Can you drink the water in Cabo San Lucas?
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.
Can you drink the water in Cabo San Lucas?
No, skip tap water in Cabo and drink bottled water instead. Although tap water in Cabo goes through the filtration and treatment process, the city’s infrastructure and pipes are old, which means tap water could contain chemicals and heavy metals.
Cabo is a popular beach town on the southern tip of Baja California famous for its golden beaches, high-end resorts, and outdoor activities.
The quality of drinking water in Cabo depends on where you are staying. While major hotels and resorts usually have better infrastructure and filtration systems in place, older properties could have outdated pipes that negatively affect the quality of drinking water.
Many resorts in Cabo have drinking water in the lobby (“Agua Potable” in Spanish), so you don’t have to spend money on bottled water when you feel thirsty. Just bring your refillable water bottle to fill up and carry around.
Although some people might tell you that Cabo water is OK to drink, you should always stick to bottled water.
As a rule, stay away from drinking water in Mexico. Locals don’t drink it and you shouldn’t drink it either.
Is it safe to drink water in Cabo resorts?
Many Cabo resorts provide purified water to their guests, which is safe to drink. You can find drinking water dispensers in lobbies and other common areas. However, it’s best to skip tap water even when staying in resorts, because it often contains chemicals and metals which can upset your stomach.
✅ How to get from Cabo Airport to your hotel ?
Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Cabo?
Yes, you can brush your teeth with tap water in Cabo. While you shouldn’t drink tap water, using it for brushing your teeth is perfectly fine, as long as you don’t swallow it.
If you want to play it safe, and avoid any chances of getting unfiltered water in your system, you can brush your teeth with bottled water while in Cabo.
Can I drink coffee in Cabo?
Yes, Cabo boasts numerous coffee shops where you can try different types of coffee that come from top-producing coffee regions of Mexico like Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz.
There are several coffee shops in Cabo Marina, as well as the tourist corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo. The best coffee shops in Cabo are Lands End Coffee Roaster and Bar Esquina Coffee Shop. El Jarro is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in town where you can enjoy authentic Mexican breakfast and freshly brewed coffee.
Tips for avoiding dehydration in Cabo:
1. Buy a reusable water bottle
One of my top tips for visiting Cabo San Lucas is buying a refillable water bottle which you can carry around all day long. It’s also the best way to avoid plastic pollution, which is so common in Mexico because most people have to buy water.
Cabo has a dry, sunny climate most of the time, and it’s easy to get dehydrated if you are outside enjoying fun activities like riding an ATV, surfing, hiking, or zip-lining.
Get a stainless steel water bottle, which is lightweight and will easily fit into your bag. I always carry a water bottle in Cabo, and it’s been a real game changer, especially on my road trips when convenience stores and supermarkets are not always open.
2. Always have water in your car
If you plan to rent a car and drive around Cabo and surrounding areas like Todos Santos and La Paz, always carry water, especially if you want to explore more remote areas like hiking trails or El Salto waterfall, that don’t have convenience stores.
You can buy a pack of water in Cabo’s supermarkets and keep it in your car throughout your trip.
3. Skip foods and drinks that could make you thirsty
Overly sweet or salty foods can make you drink more water, so you should always choose lighter meals and eat more fruits and vegetables instead. It’s also a good idea to skip soda because it’s pure sugar and will only make you drink more water.
4. Limit your alcohol intake
If you want to avoid dehydration and feel better, skip alcohol, or drink in moderation, if you plan to explore bars and nightclubs in Cabo.
5. Wear a hat
Wearing a hat in Cabo will save you from the harsh sun and help to prevent dehydration. The sun in Cabo and other parts of Baja can be brutal, especially in the afternoon. During my first road trip to Baja, I got a mild sunstroke, and wearing a hat helped me to minimize the effects, so I only had a fever.
6. Avoid the afternoon sun
Spending time under the sun in the afternoon is a sure way to get dehydrated. If you spend time in the open sun, you could also get a sunburn or heat stroke. Plan your activities for early morning before the sun gets too strong.
Have lunch and take a break from 12 to 3-4 p.m., and continue your adventures in the evening, when you can spend time outside without worrying about getting too hot or dehydrated. No matter when you are out, always wear a sunscreen, even on a cloudy day.
What happens if you drink the water in Mexico?
If you drink water in Mexico, you could get sick, because of the bacteria your stomach is not used to. Popular destinations like Cabo have filtration systems in place, where water is treated with chlorine, which could also cause some adverse reactions.
Montezuma’s Revenge Illness
Montezuma’s Revenge is a colloquial term for traveler’s diarrhea, commonly experienced by travelers visiting Mexico and other countries with different food and water standards. It typically results from consuming contaminated food or water and manifests as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes even fever.
How to avoid Montezuma’s revenge in Mexico:
1. Drink bottled or boiled water
Avoid tap water, including ice made from tap water.
2. Eat cooked foods
Ensure your food is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Avoid food that doesn’t look fresh or has been sitting outside for a long time.
3. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables
Unless you can peel them yourself, it’s safer to avoid raw produce. If you want to eat something raw, always wash it throughly and dry it with a towel or cloth.
4. Be cautious with street food
Street food can be risky unless it’s a well-established spot with great reviews and happy customers. If you are new to Cabo, the best way to explore the local street food scene is by joining a guided food tour.
5. Wash hands frequently
Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
6. Dine in reputable restaurants
Always read reviews carefully before choosing a place to eat. Cabo has plenty of restaurants and bars where you can try typical Mexican dishes and more traditional western foods.
What if I get sick in Cabo?
Getting sick in Cabo is not fun and it can easily ruin your entire vacation. Depending on how bad you feel, you should determine what to do next. There are plenty of pharmacies in Cabo but there are also several hospitals. If you don’t feel better, it might be a good idea to consult with the doctor.
Get insurance for your trip to Cabo
Cabo is a popular outdoor destination that offers all sorts of amazing activities from hiking and sailing to diving, snorkeling, and surfing. While you should have fun and enjoy your trip, you never know what might go wrong.
I recommend getting travel insurance before your trip to Cabo. They will cover you in the event of accidents, lost or stolen luggage, or hospital visits.
I get my insurance through SafetyWing, a popular provider that offers budget-friendly prices and flexible plans if something happens while you are on the road.
What to do if you get sick in Mexico
If you get sick in Mexico, you should get medication or seek a doctor’s help, depending on how bad you feel. Popular destinations in Mexico usually have several hospitals in the area, where you should be able to get help.
When I got sick with dengue fever in Mexico, I went to a local urgent care office which gave me an accurate diagnosis and provided directions on how to cure the disease.
Be aware, that in some situations, you might need insurance to get medical help in Mexico. I recommend buying travel insurance ahead of your trip to Mexico, which will cover your hospital visits.
SafetyWing is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, thanks to its flexible rates and inexpensive plans.
Use bottled water to brush your teeth
If you want to eliminate any risk of getting sick in Mexico, use bottled or boiled water to brush your teeth.
I never had a problem brushing my teeth with tap water in Mexico, but I’m also careful about not ingesting any water that I use to rinse my mouth after I finish brushing.
Where to buy bottled water in Cabo
You can buy bottled water at any convenience store or supermarket in Cabo. If you are staying at an Airbnb with your friends or family, get a big container of water called “el garrafón” in Spanish.
Los garrafones are big 5-gallon (20-liter) jugs that you can bring back to refill later, which is convenient if you spend some time in Cabo.
It can be done at Oxxo, a chain of convenience stores that you can find on many streets in Cabo. It’s easier to replace your water if you have a rental car, but you can also order Uber to get to a store from your hotel or Airbnb.
You can buy “el garrafón” in most major supermarkets in Cabo including Walmart, La Comer, and Chedraui. You can also find them in small convenience stores and pharmacies.
Why is Mexican water bad?
Mexican water is bad because many parts of the country have outdated infrastructure and poor infrastructure with no adequate filtration system.
Why can’t you drink water in Mexico?
You can’t drink water in Mexico because of the high chance of contamination with heavy metals and chemicals. Some places in Mexico treat their water with chlorine, which could also make you sick if you are not used to it.
Check popular tours in Cabo San Lucas:
- Best Cabo boat tours for a fun getaway
- Fun Cabo food tours for a perfect foodie experience
- Best Cabo cooking classes
Can you drink water in Cabo San Lucas: FAQ’s
Is Cabo San Lucas safe for tourists?
Yes, Cabo San Lucas is generally safe for tourists. The majority of crime in Cabo San Lucas has to do with drug trafficking, and tourists are usually not targets of violent crime.
However, you should always be cautious, especially in busy areas. Keep an eye on your belongings and never leave your food and drinks unattended when visiting restaurants and bars in Cabo.
Is it safe to drink ice at resorts in Mexico?
Always double-check before drinking ice at Mexico resorts, because it’s not always safe. Many restaurants in Mexico buy their ice from companies that use purified water to make ice. Some restaurants also make their ice in-house. Always ask at your resort about where they get their ice before drinking it.
Can you drink the water in San Jose Del Cabo?
You shouldn’t drink water in San Jose Del Cabo, because it doesn’t have a reliable water supply. Locals usually get their water from grocery stores, so you should do the same to avoid getting sick.
Can you drink water in La Paz, Mexico?
No, you shouldn’t drink water in La Paz, because of poor quality. Always drink bottled water.
Can you brush your teeth with the water in Cabo?
Yes, you can brush your teeth with the water in Cabo, as long as you don’t swallow it.
Is it safe to drink coffee in Cabo?
It’s perfectly safe to drink coffee in Cabo. The city has many coffee shops and restaurants where you can enjoy locally roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries.
Hilton Los Cabos drinking water
Hilton in Los Cabos offers purified drinking water to its guests.
Can you have drinks with ice in Cabo?
Yes, you can have drinks with ice in Cabo, but you shouldn’t bite or chew your ice, unless you know that it’s made from clean water. Cabo resorts usually make their ice from purified water, but you should always ask if the ice in your drink is made from purified water, when in doubt.
Drinking water in Cabo: final words
Cabo is a popular resort town that attracts millions of tourists from North America, and although you might think that tap water in Cabo is safe, it’s not. Cabo has a filtration system, but as in many places in Baja California, it has old pipes which means its tap water could contain chemicals that could upset your stomach or even make you sick.
Always buy bottled water in Cabo or get purified water from your hotel or resort, when possible. Many popular resorts in Cabo have water dispensers with clean drinking water, so you don’t have to go to stores every time you get thirsty.
