How to plan a trip to Cabo San Lucas?

Planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas can be an exciting adventure that will immerse you in the heart of the Mexican culture and breathtaking natural beauty. There you can explore its stunning beaches and reefs, scuba dive, sport fish, golf and attend its many cultural events. There’s so much to do that you might not know where to start.

But don’t worry because you’re in the right place. In this post we want to help you with the first steps of organising your trip, choosing the dates, the necessary documentation and booking airline tickets and accommodation. In addition, we have prepared for you many other travel tips to help you get around the city and make the most of your experience. Are you ready for your trip to Cabo San Lucas to begin?

1. Prepare your documentation to travel to Cabo San Lucas

One of the first things you’ll need to consider when organising a trip to Mexico is the documentation required to enter the country. Depending on where you’re travelling from, this can be more or less complex and you’ll be required to provide more documents.

Wherever you are travelling from, it is mandatory to fill out the Multiple Migration Form (FMM). It is a document available both online and at points of entry into the country. This form records the entry and stay of visitors and it is essential to keep and present the FMM when leaving Mexico to comply with immigration regulations.

If you’re planning to drive during your stay, keep in mind that you’ll need to apply for an international driver’s licence. And remember, if you’re travelling with the Passporter App you’ll be able to carry all your documents on your mobile.

Here you will find more information concerning visas:

• From Europe, the United States, Canada and some Latin American countries. Citizens of these countries are not required to apply for a visa and can stay in the country for up to 180 days with just their passport. Remember that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of travel, otherwise you will not be able to board the plane. You may also be asked for your return ticket, your hotel reservation or invitation, and proof of financial solvency.
• From other countries. All other citizens will have to apply for a visa in person during an interview at their country’s embassy. To apply, you must submit an application form, your original passport and a copy of the page with your personal details, photograph and signature, as well as a recent passport-size photograph (front, without glasses, colour, white background). All documents in a language other than Spanish must be officially translated. The visa fee is $53 USD and is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. It is advisable to check that the documentation is complete before submitting the application. After the interview, if all documents have been submitted correctly, the processing time is approximately 10 days. In some cases, for long stays, health tests may also be required.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the dates for your trip to Cabo San Lucas

The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas is in spring, after Spring Break and before the summer rains begin. During these months you can enjoy the sunny weather and fewer people at the beaches and local attractions. However, prices can still be relatively high.

Autumn is also a good option. Temperatures are still pleasant but slightly cooler, there are fewer tourists and prices are more moderate. The only downside is that there can still be some sporadic rainfall.

3. Find out how to get to Cabo San Lucas

Due to its location at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, it is possible to get to Cabo San Lucas in a number of ways:

• Plane: Los Cabos International Airport receives flights from numerous cities. American Airlines, United Airlines, Calafia Airlines and Volaris operate here, offering direct flights from cities in the United States, Canada and other parts of Mexico.
• Bus: ADO offers bus services from several Mexican cities, including direct travel from Cancun with its ADO Primera and ADO Platinum services. It’s an economical option, but depending on where you’re travelling from, it can also be quite slow.
• Car: driving is a viable option via the Transpeninsular 1 highway, which runs the length of the peninsula offering a journey of breathtaking views. However, if you don’t know the area, it’s best to avoid this option.
• Ferry: Another option is to take a ferry from Mazatlán or La Paz to Los Cabos. From Mazatlán the trip takes almost 20 hours and costs between $380 and $4,000 depending on the time of year and if you bring your own car. From La Paz it takes only 2 hours and costs between $300 and $450.

To get from the airport to the city centre you can take a taxi for around $50 / $80. But we recommend you agree on the price before you get in. For convenience, we recommend hiring a hotel pick-up service.

And to get around Cabo San Lucas, if you haven’t brought your car on the ferry, you can take the local buses for around $12 and $15 or a taxi – but remember to negotiate the price beforehand!

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations for enjoying Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas offers a varied hotel infrastructure ranging from charming lodgings to high-end resorts, all arranged along a tourist corridor that connects to San Jose del Cabo. The most exclusive accommodations tend to be located near the port, while the more affordable options are found in the centre, where you’ll find a wide range of gastronomic and cultural offerings.

Whatever your preferences, we recommend you book well in advance, especially if you’re travelling during the high season. With the Passporter App you can do this through Booking, where you’ll find the best prices and read about other travellers’ experiences.

If you don’t know where to start looking for your accommodation, let us help you with this list of the best areas to stay in Cabo San Lucas:

• The Centre: is the heart of the city, ideal for those looking for affordable accommodation and want to be close to local shops and restaurants. Prices are varied, offering something to suit every budget.
• Marina: This is a lively and bustling area, perfect for those who love luxury and nightlife. Accommodation here is generally more expensive, but offers stunning views and immediate access to yachts and boat tours.
• Playa del Medano: ideal for those who prefer to be close to the beach and enjoy water activities. Hotels in this area can be expensive, but many offer direct access to the beach and excellent services.
• Tourist Corridor: this extensive area connects Cabo San Lucas with San Jose del Cabo, offering a mix of luxury resorts and more moderate accommodations, ideal for those seeking a relaxing retreat.
• Pedregal Hills/Pacific Ocean: Known for its stunning villas and exclusivity, this area is perfect for those seeking privacy and luxury. The prices are high, but the views and tranquillity justify the cost.
• San Jose del Cabo: less touristy than Cabo San Lucas and offers a quieter, more authentic atmosphere. Ideal for those who want to explore the local culture and enjoy a more relaxed stay close to the airport

5. Where and what to eat in Cabo San Lucas

The gastronomy of Los Cabos is a rich combination of flavours and ingredients among which stand out the marlin, clams and various types of seafood that are the basis for local preparations. Here’s a list of the must-try’s:

• Doraditas de Jaiba: fried corn tortillas stuffed with crab meat, served with pico de gallo and guacamole.
• Almejas Chocolatas Tatemadas: large clams served on hot stones, covered with herbs and branches that are set on fire to give them a unique smoky flavour.
• Tamales Fajados: tamales stuffed with stewed chicken and wrapped in corn husks.
• Soup ‘Comida de Pobres’(Poor People’s Food): despite its name, this is a rich and comforting seafood, bean and rice-based dish.
• Platillos de Marlín: from tacos to tostadas, marlin comes in multiple forms, all highlighting its freshness and distinctive flavour.

As for drinks and traditions, Los Cabos has Damiana liqueur, a local distillate made from the Damiana plant, typical of the region. It’s popular for its digestive and relaxing properties, and is drunk both in cocktails and straight. Will you dare to try it?

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas has so much to offer that you’ll need at least four days to enjoy its main attractions without rushing and soak up the local atmosphere. Once you’re there, however, you’ll want to stay forever.

These are the main points of interest and activities to do in Cabo San Lucas:

1. The Arch of Cabo San Lucas: an iconic rock formation that you can reach on a boat tour. Approximate price: $15-$30 USD per person
2. Whale watching: between December and April you can enjoy watching these majestic marine mammals. Approximate cost: $50-$100 USD per person
3. Cabo San Lucas Beaches: enjoy the sun on beaches such as El Medano, Playa Amor, Playa Santa Maria or Playa Chileno among many others.
4. Snorkelling in the Sea of Cortez: explore marine life in crystal clear waters. Approximate equipment rental: $15-$30 USD.
5. Camel ride on the beach: this is a unique experience at a cost of around $80-$100 USD per person.
6. Zipline Tour: Venture into the heights at a zip-line park with prices ranging from $50-$100 USD per person.
7. San José del Cabo: visit its historic centre and enjoy local cuisine and art galleries.
8. Golf: with prices per round starting at $100 USD, depending on the course and season
9. Sunset Dinner Cruise: enjoy spectacular views and a gourmet dinner. Approximate cost: $70-$120 USD per person
10. Cabo Pulmo National Park: ideal for coral reef diving, with tours ranging from $100 USD per person.

Find out more about Cabo San Lucas in this post: Things to see and do in Cabo San Lucas?

7. Organise a trip with friends to Cabo San Lucas

Exploring Cabo San Lucas with friends can be a unique experience that will allow you to discover together spectacular beaches where you can practice all kinds of water sports. This is the positive side of travelling in a group. But we also know that the more you are, the more complicated it will be to coordinate and take into account everyone’s interests. In this post you can read more about the challenges of travelling in a group: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

Our recommendation for travelling with friends is that you create a collaborative itinerary with the Passporter App, this way you can organise your trip together, adjusting to the pace and interests of each member. You can also get inspired by the itineraries of other travellers and share photos of your trip.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas

• The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.
• The country’s official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
• The plugs are type A and B, which are the same as those used in the United States and Canada. These plugs have two or three flat pins. The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V with a frequency of 60Hz.
• Before you travel, do your research on Cabo San Lucas. In addition to the most popular attractions, look for lesser-known activities that can give you a more authentic view of the country, such as popular fiestas or festivals.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date and always carry all other necessary travel documentation with you.
• Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Mexico. Check the visa requirements according to your country of origin.
• If you’re not used to spicy food, you can ask restaurants to adjust the spiciness.
• Always remember to drink bottled water and avoid ice
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re going to be outdoors for long periods of time. A hat and sunglasses are also a must to protect yourself from the sun’s intense radiation.
• Although tourist areas are generally safe, it is always wise to take basic precautions such as not displaying valuables and keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Using apps such as Passporter to plan your trip to Cabo San Lucas is free and helps you get inspiration from other travellers, as well as organise your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.
• Respect the environment. When visiting natural areas, always follow conservation rules to protect the environment around you.
• Check if you need an international driver’s licence if you plan to hire a car.
• Buy an eSIM card for mobile internet access. Our favourite company is Holafly as they offer cards for Mexico with unlimited data.
• Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially in high season or for popular destinations.

9. How do you prepare what to see on your trip to Cabo San Lucas?

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Cabo San Lucas.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to MCabo San Lucas