I am a travel professional from Colorado. Here is my A to Z review of my latest adventure to Cabo San Lucas
Ambiance
-If you want restaurants, shopping and nightlife, Cabo San Lucas is the place. For a more relaxing setting, stay in what is known as the Corridor, the stretch of land between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. For a taste of "Old Mexico" a day in San Jose del Cabo fits the bill.
Beach
- The myth about Cabo is there are a few good beaches. The fact is there are plenty of great beaches, but few areas that you can swim in the ocean. The undertow is the issue. Medano Beach is swim able but more crowded. In my opinion, give me a nice beach to walk on and get my feet wet, but if I want to take a swim, let me jump in a big frew frew pool. You can't find a swim up pool bar in the ocean!
Distances
- From Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo is approximately 20 miles. It takes about 30-35 minutes to get from one end to the other depending on traffic.
Entertainment
-Cabo Wabo and Squid Row still rule the nightlife. If lines outside the club are a measure, Squid Row wins hands down! Golf and deep-sea fishing are also popular. Companies offer ATV tours and now you can even go dune buggy racing!
Food
- There is an abundance of restaurant choices. More of the resorts have gone to an All-Inclusive plan where your food and drinks are included in the price.
Getting Around
- Can you spell TAXI? Figure $20-$30 one-way from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas and add about $7-$10 per person for extra riders. The reason why I can't give you an exact price....It depends on how well you negotiate. The best bargain is the public bus where $2 takes you the whole way.
Interesting Fact
-Water costs more than beer. Yes it is true, a golf pro said if they can figure out how to irrigate the golf course with beer, they would save a ton of money.
Jackets and Ties
-Keep them at home!
Kids
-Cabo has become more family friendly and many of the resorts now offer kids programs
Languages
-English is widely spoken, but I suspect those who speak Spanish do much better in negotiating a taxi fare.
Medical Services
-Cabo does have medical facilities readily available. Make sure you have insurance that covers you and even so, I suspect you pay them now, collect from insurance later.
Negatives
-The one negative I hear is not enough swim able beaches.
Nightlife
- Plenty of nightlife just a TAXI ride away.
Opportunities
-For those who want the thrill of getting behind the wheel and racing, $250 will get you 9 laps of dune buggy racing.
Pools
-Every resort has great pool areas. But if you want a pool with a fantastic view, the new Riu Palace is the place.
Protection
-Cabo is very safe but always be prudent as a tourist.
Recreation
-Did we say golf, tennis, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, ATV rides, dune buggy racing and some serious relaxing!
Resorts
- Cabo offers a wide array of economic to luxury resorts. For those of you who say all I want is a clean room and close to all the action, Costa Real Cabo fits the bill. Don't expect anything fancy but clean and convenient. My choice on my next visit will be the new Riu Palace. If you like opulent, fancy infinity pools and a view to die for, this is my choice.
Shopping
-A brand new mall has opened in the last few years, called Puerto Paraiso Mall. Excellent shopping with restaurants and the marina on its doorstep. Also a great place to get out of the heat.
Terrain
-very dry and dessert landscape.
Updates
- The Puerto Paraiso Mall is a new addition to the Cabo experience. There is also a new service called Hop On Off city Tour that can take you up and down the corridor and you can get off and on at various drop off points.
View
-The best place to whale watch from your room, the Finisterra Resort. Make sure you get a tower room, ocean view.
Weather
-Warm and dry all year. They do get more rain in September and October. This is a great choice if you normally vacation in July or August to avoid the Monsoons and hurricanes. Cabo was hit by a hurricane a few years ago but it does not sit in the traditional hurricane path.
WOW Factor
-It had been a few years since I had been to Cabo and I was impressed this last visit. I have a new found appreciation for the area. I like the idea of having a place we can suggest in the summer and not be as concerned about the weather.
X-Y-Z
-Overall impression is this a great choice for couples and families with children. If you want a nice relaxing vacation, I highly suggest it.
David L. Rojahn
President
DTR Travel Inc.
Family Travel Specialists
303-740-8812
http://www.dtrtravel.com