Los Cabos, Mexico
The
two coastal towns of Los Cabos (The Capes) and the touristic
corridor that runs between them have evolved from sleepy villages
into Mexico's most popular resort. Both San Jose del Cabo and
Cabo San Lucas offer a striking landscape of cinnamon-colored
mountains and a sunny dry climate. Endless cactus deserts, exotic
white-sand beaches, and clear tropical sapphire seas create
a spectacular setting.
.
Los Cabos has special appeal for sports enthusiasts. The
area is one of Mexico's top golf resorts, boasting some particularly
beautiful championship courses, and has long been known for
excellent sport fishing. Hiking, diving, and whale-watching
are also popular. Add to that the world-famous rock formations,
miles of deluxe
hotels, and gorgeous tropical beaches, and it's easy to see
why Los Cabos is such a resort gem!
LOS CABOS RESORTS AND HOTELS
- 5 STAR
- 4-1/2 STAR
- 4 STAR
- 3-1/2 STAR
- 3 STAR
LOS CABOS ACTIVITIES
Land's
End Tour:
Discover the hidden wonders of Cabo as you glide through the
Sea of Cortez on a glass-bottom boat making stops at the bird
sanctuary, historic San Jose, and a glass blowing workshop.
ATV Motorbike Tour:
Visit the La Playa fishing village and an old light house
on this exciting tour, then ride through the hills with sensational
views of the sea and desert. The highlight comes when you
ride the sand dunes through on beaches and on through the
mountains!
Horseback Riding:
Just as adventurous as riding an ATV through the desert, horseback
riding is another great way to take in the Old Baja California
ambience. People who've never had the pleasure of riding a
horse along a deserted beach shouldn't wait a minute longer!
All skill levels are catered to at several stables in the
Los Cabos area, and guided tours are available with mountain
and beach trail rides.
Sunset Cruise:
Watch the brilliant sunset as you sail to Land's End across
the Sea of Cortez into the Pacific. The cruise includes a
Mexican buffet and unlimited drinks!
Day Trip to La Paz:
This is the eco-tourism capital of North America, surrounded
by deserted beaches, pristine bays, and offshore islands.
For many years it was famous for pearls found in its vicinity.
The ride there is, itself, beautiful, and in addition to the
natural wonders, you can visit the weaving shops of Fortunato
Silva, who spins his own cotton and weaves it into terrifically
textured rugs and textiles.
Snorkeling Tour:
Cruise through Cabo San Lucas Bay along the scenic coastline
to Santa Maria Cove for the best snorkeling in Los Cabos (gear
provided). For an extra treat, you'll be served a buffet lunch
on board with an open bar!
Fishing:
Sportfishing is fantastic in Los Cabos, and there are several
ways to enjoy it. Two of the most popular outings are on either
the small traditional panga boats or deep-sea charter vessels,
both of which provide gear and bait. The fishing definitely
lives up to its reputation, and reeling in a 100-pound marlin
is quite common. A "catch and release" practice
is strongly encouraged.
Beaches:
Beautiful beaches are everywhere in Los Cabos, some
are great for swimming and others are not, due to a strong
undertow and crashing waves, but the vistas at these are spectacular
and make a dramatic setting for picnics and pictures. (Always
heed the warning flags!)
Some Favorite Swimming Beaches:
- Playa Medano is the main beach in San Lucas. You can
rent snorkeling gear, waverunners, kayaks, pedal boats,
and windsurfers, and dine in one of the many outdoor restaurants.
- Playa de Amor has a secluded cove at the very end of
the peninsula, with the Pacific on one side and the Sea
of Cortez on the other.
- Pueblo la Playa, about 2 miles east of San Jose.
- Playa Palmilla, some 5 miles west of San Jose, with
incredible rock formations.
- Playa Costa Azul, just south of San Jose, is the most
popular surfing beach.
- Playa Hacienda, in the inner harbor, has the calmest
waters of all the beaches.
Scuba Diving:
Clear water and a healthy marine environment make diving great.
A favorite activity is diving along the wall of a canyon in
San Lucas Bay, where you see a sandfall that has no known
source or cause.
Whale-Watching:
From January through March, whales congregate offshore and
local fishermen at Pueblo la Playa take small groups out to
see them on 4-hour trips.
Boat Tours:
Several options are available for touring Los Cabos by sea.
Take one of the sunset cruises departing nightly from San
Lucas with music and an open bar, or hop aboard one of the
glass-bottom boats leaving San Lucas frequently to tour past
sea lions and pelicans to El Arco at Land's End. Most make
a stop at Playa de Amor.
Estero San Jose:
This nature reserve harbors more than 270 species of birds.
Explore the grounds on foot and take time to visit the cultural
center to see exhibits on Baja's indigenous people.
Golf:
Los Cabos is known as Latin America's premier golf destination,
and hosts tournaments such as the PGA Senior Grand Slam. There
are 6 courses, with more being built, and the best are on
the Corridor, usually the centerpiece for super-resort developments.
The Palmilla Golf Club has 27 holes and was designed by Jack
Nicklaus. The 18-hole Cabo de Sol is another Nicklaus course.
The Cabo Real Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones, has
36 holes.
Iglesia de San Lucas:
You'll find a wonderful bit of history at this church right
off San Lucas' main plaza, established in 1730 by a Spanish
missionary. A large bell in a stone archway commemorates the
completion of the church in 1746. Take a walk up to the front
to see the interesting tile mural of Indians dragging a captured
priest toward a fire.
La Candelaria:
Twenty-five miles north of San Lucas, this isolated and ancient
Indian village is known for the traditional ritual magic that
is still practiced. The settlement, watered by an underground
river, is lush with plants, mango trees, and bamboo.
Shopping:
The municipal market in San Jose features decorative accessories,
clothing, edibles, and household tools. In San Lucas, bargain
at the open-air market for everything from blankets and jewelry
to onyx objects and crafts. At Cuca's Blanket Factory, design
your own blanket and pick it up the next day. At El Rancho,
browse through pottery and furniture made by Baja farmers.
The shop is decorated like a Baja ranch house, and features
lidded casseroles, pitchers, and jars, and branch chairs with
rush seats. For variety, stop in to Mamma Eli's 3 levels of
folk art, crafts, clothing, and furniture, and at Plaza Bonita,
a large terra cotta-colored mall on the marina.
Dining:
The dining in Los Cabos covers a wide range of styles,
from white-tablecloth restaurants and sidewalk bistros to
hacienda restaurants with dancing and live music. The food
itself incorporates flavors from Italy, France, Mexico and
the rest of the Americas. Local seafood appears on virtually
every menu, and most dishes are bold, although not necessarily
hot. Keep in mind that Mexicans eat their largest meal of
the day in the afternoon between 2:00pm - 4:00pm, and the
evening meal usually starts with appetizers and drinks around
8:00pm, followed by dinner an hour or two later.
Gourmet: Peacocks is among Los Cabos'
most exclusive patio-dining restaurants, and the 2-level
dining room has an open kitchen and an enormous palapa.
Appetizers include pate, and fresh seafood is creatively
prepared into savory dishes like the pecan-coated dorado
and the shrimp tossed with spinach fettuccine. Save room
for the tequila mousse! Paseo del Pescador, San Lucas
Highly Recommended: Mi Casa - housed in
a building with a bright-blue façade and a mural
of a burro - is pure Mexico. Tables set with colorful cloths
and traditional pottery and glassware fill the small dining
room and a large back patio. The menu contains such traditional
specialties as manchamanteles, cochinita pibil and chile
en nogado. Fresh fish is always available, prepared with
seasonings and recipes from all over Mexico. Calle Cabo
San Lucas at Madero, San Lucas
Local Flair: Felix's has been providing
friendly family fun since 1958, when it started as little
more than a taco stand. Today, diners can sit in a colorful,
shaded patio or an indoor dining room to eat a wide variety
of tasty Mexican and seafood dishes. All the dishes are
homemade with the freshest ingredients, including corn tortillas
and a plentiful salsa bar. House specialties include fish
tacos made with fresh dorado, and ever-changing shrimp dishes.
Hidalgo and Zapata, San Lucas
Romantic: Casa Rafael's is set in a chateau
with a patio filled with caged birds and a fountain. Choose
from a candlelit dining room with alcoves, or tables outside
beside a small swimming pool. Piano music plays softly while
you enjoy a leisurely meal. Delicious appetizers include
smoked dorado pate and hearts of palm with raspberry vinaigrette
dressing. Entrees include meat, seafood, and pasta, topped
off with decadent desserts and fine wines. Casa Rafael also
features a cigar room and an "ocean room" with
a saltwater fish tank. Hacienda Road, San Lucas
Nightlife:
The nightlife in Los Cabos is all about variety - and endurance,
since San Lucas is known as the nightlife capital of Baja.
If you want a roaring party, head for the strips of lively
bars and clubs. If you want a lower-key evening head to
San Jose, which is less rowdy, but still a lot of fun. But
no matter which way you turn, your evening will start with
a glorious sunset - and there are many oceanfront bars and
restaurants with perfect views of it!
Whale Watcher's Bar:
This bar's high terrace offers a spectacular view of the
sunset, as well as a glimpse of playful whales from January
to March. Mariachi bands play every Friday. San Lucas
Cabo Wabo:
Owned by musician Sammy Hagar, this bar often features the
latest US bands and impromptu jam sessions. Overstuffed
furniture frames the dance floor, and there are snacks until
the wee hours. San Lucas
El Squid Roe:
Typically the rowdiest spot in town, amid 2 stories of nostalgic
décor and eclectic food. People often dance on the
patio out back. San Lucas
Giggling Marlin:
Live music blasts here, and patrons are known to dance on
the tables and bar. A contraption of winches, ropes, and
pulleys lets couples literally string each other up by the
heels, in the style of a captured marlin. San Lucas
Latitude 22+:
This popular spot plays US sports events on 6 TVs that are
scattered among pool tables and dart boards. Munch on hamburgers,
chicken-fried steak, and breakfast food any time. San Lucas
Tropicana Bar and Grill:
One of the most popular spots in town, patrons come here
during the day to relax in leather barrel chairs and watch
American sports events on the big-screen TV.In the evening,
solo guitarists and bands play. San Jose
