Los Cabos

Los Cabos sits at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez collide at Land's End. It's technically two towns: Cabo San Lucas (the party-forward marina town most people picture) and San José del Cabo (older, quieter, artsy). A 33-kilometer corridor of resorts, golf courses, and dramatic coastline connects them.

The whole region was fishing villages until the 1950s, when Hollywood started showing up. Infrastructure followed fast. Tourism now drives everything here, economically and culturally, which explains both the world-class amenities and the prices that come with them.

Los Cabos made history recently by appearing in Mexico's first-ever Michelin Guide, which tells you something about how seriously the food scene has evolved. The resort corridor caters heavily to American and Canadian visitors, so English is spoken almost everywhere. But step a few blocks away from the marina in either town, and you're back in actual Mexico, with taco stands, neighborhood tiendas, and people going about their lives.

Tipping is expected and meaningful here. Standard is 15–20% at sit-down restaurants. Budget tip 10% minimum for hotel staff, drivers, and tour guides.

At resort all-inclusives, tipping is optional but goes a long way in service quality.. Waitstaff will not bring your check until you ask. Say 'La cuenta, por favor' when you're ready.

This isn't slow service. It's intentional — meals are meant to be lingered over.. When entering a shop, restaurant, or passing someone on the street, greet them first.

'Buenos días' in the morning, 'Buenas tardes' in the afternoon. Skipping the greeting before launching into what you want feels rude locally, even if no one will say so.. Swimwear is beach-appropriate.

Put on a cover-up or casual clothes when heading into San José del Cabo's centro, visiting the church, or shopping in local markets. The more you move away from the resort zone, the more this matters.. Bargaining is acceptable and expected in craft markets.

It's a conversation, not a confrontation. Don't lowball aggressively — offer around 70% of the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle. Fixed-price shops and restaurants don't bargain..

Do not bring vape pens or e-cigarettes into Mexico. It is federally illegal to import them regardless of personal use. SJD customs now uses high-resolution X-ray machines and K9 units, and confiscation plus on-the-spot fines starting at $200 USD are the outcome if found.

Leave them at home.. Cash is still king for street food, small shops, and tips. ATMs are widely available.

Skip the airport exchange desks — their rates are poor. Use ATMs at bank branches rather than standalone tourist-zone machines, which can have skimming issues.. The 'shark tank' just past customs at SJD airport is real.

Timeshare reps in official-looking vests will offer free sunset cruises and Walmart gift cards. Walk straight through, don't make eye contact, and say 'no gracias' without slowing down.. Engagement rings and wedding bands in their original packaging may be flagged by Mexican customs as imported merchandise subject to duties.

Wear them or pack them loose.. Hurricane season runs June through October. Travel insurance isn't mandatory but is genuinely useful here, especially for peak summer visits.

Los Cabos welcomed a record 3.8 million visitors in 2025, and the vast majority had completely uneventful trips. The resort infrastructure here is specifically built around keeping tourists safe and comfortable.

That said, a few things are worth knowing clearly. The U.S.

State Department carries a Level 2 designation (Exercise Increased Caution) for Baja California Sur as of early 2026. This is not a red-zone warning — it's the same rating as many European cities — but it means basic awareness matters. Violent crime targeting tourists is statistically uncommon.

Stick to Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the Tourist Corridor. These areas are well-patrolled and heavily trafficked by families and groups at all hours. Avoid wandering into non-tourist areas after dark.

The Pacific Ocean is genuinely dangerous at most Cabo beaches outside of Médano Beach and Chileno Bay. Powerful undertows and severe surf have killed visitors. Check the beach flag color before swimming.

Red flag means stay out of the water, full stop. Only Médano Beach and a handful of protected coves are reliably swimmable. The SJD airport customs process now uses X-ray machines and K9 units actively in 2026.

Do not bring vapes, THC products, oversized drones (over 250g), or fresh meat and fruit. Fines are immediate and in cash. Card skimming remains an issue in busy tourist zones — use ATMs at bank branches rather than standalone machines, and check the card reader for tampering before inserting your card.

Book airport transportation in advance. Do not accept rides from unsolicited drivers in the arrivals hall. Pre-booked private transfers or official airport taxis with zone-priced tickets from the kiosk are the safe and sane options.

Los Cabos has no meaningful public transit system. The corridor stretches 33 kilometers between the two towns, and getting around without a plan will cost you. Here's the real breakdown.

Airport to your hotel: Uber is strictly banned from picking up at SJD arrivals — this is a federal zone enforced by the National Guard, with fines reaching $2,500 USD for drivers caught doing it. Your options are a pre-booked private transfer ($90–$115 to Cabo San Lucas, $30–$50 to San José del Cabo), an official airport taxi with a zone-priced ticket from the kiosk inside ($45–$60 to Cabo San Lucas), or a pre-booked shared shuttle (~$20–$25/person, slower due to multiple stops). Walk past the 'shark tank' of timeshare reps immediately after customs — they will try to sell you overpriced 'official' transport.

They are not official. Getting around in town: Uber works well within Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo for in-town trips. It's cheaper than taxis and easy to use.

Note that many resort entrances don't allow Uber pickup — you may need to walk to the road. Downtown Cabo San Lucas is walkable; the marina, Médano Beach, and most restaurants are within a 15-minute walk of each other. Between towns: A taxi between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo will cost you $40–$60 depending on negotiation.

Uber can make this trip and is generally cheaper. Renting a car: Worth it if you're planning day trips to Todos Santos, La Paz, or the East Cape. Not necessary for a pure resort stay.

Rates start around $55/day from Avis, Hertz, or National (before insurance). Car rental requires a passport, valid driver's license, and a credit card deposit of $500+. Water taxi: The only way to reach Land's End and Lover's Beach is by boat.

Water taxis depart from the marina for $10–$15 per person round-trip.