Cabo San Lucas
The area was once a small fishing village, plying the waters once sailed by Spanish shippers and local pirates. In the 1930s, the area received publicity as a hidden vacation spot favored by Hollywood celebrities. Shortly after, the town of San Jose del Cabo grew and a new city, Cabo San Jose, sprung up as a more resort-driven city. Today, the area is a bustling urban district with numerous resorts, restaurants, nightclubs and tour companies. One thing has stayed the same: the area's weather. With a winter low of just 60 degrees F and a summer average of 90 degrees F, tourists rarely need to worry about bad weather.
Airport
Cabo San Lucas International Airport is the area's main airport and is located approximately five miles north of downtown Cabo San Lucas. Most major international airlines, such as Delta Airlines and American Airlines, service the airport, as well as the local airlines Aéreo Calafia and Aéreo Servicio Guerrero. Once you arrive, tourists can hire a local taxi from the taxi zone just outside of the airport's main baggage claim. Alternatively, rent a shuttle from the kiosks in the airport. A shuttle is typically much cheaper than a taxi, costing approximately MXN $150 to the Cabo San Lucas resort district while a taxi can cost approximately MXN $600.
Currency and Monetary Practices
Cabo San Lucas operates on the Mexican peso (MXN). As of September 2009, $1 is worth approximately 12 to 13 Mexican pesos. However, most establishments in the area's resort district accept U.S. currency. To make paying with U.S. currency easier, don't carry large bills. Instead, keep a large number of $1 and $5 bills. If you wish to exchange your currency for the peso, you will find exchange counters in most hotels as well as at the airport. Also, tipping is standard and ranges from 10 to 15 percent.
Accommodations
There are dozens of hotels and resorts in Cabo San Lucas, ranging from budget establishments to five-star luxury properties. Your travel agent can help you select a property that meets your needs and lifestyle. Alternatively, book a room through an online deal aggregator such as Expedia or Orbitz (see Resources). Example resorts include Pueblo Bonito Pacifica and Villa La Estancia Los Cabos.
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica
Playa El Medano
Cabo San Lucas, BS 23410
+52 624 142 9898
pueblobonito.com
Villa La Estancia Los Cabos
Camino Viejo a San José
Cabo San Lucas, BS 23410
+52 624 145 6900
villagroupresorts.com
Beaches
One of the biggest attractions in Cabo San Lucas is its pristine stretches of beach. However, care should be taken before swimming. Some of the region's beaches have very strong rip tides. Consult your hotel's concierge to learn whether it's safe to swim at the beach fronting your resort. If you cannot swim there, ask for the nearest safe beach as beach environments can shift dramatically even between beaches that are just five minutes' walk apart.
Packing Suggestions
Bring your own sunscreen to save money, as sunscreen sold at most Cabo San Lucas resorts are sold at considerably inflated prices. You may wish to bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for extra sun protection, especially if you plan to hike or walk along the coast. Due to the local climate, lightweight clothing like t-shirts and shorts are acceptable attire. However, bring dressier clothes if you plan to frequent the many high-end restaurants in downtown Cabo San Lucas, or if you plan to visit a nightclub. In addition, a light jacket may be useful as the nights can be cool and breezy.
