Summary
At the southern tip of Baja California Sur, where the Pacific Ocean converges with the Sea of Cortez, lies Los Cabos, a burgeoning tourist destination that has begun to gain global recognition.
The Los Cabos Corridor, which connects the principal towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, features a series of captivating coves with tranquil waters ideal for snorkeling or relaxation.
During the months from November to April, visitors to these beaches may witness pods of whales in the distance.
In a remarkably short time, luxury resorts have emerged along this coastline, equipped with upscale spas and golf courses that are ranked among the finest in the nation.
Cabo Pulmo National Park, located within Los Cabos’ boundaries, serves as a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles and coral reefs, while El Arco de Cabo San Lucas stands as a magnificent natural monument at the very tip of the Baja California peninsula.
Let us examine the top attractions in Los Cabos:
1. El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
Undoubtedly, the first activity to undertake in Los Cabos is to embark on a boat excursion to Land’s End adjacent to San Lucas.
Here, sinuous granite rock formations demarcate the juncture of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.
The iconic arch serves as a natural circular gateway, and if the tides permit, visitors may have the opportunity to walk through it.
This arch is only one among a collection of remarkable natural formations, such as the Window to the Pacific, a rectangular opening in the cliffs providing views of the ocean, and Neptune’s Finger, a slender stack resembling a giant finger extending from a submerged hand.
Sea lions inhabit this rocky coastline, and one may encounter groups basking on the sunlit ledges.
2. Cabo Pulmo National Park
Divers will undoubtedly prioritize this marine reserve in their itinerary, while land-based visitors may wish to bring snorkeling gear and drive northeast from San Lucas or San José.
This largely uninhabited region offers an escape from the modern world, which adds to its appeal.
The coastline alternates between formidable granite headlands and gentle bays, with vast skies and sprawling cacti adorning the interior.
This national park aims to safeguard a network of coral reefs, and even casual snorkelers will be amazed by the abundance of marine life present in these waters.
At times, one may find themselves completely surrounded by schools of fish.
Five of the seven species of sea turtles can be found here, and the reefs host eleven varieties of coral, showcasing a plethora of vibrant mollusks, parrotfish, and butterflyfish.
3. Playa del Amor
Playa del Amor, the north-facing beach at Land’s End, is bordered by granite formations that create “El Arco.” Shielded from the crashing waves of the Pacific, this serene cove welcomes day-trippers, allowing them to lounge on the sands, snorkel in the crystalline waters, and scale the rocks for magnificent photos of this extraordinary locale.
For those requiring additional space, the appropriately named Playa del Divorcio lies just behind, experiencing the full force of the Pacific surf.
Swimming is not permitted in this area, but it features a generous expanse of sand, providing a breathtaking spot for sunsets.
4. Todos Santos
Located northwest of the Los Cabos municipality, across the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range, lies Todos Santos, a charming traditional town officially recognized as a “Pueblo Mágico” by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism.
This designation is largely attributed to its vividly painted single-story houses, upscale dining establishments, and artisanal shops situated near the main Plaza del Pueblo.
Among its attractions, the whitewashed mission stands on the south side of the plaza, alongside a 1944 Art Deco cinema with historical significance.
The beaches in Todos Santos are battered by Pacific waves, making them less suitable for leisurely swimming, yet surfers are aware of the exceptional quality of the breaks.
For those wishing to contribute to marine conservation efforts in Baja California Sur, Tortugueros Las Playitas is a charitable organization that allows participants to assist leatherback turtle hatchlings in their journey to the sea.
5. Playa Santa María
A beach that one will be reluctant to depart from, Playa Santa María is a crescent-shaped cove sheltered by two promontories.
This geography protects against rough currents, making it a typically calm and clear retreat, even when other beaches are agitated.
Similar to the remainder of the Los Cabos Corridor, Playa Santa María has seen increased construction.
A new restroom facility and parking lot have replaced what once was a dirt pathway.
Nevertheless, as of early 2018, the beach retains an untouched ambiance, even when large groups of snorkelers arrive in the afternoon.
No vendors populate the area, and there are only a handful of palapas (palm shade structures), so it is advisable to come well-prepared.
6. Playa el Chileno
Another magnificent beach along the Corridor, Playa el Chileno rivals Santa María in scenic beauty and has recently been earmarked for potential development.
This east-facing public beach resides in a sandy recess, connected to the parking lot via a newly constructed boardwalk.
The abundance of marine life in the bay’s shallow waters is remarkable; on calm days, the water is clear enough that one may observe fish swimming around their legs without needing snorkeling equipment.
While the allure of Playa el Chileno lies in its seclusion, this also means a lack of bars or dining options, necessitating the preparation of a picnic and a sunshade.
During the season, one may sit on the rocks to the south and watch the majestic whale pods swim by.
7. Mission San José del Cabo Church
The most significant historical landmark in Los Cabos is the Colonial-era parish church located in San José, which represents the remnants of a mission established in the 18th century.
This church was the southernmost of a series of Jesuit missions spanning the Baja California peninsula.
In 1735, five years post-establishment, an insurrection occurred among the local Pericú population, resulting in the sacrifice of missionary Nicolás Tamaral.
The surviving church showcases a simple yet elegant facade, featuring a curved pediment flanked by two towers.
The nave, while understated, warrants a few moments of contemplation, enriched by a plaque outside detailing the tumultuous beginnings of the mission.
The square in front of San José’s church is delightful, adorned with a traditional Mexican bandstand and surrounded by vibrant houses.
8. San José del Cabo Art Walk
On Thursday evenings during high season (November to June), San José exhibits its cultural vibrance through an art walk from 17:00 to 21:00. This event was initiated to draw visitors to the art district, a collection of galleries and art studios situated in the blocks behind the church.
As the art walk has gained popularity, the town has transformed Calle Alvaro Obregon into a pedestrian-friendly zone, enhancing the overall ambiance.
Up to a dozen galleries in the area, including the Frank Arnold Gallery, Desertica, and Casa Dahlia, partake in the event, organizing discussions, wine tastings, meet-and-greets, and live music.
9. Mount Solmar
One of the most rewarding complimentary activities in Cabo San Lucas is ascending this rugged peak located at Land’s End.
Although the slopes of Mount Solmar appear daunting, the hike to the summit is feasible for individuals of varying ages, as the rocks form natural stepping stones and the peak is only slightly above 100 meters in elevation.
The primary challenge lies in locating the trailhead, which is situated on private property at a dog shelter; however, this information can be easily obtained online.
Upon reaching the summit, the vistas of Los Arcos and San Lucas Bay are truly magnificent.
10. Whale Watching
From December through April, Los Cabos is situated along the migratory path of humpback whales, who migrate to the warmer waters off Mexico’s Pacific Coast to give birth.
As previously mentioned, during these months, those positioned along the Corridor may be fortunate enough to observe fins or tails if they maintain a patient watch.
A variety of companies provide whale-watching excursions.
Establishments such as Whale Watch Cabo are so confident in the likelihood of whale sightings during this five-month period that they offer complimentary follow-up tours if no whales are seen on the initial trip.
In addition, many vessels are equipped with hydrophones, enabling passengers to listen to the enchanting songs of the humpback whales.
11. Wirikuta Botanical Cactus Garden
Spanning five hectares, this attraction at Puerto los Cabos features over 1,500 varieties of cacti and succulents sourced from across the globe.
The Wirikuta Botanical Cactus Garden pays homage to desert flora, with 1,000,000 specimens arranged in strips and concentric circles.
Additionally, Wirikuta boasts an impressive sculpture garden showcasing works by distinguished artists from the realm of Mexican modern art, including Gabriel Macotela, José Luis Cuevas, and Manuel Felguérez.
On Wednesday evenings, the park hosts an authentic Huichol acrobatics and dance performance, renowned for its impressive production quality.
12. Diving
Los Cabos offers an exceptional experience for proficient divers.
The vibrant reefs teem with a kaleidoscope of marine biodiversity, where adventurous individuals can drift along the currents, with bull shark diving opportunities available in Cabo Pulmo.
Curious sea lions may approach divers, and those unhesitant enough to plunge into the depths of the Cabo San Lucas Underwater Canyon will witness the extraordinary natural phenomenon known as “Sand Falls,” which sees sand cascading down the cliff due to currents and tectonic activity.
For those new to diving, Cabo Pulmo and the Corridor provide protected coves where novices can safely enter the water from the beach.
Numerous dive companies in Los Cabos also offer customized trips to La Paz for swimming with whale sharks from October through the season.
13. Outdoor Adventure
The rugged desert landscape of Baja California Sur is designed for high-energy adventure.
For adrenaline enthusiasts, there are ATV and buggy excursions along dusty riverbeds. Various companies in San Lucas and San José offer pickups from accommodations, taking participants to the remote desert for exhilarating rides, all captured by professional photographers, followed by post-trip refreshments.
Situated along the Corridor, Wild Canyon Adventures serves as a hybrid of an adventure sports facility and a theme park.
They too provide ATV and buggy experiences, along with bungee jumping, zip-lining above the deep desert canyon, and even camel rides, among other attractions.
Families with younger children will find Wild Canyon’s zoo, featuring macaws, iguanas, crocodiles, and friendly camels that children can engage with.
For the bold, there is an opportunity to handle a baby crocodile.
14. Golf
In a remarkably brief period, Los Cabos has earned the title of premier golfing destination in Mexico.
Seven of the top fifteen golf courses identified in Golf Digest’s 2016 ranking are situated in Los Cabos.
This achievement is impressive considering that the initial course opened as recently as 1987. Many luxury courses have capitalized on the formerly vacant landscapes along the Corridor, where the terrain features mesquite and cacti.
The most prestigious course is Cabo del Sol, boasting an Ocean Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, alongside a Desert Course crafted by Tom Weiskopf.
Peak green fees can reach $375 USD from January to May, yet accomplished golfers will assuredly find it a worthwhile investment.
After completing a round at Cabo del Sol, players can enjoy the ocean view from the terrace of the hacienda-style clubhouse.
15. Cuisine
An intriguing local delicacy is almejas chocolatas (chocolate clams), wherein seasoned clams are cooked atop a bed of pebbles, covered with twigs from the romerillo shrub that are ignited.
Fish and shrimp tacos are undeniably popular, and a variety of hearty stews and soups are crafted with shrimp, lobster, and abalone (giant sea snails). The abundant squid in the region is often prepared by seasoning it with coriander seeds, garlic, cumin, oregano, and pasilla chili before frying in butter.
For those with an early appetite, a tamale de Güemes, containing maize dough filled with chicken, pork, raisins, and olives, is a recommended treat.
