Los Cabos, Mexico
By Brandon Warner, President and Co-Founder of Traveler's Joy
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 79°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, sport fishing, also to enjoy a romantic getaway on a pristine beach as you gaze out onto El Arco, a rocky arch formation 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 honeymoon couple thanks to its gorgeous beaches.
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Los Cabos & Baja California Peninsula Overview
Located in the northwest region, the Baja California Peninsula borders the United States on the north, lies east of the Pacific Ocean and west of the Sea of Cortez. The region was formerly inhabited by nomadic groups that left remarkable cave paintings as a testimony of their presence. Religion subsequently proved more effective than weapons in conquering the Indians and the remains of Jesuit missions can still be seen throughout the state.
This is one of the least humid areas in the world, with a dry, extreme climate. The landscapes are unusual, since the blue shades of the sea contrast with the desert and its steeply sloping mountain ranges covered with cactus. This strip of land contains fertile valleys and gorgeous beaches; its terrestrial and marine life is extremely varied while its wines and seafood are among the best in the country.
Its territory, which spans about 1,300 kilometers (806 miles) from north to south, is divided into two states: Baja California and Baja California Sur. In the former, Tijuana stands out as one of the most visited border cities in the world, thanks to its popular bullfights, dog racing, cultural center and its famed contribution to international cuisine: the Caesar salad. Also in the state of Baja California, you can visit Ensenada, a town surrounded by nearby vineyards, which explains why it has become the peninsula's cultural capital in recent years. Or you can do some whale watching at la Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammons Lagoon), where you can spy the Gray Whale. Also nearby is Rosarito, one of Mexico's top destinations for scuba diving and fishing.
In the peninsula's southern state, Baja California Sur is one of the states with the lowest population density, with fewer than 400,000 inhabitants. It was originally occupied by nomadic groups that left testimony of their presence in cave paintings. Baja California Sur was raised to the category of a state in 1974, when tourist resorts such as Cabo San Lucas and San Josè del Cabo were developed.
There are narrow canyons, the Sierra de la Giganta, and, to the south of La Paz, the state capital, the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve, whose abundant vegetation and conifers are inhabited by endemic fauna; you can also swim in hot spring lakes. Visitors can ride mules or bicycles to the missions and fertile ranches built by the Jesuits over three hundred years ago.
In addition, you'll find incredible natural scenery: beach resorts, deserts, nature reserves and the mountains of the Sierra de San Francisco, where you can witness magnificent cave murals or visit old missions. What's more, you can enjoy the numerous spas and resorts of Los Cabos, one of Mexico's most popular destinations, which also offers top-notch golf courses. North of Los Cabos, in La Paz and Loreto, you can do some sport fishing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving and whale watching on the Sea of Cortez.
For road trips, it's worth noting that you can drive across the region along the Transpeninsular Highway, which stretches from Tijuana to Los Cabos. You can also travel by way of the so-called Escalera Nautica, a nautical route that stops at various ports along the coast.
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Activities and Attractions
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.
Shopping. There are many places to shop, including the following malls and stores: Plaza Puerto Paraiso (near the Cabo San Lucas Marina), Plaza del Mar, Sol Dorado, Plaza Bonita, Almacen Goncaseco, and Copal. You’ll also find smaller shops, outdoor markets and exclusive boutiques selling such items as rustic furniture, silver jewelry, hand blown glass products, ceramics, masks and other crafts.
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.
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.
Historical Architecture. The historical architecture of this destination is reflected in the monuments of San Jose del Cabo, a colonial town where you can walk down the streets and enjoy the magic and tradition that has persisted over the years, despite the town’s rapid growth.
Kayaking. Kayaking is one of numerous water sports that you can do in Los Cabos, thanks to its mostly calm waters. While paddling through its amazing waters you’ll develop a greater appreciation for the region’s abundant marine life. From the water’s surface, you’ll see pelicans, sea lions and seals, amongst other species.
Nightlife. Another main tourist attraction that Los Cabos offers is its thriving nightlife. Along the Corredor Turistico, you’ll find the best places to enjoy music, where you can dance to the rhythms of pop or rock. Some spots offer an ocean view with excellent food and drink.
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Cost
In general, Mexico is known for its affordability factor for a honeymoon. The airline situation in Mexico is improving, with many new regional carriers offering scheduled service to areas previously not served. In addition to regularly scheduled service, charter service direct from U.S. cities to resorts is making Mexico more accessible. Before you start your search for the lowest airfare, you may want to consider booking your flight as part of a honeymoon travel package. Honeymoon packages are sold in bulk to tour operators -- who resell them to the public at a cost that usually undercuts standard rates.
The best honeymoon deals usually coincide with high season -- from mid-December to April -- when demand is at its peak, and companies are more confident about filling planes. You might think that package rates would be better during low season, when room rates and airfares plunge. But the key is air access, which is much easier during the winter. Honeymoon packages vary widely, with some companies offering a better class of hotels than others. Some offer the same hotels for lower prices. Some offer flights on scheduled airlines, while others book charters. In some packages, your choices of accommodations and travel days may be limited. Each destination usually has some packagers that are better than the rest because they buy in even bigger bulk. Not only can that mean better prices, it can mean more choices.
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