Planning your first trip to Los Cabos? Whether you're basing yourself in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, or somewhere along the Tourist Corridor, it's completely normal to have a few practical questions before you land.
From airport transportation and currency to swimmable beaches and practical travel tips, here's what first-time visitors should know before they land in paradise.
Yes. Los Cabos is one of Mexico's most popular vacation spots, and millions of travelers visit every year. As with any busy destination, a little common sense goes a long way: keep track of your belongings, avoid isolated areas late at night, and stick with licensed transportation. Most visitors have a safe, easygoing trip and leave with great memories.
The main airport serving Los Cabos is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).
Located near San Jose del Cabo, SJD has direct flights from dozens of cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It's also the only commercial airport serving both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, so nearly every Cabo trip starts here.
Los Cabos International Airport is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, depending on traffic.
If you're staying along the Tourist Corridor, plan on roughly 20-35 minutes from the airport. Hotels in San Jose del Cabo are closer, usually about 15-20 minutes away.
Many visitors arrange private airport transportation before arriving for a smooth start to their vacation.
Yes. International travelers, including visitors from the United States and Canada, need a valid passport to enter Mexico.
It's also a good idea to check that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip before traveling.
Mexico's official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).
U. S. Dollars are accepted in plenty of places around Cabo, including many hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Still, paying in pesos can sometimes get you a better exchange rate. Major credit cards are also widely accepted, so you'll usually have a few easy payment options.
Visitors should avoid drinking tap water in Cabo.
Our luxury villas are equipped with purified water systems, so you can safely use the water for cooking and meal prep. For drinking, though, we still suggest sticking with bottled water during your stay. It's inexpensive, easy to find, and available just about everywhere in Los Cabos, including villas, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and grocery stores. At reputable restaurants and bars, ice and beverages are typically made with purified water as well.
In most hotels, restaurants, bars, and resorts, yes.
Commercial ice is usually made with purified water, so drinks served with ice are generally safe at reputable establishments.
Yes. Medano Beach is Cabo San Lucas' best-known swimmable beach, and its water is generally calmer than what you'll find at many other beaches in the area.
Always pay attention to the beach flag system, as ocean conditions can change from day to day.
Yes, Uber does operate in Los Cabos. The catch is at the airport: pickups at SJD can be restricted, so a lot of travelers arrange private airport transportation ahead of time or use the authorized airport taxis when they land.
Once you're in Cabo, Uber can be a convenient option for getting around town.
Not necessarily.
If you're staying in Cabo San Lucas, or in a villa that includes concierge services, getting around is usually pretty straightforward. Private transportation, taxis, and Uber are all easy options for short trips and nights out. But if you want to wander farther - nearby towns, quieter beaches, or the East Cape - renting a car can make the trip feel a lot less boxed in.
Yes. English is widely spoken throughout Los Cabos, especially in hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and shops.
While learning a few basic Spanish phrases is always appreciated, most visitors have no trouble communicating.
Travel insurance isn't required, but it's highly recommended.
Travel insurance can help cover the messy stuff that sometimes gets in the way of a vacation, from unexpected medical bills and trip cancellations to delays, lost luggage, and other disruptions you didn't see coming.
Cabo draws visitors all year, but November through May tends to be the sweet spot. The weather is warm, the humidity stays lower, and it's generally the stretch when the destination is at its busiest.
Winter is also humpback whale season, which is a big draw. Summer, on the other hand, tends to be hotter, but you'll usually find fewer crowds and better vacation deals.
Pack light, breathable clothing along with a few vacation essentials:
- Swimsuits
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sandals
- A hat
- Flip-flops
- A light sweater for evenings on the water
If you've got fishing, golf, ATV tours, or similar outings on the schedule, tuck in the right clothes for those too.
Cabo works for a few different budgets, but overall, it has a reputation as one of Mexico's more upscale beach destinations.
If you're staying at an all-inclusive resort, a lot of the food and drink is already covered, which makes budgeting feel a lot less slippery. But once you start eating out at restaurants, booking excursions, heading out for nightlife, or staying in a luxury villa, the extra costs can climb faster than you might expect.
Planning ahead and setting a budget for dining and activities will help you get the most out of your trip.
A first trip to Cabo tends to stick with you. You might spend the afternoon stretched out on Medano Beach, sail past El Arco as the sun drops, linger over fresh seafood, or settle into a luxury villa at the end of the day. However you like to travel, Cabo gives you plenty to work with.
A little planning goes a long way in Los Cabos. When you know the essentials before you arrive, you can spend less time sorting out logistics and more time actually enjoying the trip.
