Moon Los Cabos

DISCOVER LOS CABOS

8 TOP EXPERIENCES

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

IF YOU HAVE…

WHICH CABO IS FOR ME?

EXPLORE LOS CABOS

FOUR-DAY GETAWAY

THE CABO LOOP

BEST DIVING AND SNORKELING

BEST BEACHES

BEST SURFING

BEST SUNSETS

Here at the end of the Baja peninsula, you can choose the perfect getaway for you.

Los Cabos is synonymous with relaxation, luxury, and indulgence. Beautiful beaches beckon with sunbathing possibilities. Spas offer lavish treatments and yachts fill the marinas, while world-famous golf courses give picturesque ocean views. All-inclusive beachfront resorts call to jet-setters. Spring breakers flock here to party on the beach all day and dance at clubs all night.

Just outside Los Cabos, travelers will find a different world. Within an hour’s drive, the West and East Capes offer humbler, more authentic experiences, with mountain ranges, waterfalls, near-empty beaches, and one of the few coral reefs in North America.

Two hours north, the state capital of La Paz has museums and restaurants alongside still more stunning beaches, wildlife such as sea lions and whale sharks, and abundant recreational opportunities.

It may not be an easy one, but the choice is yours.

8 TOP EXPERIENCES

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

WHERE TO GO

LOS CABOS

The most-recognized and most-visited location in all of Baja, Los Cabos refers to the region comprising the two cities of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, and the corridor that connects them. This is a Baja completely different from the rest of the peninsula. Luxury, relaxation, and fun are the focus here. Yachts fill the marinas, and all-inclusive resorts line the beaches. Dance clubs and bars are busy until the wee hours of the morning.

THE EAST CAPE AND THE SIERRA DE LA LAGUNA

The East Cape is home to beaches, world-class diving, offshore fishing, charming towns, and the lush peaks of the Sierra de la Laguna. Los Barriles attracts kiteboarders and windsurfers, while the off-the-grid town of Cabo Pulmo draws divers and snorkelers with its coral reef teeming with marinelife.

LA PAZ

La Paz centers on the beautiful malecón that wraps around the bay, where strolling locals and tourists enjoy the views, restaurants, hotels, and shops. But its main draws are the beaches and the islands. Snorkel with sea lions, swim with whale sharks, or enjoy deserted beaches.

TODOS SANTOS AND THE WEST CAPE

Up the coast from Los Cabos, Todos Santos is a charming colonial town of bohemian art galleries, upscale restaurants, and chic boutique hotels. Surf spots, beautiful beaches, and the nearby El Pescadero community draw tourists looking for a more authentic alternative to Cabo.

BEFORE YOU GO

HIGH AND LOW SEASONS

Winter is the high season for visiting Los Cabos, with the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s Day being some of the busiest of the year. Expect to pay the most for accommodations at this time, and make arrangements in advance. Spring break in Los Cabos now spans March-April, ending around Easter, drawing a younger, more rambunctious crowd.

Summer is low season in Baja Sur as temperatures and humidity are very high during the months of July, August, and September. Los Cabos has become such a popular destination that many hotels and restaurants here are open year-round, but smaller businesses outside the area are likely to shutter during the hottest months, including restaurants and attractions in towns like La Paz, Los Barriles, and Todos Santos. Hotels that stay open will likely offer cheaper rates. Anglers, divers, and surfers still flock to Los Cabos and surrounding areas in the summer because the fish are plentiful, the waters are warm, and the surf is good.

Baja California Sur has a hurricane season June-October, so travelers should be aware of the risk of tropical storms.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Passports are required to visit Baja California. Non-Mexican citizens must also obtain a forma migratoria múltiple (FMM) tourist permit in order to travel in Mexico. If you are flying into Los Cabos from outside of Mexico, this will be included in your ticket. If crossing by land, you can obtain your permit at the border crossing.

TRANSPORTATION

Unless you plan on spending most of your time at a resort in Los Cabos, it’s best to reserve a rental car for use during your trip if you are flying in. Mexican auto insurance is required by law, so don’t forget to purchase it before you leave on your trip.

EXPLORE LOS CABOS

FOUR-DAY GETAWAY

DAY 1

Fly into the Los Cabos International Airport and drop your luggage off at your hotel before heading out to explore Cabo San Lucas. Take a quick water taxi to get a close-up view of Cabo’s iconic El Arco before disembarking at Lover’s Beach. Spend the afternoon sunbathing and snorkeling. When you return to town, grab a traditional Mexican dinner downtown at Mi Casa or Pancho’s. Then enjoy some of Cabo’s infamous nightlife with a margarita or two at Cabo Wabo Cantina or The Giggling Marlin.

DAY 2

Get in touch with the local food movement in Los Cabos by heading to the rural Las Animas Bajas area, just outside of San José del Cabo. If it’s Saturday, you can check out the San José Mercado Organico, an organic farmers market. Eat brunch at one of the gorgeous farm-to-table restaurants, like Flora’s Field Kitchen or Acre. On the way back to town, stop in the Historic Art District in San José del Cabo to check out the colonial architecture, bustling town plaza, and art galleries.

DAY 3

Spend a day enjoying some of the beautiful beaches in Los Cabos. Divers may want to take an organized tour to access some of the best dive spots. Snorkelers can visit Playa Chileno or Bahía Santa Maria along the corridor, where swimming is also possible. At Playa El Médano, beachgoers will find an array of activities to choose from, like kayaking or Jet Skiing. When you’ve had enough sun and sand for the day, enjoy a sunset beach dinner at a spot like The Office on Playa El Médano or Sunset MonaLisa along the corridor.

DAY 4

Spend your last day truly relaxing at one of Los Cabos’ incredible spas, such as Somma Wine Spa or Spa Marquis, indulging in a facial, a massage, or an entire day of treatments. Or schedule a tee time at one of the area’s famous golf courses, such as Diamante or Cabo del Sol Golf Course, where you can enjoy beautiful ocean views on the greens.

THE CABO LOOP

For those who visit the Los Cabos area but want to see and experience more of the natural beauty and adventure of Baja California, this fun road trip explores the Cape area of Baja California Sur.

DAY 1

Fly into Los Cabos International Airport and rent a car at one of the stands in the airport. Drive the 15 minutes south from the airport to the town of San José del Cabo and check into one of the hotels along the beach or in the historic town center. Walk around town to take in the plaza, historic district, and art galleries. Bird-watchers will want to check out the nearby Estero San José. For dinner, check out La Revolución Comedor de Baja California, just off the plaza, for a gourmet meal featuring local ingredients.

DAY 2

89 KM (55 MI) 1.5 HOURS

Head over to the East Cape town of Cabo Pulmo where divers and snorkelers will enjoy exploring the coral reef just offshore. Snorkelers can swim out from the beach at Los Arbolitos or Los Frailes, and divers will enjoy taking a boat out to get to remoter spots. Enjoy dinner and drinks at the casual La Palapa restaurant looking out at the water. Stay in one of Cabo Pulmo’s casual eco-lodging accommodations.

ALTERNATE TRIP

56 KM (35 MI) 45 MINUTES

For those not interested in diving or snorkeling, explore more of what the East Cape has to offer with the Santa Rita Hot Springs and the Cañon de la Zorra waterfall, both accessed from the town of Santiago. Spend the night in Los Barriles or Buena Vista on the coast.

DAY 3

150 KM (93 MI) 2.5 HOURS

Get an early start driving north on Mexico 1 to La Paz. Spend a few hours in the small old mining town of El Triunfo, where you can walk along the mine ruins and grab some baked goods at Caffé El Triunfo. When you get to La Paz, drive out to the scenic beaches at Playa Balandra or Playa El Tecolote. Enjoy ceviche and beers with your toes in the sand at restaurant-bar Palapa Azul.

DAY 4

Take a break from driving today and book a boat excursion out to the La Paz islands, especially Isla Espíritu Santo. Dive with sea lions, swim with whale sharks, or just enjoy the beautiful island and beach views from the boat. When you get back to La Paz, enjoy a stroll along the lively malecón.

DAY 5

79 KM (49 MI) 1 HOUR

Head southwest on Mexico 1 to Mexico 19 for the West Cape and its colonial artist town of Todos Santos. Check into the charming Villa Santa Cruz or La Bohemia Baja Hotel Pequeño. Spend some time walking around the historic center of town to check out the colonial architecture, shops, and restaurants. Splurge for an incredible meal of fish carpaccio and lobster ravioli at Café Santa Fe.

DAY 6

74 KM (46 MI) 1 HOUR

Drive south on Mexico 19 to Cabo San Lucas and hop on a water taxi to check out the famous El Arco, the Land’s End arch, and to go to Lover’s Beach. Spend the afternoon here snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. At night, head out to Cabo Wabo Cantina or somewhere else along the strip to take in a bit of Cabo’s legendary nightlife.

DAY 7

Spend your last morning enjoying one of Cabo’s indulgent treats—a round of golf, a massage at the spa, a morning surf, or a poolside margarita.

BEST SURFING

LOS CABOS

South swells in summer bring consistent surf breaks in Los Cabos.

THE CORRIDOR

Breaks in the corridor are generally for seasoned surfers, but surf lessons for beginners and board rentals are also available.

▪  Monuments is a rocky left point that’s great on south swells.

▪  Las Conchas access can be difficult because of the Cabo Real resort, but those who get through to the beach will find a right break with good shape.

▪  El Tule, farther east, is a solid right reef break and one of the few spots along the corridor where you can still camp on the beach.

SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO

Playa Costa Azul is one of the premier surfing beaches in the region, where surfers of all experience levels can find waves. It has three breaks:

▪  Acapulquito (Old Man’s) has good waves for beginners and longboarders.

▪  La Roca (The Rock) is a right reef break, best surfed at high tide.

▪  Zippers is Los Cabos’ most famous break, where the annual Los Cabos Open of Surf takes place.

TODOS SANTOS AND THE WEST CAPE

The West Cape has drawn adventurous surfers for decades with its big breaks and uncrowded waves.

TODOS SANTOS

Experienced surfers with their own boards head to this area.

▪  Playa La Pastora is known for bigger rights on northwest swells, as well as an exposed point break with right and left breaks.

▪  Punta Márquez and Punta Conejo require off-road exploration as well as self-sufficient camping; the payoff is near-empty waves.

▪  Playa San Pedrito is a solid beach break notable for west and north swells.

EL PESCADERO

Surf lessons and board rentals can be found here.

▪  Playa Los Cerritos is popular with beginners, with its easy waves and sandy bottom. A break at the point offers more experienced surfers some fun as well.

LOS CABOS

HIGHLIGHTS

PLANNING YOUR TIME

Cabo San Lucas

BEACHES

SPORTS AND RECREATION

ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS

SHOPPING

FOOD

ACCOMMODATIONS

INFORMATION AND SERVICES

TRANSPORTATION