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Los Cabos (The Capes) is one of Mexico’s most beautiful and exclusive destinations. It lies on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, 220 kilometers (136 miles) south of La Paz. The climate is warm throughout most of the year, with an average temperature of 26º C (79º F).

During the winter In Los Cabos you can admire one of the most beautiful natural phenomena to occur on Mexico’s coasts: the courtship, mating and birth process of the gray whale. During peak summer months, Magdalena Bay is perfect for scuba diving, kayaking, sportfishing, also to enjoy a Romantic getaway on a pristine beach as you gaze out onto El Arco, a rocky arch formation is considered a landmark of this destination. Los Cabos unites together the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez (also called the Gulf of California). UNESCO declared 244 islands and protected areas of the Sea of Cortez a World Heritage Site.

A 33-kilometer highway, called the Corredor Turistico, stretches from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas. Along the highway, you’ll find world-class hotels with top-notch restaurants, which have been known to lure a fair share of celebrities. Los Cabos is an unforgettable experience for the entire family thanks to its championship golf courses, excellent sportfishing and gorgeous beaches offering quality services.

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.

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.