Los Cabos (The Capes)

In Baja California Sur, Located in northwest Mexico on the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula, this is a region where the desert meets the sea, allowing you to take in breathtaking scenery, you can visit the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, known for its abundant plant and animal life and declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. You can also tour the salt mines at Guerrero Negro, or visit important historic monuments like the Jesuit missions built near the town of Loreto. In addition to all that, you can enjoy the excellent services offered along a tourist walkway in Los Cabos, a destination known for its top-notch tourism development, first-rate hotels, excellent golf courses and spas, and fine restaurants where you can indulge in the finest in regional, national and international cuisine.

LOS CABOS

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.

BEACHES

Los Cabos has excellent beaches lining the final 80-kilometer (50 miles) stretch of the peninsula. Thanks to their unparalleled beauty, the beaches of Los Cabos are one of the main attractions of this destination. Quiet and with their own unique characteristics, they are excellent places to do water sports, and if you don’t have the necessary equipment and gear, most beaches offer rentals.

Palmilla – Located at 27.5 Km on Route 1 in San Jose del Cabo, this white-sand beach is very popular and recommendable for family outings, as it offers recreation facilities. Here you can do some scuba diving, snorkeling, and the waters are excellent for fishing.

El Chileno – Located at Km 14.5 on the Corredor Turistico between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, this popular beach has calm waters and plenty of palm trees if you want to relax in the shade. This beach is known for its crystalline, calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling activities. To make your visit more pleasant, El Chileno also has showers.

El Arco – Located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Cabo San Lucas. This is a place where the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. At this location, there is an arch-shaped rock formation that has become the symbol of Los Cabos. You can arrive there by boat in 20 minutes. It is fairly common to spot seals, sea lions, pelicans and other bird species at this place, which is an ideal spot for fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also visit the famous Old Lighthouse, a monument that is more than 100 years old.

Cascadas de Arena – Located near El Arco, which is about 20 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. Here you can witness an amazing natural phenomenon, cascades that were created by tectonic plate movement. You can observe this natural wonder 30 meters (100 feet) under water. You’ll will find much diversity in these waters, which is why it has become a preferred spot for advanced divers. If you decide to go diving in this area, it is recommendable that you do it with an experienced guide.

Playa del Amor – This beach is hidden behind the famous Arco in Cabo San Lucas. To arrive there you’ll need to take a water taxi that departs from the marina or El Medano Beach. This romantic spot, which can only be seen every four years when the tide recedes, offers a view of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. This place has become a popular romantic getaway, as it gives you all the privacy you need. The waters are ideal for sailing, snorkeling, kayaking and other water sports.

El Medano – Located in the middle of the Cabo San Lucas Bay near Marina Sol, it is one of the most popular beaches in Los Cabos. Here you can kick back and listen to some music while enjoying some delicious food or sipping on a refreshing drink. Later, you can go swimming, boating, fishing, water-skiing, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing. A safe and quiet place for the entire family.

Acapulquito – Located at Km 28 on the main highway of San Jose del Cabo, this beach has fine sand and crystalline waters. Has strong surf, so be careful when swimming. It is an ideal surfing location.

ECOTOURISM

Unquestionably its unparalleled beauty is Los Cabos strongest attribute. For that reason, ecotourism is a truly unique experience in Los Cabos, thanks to its rich ecosystem consisting of desert landscapes, dunes, cacti, abundant marine life, and estuaries where turtles live. What’s more, each year the gray whale migrates from the cold waters of the Artic Ocean to mate along the warm coast of Los Cabos, which is where these cetaceans spend the winter.

Cacti Mundo – This is a botanical garden located on Antonio Mijares Boulevard. Here you can see the largest and most important cactus collection in Mexico. The botanical garden houses has many endangered species and lies in a desert ecosystem with dunes.

Parque Nacional Marino Cabo Plumo – Located on the East Cape, slightly more than 60 kilometers from San Jose del Cabo, this biosphere reserve has 7,111 hectares (17,564 acres). It also has the only living coral reef in western North America.
Has about 13,000 marine animal species, among them the gray whale, which comes each year to produce offspring.

Estero del San Jose del Cabo – A protected area in the heart of San Jose del Cabo which is 992 kilometers (615 miles) south of Guerrero Negro along the Transpeninsular Highway.

This tropical sanctuary is home to more than 150 bird species.

This marvelous estuary, a fresh- and salt-water lagoon, is home to the Frigatebird and the brown pelican.

Bahia Magdalena – Located on the western coast of Baja California Sur and north of Almejas Bay. You can arrive there by departing from Puerto San Carlos or Puerto Adofo Lopez Mateos. It is a nature reserve and breeding ground for gray whales, which arrive there between January and March to produce offspring. Has strong surf and is 60 kilometers (37 miles) long. It is often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific.

Considered one of the most important breeding grounds for the gray whale. It is estimated that 20,000 of these whales migrate to the Mexican coast each year.

Marina de Cabo San Lucas – Located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas on Lot A-18 De la Darsena. It Has excellent boating facilities and service areas. You can arrive at the marina in your own boat or in a water taxi from El Medano Beach.
An ideal place for ecotourism, particularly during winter months when you can spy the gray, blue, humpback and sperm whales. Curiously, the grey whale may appear grey, but it is actually black. They appear so because they are covered with barnacles, whale lice and have much scar tissue.

GOLFING

The golf courses in Los Cabos are considered among the world’s best. Important international tournaments, such as the PGA Senior Slam Tour have been held there. Golf professionals and enthusiasts will find the courses quite challenging and they are sure to enjoy stunning views of the Sea of Cortez or the beautiful desert landscape. We recommend the following courses:

Cabo Real – You can arrive there by taking the Transpeninsular Highway to Km 19.5. This course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, blends mountain, desert and ocean views. It is an 18-hole, par 72 course. Tel. (624) 144-0040 For more information, consult the website at www.caboreal.com or send inquiries to reservations@caboreal.com

Eldorado – Located in the desert at Km 20 off the Transpeninsular Highway, this is Jack Nicklaus’ largest creation in Cabo San Lucas. It is an 18-hole, par 72 course. Tels. (624) 144-5451 and (624) 144-0040. We recommend you visit the website at www.cabo-golfing.com/el-dorado.htm

Palmilla – Located at Km 75 off the Transpeninsular Highway in San Jose del Cabo. It was the first Jack Nicklaus-designed course in Latin America. It is a 27-hole, par 72course. Tel. (624) 144-5250

Cabo del Sol Golf – Located at Km 10.3 off the Transpeninsular Highway. Has an ocean course designed by Jack Nicklaus and a desert course designed by Tom Weiskopf. They are 18-hole, par 72 courses. Tel. (624) 145-8200

Club de Golf Raven – Located at Km 3.6 along the Transpeninsular Highway. Roy Dye designed this 18-hole, par 72 course. It is the only course that offers a view of El Arco. Tel. (624) 143-4654
www.golfincabo.com/home.htm

Campo de Golf San Jose – Located at Km 32 on the Transpeninsular Highway. This nine-hole, par 35 course was designed by M. Shedjnan and built by tourism development agency FONATUR. Tel. (624) 142-0905 www.allaboutsanjosedelcabo.com/camodegolf.htm

La Querencia – Located at Km 27.5 off the Transpeninsular Highway, it was one of the first courses designed by Tom Fazio. It has an 18-hole, par 72 course. Tel. (624) 145-6602 www.golfbaja.com/querencia-golf-course.htm

San Lucas Country Club – Located at Km 3.6 on the Transpeninsular Highway. Has an 18-hole, par 72 course. One of the most renowned courses in Los Cabos. Tel. (624) 143-4653 www.cabo-golfing.com For more information, send inquiries to info@cabo-golfing.com
SPAS

Don’t miss out on the relaxing and rejuvenating experience of visiting a spa during your stay in Los Cabos. Some of these places offer exotic mud-based treatments while others specialize in Swedish- and Japanese-style massages. We are certain that the hotel of your choice will offer excellent services. We recommend the following spas:

Las Ventanas al Paraiso – Located at Km 19.5 on the Transpeninsular Highway, it is considered one of the best hotels worldwide. You can enjoy such spa services as massages, hydrotherapy, wraps, facial treatments and ancient ritual treatments, all in a secluded garden setting amid lovely plants and flowers. Tel. (624) 144-0300

Suenos del Mar – Located at Casa del Mar Beach Golf & Spa Resort at Km 19.5 off the Transpeninsular Highway. This hacienda-style resort is a great place to relax or to enjoy a chocolate, mint or so-called tropical exfoliation (a coffee bean and dried coconut mixture) body treatment. You can also enjoy a massage under a palapa on the beach. Tel. (624) 145 7700

Nahui – Located in downtown Cabo San Lucas in the lobby of the Marina Sol condominiums. This is the perfect place to treat yourself to a body massage, aromatherapy, a reflexology foot massage, facials and other beauty-related services. Tel. (624) 143 7066.


OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

In Los Cabos you can hike in impressive canyons and estuaries where you can see a wide array of flora and fauna. You can also mount a horse or an all-terrain vehicle and ride along the beach or across dunes. In mountain zones, with a breathtaking view of the ocean and the desert, you can find many rock formations for rappelling. In all of these places, you’ll find guides and tour agencies offering professional services.

El Medano – Located in the middle of the Cabo San Lucas Bay near Marina Sol, it is one of the most popular beaches in Los Cabos. This place is safe, quiet and ideal for enjoying the water, for adults and children alike. You can go on a horseback ride or simply walk as you admire the Arco monument.

Estero de San Jose de Cabo – A protected area in the heart of San Jose del Cabo which is 992 kilometers (615 miles) south of Guerrero Negro along the Transpeninsular Highway. This tropical sanctuary is home to more than 150 bird species. – Offers many options for hiking and enjoying the wildlife of this natural paradise.

Bahia Magdalena – Located on the western coast of Baja California Sur and north of Almejas Bay. You can arrive there by departing from Puerto San Carlos or Puerto Adofo Lopez Mateos. It is a nature reserve and breeding ground for gray whales, which arrive there between January and March to produce offspring. Has strong surf and is 60 kilometers (37 miles) long. It is often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific. Here you can take a walk across white-sand dunes and sandbars or meander through a maze of mangroves in the middle of the desert.

SCUBA DIVING

The diving experience in Los Cabos is nothing less than extraordinary for experts, beginners, and snorkelers alike. Just some of the sights you can marvel at are the black coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, underwater canyons, sea fans, cascades, a sunken ship, marine turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, and sea lions. Scuba divers from all over the world descend on Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in western North America. More than 350 species of fish live there.

Roca del Pelicano. A 20-minute boat ride from Cabo San Lucas, Pelican Rock overlooks the waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. The deep waters near the natural monument, are full of tropical fish which inhabit the impressive coral reefs, offer excellent scuba diving.

Punta Gorda. Lies 5 kilometers (3 miles) from San Jose del Cabo, in front of Punta Palmilla. It is a nearly uninhabited beach with strong surf, so be careful if you wish to take a swim. There you can do some scuba diving and observe a wide variety of fish species as they swim around in a habitat with beautiful white sand and countless rock formations that take new shapes as time moves on.

El Arco. Located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Cabo San Lucas. This is a place where the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. At this location, there is an arch-shaped rock formation that has become the symbol of Los Cabos. You can arrive there by boat in 20 minutes. Sea lions, seals and a wide variety of colorful fish swim in these waters, making it the ideal spot for scuba diving.

Cascadas de Arena. Located near El Arco, which is about 20 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. Here you can witness an amazing natural phenomenon, cascades that were created by tectonic plate movement. You can observe this natural wonder 30 meters (100 feet) under water. A recommendable place to scuba dive where you can observe beautiful coral formations, sea lions and hammerhead sharks. A diving spot that presents a challenge even for advanced divers.

Parque Nacional Marino Cabo Plumo. Located on the East Cape, slightly more than 60 kilometers from San Jose del Cabo, this biosphere reserve has 7,111 hectares (17,564 acres). It also has the only living coral reef in western North America. An ideal place to scuba dive which offers various locations: El Islote, Brazos del Arrecife, Los Cantiles and El Bajo. At El Bajo, you can live the experience of night diving as you look for the sunken ship El Colima. This reserve is comprised of four finger reefs that run parallel to the bayshore. The reef is an estimated 25,000 years old. You can also do snorkeling in these waters, where you can find more than 350 fish species, more than 10 rocky coral reefs, many invertebrates, seaweed varieties and marine species such as whales, dolphins, sea lions, manta rays and huge whale sharks.

El Chileno. Located at Km 14.5 on the Corredor Turistico between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, this popular beach has calm waters and plenty of palm trees if you want to relax in the shade. Thanks to its clear, calm and shallow waters, it is the perfect spot to scuba dive and snorkel, and a good place to take the whole family.

Boca de la Vinorama. Its crystalline waters allow you to see a wide variety of tropical fish.

Playa del Amor. A favorite among snorkeling enthusiasts where from the water’s surface you can see the wide variety of marine life that lives below.

El Medano. Located in the middle of the Cabo San Lucas Bay near Marina Sol, it is one of the most popular beaches in Los Cabos. A good place for both children and adults to enjoy snorkeling thanks to its fairly calm waters.

Costa Azul. Located at Km 29 on the main highway of San Jose del Cabo, this long beach is known for its fine sand. Offers rental services for water sports. You can go snorkeling in its crystalline waters and see a wide array of beautiful tropical fish.

Barco Varado o del Naufrago. Located at Km 9 on the main highway of San Jose del Cabo. There lie s the remains of a Japanese boat that ran around in 1964. The waters can get rough so be careful. It is a popular place for snorkeling since you can see marine life that is brought in by the tide and gets trapped in the rock formations.
BOATING

Los Cabos has a top-notch marina with 380 slips to dock luxurious private yachts, fishing boats, and sailboats. It offers excellent facilities and all the necessary services. The marina also has many good restaurants and shopping center Puerto Paraiso, making it a great meeting point for boating enthusiasts.

Solmar – Located in front of the Finesterra and Solmar hotels, this place has dockage for many than 20 boats. Among the boats you’ll see there is the Solmar V, a vessel that will take you to the Soccorro Islands for scuba diving outings.

Marina de Cabo San Lucas –Located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas on Lot A-18 De la Darsena. It Has excellent boating facilities and service areas. You can arrive at the marina in your own boat or in a water taxi from El Medano Beach.
This marina has a reservation system that offers a long-term lease program. For more information consult the website at www.cabomarina.com.mx or call (624) 143-1251.

GASTRONOMY

Among the culinary delights of Los Cabos are fish and seafood dishes. The cuisine of this region blends a wide variety of flavors such as marinated meats and fish. You can also try tasty machaca (dried beef) burritos and such stuffed dishes as crab, fish and shrimp. Other regional specialties include lobster, shrimp and manta ray machaca dishes. Among the traditional sweets you’ll find are candied fruit and seasonal sweets prepared with syrup. During your stay in Los Cabos, you can also enjoy many gourmet dishes offered at the finest restaurants.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

In Los Cabos, you’ll find a wide array of merchandise: clothes, hats, leather products, jewelry, hand blown glass items and wood-carved marlin and whale figures. You’ll come across many other crafts and souvenirs in small specialty shops and outdoor markets selling regional goods.

TOURISM SERVICES

Los Cabos offers all the necessary tourism services. At its international airport, you’ll find national flights and service to the United States on the following carriers: Aero California, Aeromexico, and Mexicana, with flights to Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, San Antonio, Miami and Newark; American Airlines with flights to San Antonio, Dallas, Miami and Los Angeles; Continental Airlines with flights to Houston and Newark. Aeromar also offer service to Los Cabos.

As far as ground transportation, Highway 1 links Los Cabos and La Paz and Route 9, also known as the Corredor Turistico, connects Los Cabos to San Jose and Cabo San Lucas. Bus lines operating out of the city terminal are Autotransportes de Baja California ABC, Autotransportes El Aguila and Enlaces Terrestres Peninsulares ETP.

You can also arrive to the peninsula by boat from Mazatlan and Topolobampo, Sinaloa. The boats arrive at the port of Pichilingue, which is 18 kilometers (11 miles) north of La Paz and 186 kilometers (115 miles) north of Los Cabos. From there, you can take Highway 1 or 19 to Los Cabos.

Aeropuerto Internacional de Los Cabos (airport) – Located 10 minutes from San Jose del Cabo at Km 42 off the Transpeninsular Highway. Tel. (624) 146-5097

Terminal de Autobuses (bus station) – Located at Valerio Gonzalez, one block east of Highway 1. Tel. (624) 142-1100 Open daily from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS AND INFORMATION

Tourism Information Office - Located in the old post office building, between Zaragoza and Mijares Boulveard. Tels. (624) 142-3310 or (624) 142-0465

Cabo Marina – Tel. (624) 143-1251

Port Authority – Tel. (624) 143-0002

Emergencies – 060

Red Cross – Tel. (624) 143-3300

Emergency highway road service – 078