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On Location: Five Tips for Doing Cabo Right
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In this Mexican resort area, as our writer discovers, a few basic pointers go a long way
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BY RIMA SUQI
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| A Baja Outback convoy heads for the hills; fish tacos, the don’t-miss Cabo snack; the Cabo San Lucas marina. |
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Though Mexico is one of writer Rima Suqi’s favorite destinations, but she’d never been to Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of the Baja peninsula, until she was assigned to write a Weekender for Endless Vacation® magazine.
Before I visited Los Cabos, all I knew about the region came from paparazzi shots—of celebrities like A-Rod and Cameron Diaz frolicking at luxury resorts and Sammy Hagar shilling his Cabo Wabo tequila. Images like these had kept me away. But I finally got to Cabo—and it wasn’t what I expected. While I heard rumors of celebrities staying at my hotel, I didn’t see a single one. I did see a number of shops selling a dizzying array of tequilas, but that wasn’t such a bad thing—I tasted (and really liked) some I’d never heard of, like Arette: It’s very smooth, and hard to find in the States.
Other than that, I loved Cabo’s beaches, restaurants and activities, and I would definitely go back. To prepare for my next visit, I’ve drawn up this short list of notes:
1. RENT A CAR
There’s so much to see, and cabs cost a fortune ($25 flat fee to and from Cabo San Lucas from any hotel in the “corridor,” the 28-mile highway between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo). Buses, while cheap, are limited in their routes. Get a four-wheel-drive car or a truck if you plan to explore the canyons and other outlying areas. The best spots are reachable only by unpaved roads, and a truck will provide a smoother ride on this terrain. (I signed on to take a hike with Baja Outback, and was embarrassed at being picked up in a Hummer. But after a turkey vulture crashed into our windshield as we drove down the highway, I was thankful to be in a big, sturdy vehicle.)
2. DARE TO DRINK THE WATER
This isn’t advised in most parts of Mexico, but filtered water is the norm in Los Cabos. In fact, it’s often filtered two or three times, and it’s freely used in cooking and for ice cubes. If you’re worried that your resort doesn’t filter, just ask. Most places pride themselves on their water purification and will bring it up during check-in or orientation.
3. EAT AT TACO STANDS
There’s nothing better than a Baja fish taco—a corn or flour tortilla wrapped around fried or grilled fish (marlin, cod, tuna or whatever’s fresh-caught that day), then garnished with add-ons chosen from a salad bar stocked with shredded lettuce, hot peppers, at least four different sauces and more. The average cost is about $2 each, so you can sample different styles at every meal. Try the ones at Hangman in San Jose del Cabo (corner of Pescadores and Marinos streets; 52-172-2093).
4. NEVER PUT YOUR PURSE ON THE FLOOR
On this trip I learned about a superstition (held by many Hispanic people) that if you set your purse on the floor, you’ll have bad luck with money. In acknowledgment, Cabo restaurants offer everything from freestanding tableside purse holders to a chair with a slide-out handbag tray.
5. TRY TO SPEAK SPANISH
While most of the Mexicans in Cabo speak English, they’re embarrassed at what they call their “bad English” (though it’s usually pretty great). To make them feel better, haul out your Spanish, however rudimentary. A little “buenos días” goes a long way!
*Prices are given in U.S. dollars.
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.
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Published: April 5, 2011
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Photos: Terremar; iStockphoto; Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau
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