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About Los CabosTwo small and very different towns, San José del Cabo to the northeast, Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip, bracket a twenty-mile seacoast "Corridor", home to a range of elegant hotels, and to a collection championship golf courses that combine the green velvet-in-a-desert look of Arizona links with the oceanfront challenges of Pebble Beach. Picturesque and historic San José del Cabo still looks like the 18th Century mission town it once was; Cabo San Lucas, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortés (home to world-class Marlin fishing) at a natural stone arch, jumps around the clock with shops, restaurants and nightclubs, the Marina and the mariachis. In both towns, and all along the highway between them, are places to stay that suit any style and fit most budgets. Los Cabos is at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Approaching by air across the Sea of Cortés (which separates the Baja from the rest of Mexico) the visitor first sees contrast: the craggy peaks of the Sierra de la Laguna form a backdrop to miles of golden beach, blue water and dramatic red rock formations; saguaro cactus, palms and cultivated gardens cover the pale gold desert landscape. Cabo San Lucas is best identified by the image of the world famous rock arch formation "El Arco" where the Pacific meets the warm water of the Sea of Cortes. Like many of its hotels, the name "Los Cabos" is recent: it means "The Capes." Helpful InformationLos Cabos is on the southernmost tip of the 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula, west of mainland Mexico, and just below Southern California. The Sea of Cortés borders Los Cabos on the east; the Pacific Ocean is to the west. Los Cabos is approximately 1,000 miles south of San Diego. The region’s geography is a dynamic mix of unspoiled desert landscape, white sand beaches and dramatic rock outcroppings. "El Arco," a distinctive rock arch that sits at the tip of Land’s End, is Los Cabos’ most famous geographic landmark. "El Arco" dips into the sea at exactly the spot where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. LANGUAGE: Although Spanish is the official language of the Los Cabos region, English is widely spoken. CURRENCY: The Mexican peso is the official currency. The exchange rate fluctuates, but banks are usually the best place to change money. BEACHES: From San José del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas there are twenty very varied main beaches to explore. The most famous are Playa Costa Azul, a haven for surfers; Playa Palmilla, a favorite spot for shutterbugs; Santa Maria Bay, with its protected cove and marine sanctuary; Playa Chileno, known for its fine swimming and snorkeling; Playa El Médano, the center of Cabo San Lucas watersports and Playa del Amor, accessible only by watercraft and near the famous "El Arco", where the Sea of Cortés meets the Pacific Ocean. Many are secluded, others popular, and some have restaurants and changing rooms while some do not. At some, currents may be strong, and visitors are advised to seek advice in choosing a beach to fit their needs. GETTING AROUND: Taxis are abundant and available at the airport, major hotels and taxi stands. Public transportation is also available. Rental cars are available; a valid US driver’s license will be accepted. POPULATION: 230,000 TIME: Mountain Standard Time which is one hour ahead of Pacific Standard Time; one hour behind Central Standard Time and two hours behind Eastern Standard Time. CURRENT: The electrical current is 120 cycles/60 volts, the same as in the United States. HistoryUntil the early 1970's the secrets of Baja Sur were known to only the heartiest of travelers. The Sea of Cortes is one of the world's unique ocean environments. It is considered to be the biologically richest body of water on earth, supporting over 800 marine vertebrates species. Formed millions of years ago in what is today the Baja Peninsula slid westward along the San Andreas fault, the Sea stretches 1,125 km north to south, The shallower northern waters give way to deeper nutrient rich zones near the resorts of Loreto and La Pas. The two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo make up Los Cabos. Francisco de Ulloa, Hernán Cortés's navigator, came upon Cabo San Lucas in 1537. Pirates discovered this trade route and Cabo San Lucas found itself frequently under siege. San José del Cabo, was founded in 1730 as a Jesuit mission on the banks of the Rio San José estuary. In the 1940s and 50s, Cabo San Lucas first saw modern development when millionaires built their vacation homes along the cliffs that towered above magnificent, clear bays and coves. Luxury resorts followed in the 1960s. Although it is the municipal center of the two towns and a considerable amount of expansion and development has taken place there, San José del Cabo feels much like a Mexican village. Cabo San Lucas, has a bustling atmosphere lots of shopping areas, nightlife activity. The area's sport fishing fleet is located there and several cruise ships call on the port. |
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