Living in Los Cabos

Los Cabos, meaning “The Capes”, is a region at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula; the land immediately south of California in the United States, cut-off from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortes, also referred to as the Gulf of California.

Los Cabos At-a-Glance:

Location Type

Beach

Population

58,000 (2005 Census)

Altitude

10 feet above sea-level

Time Zone

Mountain Time

High/Low Temperatures

60F/15C (Nocturnal, Winter), 95F/32C (Daytime, Summer). Year-Round Average 78F/24C.

Rainy Season?

The rainy season runs from June to October with most of the rainfall in August and September. Tropical storms, and on occasions hurricanes, can land here especially during late summer

Hurricanes?

Los Cabos is subject to Hurricanes from the Pacific Ocean

Local Economy:

Fishing, tourism

Expat Penetration

High*

Cost of Living

Average for Resort Towns*

Travel Guide

Guide to Cabo San Lucas

Photo Gallery

Pictures of Cabo San Lucas

*Relative to other foreign expat communities in Mexico

Los Cabos comprises two towns: Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The two cities are joined by a 30km (20 mile) stretch of road that runs along an area known as the ‘tourist corridor’ on account that the stretch is dotted by top-class hotels and resorts.

The Baja Peninsula is divided into two states: Baja California, and Baja California Sur, and is a socially and politically unique region of Mexico. There exists a considerable amount of U.S. influence and the peninsula is becoming autonomous in many ways to the rest of Mexico, albeit the land and the local people who inhabit it continue to exude Mexican culture and values.

“The Baja” as the peninsula is often referred to, is tightly linked to the United States in many ways; in part because of the geography and in part due to the massive U.S. investment — both corporate and individual — that is taking place here. For example, many prices in Los Cabos are routinely quoted in U.S. Dollars; and, at a macro level, Baja California produces its own electricity — so much, that it exports the excess for sale to California in the U.S.A.

Mexican authorities also recognize the uniqueness of this land space and have made special allowances, such as allowing U.S.-plated motor vehicles to enter and remain on the peninsula, provided that the vehicle’s U.S. tax stickers are kept current. Elsewhere in Mexico, vehicles require an import permit and must be legalized (plates changed to Mexican plates) or exported (driven back across the border) within a fixed time period.

The peninsula’s geography, the ties to the United States, and the unabating investment pouring-in from Mexico’s northern neighbor as well from Mexican interests, provide retirees and people who want to live (and possibly work) in Mexico a very unique opportunity: to live in a region that is undoubtedly Mexican, but which has many of the hues and benefits of being so closely associated with the U.S.A.

Of course, the influx of investment and interest over the last fifteen to twenty years means that land and property prices have risen considerably over the period; however, since the credit crisis that began in late 2007, prices have begun to atone and relative bargains may now be sought in the region.

With over 55,000 square miles of land space, the Baja peninsula is huge. Baja California is over 27,000 square miles in size; its capital city is Mexicali. Baja California Sur, that incorporates Los Cabos, is a little over 28,000 square miles in size. The southern state on the peninsula is the least densely populated state in Mexico, with just one person for every four square miles of land space. Its capital city is La Paz.

The Baja peninsula offers a diverse range of options for people who want to live retire and even work in Mexico. Los Cabos offers top-level amenities and local services; however, if you want to live more simply, there are alternative spaces, like those in and around San Felipe, offering land parcels ideal for the construction of eco-homes in Mexico.

The peninsula offers good transport links by road, air and ferry. People who own their own boats also find the many ports and marinas make the peninsula easily accessible.

The climate in this region is divine; it’s one of the biggest attractions for retirees and even then, there is choice. Although the coastal areas get hot and sultry in the summer, sea breezes cool them down; for those who need respite from the heat, mountain ranges that climb over a mile high above sea-level offer altitude and cooler temperatures.

Credit Crunch Making Los Cabos More Affordable

As ocean-front (or ocean view) properties in the United States went from being very expensive to eye-wateringly expensive, investors who yearned to have a bolt-hole by the sea looked to places like Los Cabos, where sea facing and sea view property was still affordable. The recent credit crisis has caused all realty markets to atone, and lower prices are now apparent even in the most sought-after Mexican realty markets, of which Los Cabos is one.

Inward Investment

Los Cabos, like a number of other resort areas in Mexico, continues to experience a surge of inward investment; and although foreign capital is flowing, Mexicans too, are looking to the peninsula. This investment can be seen at many different levels: small boutique stores, cafe’s and restaurants opening their doors; the renaissance run-down neighborhoods in old parts of the towns and cities, and the arrival of major hotel and resort brands — companies who spend millions ‘doing their homework’ before they lay a single brick — are building and opening major new resorts in and around Los Cabos.

Better Quality of Life

Economic and political ties alone will not attract retirees and others to live in a foreign land; beyond the underlying strengths of the Baja region, Los Cabos offers its residents a superb quality of life, with services and amenities to support a comfortable way of living.

The great outdoors — on the water and on land — is really spectacular here. The climate lends itself perfectly to outdoor pursuits, which is why Los Cabos is host to no less than six world championship golf courses and major international sports fishing events.

In addition to sports fishing, SCUBA diving, boating and yachting, swimming, canoeing and kayaking, wind surfing and water skiing are just a few of the other water sports on offer here.

Back on the land: the diversity of the desert terrain offers opportunities to hike, climb, take part in eco-tours and adventure travel activities (off road racing, climbing, etc). Mountains over a mile high provide breath-taking views and an opportunity to get fit and, quite literally, lift yourself up from the heat of the coasts to the cool mountain micro climates at 5,000 feet.

Foreign expatriate communities — now well established in this region — provide advice, support and networks of friends and associates to participate in sports and hobbies, do business, or simply relax and unwind.

Potential expatriates may look at various locations across Mexico and see similarities in what each one has to offer. Los Cabos — and the Baja Peninsula — is unique: no other region in Mexico offers what this peninsula does, and no other coastal resort town offers what Los Cabos does.

This uniqueness is also going to dictate that Los Cabos is not going to be the right for everyone: but for those who do come here and can feel themselves at home, the location has been — is — and will continue to be one of the most attractive locations on Mexican soil for foreigners to live, retire and work in.

Cost of Living in Los Cabos

The cost of living in Mexico is typically lower in Mexico than it is the USA, Canada and Western Europe, although precise costs depend upon where you live and your lifestyle choices.

Cost of Living Report

To learn more about the cost of living in Mexico, connect to the Mexico Cost of Living page on Mexperience.

Regional and geographical cost variations do exist, and this part of the guide shows you how some goods and services at Los Cabos vary from the average.

See Also:

Banks, Banking and Credit in Mexico | Money in Mexico

Blog Articles:

Money, Banking & Finance

Real Estate in Los Cabos

Information about the real estate market in Los Cabos.

Real Estate Market in Los Cabos

Prices of realty in Los Cabos have risen considerably over the last decade, although they still remain at very affordable levels when compared to ocean-side and ocean-facing property in the United States and Europe.

As ocean-front (or ocean view) properties in the United States went from being very expensive to eye-wateringly expensive and unaffordable to most, investors who yearned to have a bolt-hole by the sea looked south. Even at the height of the property boom, prices in Los Cabos were affordable in comparison with comparable ocean-side properties in the U.S.A. Since the credit bubble burst in late 2007, prices in Mexico have been leveling off and at least one developer is offering condos and apartments at price levels not seen since the mid 1990’s.

For those who and love Los Cabos, but felt the area was out of their price range, it’s now time to take another look; for those who have yet to discover why so many people have moved here in the last fifteen years, the price tags no longer need to be a barrier.

Most real estate is sold through local realty agents who know the area and the surrounding region, as well as directly through the developers marketing major realty projects, often on prime beachfront locations or on fine golf courses.

Real estate types range from beachfront homes, lots, and condos. There are also a number of time-share projects in and around Los Cabos, and especially in the tourist zone of the city (note that time share is not ownership). Private residences (mostly re-sales) are available in the town center of Los Cabos as well as out-of-town, where investors are buying homes offering desert-landscape surroundings with ocean and/or mountain views.

Rentals Market in Los Cabos

Most rental properties in Los Cabos are offered through local realty agents or by individual property owners listing properties on the Internet or local newspapers and magazines as well as signs posted at restaurants, cafes and bars near the vicinity where the rentals are situated. Some realty developers rent out their units or rent out units on behalf of owners: check with local developers or a local realty agent for details and further information.

Healthcare in Los Cabos

In addition to Mexico’s state sponsored healthcare provided via the country’s national health service IMSS, good quality healthcare services offered through private clinics with US -standard healthcare services exist in Los Cabos. The privately-run out patient clinics available locally are ideal for day-to-day ailments, sprains, broken bones and other health matters which would normally be diagnosed and treated by a General Practitioner of medicine.

See Also:

Health and Healthcare in Mexico | Travel Health in Mexico

Local Climate in Los Cabos

Los Cabos enjoys a yearly average temperature of 81F/24C. Winter months can be cooler and drop to 65F/15C at night; summer months may reach highs of 90F/30C in July and August especially.

Winter Climate:

January through March, the winter months, are the coolest: a time when the climate in Los Cabos is mild, sunny and comfortable. Temperatures range from 55F/12C at night to 75F/22C in the day. Although it does not freeze by the coast, temperatures can drop below freezing inland and especially on the nearby Laguna Mountains, which rise over 5,200 feet above sea level.

Spring Climate:

April through June – springtime in Los Cabos is period of time that sees hardly no rain and temperatures rise gradually as winter yields to spring. Temperatures range from 60F/14C overnight to 85F/26C in the daytime.

Summer Climate:

July through September are the hottest months, with temperature ranging from 75F/21C overnight, to 100F/35C in the daytime. Temperatures and humidity reach their peak in mid-July and August and the hot air also gives rise to tropical storms and, on occasions, hurricanes.

Autumn Climate:

In stark contrast to the gradual incline of temperatures between winter and spring, the autumn tends to arrive suddenly in Los Cabos. Temperatures remain very warm and the air is muggy through to late September; not until the Oceans cool and the winds change direction do temperatures fall back to their ‘spring like’ comfortable levels – this happens in October. Rain is infrequent, but possible; in contrast to the spring when any rain at all is a complete surprise. Temperatures in the autumn months range from 63F/16C overnight to 85F/27C in the daytime. Humidity levels drop considerably from October onwards.

Rainy Season:

Los Cabos’s rainy season runs from June to October, with most of the rain falling in August and September. Torrential afternoon rains may be experienced several days a week and, in the peak temperature months tropical storms and hurricanes may feature, too.

Hurricanes:

Hurricanes can affect Los Cabos, particularly during the hottest months. Most hurricanes that have landed on the peninsula have happened in August and September.

Sea Temperature in Los Cabos

During the peak summer months of July and August, sea temperatures may reach as high as 90F/30C; in other months, the sea temperature will average around 70F/20C.

See Also:

Weather and Climates in Mexico

Practical Information About Living in Los Cabos

This section contains links to guides where you can learn more about living in Los Cabos.

Accessibility / Transport

Getting Around Los Cabos

Getting Around

Transportation choices in Mexico

Communications

Staying in contact while living in Mexico

Money and Banking

Guide to Money in Mexico | Banks & Banking in Mexico

Practical Matters

Practical Information (Travel Guide)

Auto Insurance in Mexico

How to insure your foreign-plated car in Mexico

Safety in Mexico

Latest Safety Updates

Key Attractions

Travel Guide to Cabo San Lucas

Photo Gallery

Pictures of Cabo San Lucas

Mexico Maps

Download PDF Maps of Mexico

Place is personal, subjective, and important—and as you consider places to live in Mexico, Mexperience helps you to consider your choices and shortlist locations that may suit your lifestyle needs.

Discover places to live, work or retire in Mexico

To help you discover and explore potential places to live here, Mexperience publishes a curated list of locations to consider for living, working or retirement in Mexico—organized by popularity and notoriety and classified by the location type.

Our articles introduce you to key places where many foreign residents live now, emerging locations that are becoming increasingly popular with foreign residents, as well as those places that are less well known, or situated off-the-beaten path. We also publish a selection of detailed guides of places to live in Mexico:

The most popular places to live in Mexico

Discover locations that have for a long time, or in recent times, garnered considerable popularity with foreign residents (retirees and others) and have active communities of interest established at the location.

Emerging locations to live in Mexico

Discover locations that have, in recent years, been catching the attention of foreign residents and have fledgling or developing communities of interest present there.

Underexplored locations to live in Mexico

Discover places that do not have significant numbers of foreign residents already established and are generally ‘off-the-beaten-path’ for most foreigners considering Mexico for living and retirement. These places can offer attractions that may be of interest to some potential foreign residents and retirees seeking someplace more traditional, unusual, and with a lower concentration of foreign residents living there.

Detailed living guides

For detailed guides to selected places to live and work or retire, connect to our section with Guides to Living Places in Mexico

San Jose del Cabo is one of five main locations in Baja California Sur which include Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Todos Santos and Loreto. All of these places can be discovered with Mexperience.

The region is a particular favorite with divers, golfers and people looking for sports fishing excursions.

San Jose del Cabo is quieter than neighboring Cabo San Lucas. The city is full of interesting places to see, quaint shops, good restaurants and cafés, and some quality art galleries that also showcase local artists’ works. Some of the finest resort hotels and spas can also be found here, offering top quality services and amenities as well as beautiful views across the ocean and pristine, secluded beaches for guests to enjoy.

If you’re looking for all of the attractions that Baja California Sur offers in terms of landscape, beaches, weather and activities, but don’t want the commercialized feel of a developed resort, then San Jose del Cabo is the ideal alternative to neighboring Cabo San Lucas.

Key Attractions

Great Beaches

San Jose del Cabo has a very laid back and easy going atmosphere about it, and the beaches here reflect this. Use the space around you to unwind and chill-out while experiencing the authentic Mexican atmosphere San Jose offers.

Some fine remote beaches exist along the shoreline between los dos cabos (“the two capes” – San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas). These include Barco Varado, Chileno, Palmilla, Santa Maria and Vista del Arco Beaches. You’ll need to rent a car to experience them – see Getting Around. These areas are great if you want to get away from the crowds and see some stunning beaches and shoreline in this area.

Nature and Adventure Experiences in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is a perfect base from which to enjoy Mexico’s great outdoors and take part in a variety of nature and adventure experiences in Mexico.

The local ecology, the landscape, the climate and the proximity to the sea make this region a natural paradise for those who love being in nature. What’s more, you can find experienced and well-equipped adventure and eco-tourism companies in Los Cabos who are ready to help you enjoy the best what this region offers.

Fishing, kayaking, sailing, camping, surfing, horseback riding, nature walks, fabulous bird watching, cliff hikes, sunset cruises, watching the amazing whales and sea lions are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the area. See Also: Nature and Adventure Experiences in Mexico.

Water Sports

With its calm waters, fine weather and uncompromising beaches, its no wonder that water sports are one of the main attractions in San Jose del Cabo. Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, water skiing and jet-skis are all favorite pastimes here. See Also: Water Sports in Mexico

Sports Fishing Experiences

Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s top destinations for sports fishing! Read the Mexperience guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico and discover just what a fantastic day out a sports fishing experience can be on your next visit to Mexico.

Spas in San Jose del Cabo

Los Cabos is host to some of Mexico’s finest resort spas. For more information about Spas in Mexico and how to benefit from a magnificent health spa experience in Baja, connect to the Mexperience guide about Spas in Mexico

Local Cruises

There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery than on a local boat cruise. Local cruises take you on tours around the many islets surrounding the tip of the peninsula and include sunset cruises that let you experience some of the most wonderful sunsets you’ll ever witness.

Whale Watching

From the Bering Strait, whales migrate to the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur between January and March of each year. To see the marvel of the great creatures, you’ll need to visit in season. There are three main areas where it’s best to view the whales – the main one being Magdalena Bay. See Also: Whale Watching in Mexico

Golf in San Jose del Cabo

The climate in Baja California Sur is ideal for golf all year-round, and the region is one of the top venues in the world where golf is played. The region hosts some of Mexico’s best golf courses and some people visit here simply to enjoy great golf in Mexico.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can fly to San Jose del Cabo (the airport also serves nearby Cabo San Lucas) by plane from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and key cities in the USA. Taxis and vans are available from the airport to take you to your final destination; to save time and secure your space, consider pre-booking an airport shuttle so that someone is there to meet you at the airport when you arrive. See Airport Transfers, below. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – To get to Baja California Sur, your best bet is to fly there (see above); the bus journey from Tijuana to La Paz is about 27 hours; then a further 2 hours from there to Los Cabos. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to San Jose del Cabo from the southern border of the United States will take you about 20-24 hours on Highway 1 and then a further 2 hours on Highway 19. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To properly explore Mexico’s Baja Peninsula consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

By Ferry – If you are on Mexico’s mainland, or want to get to it, there is a ferry that crosses the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) to and from La Paz to the port cities of Mazatlan and Los Mochis (Topolobambo). The ferry trip to/from Mazatlan takes 18 hours and does not run daily; sleeping cabins are available with advance bookings. The ferry to/from Los Mochis (Topolobambo) takes around 8 hours and does not sail daily either. Check the Ferry’s web site at: http://www.ferrytmc.com/ for details of routes, schedules, prices and contact details. Note: from 2004, a new Catamaran ferry is being operated, and this has significantly reduced the travel times across the Sea of Cortez from Mexico’s mainland to La Paz.

Walking in San Jose del Cabo – The city has two main areas: the downtown area where you’ll find the shops, main plaza and cathedral, and the hotel area, which as you might expect, runs along the edge of the beach. You can walk between the two, but you’re probably better off taking a local taxi.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s beachside towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Local Bus – If your budget is tight or if you want to see more of local life, local bus service are available which connect La Paz, Los Cabos and Todos Santos as well as other destinations further north such as Loreto, San Felipe and other destinations in Baja California. However, the services are limited and infrequent in comparison to buses on Mexico’s mainland. If you want to see all of the amazing beaches and scenery which surround you as you travel to and from San Jose del Cabo, then rent a car locally.

San Jose del Cabo Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of San Jose del Cabo. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Note that your US Automobile Insurance will not cover you in Mexico — you must get a top-up policy to be properly covered. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Beach Safety: The main beach, Playa Hotelera, is a safe beach to swim from, but take good care when swimming as some undertows do exist; check for and keep an eye on the surf and on weather conditions, especially in September, when the weather in the region is changeable. Don’t venture out too far – especially if you’re not a strong swimmer!

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Local Climate

The weather during the summer months will be extremely hot yet cooler near the coasts. In the winter it can get cool and windy, so if you’re traveling in the winter, take some warm clothes just in case the weather turns chilly (especially in the evenings). The rainy season is September (the one month when the weather can be changeable), otherwise this part of Mexico enjoys sunshine most days of the year.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Cabo San Lucas is one five main locations in Baja California Sur – which include La Paz, San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos and Loreto. All of these places can be discovered with Mexperience.

Cabo San Lucas – ‘Cabo‘ means cape – is at the far tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the land immediately south of California in the United States; it is cut-off from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California.

This region of Mexico is a real paradise, with its hot deserts, breezy oceans and cool waters reflecting several different shades of blues and greens.

The region is a particular favorite with divers, golfers and people looking to take part in sports fishing excursions.

Like many of Mexico’s thriving beach locations, Cabo San Lucas was a quiet fishing village before it was developed. Today, Cabo is an elite party town on Mexico’s Baja California Sur coast; luxury hotels, trendy bars, restaurants and night clubs are everywhere.

Cabo attracts people looking for relaxation, water sports and golf. Golf has taken off here in recent years with the development of some of the world’s finest golf courses and near year-long perfect weather for golfing.

If you want to experience a getaway destination that promises luxurious relaxation just across the border, then Cabo San Lucas could be just the place you’re looking for.

Key Attractions

Beach Life

Cabo San Lucas has a great ‘principal’ beach – called Medano. You can rent snorkeling equipment and non-motorized water equipment right on the beach. This is a good place to sunbathe and swim as well.

Farther out of town, you can find some remote beaches along the shoreline between “the two cabos” (Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo). These include the Barco Varado, Chileno, Palmilla, Santa Maria and Vista del Arco Beaches, for those who want to get away from the crowds and see some stunning beaches and shoreline. You’ll need to rent a car – see Getting Around, below.

Nature and Adventure Experiences in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is a perfect base from which to enjoy Mexico’s great outdoors and take part in a variety of Nature and Adventure experiences in Mexico.

The local ecology, the landscape, the climate and the proximity to the sea make this region a paradise for those who love nature. What’s more, you can find experienced and well prepared organizations in Los Cabos who are ready to help you enjoy the best of what this region offers.

Fishing, kayaking, sailing, camping, surfing, horseback riding, nature walks, fabulous bird watching, cliff hikes, sunset cruises and watching the amazing whales and sea lions are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the area.

Water Sports

With its calm waters, fine weather and beaches, it’s no wonder that water sports are one of the main attractions in Cabo San Lucas, including snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, water and jet-skis. If it’s water based, you can experience it in Cabo San Lucas. See Also: Water Sports in Mexico.

Sports Fishing Experiences

Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s top destinations for sports fishing. See Also: Sports Fishing in Mexico.

Spas in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is host to some of Mexico’s finest resort spas. For more information about spas and how to benefit from a magnificent health spa experience in Mexico, connect to the Mexperience guide to Spas in Mexico.

Local Cruises

There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery in this area than on a local boat cruise. Local cruises take you on tours around the many islets surrounding Baja California Sur, and include sunset cruises that let you experience some of the most wonderful sunsets you’ll view in your life.

Whale Watching in Baja

From the Bering Strait, whales migrate to the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur between January and March of each year. To see the marvel of these great creatures, you’ll need to visit in season. There are three main areas where it’s best to view the whales – the main one being Magdalena Bay off the Pacific coast. See Also: Whale Watching in Mexico

Golf in Cabo San Lucas

The climate in Baja California Sur is ideal for golf all year-round, and the region is fast becoming one of the top places in the world to play the game. Baja is host to some of the world’s finest golf courses and many people visit the area simply to enjoy great golf in Mexico.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can get to Cabo San Lucas by plane from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and various places in the USA, especially Los Angeles, CA. The same airport that serves Cabo San Lucas serves San Jose del Cabo, although it is closer to San Jose del Cabo. Taxis and vans are available from the airport; to save time and secure your space, consider pre-booking a shuttle so that someone is there to meet you at the airport when you arrive (see Airport Transfers, below). For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – To get to Baja California Sur, your best bet is to fly there (see above); the bus journey from Tijuana to La Paz is about 27 hours; then a further 2 hours from there to Los Cabos. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Cabo San Lucas from the southern border of the United States will take you about twenty to twenty-four hours on Highway 1 and then a further two hours on Highway 19. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To properly explore Mexico’s Baja Peninsula consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

By Ferry – If you are on Mexico’s mainland, or want to get to it, there is a ferry that crosses the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) to and from La Paz to the port cities of Mazatlan and Los Mochis (Topolobambo). The ferry trip to/from Mazatlan takes 18 hours and does not run daily; sleeping cabins are available with advance bookings. The ferry to/from Los Mochis (Topolobambo) takes around 8 hours and does not sail daily either. Check the Ferry’s web site at: http://www.ferrytmc.com/ for details of routes, schedules, prices and contact details. Note: from 2004, a new Catamaran ferry is being operated, and this has significantly reduced the travel times across the Sea of Cortez from Mexico’s mainland to La Paz.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s beachside towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Local Bus – If your budget is tight or if you want to see more of local life, local bus service are available which connect La Paz, Los Cabos and Todos Santos as well as other destinations further north such as Loreto, San Felipe and other destinations in Baja California.

Cabo San Lucas Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of Cabo San Lucas. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy travelers’ checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Note that your US Automobile Insurance will not cover you in Mexico — you must get a top-up policy to be properly covered. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Beach Safety: The main beach, Medano, is a safe beach to swim from, and areas of the nearby water are roped off to protect swimmers from motorized water craft that operate in the area. Keep an eye on the surf and monitor weather conditions—especially in September when the weather in the region is changeable.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Local Climate

The weather during the summer months will be extremely hot; cooler near the coasts. In the winter it can get cooler and windy. The rainy season is September (the one month when the weather can be changeable), otherwise this part of Mexico enjoys sunshine most days of the year.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico