Cabo San Lucas / Mexico

At the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula lies Cabo San Lucas, often simply called Cabo (translated as Cape Saint Luke). The resort town, chosen as one of the five best tourist destinations in Mexico, is renowned for its beaches, water activities, and vibrant nightlife.

Archaeological findings have proven that people settled in the Cabo San Lucas area over 10,000 years ago. When the first Europeans arrived, they encountered the Pericú tribe, who lived by gathering and hunting. At the beginning of the 20th century, Cabo was just a small fishing village, but in 1917, an American company built a floating platform for tuna fishing, and the town began to grow.

In the 1970s, construction began with the aim of building sufficient tourist infrastructure, and the city became popular, especially among celebrities. In 2014, Cabo San Lucas was severely damaged by Hurricane Odile, but today tourists from all over the world won't find any traces of its aftermath.

The main attraction of Cabo is undoubtedly its beautiful beaches. The main – and also the busiest – is El Médano, with crystal-clear water and countless restaurants and bars, located just south of the city. Here, you can enjoy various water sports – from snorkeling to water skiing. At the southernmost tip of the peninsula, known as Land's End, you'll find the stunning Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor), accessible only by boat.

Nearby is one of the area's biggest attractions, El Arco. The impressive rock arch is part of the Los Frailes formation. The Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez here, and while you're there, look out for pelicans and sea lions.

In the winter season from October to the end of March, you also have a fairly good chance of spotting gray whales. Every year, thousands of these creatures come to the shallow warm lagoons in the area to raise their young. Many whales pass right by the city, and you can take a 3-4 hour boat trip offered by many tour operators to see others.

On the main square of Cabo San Lucas, with several restaurants and shops, you'll find the Church of Saint Luke (Iglesia de San Lucas), built by Spanish missionaries in 1730. Despite several reconstructions, the church has retained its 18th-century appearance and is an ideal place to admire local architecture and traditions.

Before you leave Cabo, don't forget to taste the excellent fresh fish and seafood at one of the local restaurants.

Places Worth Seeing

El Arco – Board a boat (panga) and go admire one of Cabo's most beautiful natural phenomena, the striking rock arch El Arco.

Playa del Divorcio – Enjoy a stunning sunset at Divorce Beach, the counterpart to Lover's Beach, located on the Pacific side of the peninsula.

Iglesia de San Lucas – Stop by the main square at the Church of Saint Luke, built by Spanish missionaries as early as 1730.

Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo – Explore the richness of one of the area's most beautiful coral reefs with a snorkel and take a walk to the unique rock formation Las Sirenitas.

Cabo del Sol Golf Club – Hit a few balls on one of the country's most beautiful and challenging golf courses.

Todos Santos – Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Cabo and recharge in the sleepy town, home to artists, cafes, and the Hotel California, known from the popular song by The Eagles.

Mi Casa – Enjoy the excellent Chile en Nogada, a popular dish of Mexican Independence Day in the colors of the Mexican flag, prepared for you at a restaurant near the main square.