Is Cabo in Mexico?
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Yes, Cabo, short for Cabo San Lucas, is in Mexico. It’s a popular beach town at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California). Cabo is known for its water sports, vibrant nightlife, and spectacular scenery that includes a mix of mountains, deserts and golden sand beaches.
California is the closest American State to Cabo, but don’t let it confuse you: Cabo is in the Mexican State of Baja California Sur, which makes up the Baja California Peninsula with Baja Norte.
Cabo attracts millions of American tourists, with dozens of daily flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Houston among other cities.
But Cabo is not the only destination that attracts visitors: Many Californians take short trips to places like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Valle De Guadalupe in Baja Norte for leisure, medical, and family reasons.
Cabo caters largely to American tourists and prices on hotels, dining, and entertainment are higher here than in many other destinations in Mexico.
Where is Cabo San Lucas?
If you look at a map of Mexico, you’ll find Los Cabos at the very bottom of the long, narrow peninsula on the western side of the country, directly across the Gulf of California from the mainland.
The area is collectively known as Los Cabos and comprised of two main towns: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, connected by a 20-mile corridor lined with resorts, golf courses, and golden-sand beaches framed by the shimmering waters of the Sea of Cortez.
Where is San Jose del Cabo?
San Jose Del Cabo is about 19 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas. It offers a quieter, more traditional Mexican experience with colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and a relaxed, artsy vibe.
Cabo San Lucas corridor
The Cabo San Lucas Corridor, or simply “The corridor,” is a 20-mile (32 km) highway connecting Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo in Baja California Sur. This scenic route runs along the coastline, and is home to many luxury resorts, golf courses, and swimmable beaches like Playa Medano and Playa Chileno.
Where is Los Cabos Mexico on the map?
Cabo San Lucas population
The population of Cabo San Lucas is about 200,000 people. It’s been growing steadily due to its popularity as a tourist destination and a desirable place for retirees and expats, especially those from the United States and Canada.
Cabo also attracts many visitors due to its mild climate and outdoor activities like hiking, whale watching, and off-roading. The city has a short hurricane season from September through October when the Baja California Peninsula experiences increased precipitation and humidity. The rest of the year, Cabo has a warm desert climate.
How to get to Cabo:
You can get to Cabo by plane, car, and ferry, but the majority of visitors get to Cabo by plane.
1. Flying to Cabo
Flying to Cabo is the most popular option. It only takes a few hours to reach Cabo San Lucas by plane from most U.S. destinations, so it’s no surprise that most travelers choose to fly to Cabo.
Flights to Cabo San Lucas
To find the most accurate and up-to-date information on flights to Cabo San Lucas, you can use several travel websites such as Google Flights, and Expedia, or directly from airlines’ websites.
What do airlines fly to Cabo?
Cabo San Lucas has daily flights to and from the United States with American Airlines, Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. It also has flights from Canada on Air Canada and WestJet and domestic flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey with Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Interjet.
Do I need a passport to fly to Cabo?
Yes, you need a passport to fly to Cabo. You can use only a passport book, which has to be valid for at least the next 6 months from the day of your arrival.
Depending on the purpose of your travel to Cabo, you might also need supporting documents including your hotel confirmation, and a return ticket. If you are visiting Cabo for tourism, you shouldn’t get any questions from immigration authorities in Cabo, who will put a stamp on your passport and let you go.
Cabo Airport Transportation
Cabo San Lucas International Airport (SJD) is about 35 minutes from Cabo San Lucas by driving. You can get to your hotel from Cabo Airport by a shuttle bus (which you must book ahead of your trip), a public bus called Ruta del Deserto, or a rental car. Taxis are very expensive at Cabo Airport, and you should only use them as a last resort.
Where can you find the best deals on flights to Cabo San Lucas?
I often use Kayak to shop for flights, as it offers amazing deals on flights, hotels, and cars, so you can book everything in one place.
2. Driving to Cabo
Driving to Cabo is a popular option among RV’ers and snowbirds who drive the entire length of Baja California, before culminating their trip in Cabo.
Driving to Cabo from the United States is a much longer trip, and it will take you at least 2-3 days depending on the number of stops you make along the way. There is a lot to see along the way, with some
Cabo San Lucas is 1,600 km (994 miles) from the US-Mexico border, and you will need at least a week for your trip because you will likely want to make some stops along the way.
What documents do I need to drive to Cabo?
If you plan to drive from the United States to Mexico, you will need several documents, including a valid passport, Mexican car insurance, and car registration.
3. Taking a ferry to Cabo
A ferry is also an option. You can take a ferry to Cabo from Topolobampo and Mazatlan in Sinaloa, across the Sea of Cortez from Baja California.
A ferry doesn’t go directly to Cabo, but instead arrives to La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur about 2 hours from Cabo. When you get to La Paz, you can take a public bus or rent a car to get to Cabo.
Another option is to book a private shuttle from La Paz to Cabo ahead of your visit. Be aware that you will need your passport or passport card to take a ferry to Cabo, even though you are traveling within Mexico.
If you plan to bring your car on a ferry, you will also need a TIP (temporary import), because the state of Sinaloa is outside of the free zone, unlike Baja California Sur.
Click here to book a ferry ticket to Cabo.
Do I need a visa for Cabo?
If you are traveling to Cabo from the United States, Canada, or most European countries, you will not need a visa. You should check the visa requirements for Mexico before your trip.
Cabo San Lucas history
Cabo San Lucas was originally inhabited by the Pericú, an indigenous group known for fishing, gathering, and living off the natural resources of the region. Spanish explorer Francisco de Ulloa was one of the first Europeans to explore the coast of Baja California Peninsula in 1537.
It wasn’t until 1602 when Sebastian Vizcaíno, another Spanish explorer, mapped the southern tip of the peninsula and named the area Cabo San Lucas. The Spanish did not establish a permanent settlement in Cabo due to its remote location and rugged environment because of its remote location.
Pirates and smuggling
Cabo is also known for its association with legendary pirates, including Sir Francis Drake and Thomas Cavendish. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the area became a popular hideout for pirates and smugglers. The natural harbor of Cabo provided a safe place for ships to anchor, and the region became infamous for piracy as buccaneers ambushed Spanish galleons carrying treasures between the Philippines and Spain.
19th and 20th centuries in Cabo
During the 19th century, Cabo San Lucas remained a relatively isolated fishing village. The area was visited by occasional traders, whalers, and fishermen, but its remote location kept it from growing.
Late 20th century: tourism boom in Cabo
The transformation of Cabo San Lucas began in the late 20th century with the development of tourism infrastructure.
By the 1970s, the Mexican government began investing in Cabo to create a resort destination. The construction of the Transpeninsular Highway (Carretera Transpeninsular) in 1973 connected Cabo San Lucas to the rest of Baja California and mainland Mexico, opening the door to large-scale tourism.
As tourism grew, Cabo San Lucas and its neighboring town of San José del Cabo became collectively known as “Los Cabos.” The area developed into a major tourist destination, renowned for its luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and recreational activities like fishing, diving, and whale watching.
Is Cabo in Mexico: FAQ’s
How safe is Cabo Mexico?
Cabo San Lucas is generally a safe destination for tourists, especially within the main tourist areas. However, like any travel destination, it’s important to stay informed and take basic precautions to ensure your safety.
What country is Cabo in?
Cabo San Lucas is located in Mexico. It is a city at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Baja California Sur.
Is Cabo in Mexico or New Mexico?
Cabo San Lucas is in Mexico, not New Mexico. It is located in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. New Mexico, on the other hand, is a state in the southwestern United States, and Cabo San Lucas is not part of it.
Why is Cabo Mexico so popular?
Cabo San Lucas often referred to as “Cabo,” is hugely popular because of its stunning natural beauty, outdoor opportunities, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Cabo is also easily accessible with dozens of daily flights from the United States.
Is Cabo in Mexico: Final word
Now that you know where Cabo San Lucas is located and how to get there, it’s time to start planning your adventure. Check the articles below to help you find the best activities in Cabo and surrounding areas.
