Located on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, with its desert climate, breathtaking landscapes and ideal ocean setting for scuba diving. Many stars, such as George Clooney and Cindy Crawford, have made it their home, while others visit regularly for vacations. Here are a few go-to places and activities that might make you want to visit this little corner of paradise too.

 

Los Cabos consists of two towns: San José del Cabo, a traditional Mexican village, and Cabo San Lucas, which is much more touristy. Close to 35 kilometres of beautiful Sea of Cortez coastline separate them. Here, villas, luxury hotels and golf courses abound.

 

Cabo San Lucas has a very beautiful marina where sailboats, fishing boats, water taxis and sumptuous yachts are anchored. In close proximity, cafés, restaurants, shopping centres and walking paths become the meeting place for visitors from all walks of life. Once the sun sets, the city is very lively, and its nightclubs, including the Cabo Wabo Cantina founded by rock legend Sammy Hagar, are renowned for their festive atmosphere.

WHAT TO DO

THRILL-SEEKING

Hiking on desert paths, biking across the mountains to Punta Gorda or the Cabo Real nature reserve, riding camels, driving 4x4s in the desert: ecotourism and adventure enthusiasts will find an amazing array of activities in Los Cabos.

 

EL ARCO (THE ARCH)

Take a short trip to the Empacadora beach, favoured by locals. There, off in the distance, you’ll see the rocky arch that is the town’s symbol. To see it up close, take a water taxi from the marina. The view is spectacular on the tip of Baja California where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. It’s quite fitting that this place is sometimes called “the end of the world.”

 

SCUBA DIVING

There is so much marine life in the Sea of Cortez that Jacques Cousteau called it the “aquarium of the world.” Dozens of idyllic beaches, such as Playa el Chileno, are perfect for scuba diving.

SPORT FISHING

Ranked among the five best fishing destinations in the world, Los Cabos can boast of being the “Marlin Capital of the World.” Here, marlins can reach up to 500 kilos! There are also many other fish species, including the sea bream and swordfish. Pisces Sportfishing (www.piscessportfishing. com) offers well-organized fishing trips that can last several days, on crewed boats from 28-foot motor boats to luxury yachts and everything in between.

WHALE WATCHING

From mid-December to mid-March, whales hang out in the vicinity of Puerto Balandra and the beaches of Cabo San Lucas. All you have to do is get to the beach to admire them. From January to June, you can swim with whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz

GOLF

Los Cabos has no less than fifteen truly magnificent golf courses. Many resorts, such as the One&Only Palmilla, also offer golf lessons.

WHERE TO STAY

Los Cabos has a wide variety of highend accommodations, from casita rentals to ocean-view villas with private swimming pools to five-star hotels.

ONE&ONLY PALMILLA

Built in 1956, this sumptuous resort has lodged many Hollywood stars, such as Bing Crosby and former U.S. President Eisenhower. Overlooking the picturesque coast, all the rooms have a view of the ocean, top-of-the-line amenities and a butler service. The property is ideally located to take advantage of on-site and nearby activities (pool, spa, golf course, tennis, surfing, excursions, etc.)

MARQUIS LOS CABOS

This adults-only, AAA Four Diamond hotel is located on a private beach. Its 235 rooms and suites are stunning and the service is impeccable. Guests can participate in on-site activities such as dance classes and archery, and evenings are very lively. The hotel also has a large spa, three pools and five restaurants. It’s an ideal place for weddings.

 

WHERE TO EAT

Los Cabos has much to offer in terms of gastronomy. The area has excellent restaurants offering regional specialities as well as diverse and inspired cuisine. The quality of the wine also deserves mention.

HERE ARE OUR FAVOURITES:

• Acre (San José del Cabo)

• Toro Latin Kitchen and Bar (Cabo San Lucas)

• Don Manuel (Cabo San Lucas)

• Seared (hôtel One&Only Palmilla)

• Manta (Cabo San Lucas)

• Nido (hôtel Mar Adentro)

• Javiers (Cabo Azul Resort)

 

Texte : Diane Stehle