Best Things To Do in Los Cabos
Los Cabos is a destination that has become popular in recent years in Mexico, offering an alternative to know the Pacific coast from the Gulf of California. Here are the best things to see and do in this place.
If you want to know an alternative destination in Mexico, away from the popular cities of the Riviera Maya, the attractions of Mexico City and the stately beaches of Acapulco, you can opt for Los Cabos, a popular destination in Baja California that offers a pleasant climate during most of the year and also a series of activities to enjoy nature.
Among the best activities you can do in Los Cabos are visiting San Lucas and the popular El Medano beach, touring the picturesque neighborhood of Santiago, walking through El Pedregal, visiting Cabo Pulmo National Park, getting to know the local desert, hiking to the San Lucas Arch and visiting the Fox Canyon waterfall, which is one of the most striking attractions of this destination.
1. Visit Cabo San Lucas and El Medano beach
Visiting Cabo San Lucas and El Medano Beach in Los Cabos will allow you to enter a coastal paradise of natural beauty and fun. Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, this tourist site is famous for its cliffs, crystal clear waters and year-round warm weather. Cabo San Lucas has become a must-visit place for sun, beach and water activities lovers.
In addition, El Medano beach is one of the most popular and lively beaches in this destination. With its long stretch of soft, golden sand, it is the perfect place for you to relax, sunbathe and enjoy the sea. The area also has restaurants, bars and water activities that will allow you to enjoy some of the best snorkeling experiences in Los Cabos.
One of the most emblematic attractions in Cabo San Lucas is the famous natural stone arch, known as El Arco. This iconic rock formation marks the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Taking a picture in front of the arch is a must-do experience for visitors, although you'll have to take a cruise excursion to get there.
Nightlife in Cabo San Lucas is vibrant and full of energy. The lively downtown area offers a wide range of bars, clubs and restaurants that guarantee fun until the wee hours of the morning, especially if you plan to visit Los Cabos in July or during the summer months.
2. Tour the picturesque neighborhood of Santiago
The neighborhood of Santiago, located in the Baja California Sur region, is known for its relaxed atmosphere, cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, making it one of the most picturesque and traditional places in Los Cabos. By touring Santiago, you will be able to immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals and have the opportunity to discover the essence of this charming corner.
The heart of Santiago is its picturesque main square, which offers a tranquil space surrounded by trees and colorful flowers. There visitors can relax on the benches, enjoy the shade and admire the colonial architecture of the local church.
The church of Santiago Apostle, built in the 18th century, is an architectural treasure worth visiting. Its white facade and bell tower stand out in the neighborhood's landscape, and the church's interior is equally impressive.
Another attraction of Santiago is its natural setting. Surrounded by mountains and hills, this neighborhood is an ideal starting point for exploring the natural beauty of the region. You can go hiking or trekking in the nearby canyons, where you will find beautiful waterfalls and natural pools. Because of its location and popularity, you can reach the city by public transportation or with transfers from the Los Cabos airport.
3. Walk through the Pedregal neighborhood
To walk through the Pedregal neighborhood in Los Cabos is to enter an exclusive and luxurious enclave amidst the natural beauty of the region. Located on the Baja California Sur peninsula, this residential neighborhood stands out for its beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. As you walk through Pedregal, you will appreciate its sophisticated architecture, beautiful gardens, and tranquil and safe environment.
The Pedregal neighborhood is characterized by its narrow streets, Mediterranean-style homes, and impressive mansions, as it is the residential area of this destination. The architectural design of the properties reflects the harmony between luxury and natural surroundings, with spacious terraces, private pools and panoramic sea views.
One of the most outstanding attractions of Pedregal is its famous entrance arch, known as El Arco de Los Cabos (The Arch of Los Cabos). This majestic structure is an iconic symbol of the neighborhood and marks the entrance to this exclusive enclave. There you can take pictures and admire the panoramic views of the ocean and the city, which is why its tour is usually included in the best excursions and full-day tours in Los Cabos.
In addition to its architectural beauty, the Pedregal offers fine dining restaurants, luxury spas and private clubs. It also has privileged access to the area's beaches, where you can enjoy the sun, water sports and relax in an idyllic setting.
4. Visit Cabo Pulmo National Park
If you want to visit one of the main natural sites in Los Cabos, then you can't miss Cabo Pulmo National Park, which is an underwater paradise of biodiversity and conservation. Located on the east coast of the Baja California Sur peninsula, this national park is recognized as one of the most impressive coral reefs in the Gulf of California.
Cabo Pulmo National Park is home to the only living coral reef in the Gulf of California, making it a sanctuary for a great diversity of marine species. Divers and snorkelers marvel at the abundance of underwater life, including sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and a variety of tropical fish.
In addition to the marine wealth, the park also boasts terrestrial beauty. Its white sand beaches and desert landscapes offer a perfect setting to enjoy nature in its purest state. You can hike along the park's trails, observe endemic birds and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the coast, even if you plan to travel to Los Cabos in November, December or during the winter months.
The conservation and preservation of Cabo Pulmo National Park are fundamental to maintaining its exceptional biodiversity. The park is a successful example of how the local community has worked together to protect this valuable ecosystem.
5. Hike in the Los Cabos Desert
If you are a fan of adventure excursions you can't miss hiking in the Los Cabos Desert, which offers a unique and captivating landscape, where aridity and beauty meet. This desert is known for its cacti, rugged mountains and vast expanses of golden sand. As you hike through the desert, you will have the opportunity to connect with nature, explore the trails and admire the panoramic views.
The desert is home to a variety of flora and fauna adapted to the extreme arid conditions. Giant cacti, such as the cardon, are an iconic sight in the desert landscape and create a surreal atmosphere. In addition, you can find plants such as maguey and agave, which are used in the production of traditional beverages such as mezcal, a typical distillate of Baja California.
Hiking enthusiasts will find an extensive network of trails through which they can enter the desert and discover its hidden wonders. From short hikes to longer routes, visitors can choose the level of difficulty and duration of their journey.
Hiking in the Los Cabos Desert offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with the serenity and natural beauty.
6. Take a hike to the Cabo San Lucas Arch
A trip to the Cabo San Lucas Arch will allow you to see one of Baja California's main attractions and visit the exact point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
This arch is known for its distinctive shape and cliffs that rise above the water. To visit this site you should opt for a boat excursion, which will allow you to get up close and enjoy a panoramic view of this rock formation. In addition, you will be able to observe the colony of sea lions that inhabits the nearby rocks.
During the excursion, local guides share stories and legends related to the Cabo San Lucas Arch, enriching the experience with cultural and scientific knowledge. It is also common to spot seabirds and, at certain times of the year, it is possible to observe migratory whales passing through the area. The beauty of the marine environment and the abundance of wildlife make this excursion an unmissable experience.
In addition to the Arch, the excursion allows you to visit other nearby attractions, such as Love Beach and Divorce Beach. These pristine and secluded beaches are ideal for enjoying some quiet and relaxing time. Visitors can disembark at these beaches and explore their natural beauty, sunbathe on the soft sand and swim in the crystal clear waters.
7. Get to know Playa del Amor
Lovers Beach, also known as Playa Escondida, is located in a rock formation on the Baja California Sur peninsula and can only be accessed through a natural tunnel that opens in the rock at low tide. By visiting this beach, you can enter a place where serenity, privacy and beauty combine in harmony.
La Playa del Amor is famous for its white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. The contrast of the color of the sand with the intense blue of the ocean creates an idyllic and photogenic setting. There, you can relax in the public area, sunbathe, swim or simply enjoy the panoramic view of the ocean.
One of the most captivating aspects of Playa del Amor is its romantic and secluded atmosphere. Surrounded by cliffs and protected by the surrounding rock, this beach offers privacy and an intimate atmosphere that is difficult to find in other areas of Los Cabos. It is an ideal place for couples looking to enjoy a romantic moment in a paradisiacal setting.
La Playa del Amor is a natural treasure that invites you to disconnect and enjoy the beauty of nature in a unique environment. When visiting Los Cabos, you can't miss the opportunity to discover this magical corner that is one of the best kept secrets of Baja California.
8. Visit the San Jose del Cabo Añuití Mission
Visiting the San Jose del Cabo Añuití Mission will allow you to become a witness to the history and spirituality of Los Cabos. This ancient mission was founded in the 18th century by the Jesuits and became an important center of evangelization in the region. As you tour the mission, you will appreciate the Spanish colonial architecture, the beautiful gardens and the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds the place.
This mission is an example of the colonial architecture of this destination. Its white facade, carved wooden doors and bell tower stand out among the landscape. The interior of the church features baroque style altarpieces and religious paintings that reflect the devotion and art of the time.
In addition to its architectural value, the mission has historical and cultural significance for the local community. It is a place of veneration and pilgrimage, where the faithful come to participate in religious ceremonies and pray. The tranquility and spirituality that permeates the grounds invite reflection and connection with the sacred.
Visiting the San José del Cabo Añuití Mission will allow you to see not only a place of religious and cultural importance that offers a unique perspective on the influence of Spanish colonization in Los Cabos, but also to connect with the spiritual essence of this historic corner.
9. Take a snorkeling tour in Los Cabos
Taking a snorkeling excursion in Los Cabos will help you immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Baja California and its rich marine biodiversity, which makes this region a paradise for lovers of underwater exploration. When embarking on this adventure, visitors have the opportunity to discover coral reefs, swim with tropical fish and marvel at the marine life that inhabits these waters.
Los Cabos offers a variety of ideal places for snorkeling, such as Santa Maria Bay, Chileno Bay and Cabo Pulmo National Park. These sites are characterized by calm, clear waters that allow excellent underwater visibility. When diving in these waters, visitors can come face to face with colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays and even whale sharks, especially if you plan to visit Los Cabos in August or during the summer.
During the snorkeling excursion you will be provided with the necessary equipment and the assistance of expert guides who will offer instructions and ensure the safety of all participants. The guides will also share with you knowledge about marine life and underwater ecosystems, providing an educational and enriching experience.
10. Meet the Fox Canyon Waterfall
If you want to know a hidden oasis in the middle of the desert you can't miss the Fox Canyon Waterfall, which is located in the mountains of the Sierra de la Laguna and is a treasure that surprises visitors with its beauty and serenity. To reach the waterfall you must hike through trails surrounded by lush vegetation and listen to the sound of flowing water before encountering the wonder of the waterfall.
This site has a waterfall of approximately 10 meters, creating a natural pool where visitors can cool off and swim in its crystal clear waters. The natural environment surrounding the waterfall is impressive, with high cliffs, lush vegetation and the soothing sound of falling water. In addition, there are areas for picnics and resting, allowing you to enjoy a moment of tranquility in the middle of nature.
This waterfall is also known as El Salto, and is a popular destination for adventure and ecotourism lovers. Visitors can explore the different pools and canyons found in the area, jump from the rocks into the crystal clear waters or simply relax amidst the natural beauty that surrounds them. It is an ideal place to connect with nature, enjoy the peace and serenity of the environment and create unforgettable memories.