Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo or as most people call them in one-word, Los Cabos, are the most popular cities on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula—and fairly so. Astounding landscapes are the backdrop for a boisterous nightlife that nowadays lures celebrities and an upscale crowd from all over the world. Even though there is plenty to see and do in Los Cabos, these one-day trips and deluxe excursions will lift off your journey to this amazing corner of the earth.
In past years, Los Cabos was strongly connected with wild college students on spring break, but this seems to have changed in recent years. The Corridor—an 18-mile stretch lined up with luxurious resorts and has paved the way for transforming Los Cabos to a posh destination. Now, on the sugar-sand beaches, you’ll see a more refined crowd and the boisterous bars adjoin fancy nightclubs.
Visit the Capital, La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur situated 116 miles northwest of Los Cabos. The scenic coastal town has much to offer and attracts the likes of visitors of all ages and styles. Malecón, La Paz’s seaside promenade, passes small beaches and is dotted with piers and benches overlooking the ocean. The city’s architecture, culinary scene and of course the numerous beaches like Pichilingue, El Tesoro, La Ventana and Balandra make La Paz a top attraction. There is much to see and do in this beautiful city but as the famous quote reads: “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” On your way to La Paz from Cabo San Lucas, you’ll run across picturesque villages, cross spectacular landscapes and see the Tropic of Cancer monument.
Hike the Fox Canyon
Visit Fox Canyon (Cañón de la Zorra) and see the pure, unspoiled-by-human-intervention side of Baja California. The hike might seem a bit challenging if you aren’t the fitness type of person, but once you’ve completed the trail, you’ll find yourself standing in front of a majestic 40-foot waterfall. The blue freshwater pool at the base of the waterfall is ideal for a refreshing dive and along your way there, you’ll see plants, lizards and other animals among rocks of all sizes and colors.
Take a Photo at El Arco
El Arco Los Cabos is Cabo San Lucas’ landmark rock formation. It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Los Cabos, so if you’re a proper wanderluster with tons of travel sites on your Instagram feed, chances are you’ve already seen it in one of the countless photos. There are many ways to visit “The Arch” but all of them require to start your trip from Cabo San Lucas Marina. You can book a regular boat tour, a glass bottom boat tour or a private catamaran exclusively for you and your friends or family. There is even a kayak tour for those wanting to spice up the route a bit. The underwater landscape is as impressive as the one you’ll see without your mask on so make sure to add snorkeling to your itinerary. The colorful tropical fish swimming over the seabed, a visit to a colony of sea lions and the two coral reefs at Neptune’s Finger are the highlights of a tour to El Arco
Dive at Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
Sixty-two miles north of Cabo San Lucas lies Cabo Pulmo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the oldest and only surviving coral reef on the west coast of North America. Spanning for 7,111 hectares, the natural protected area is the dream destination of every diver and snorkeler. Once you dive into the waters Jacques Cousteau once called “the aquarium of the world” you’ll swim alongside sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and exotic fish.
Ride a Camel Safari
We bet you didn’t see this coming but it’s true. You can go on a camel safari while you’re visiting Los Cabos. Explore the Baja desert from the comfort of your seat and once you reach the point where ‘the desert meets the sea’ ride a camel right by the Pacific Ocean. Guided tours take place frequently and all of them finish in the exact same way—an authentic Mexican lunch served overlooking the water.
Luxury Sailing
Sailing the turquoise waters of Los Cabos on a boat is a wonderful experience, but visiting the region’s iconic sights on the top of a luxurious yacht is truly unique. There are many cruises to choose from depending on whether you want to snorkel or just enjoy the magical sunset. You can even book your own private sailboat, equipped with all the necessary amenities and an experienced guide on board. Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach are usually part of the cruises’ itineraries as both beaches are stunning and not accessible by foot or car.
Roam the Streets of Todos Santos
Leave the enchanting landscapes and activities in nature behind for one day and explore the scenic city of Todos Santos at the southwest of the peninsula. It takes around two hours to get there from Los Cabos, so make sure your schedule is clear for the day. With a number of local artisans’ workshops, art galleries, local restaurants and shops, the laid-back city has a welcoming and authentic atmosphere that gives a proper taste of life in one of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos.” And don’t you worry—there are several beaches near Todos Santos—like Playa Los Cerritos—if the mood strikes for toes in the sand and an ice-chilled margarita on hand.
