Around the World: Cabo San Lucas

By Sam Shalom

Whether you’re looking for a place to spend a long weekend or purchase a second home, we think that there is a great chance you will find something to like about Cabo San Lucas on the west coast of Mexico. Home to the Coldwell Banker Riveras office, Cabo San Lucas is a stunning coastal town with incredible beaches, extraordinary marine life, and of course, delicious Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally caught fish. There is plenty to do if you prefer adventure, from scuba diving, horseback riding, and sport fishing. For those of us who like to relax, I recommend long beach days, wine-tasting, and live music and dancing.

After reading broker-owner Leticia Diaz Rivera’s recommendations below, you should be ready to book your trip. She even has a full-day itinerary for you to get the full Cabo San Lucas so you can choose your own adventure. Between the incredible wildlife, fresh seafood cuisine and warm climate, I think this would make the perfect winter getaway, and I imagine you will agree!

Where do you live: Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, México

What is the perfect weekend day like:

Breakfast with a View: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a beachfront restaurant, savoring local delicacies like huevos rancheros or chilaquiles. The stunning ocean view and the sound of crashing waves will set the perfect tone for the day.

Beach Time: After breakfast, head to one of Cabo’s famous beaches like Medano Beach, Chileno, Santa María. Rent a beach chair, soak up the sun, and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez.

Mid-morning: Water Activities: Cabo San Lucas is renowned for its water activities. You can go snorkeling or take a boat tour to the famous El Arco, a natural rock arch at Land’s End, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for playful sea lions along the way! Also in the winter season you can watch humpback whales.

Lunchtime: Lunch at a Local Eatery: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Mexican restaurant or a beachside palapa, where you can relish fresh seafood dishes and other regional specialties.

Afternoon: Explore the Marina: Stroll through the Cabo San Lucas Marina, where you’ll find a vibrant atmosphere, luxury yachts, and various shops. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or take a boat tour if you haven’t done so in the morning.

Evening: Sunset Cruise: Embark on a sunset cruise along the coast, offering spectacular views of the setting sun against the dramatic backdrop of the Arch. Many sunset cruises include a light dinner and open bar, creating a festive and romantic atmosphere.

Dinner at a Fine Restaurant: For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at one of Cabo’s upscale restaurants, many of which offer fantastic seafood dishes and international cuisine.

Nightlife and Entertainment: End your perfect day in Cabo by experiencing the vibrant nightlife. Head to downtown Cabo to explore the lively bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Whether you prefer dancing the night away or enjoying a laid-back evening with friends, there’s something for everyone.

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What are the common modes of transportation there: Walking: Depending on where you stay, some of the popular areas in Cabo can be explored on foot.

• Rental Cars: Many visitors prefer to rent a car to explore the region independently. Several international car rental companies have offices in Cabo San Lucas. Having a rental car gives you the freedom to visit nearby towns, drive along the Cabo Corridor and beaches at your own pace.
• Public Buses: There is a local bus service, known as the “Ruta del Desierto,” that operates between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The buses are generally safe and inexpensive, making them a budget-friendly option for travel between the two cities.
• Local Taxis & UBER : Taxis are a convenient and readily available mode of transportation in Cabo. You can find them at designated taxi stands, hotels, and popular tourist areas. Or you can use UBER as well. 

Tell us about the foods your area is known for: Fresh Seafood: Being a coastal destination, Cabo is renowned for its fresh and flavorful seafood dishes. You can enjoy a wide range of options, including fish tacos, ceviche, oysters, clams, seafood cocktails, grilled fish, and lobster.

Look for dishes that feature locally caught fish, from the Sea of Cortez, regional cheeses, homemade tortillas. You can enjoy from the best “machaca” burritos to have a five-star fine dining experience.

What is your favorite meal? At home or at a restaurant: Fresh fish filets prepared any style,  Guacamole,  green enchiladas  and Burritos de Machaca (shredded and seasoned dried meat, known as “machaca”. You can get beef or fish machaca) with a side of fried beans and local fresh cheese. You can add avocado and salsa. Delicious.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region, why: I will recommend to rent a car and drive to La Paz city, expend at least 2 days. it is a 2 hour drive and also you can stop in the half way in the magical town of Todos Santos and experience a wine tasting at Las Tinajas Winery, the local wine producer that has world class wines and fruit wines to refresh the palate.  Continue to La Paz that is  known for it’s beautiful beaches such as Balandra considered the most beautiful beach in all Mexico. They have a beautiful Malecon (the coastal boardwalk) with stunning sunsets.

What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity: Personally, I like horseback riding. You can explore the mountains, beautiful areas close to “Sierra de La Laguna” rides to waterfalls, desert canyons, and secluded beaches.

Is there a specialty your area is known for: I think sport fishing and diving. Since we have a remarkable marine life. As Jacques Cousteau said  “The Sea of Cortes is the aquarium of the World”  and Cabo San Lucas is well known for the international fishing tournaments, that have a jackpot of up to 4 million dollars.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: In Cabo San Lucas, we have the annual sport fishing tournament the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin, which is the biggest tournament around the world. The cash prize are several million dollars for the winning teams.

Another fact: We have Cabo Pulmo is known for its remarkable marine life and being home to the oldest and most successful marine reserve in Mexico. Established in 1995, it covers an area of about 27 square miles (70 square kilometers) and is one of the most successful marine reserves in the world. The reserve is famous for its diverse and pristine underwater ecosystem, including vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and healthy fish populations.

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why: Vancouver, Canada. I love their city, green areas, they have the ocean and beautiful mountains.

Territory Summary: The state has shared much of its history with the rest of the peninsula, which remained in Spanish possession until 1822, the year after Mexico gained its independence. In 1830 La Paz was named the capital of Baja California. In 1887 the peninsula was divided into two federal districts. Baja California Peninsula is approximately 1,247 kilometers long from Mexicali in the North.

 Key Facts:

• Population: 800,000
• Language(s) Spoken: Spanish, English
• Climate: Dry and Desert
• Currency: MXN Pesos

Industry Facts:

• Types of Architecture: Desert, modern, colonial, contemporary
• Average Sale price: $400,000
• Price Per Square Foot: $2,500 USD/ft
• Average years in house/apt: 10 – 20 years
• Financing: Home loan financing, owner financing