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SIGHTSEEING
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FROM DIVING DEEP TO RIDING HIGH, THERE’S SOMETHING FUN TO EXPERIENCE EVERYWHERE IN LOS CABOS.
By Vanessa Molina Santamaria
From the abundant marine life that calls the Sea of Cortés waters home to teeing off at world-class golf courses with breathtaking views, there’s something for everyone. Los Cabos offers unique excursions like whale watching or ATV rides through the rugged, cactus-ridden desert of Baja California Sur. If a gentle seaside stroll on camelback is more your thing, you’ll find that, too! So, whether you prefer to lounge on pristine shores with a cocktail in hand or suit up to explore all the natural wonders the region has to offer, Los Cabos promises an unforgettable getaway.
1SET OUT SPORTFISHING
TO CATCH THE BIG ONE.
Known as the “Marlin Capital of the World,” it should be no surprise that fishing enthusiasts everywhere flock to Cabo for a chance to catch “the big one.” Book a daily fishing charter and try your luck at hooking a marlin, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, snapper, and more.
TEE OFF AT ONE OF THE AWARD-WINNING GOLF COURSES. What better way to soak in some sunshine than with a round of golf at one of Los Cabos’ world2 class golf courses? With several of its courses consistently ranking in the top 100, Los Cabos is unquestionably a golfer’s paradise. Tee off as you overlook breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortés and the surrounding mountain-desert landscape.
La Vida de Rancho
The true mystery and allure of the Baja countryside lie in its quaint, sleepy towns that embody the traditional way of ranching in the outback. Local culture fuses dreamily with the quiet artisan soul, perfectly encapsulated in the tiny idyllic pueblos of Miraflores and Santiago.
Miraflores, translated as “look at flowers,” captures the innate beauty you’d expect to see with such a pretty name. The soul of the pueblo is built around the inherent Mexican cowboy culture, which spawned legendary leather making prowess. Saddle making was the town’s historical main industry, though in modern times, streetside shops showcase a variety of handcrafted leather goods. Tiny tiendas offer succulent Mexican fare to fuel your leisurely stroll. To truly experience the soul of the Baja outlands, Miraflores does not disappoint.
Santiago’s charm lies secluded in the Desert Park’s Cabo Real Ecological Preserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site encompassing 50,000 acres of protected natural habitat. The locally owned Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo, located on the preserve, blossoms with natural subtropical desert flora and fauna. A short stroll down a worn, cactus-lined path through the outback leads you to Fox Canyon and the iconic Sol de Mayo waterfall, a 40-foot cascading waterfall that plunges into a freshwater pool. Stop for a quick dip before enjoying a traditional Mexican lunch of handmade tortillas and chorizo.—Nick Honachefsky
3TREK ON CAMELBACK TO EXPLORE
SEASIDE DESERT VIEWS.
Take a one-of-a-kind journey across the shores and desert dunes aboard your very own camel. Marvel at the coastal landscapes on a guided tour that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
4ENJOY A SUNSET SAIL TO EL ARCO. The iconic rock formation known as El Arco, translated as “the arch,” marks the meeting point of the Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Ocean. Sail here at sunset and you’ll be delighted with fiery colors reflecting on the sea as the last rays create a dramatic contrast against the granite formations that make up Land’s End.
5STROLL THE GALLERY DISTRICT IN
CHARMING SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO.
Every Thursday from November to June, the streets of San José del Cabo come alive with free cultural art walks. Come in the evening to explore the many art galleries open until 9 p.m., meet artists, listen in on a lecture, or participate in a wine social while enjoying live music. Be sure to stop for dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants offering mouthwatering cuisine.
6SNORKEL IN CHILENO BAY OR DIVE
INTO CABO PULMO.
Head to Chileno Bay for the ultimate snorkeling experience. In calm waters, you may not even need snorkeling gear to spot the colorful fish swimming in the bay. For those looking for a deeper sea adventure, Cabo Pulmo National Park offers some of the best diving opportunities. The reef, located two hours from Los Cabos, is home to abundant sea life, including sharks, sea lions, octopuses, and eels.
7GO ON A WHALE WATCHING TOUR FOR
A GLIMPSE AT THE GIANTS.
During their annual migration from the ice-cold Arctic to the warm waters of the Baja peninsula, you can spot humpback whales swimming past the coastline. If you’re lucky, you may see them from shore; but for the best chance, book a guided tour. Keep your camera ready, as you never know when one of these gentle giants will breach the water! The best time to go whale watching in Los Cabos is from January through March.
DID YOU KNOW?
Each year, sea turtles including hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead species nest on the same beaches that visitors enjoy. For this reason, several hotels in Los Cabos have preservation programs to help protect the fragile turtle eggs and make sure the baby turtles make it safely out to sea once they’ve hatched.
8EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF A
DESERT-BOUND ATV RIDE.
Are fast-paced adventures more your speed? Go off-roading in the rugged, dusty countryside or explore the sandy beaches and cactus-lined desert landscape on an exhilarating ATV tour. You’ll discover hidden canyons, flora and fauna, and stunning viewpoints of the surrounding crystalline waters.
9PLAN A SIDE TRIP TO LOCAL FARMS
AND RANCHES.
You’ll get a feel for the deep-rooted farming culture when you visit one of the many ecofarms and ranches dotted across the Baja California Sur region. Here you can take farm tours, pick your own produce, and taste some of the freshest farm-to-table cuisine for a truly authentic experience. 10 SIGN UP FOR A COOKING CLASS TO RE-CREATE THE DISHES YOU LOVE. Once you get a taste of the region’s authentic Mexican cuisine, you’ll be daydreaming about it back home. So why not pick up a few recipes and techniques as a souvenir? Some cooking classes in Los Cabos also include a local market or farm tour where you can pick your own produce. Then, local chefs guide you through popular recipes for a truly unforgettable experience.
Responsible Tourism
As with any tourist destination that encourages visitors to explore, experience, and immerse themselves in local culture, social responsibility is mandatory.
Thoughtful travelers respect and preserve the environment they explore. Tourism is a two-way street and a symbiotic relationship. On your sojourn, branch out and join environmental initiatives such as helping sea turtles nest or donating to local organizations that preserve natural reef systems. Interestingly, more than 40% of the Baja California Sur territory exists as a protected natural area.
Always respect local shop owners and remember that while you’re on vacation, residents work hard to produce, sell, and showcase their wares and products to make your stay as memorable as possible. Engage in conversation and learn the basics of the language; it will go a long way in showing your kindness and respect. Build friendships with locals, whether it be a small tienda you visit occasionally or a restaurant with your favorite server. Life is about human connections, and traveling is about giving back more than you take. With that sentiment in mind, your travels will be filled with joyful memories! —Nick Honachefsky
