whole different experience then!
Try an Adventure Sport
If you’re a thrill seeker or a fan of adventure sports, then Cabo San Lucas is calling your name! Cabo is known for its adventure sports, from parasailing and ziplining to surfing, jet skiing, and sailing. You can even explore the surrounding area by horseback or UTV tour.
Want a view from the top? Try paragliding.
More of an underwater person? The snorkeling and scuba diving here are absolutely unreal.
Whatever your adventure appetite is, Cabo serves it up daily!
Go On a Day Trip
Todos Santos is a charming Pueblo Mágico (magic village) about one hour up the west coast, and it’s a delightful spot for a day trip. My girlfriends and I went on a day trip here, and it was an absolute blast!
There’s plenty of shopping to indulge in, and we discovered a fantastic restaurant renowned for its world-famous margaritas – Tequila Sunrise. When you visit, be sure to ask for Men, the owner. His two daughters are also there, and they’ll ensure you have a fantastic time. I highly recommend trying the camarón or the shrimp reno; they are simply scrumptious!
On your way back, make a pit stop at Hotel San Cristóbal. It’s a bit off the beaten path down a dirt road, but trust me, it’s a paradise you won’t want to miss! If you’re not driving yourself, just let your driver know you’d like to swing by Hotel San Cristóbal for a drink and a few appetizers before heading back to Cabo San Lucas.
Try Some Mezcal
While in Cabo, immerse yourself in the local culture by trying mezcal. This smoky spirit is a staple in Mexican tradition and offers a unique taste of the region’s heritage. You’ll see Tequila offered in a lot of places, but I recommend going with mezcal.
So, when you’re here, take the time to sip it slowly, enjoy yourself, and have a great time with some mezcal!
Cabo San Lucas Travel: Pro Tips
Don’t Do All Inclusive
That’s right: DON’T do an all-inclusive hotel. It’s quite common in Mexico to do all-inclusive hotels, but you’ll miss out on some truly amazing experiences if you do.
The food is so incredible in Mexico – the sauces and the spices and the meats and the seafood and the tortillas – it’s just so yummy why would you waste your time doing all-inclusive?
You can get tamales on the beach. You can stop and get a taco almost anywhere for two or three dollars. So it’s not worth doing an all-inclusive resort. You’ll have a much better time experiencing Cabo on your own and immersing yourself in the local culture.
If you want a good start, book a tour with Avocabo Food Tours. They have a tour called “Eat Like a Local,” a seafood tour, and a taco tour. You will definitely want to go on one of the food tours with Jonathan and Robin, the owners of Avocabo Food Tours. I ate the best food and had the best time!
Always Do a Food Tour on the First Night You’re in a New Place
Doing a food tour the first night is one of my favorite ways to get to know a new place. The hosts always give you so much information; they provide so many details from a local’s perspective.
You get to learn what they eat and drink, what they do on a daily basis, and what there is to see and do off the beaten path. You get their tips and tricks, and then you have a local’s phone number in case something happens. You can always call them up and ask for help.
Explore the Local Side of Cabo San Lucas
There are two distinct Cabos here in Cabo San Lucas. On the beach side of the highway, you have the tourist area; on the other inland side of the highway, you have the local’s area.
My suggestion is that you cross over into the local’s area, because that’s where you’re going to find the real Mexico. Practice speaking Spanish (the locals will appreciate it) and get to know Cabo outside of the main tourist spots.
As you wander through the vibrant streets of the local neighborhoods, you’ll discover hidden gems and authentic Mexican cuisine. Talk with artisans in their craft shops, and you might just find the perfect handcrafted souvenir. This is your chance to create memories that are as rich and vivid as the colors decorating the town’s buildings.
Walk on the Beaches
The beaches in Cabo are beautiful, sandy beaches that are so easy to walk on. You don’t need walking shoes like in some places in the world where there are pebbles or shells on the beaches. It’s very easy to stroll along the beach, admiring the views and listening to the waves roll in.
There’s nothing like the feeling of squishing sand between your toes!
Safety Recommendations While in Cabo
Is Cabo San Lucas safe? What can you do to be safer while traveling here?
Cabo is generally known to be safe, but it’s always wise to be prepared whenever you travel somewhere you’ve never been. From watching out for pickpockets to staying safe while swimming and surfing the internet, here’s what you need to know.
You Can Relax, You’re Safe
I personally find that Cabo is extremely safe.
I’m sure there are pickpockets here, as in a lot of places, but I have had no issues. Honestly, everywhere I’ve been in Mexico, even outside of Cabo, I’ve never had issues.
That being said, don’t just go wandering around in a city you don’t know or aren’t familiar with. Be smart, be aware of your surroundings, and you’ll be just fine. It’s okay to relax and feel safe. Just keep your belongings close, stay in well-lit areas at night, and always trust your gut.
Use a VPN to Stay Secure While Traveling
When exploring everything Cabo (or any destination) has to offer, your online safety is just as important as protecting yourself and your belongings.
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is your digital passport to safety. It encrypts your internet connection, hiding your personal information from prying eyes and protecting you against viruses and malware.
Whether you’re booking tours, checking emails, or posting your latest adventure on social media, a VPN adds an essential layer of security to your online activities. You’re also able to access content that may be restricted in your travel destination. This means you can stay connected with your favorite shows and services from back home!
So before you set off on your next journey, remember to “pack” a VPN—it’s a simple step that goes a long way in protecting yourself online.
P.S. If you’re going to use your phone to make calls, texts, and surf the internet while traveling to Cabo, check out Holafly’s Mexico eSim plans to save money on data roaming. (Receive 5% off each purchase with the exclusive discount code: ABUNDANT)!
Cabo Hotels Run on Purified Water
Here in Cabo, all of the hotels have a purified water system, so it’s okay to drink the water or eat the ice.
Personally, I still drink bottled water everywhere I go in this world. I always want bottled water with me, but at the hotels here, it is all safe.
There were all kinds of rumors back in the day about “you can’t eat lettuce” or “you can’t eat fruit.”
My suggestion is that you peel the fruit and make sure you wash it yourself, but the water is relatively safe here in Mexico.
Respect the Undertow
Something to note: there is a huge undertow in Cabo San Lucas.
There are a lot of bays and a lot of places on the beach where you cannot go swimming. Be very, very careful and very mindful of the green, yellow, and red flags that are out.
The actual bay is on the Sea of Cortez, but when you go over to the arch, Lover’s Beach, or Divorce Beach, you’re on the Pacific side. The undertow is so bad it can suck you right out.
Every year there are lots of injuries, people end up in the hospital, people get sucked out to sea… It’s not worth trying to swim where you’re not supposed to. Please pay attention to the signs – they’re for your own safety!
Put a Travel Alert on Your ATM & Credit Cards
Make sure to put a travel alert on your credit cards and ATM cards so you can use them internationally. If you don’t notify your bank, they could prevent you from being able to withdraw money and cause a headache.
It’s also good to find out what kind of fees they may charge for international purchases, withdrawals, and exchange rates. Some credit cards have excellent travel benefits and charge minimal to no foreign transaction fees – be on the lookout for those!
Hurricanes & Cabo San Lucas Weather
Do you need to worry about hurricanes when traveling to Cabo San Lucas?
While you should always check in advance if there are any storms headed that way, they aren’t as frequent as other destinations. Hurricane season is from June to November, with the peak season from August to October (they’re most active in September).
Cabo San Lucas enjoys a beautiful subtropical climate pretty much year-round with minimal rain. You can expect to have good beach days whenever you go and plan for any outdoor activities you’re interested in.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Cabo doesn’t really feel like winter. The highs during the day are in the low 80s°F (around 27°C), and the evenings are a comfortable 60°F (16°C). The skies are typically clear, and the water is usually an inviting 75°F (24°C). The milder temperatures are why the winter season is often considered the best time to visit Cabo.
Spring (March to May)
The days get a little hotter in Spring, reaching the mid-80s°F (about 30°C), and evenings are in the mid-to-high 60s°F (about 18°C). This is the driest season, with the occasional sprinkle to cool things off a little. The water stays warm, too, averaging around 78°F (26°C). Spring is a great shoulder season to visit and potentially snag some travel deals.
Summer (June to August)
Summertime in Cabo can get H-O-T, hot! Expect highs in the upper 80s°F and low 90s°F (about 32°C) and toastier nights in the high 70s°F (about 26°C). It’s also the wettest season (with the exception of September), but the rain showers are usually quick and feel refreshing. The water is still comfortably warm, around 83°F (28°C), which is perfect for cooling off on a hot Summer day.
Fall (September to November)
The weather in the Fall season is fairly similar to Springtime, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s°F (about 30°C) during the day, and low 70s°F (about 21°C) at night. Although September is the peak month of hurricane season in Cabo, the rain is typically infrequent unless there’s a storm. The water stays a nice, warm 80°F (27°C), so you can enjoy all the water activities you like!
Be sure to bring (or buy) plenty of reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays!
Be Adventurous and Have Fun
Make sure you have a great time being adventurous! Go see the sights.
Visit the other side of your destination, where the locals go, and learn about new cultures.
Go out and try new things. Enjoy tasting foods.
And have a fantastic time in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!
Want to read this post or watch the video later? Save it on Pinterest!
Are you traveling to Cabo San Lucas and looking for more resources to prepare for your trip? Check out some of my favorite travel products and my other posts on Cabo and Mexico travel!
Travel Insurance:
My Favorite Travel Products:
- My favorite Lululemon travel jacket
- The best collapsible duffle
- Columbia skort
- Samsonite backpack
- Favorite eSim for international data
- Best VPN to stay secure online
My Mexico Travel Posts:
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, The Abundant Traveler may earn a small commission. Using these links is a huge way to support me, and these will help keep the blog running and free for everyone to enjoy.
All my reviews and opinions are based on my own experience, which may not be the same for everyone. If you choose to use them, then thank you for your support.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Abundant Traveler is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Editorial Disclaimer: The editorial content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the credit card issuers, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuers.
Today I’m going to be sharing with you everything that you need to know before you go to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico in the peninsula of Baja.
So let’s get started and all the things that you need to know before you go to Cabo
The airport in Cabo is actually in San Jose del Cabo which is about a 30-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas and my suggestion is that you go ahead and you book your transportation in advance of getting here.
It’s not very expensive, maybe 22 to 30 bucks each way per person.
If you’re going to get a private driver you can also do a shared shuttle as well, but honestly, I think it’s just worth having a private driver. We have chosen Danny Boy Tours and they picked us up and they organized to drop us off.
We did everything before we arrived in Cabo.
When you arrive at the airport – a couple of things that are extremely important in Mexico in general:
Number one is you get a little piece of paper with your immigration – it’s ripped off and stuck in your passport. You have to hold on to that because you have to turn that in when you leave the country. Don’t lose that! It’s big fines and a big ol hassle, so you definitely don’t want to lose that.
Also, when you’re in a big tourist area, you kind of have to run a gauntlet when you come through customs. What it is is everybody hawking their wares and it’s also a bunch of people trying to sell you tours and timeshares.
Again, as I mentioned just a couple of minutes ago you want to have your own transportation booked in advance so you can make a beeline to somebody standing outside with your name and you’re on your way to your hotel.
Another suggestion that I have for you is to not do an all-inclusive. It’s quite common in Mexico to do all-inclusive hotels.
The food is so incredible in Mexico – the sauces and the spices and the meats in the sea food and the tortillas – it’s just so yummy why would you waste your time doing all inclusive.
You can get tamales on the beach. You can stop and get a taco almost anywhere for two or three dollars. So it’s not worth doing an all-inclusive.
Another tip that I have for you is to bring lots of cash from the US if you’re coming from the US. Everybody is using American dollars so if you’re coming from Canada or another country then definitely bring US dollars.
Even though credit cards are widely accepted, it is best to have cash with you and in small bills. And, it is best to have US dollars because then when you go home you don’t have to exchange it back!
Something else to know about Cabo San Lucas there are two distinct Cabos here in Cabo San Lucas: you have on one side of the highway, on the beach, you have the tourist area; on the other side, on the inland side of the highway you had the locals area.
My suggestion is that you cross over into the locals area because that’s where you’re going to find the real Mexico.
My suggestion to you – and this is my number one suggestion – while you’re in Cabo San Lucas is go on a Avocabo, as in “avocado” – Avocabo food tour.
They have a tour called “Eat Like a Local,” a seafood tour, and a taco tour. Again, I have put the link in the description below and you will definitely want to go on one of the food tours with Jonathan and Robin who are the owners of Avocabo Food Tours.
Another suggestion for my trips: always go on a food tour the first night you’re in town. The hosts always give you so much information, they provide so many details. You get to learn what they drink and what they do on a daily basis. You get tips and tricks, and then, you have a local’s phone number in case something happens that you can always call up and ask for help.
Speaking of getting around in Cabo San Lucas, it’s really important to pick a hotel based on your style of travel. We have chosen a hotel Pueblo Bonito Rose, and it is I would say three and a half star hotel, and it is about a 15-minute walk into town, into the marina and all of the things that are happening including the clubbing at Mandala and Cabo Wabo and all of that as well.
So if you want to be near the nightlife, near a bunch of the restaurants, you want to be staying as close in Cabo San Lucas as possible. If you were looking for a relaxed low-key place to stay – you just want to beach and not want to worry about anything – then I would suggest staying at one of the resorts between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Resorts like La Blanca and there is a Thompson Hotel here that is absolutely magnificent.
If you’re looking for “bohemian chic” away from everything, try the Hotel San Cristobal near Todos Santos.
Speaking of the beach – the beaches are sandy beaches. you can see right behind me. They’re a beautiful sand, they’re easy to walk on. You don’t need walking shoes like some of the places in the world where there are pebbles. It’s very easy to walk on the beach.
But something to note: there is a huge undertow in Cabo San Lucas.
There are a lot of bays and a lot of places on the beach that you cannot go swimming. Be very very careful and very mindful of the green, yellow, and red flags that are out.
The actual bay is on the Sea of Cortez, but when you go over and look at the arch and go to Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach, they’re on the Pacific side. And the undertow is so bad, it will suck you right out.
Every year there are lots of injuries, people end up in the hospital, people getting sucked out… It’s not worth trying to swim where you’re not supposed to.
Another thing that I find in Cabo, this city is extremely safe. I’m sure there pickpockets here but I have had no issues and honestly everywhere I go to Mexico I don’t have any issues.
Here in Cabo, all of the hotels have a purified water system so it’s okay to drink the water, to eat ice. Personally, I still drink bottled water everywhere I go in this world, I always want bottled water but at the hotels it is all safe.
There were all kinds of rumors back in the day about “you can’t eat lettuce,” “you can’t eat fruit.” My suggestion is you peel the fruit, make sure you wash it yourself, but everything is relatively safe here in Mexico.
I love Mexico. I come to Mexico three or four times a year. I love the culture. I love the people. I love the food. I love everything about it. I love the service as well and the way that we are treated when we are here in Mexico. It’s my heart. I love Mexico.
A couple travel tips in general, things that are extremely important: make sure to put a travel alert on your credit cards and ATM so you can use them in a foreign country. Also make sure to have a photograph of your passport and email it to you just in case something happens. You never know if you might lose your passport.
And make sure that you have a great time being adventurous. Go see the sights. Step on the other side of the street where you don’t think you’re supposed to be, but not down a dark alley – I don’t recommend that.
Go out and try new things. Enjoy tasting foods and have a fantastic time in Cabo San Lucas.
I am Kim the Abundant Traveler and I’ll see you on the next adventure!
Cheers from Cabo San Lucas!
