The tip of the Baja Peninsula consists of 2 large towns connected by 20-mile-long stretch of white-sand beaches, 18 golf courses, and luxury resorts -known as the Corridor. Cabo San Lucas is where the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) and the Pacific Ocean meet. It is busier, noisier and more touristy than San Jose del Cabo.
We stayed at RIU Palace at the very end of Cabo San Lucas. It’s located 40 minutes from San Jose del Cabo and a $45 cab ride; 10 minutes from Cabo Centro $17 cab driver. Located right on a beautiful beach with aqua blue water.
RIU Palace is a BIG Resort -600 rooms with 2 big pools a Night Club with 4 nights of live entertainment, and 5 restaurants: Italian, French, Japanese, Buffet, Indian. All restaurants were open nightly. Also included are free Wi-Fi, a drink dispenser, minibar. We enjoyed lunch in town or while in activity but only the only option was the buffet. Overall, the RIU provide good service, food, and drinks. It is also next to Rui Santa Fe which has additional restaurants, a sports bar and RIU Party that you can enjoy.
You can go on various excursions to delight in the spectacular natural scenery, discover places like San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas or visit the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Cabo San Lucas’ natural beauty: the dramatic arch status at Land’s End. But it also where the cruise ships anchor (Royal Caribbean Navigator) so when its town can be a much more crowded experience. We were in Cabo San Lucas Centro on a Sunday, where we went to mass at the St. Lucas Church, which is next to town square, the Natural History Museum and as you walk to “downtown” area, some less expensive and less touristy shops. We enjoyed lunch at La Casa Country in the Cabo San Lucas Marina. For starters, you can’t go wrong with chips and guacamole (roughly $7.70 U.S.), the latter prepared to order tableside.
We also enjoyed incredible offshore fishing trip from the marina. Leaving at 6 am and getting into the fish within hour catching a mahi mahi, jack Courville and a 120-pound striped marlin! It was a once in a lifetime experience. But prepare for rough water and possibility of getting drenched.
San Jose del Cabo is a charming colonial town. It’s known for its sandy beaches and colonial buildings. The San José missionary church, rebuilt in 1940, faces Plaza Mijares in the heart of the historic district. Nearby art galleries exhibit work by local artists. East of the city is San José Estuary, a nature reserve with bird species like hummingbirds, ibis and herons.
Whale Watching- The winter months bring an awe-inspiring sight to the coastline of Los Cabos as humpback whales begin their annual migration. Varying year-to-year, whale watching season typically begins in early December and lasts through mid-April.
Lover’s Beach isn't accessible by foot or car. Only by boat! Depending on the type of experience you want to get out of it, prices can range anywhere from $10-$50 USD for a water-taxi or boat tour
Note: Airport Transfers. If you arrange private or shared transfers, it is quite confusing when you exit the airport. There are many many transportation vendors, hotels, car rentals and others waving signs. Recommend one watch the luggage, while your traveling partner searches the signs for the right transfer vendor.
Weather in January: Cool in evening. Light jacket sunny and warm during day
All beaches along the water are public and many vendors will be selling hats, beach gear and sodas. They are pushy but do accept a firm no graciously. Though the hotels on beachfront do have a private sandy area for their guests.
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