Los Cabos · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Los Cabos: The Jewel of Baja California

Discover Los Cabos, Mexico's premier destination where desert landscapes meet the sea, offering luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and endless outdoor adventures.

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos is a paradise where desert landscapes meet the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez. This destination is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious resorts, making it a favorite among tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure. Los Cabos is divided into two main areas: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is famous for its iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a natural rock formation that serves as a gateway between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. The marina here is bustling with activity, offering everything from deep-sea fishing to whale-watching tours. Meanwhile, San José del Cabo boasts a more laid-back atmosphere, with charming cobblestone streets, art galleries, and historic buildings. For nature lovers, Los Cabos offers an array of outdoor activities. Snorkeling and scuba diving in the clear waters reveal a vibrant underwater world, while hiking trails in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains provide breathtaking views and a chance to encounter unique flora and fauna. Golf enthusiasts will find several world-class courses designed by top architects, offering challenging play against a backdrop of stunning scenery. Los Cabos also caters to culinary aficionados, with a burgeoning food scene that blends traditional Mexican flavors with international cuisine. Fresh seafood is a highlight, often enjoyed in beachfront restaurants with views of the sunset. The local markets are a treasure trove of artisanal crafts, perfect for picking up souvenirs that capture the essence of this unique destination.

Explore the guide

What are you looking for in Los Cabos?

Jump straight into the city guide by the kind of discovery you want first.

When is the best time to go to Los Cabos?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning city walks, museum days, and riverside exploring.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJul–Sep
Longest daylightApr–Jul
Driest periodJun–Sep

Explore places in Los Cabos

    See all →

    Popular Experiences in Los Cabos

    Top-rated options near you

    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    Popular Hotels in Los Cabos

    Top-rated options near you

    Practical planning

    Los Cabos Essentials

    Core city planning details in the same structured guide format used across the Country/Region page language.

    How to Get There

    Los Cabos is served by Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), located near San José del Cabo. Direct flights are available from many major cities in North America. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Tijuana and take a domestic flight to Los Cabos. Another option is to drive from the United States, though this is a longer journey. There are also cruise ships that dock at Cabo San Lucas, providing another means of arrival.

    Transportation

    Transportation in Los Cabos includes taxis, rental cars, and public buses. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive, especially for longer trips. Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring the region, but be aware that traffic can be chaotic. Public buses are a budget-friendly option, with routes connecting Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Ride-sharing services are also available, though less common. Bicycles and scooters can be rented for short distances and recreational use.

    Currency and Payment

    The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry some cash, particularly for small purchases or in rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in tourist areas, but be cautious of fees and always use machines located in secure places. Currency exchange offices and banks offer competitive rates for exchanging foreign currency.

    Safety

    Los Cabos is generally safe for tourists, but it is essential to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. The downtown areas of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are usually safe, but be wary of pickpockets in crowded places. Areas such as Colonia El Arenal and Colonia Matamoros have higher crime rates and should be avoided. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items.

    Emergency Situations

    In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance. Los Cabos has several hospitals and medical clinics, including the H+ Hospital in San José del Cabo and the American Medical Center in Cabo San Lucas. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For consular assistance, contact your respective embassy or consulate in Mexico City.

    Do's and Don'ts

    Fashion: Do wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring a hat and sunscreen for protection against the sun. Avoid overly revealing clothing outside of beach areas. Religion: Do respect local religious customs. When visiting churches, dress modestly and be quiet and respectful. Public Transport: Do use public buses for an economical way to get around. Don't engage in loud conversations or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and seafood specialties. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

    Local Tips

    To experience Los Cabos like a local, visit the local markets such as Mercado Organico in San José del Cabo, where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the culture and history. Enjoy a sunset at Playa del Amor or take a boat tour to see El Arco. Don't miss out on local events and festivals for an authentic experience. For a unique adventure, try surfing at Costa Azul or snorkeling in the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park.

    History of Los Cabos

    Follow the city from Roman Londinium to its modern global identity through landmark moments that still shape the visitor experience.

    The Early Inhabitants: The Pericúes

    Before Spanish explorers arrived, the Los Cabos region was inhabited by the Pericúes, an indigenous group known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. They lived in harmony with the land, utilizing its resources to sustain their communities. The Pericúes were skilled fishermen and crafted tools and weapons from shells and bones.

    The Arrival of the Spanish: Hernán Cortés' Expedition

    In 1535, the Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés arrived in the Los Cabos area, seeking new territories and riches. Although the region did not yield the treasures Cortés was searching for, it marked the beginning of European interest in Baja California. The Spanish presence introduced new dynamics to the indigenous cultures and ecosystems.

    The Pirate Era: A Haven for Buccaneers

    During the 16th and 17th centuries, the waters around Los Cabos became a notorious haven for pirates. The natural harbors of Cabo San Lucas provided refuge for buccaneers who attacked Spanish galleons laden with goods from the New World. Legends of pirate treasure and hidden coves still capture the imagination of visitors today.

    Jesuit Missions: Religious and Cultural Transformation

    In the late 17th century, Jesuit missionaries began establishing missions throughout Baja California, including the Los Cabos region. These missions aimed to convert the indigenous populations to Christianity and introduced new agricultural practices. The Mission of San José del Cabo Añuití, founded in 1730, played a significant role in shaping the area's cultural landscape.

    Mexican Independence: A New Era

    Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, the Baja California peninsula, including Los Cabos, became part of the newly independent nation. The region experienced a period of transformation as it adapted to new political and economic realities. Los Cabos began to develop its own identity within the broader context of Mexican history.

    The Birth of Tourism: A Modern Transformation

    The 20th century saw the rise of Los Cabos as a premier tourist destination. The construction of the Transpeninsular Highway in the 1970s connected the region to the rest of Mexico, facilitating travel and commerce. The area's natural beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life attracted visitors from around the world, leading to the development of luxury resorts and a thriving tourism industry.

    Cultural Festivals: Celebrating Heritage

    Los Cabos is home to a rich tapestry of cultural festivals that celebrate its diverse heritage. Events such as the San José del Cabo Art Walk, the Los Cabos International Film Festival, and traditional Mexican fiestas offer visitors a glimpse into the vibrant cultural life of the region. These celebrations highlight the fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and modern influences that define Los Cabos today.

    Phrasebook

    Local Phrases about Los Cabos

    Browse practical local phrases by situation. Each group opens only when needed, keeping the guide tidy while preserving the full phrase set.

    6 phrase groups English + pronunciation
    Basics
    • HelloHola
      [oh-lah]
    • GoodbyeAdiós
      [ah-dee-ohs]
    • Yes
      [see]
    • NoNo
      [noh]
    • Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
      [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
    • Thank youGracias
      [grah-see-ahs]
    • Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
      [dees-kool-peh/pehr-dohn]
    • How are you?¿Cómo estás?
      [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
    • Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
      [byen. ee too]
    • Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
      [ah-blahs een-glehs]
    • I don't understandNo entiendo
      [noh ehn-tyen-doh]
    Eating & Drinking
    • I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
      [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
    • I don't eat meatNo como carne
      [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
    • Cheers!¡Salud!
      [sah-lood]
    • I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
      [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]
    Emergencies
    • Help!¡Ayuda!
      [ah-yoo-dah]
    • Go away!¡Vete!
      [veh-teh]
    • Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
      [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
    • Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
      [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
    • I'm lostEstoy perdido
      [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
    • I'm illEstoy enfermo
      [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]
    Shopping
    • I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
      [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
    • I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
      [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
    • How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
      [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
    • That's too expensiveEsto es muy caro
      [ehs-toh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
    • Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
      [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]
    Time & Numbers
    • What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
      [keh oh-rah ehs]
    • It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
      [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
    • Half past (10)Las diez y media
      [lahs dyehs ee meh-dyah]
    • MorningMañana
      [mah-nyah-nah]
    • AfternoonTarde
      [tahr-deh]
    • EveningNoche
      [noh-cheh]
    • YesterdayAyer
      [ah-yehr]
    • TodayHoy
      [oy]
    • TomorrowMañana
      [mah-nyah-nah]
    • 1Uno
      [oo-noh]
    • 2Dos
      [dohs]
    • 3Tres
      [trehs]
    • 4Cuatro
      [kwah-troh]
    • 5Cinco
      [seen-koh]
    • 6Seis
      [says]
    • 7Siete
      [syeh-teh]
    • 8Ocho
      [oh-choh]
    • 9Nueve
      [nweh-veh]
    • 10Diez
      [dyehs]
    Transport & Directions
    • Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
      [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
    • What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
      [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
    • Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
      [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
    • When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
      [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
    • A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
      [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

    Explore Los Cabos in Photos

    A quick visual tour through classic views, riverside landmarks, royal streets, and skyline moments.

    File:El Arco, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur (16638939645).jpg -  Wikimedia Commons
    File:Lovers Beach Los Cabos 2008 (8997396795).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Mobula breaching.jpg - Wikipedia
    Page 3 | san jose 1080P, 2K, 4K, 5K HD wallpapers free download, sort by  relevance | Wallpaper Flare
    File:PlayaAmor3.JPG - Wikimedia Commons
    Todos santos 1080P, 2K, 4K, 5K HD wallpapers free download | Wallpaper Flare
    File:Lands End Cabo San lucas 6.3.08.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Cabo San Lucas fishing boats.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Ballena gris adulta con su ballenato.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    Planning another trip?

    Continue exploring nearby destinations and classic MX city breaks after Los Cabos.

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.