Los Cabos

You can now fly nonstop to Los Cabos from Southern California, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mexico City, New York, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. From most other destinations, you will have to make a connecting flight, either in the United States or in Mexico City. Via nonstop service, Los Cabos is about 2 hours from San Diego, about 2¼ hours from Houston, 3 hours from Dallas/Fort Worth, 2½ hours from Los Angeles, and 2½ hours from Phoenix. Flying time from New York to Mexico City, where you must switch planes to continue to Los Cabos, is 5 hours. Los Cabos is about a 2½-hour flight from Mexico City.

Airlines and Airports

Airline and Airport Links.com (www.airlineandairportlinks.com.)

Airline Security Issues

Transportation Security Administration (www.tsa.gov.)

Airports

Aeropuerto Internacional de San José del Cabo (SJD) is 1 km (½ mile) west of the Transpeninsular Highway (Highway 1), 13 km (8 miles) north of San José del Cabo, and 48 km (30 miles) northeast of Cabo San Lucas. The airport has restaurants, duty-free shops, and car-rental agencies. Los Cabos flights increase in winter with seasonal flights from U.S. airlines, and, despite growing numbers of visitors to the area, the airport manages to keep up nicely with the crowds.

Aeropuerto General Manuel Márquez de León serves La Paz. It's 11 km (7 miles) northwest of the Baja California Sur capital, which itself is 188 km (117 miles) northwest of Los Cabos.

Airport Information

Aeropuerto Internacional Los Cabos (Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 43.5, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur. 624/146–5111. www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx.)

Aeropuerto General Manuel Márquez de León (Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 13, La Paz, Baja California Sur. 612/124–6307.)

Flights

AeroCalafia flies charter flights from Los Cabos for whale-watching. Aeroméxico has service to Los Cabos from San Diego; and to La Paz from Los Angeles, Tucson, Tijuana, and Mexico City.

Alaska Airlines flies nonstop to Los Cabos from Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco; and three times a week to La Paz from Los Angeles. Frontier flies nonstop from Denver. US Airways has nonstop service from Phoenix, San Diego, and Las Vegas. American flies nonstop from Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York JFK. British Airways and other European airlines fly to Mexico City, where connections are made for the 2½-hour flight to Los Cabos.

United has nonstop service from Houston. Delta flies to Los Cabos from Atlanta and Ontario, California, and has daily flights from Los Angeles to La Paz.

Airline Contacts

AeroCalafia (624/143–4302 in Los Cabos. www.aereocalafia.com.mx.)

Aeroméxico (800/237–6639 in U.S.; 624/146–5097 in Los Cabos; 612/124–6366 in La Paz. www.aeromexico.com.)

Alaska Airlines (800/252–7522; 624/146–5103 in Los Cabos. www.alaskaair.com.)

American Airlines (800/433–7300; 624/146–5302 in Los Cabos. www.aa.com.)

British Airways (800/AIRWAYS in U.S. www.britishairways.com.)

Delta Airlines (800/221–1212; 624/146–5005 in Los Cabos. www.delta.com.)

Frontier Airlines (800/432–1359. www.flyfrontier.com.)

USAirways (800/428–4322; 624/146–5380 in Los Cabos. www.usairways.com.)

United Airlines (800/241–6522; 800/900–5000 in Mexico. www.united.com.)

Ground Transportation

If you have purchased a vacation package from an airline or travel agency, transfers are usually included. Otherwise, only the most exclusive hotels in Los Cabos offer transfers. Fares from the airport to hotels in Los Cabos are expensive. The least expensive transport is by shuttle buses that stop at various hotels along the route; fares run $16 to $25 per person. Private taxi fares run from $80 to $100. Some hotels can arrange a pickup, which is much faster and might cost about the same as a shuttle. Ask about hotel transfers, especially if you're staying in the East Cape, La Paz, or Todos Santos and not renting a car—cab fares to these areas are astronomical.

If you're renting a car and driving say, to the East Cape, make sure you get detailed directions on how to locate where you'll be staying.

Unless you want to tour a time-share or real estate property, ignore the offers for free transfers when you first come out of customs. The scene can be bewildering for first timers. Sales representatives from various time-share properties compete vociferously for clients; often you won't realize you've been suckered into a time-share presentation until you get in the van. To avoid this situation, go to the official taxi booths inside the baggage claim or just outside the final customs clearance area and pay for a ticket for a regular shuttle bus. Private taxis, often U.S. vans, are expensive and not metered, so always ask the fare before getting in. Rates change frequently, but it costs about $55 to get to San José del Cabo, $70 to a hotel along the Corridor, and $80 to Cabo San Lucas. After the fourth passenger, it's about an additional $3 per person. Usually only vans accept more than four passengers. At the end of your trip, don't wait until the last minute to book return transport. Make arrangements a few days in advance for shuttle service, and then reconfirm the morning of your departure. Or, again, at least a day in advance, sign up at your hotel's front desk to share a cab with other travelers, reconfirming the morning of your departure.

All-inclusives are like all-you-can-eat buffets—with all the positive and negative aspects included. You fork over the cash and just have at it, from the food and drink to an expansive pool complex and often water sports and excursions, too. You might consider this as one way for first-time visitors (especially families) to experience Los Cabos and not break the bank. The all-inclusive concept has come a long way since Club Med launched the concept decades ago. These days, all-inclusive properties are becoming more and more sophisticated, offering an impressive array of restaurants, bars, activities, and entertainment—and often striving to keep some local flavor present in the process. Note that while some all-inclusives offer endless complimentary amenities, others have a list (in fine print) of what you’ll be billed for in the end.

As on most beaches in Mexico, nudity is not permitted on Los Cabos beaches. If you head to a beachside bar, it's appropriate to put on a cover-up, although you'd be hard-pressed to find a strict dress code at any of these places unless you're at one of the more posh resorts. As tempting as it is to pick up seashells from the beach, be advised that U.S. Customs commonly seizes these items upon reentry to the United States. Packing a picnic or cooler for a day at the beach is a great idea, as few of the public beaches have restaurants or food vendors. A few beaches have vendors offering umbrella rentals, but if you're really keen on having one for shelter, it's best to take your own.

As a general rule, Los Cabos beaches are no-frills, with very few facilities. There is no established lifeguard program in the entire Los Cabos region. Hotels will often post a red flag on the beach to alert swimmers to strong currents and undertows, but you won't see such warnings on the stretches of public beach along the coasts.

More and more of the public beaches have toilets, but you'll still be hard-pressed to find a shower. The picnic tables, grills or fire pits, playgrounds, and other amenities common at U.S. beaches simply aren't part of the scene in Los Cabos. If you want or need anything for your day at the beach, it's best to pack it yourself. If any of the following facilities are present at a beach, we'll list them: lifeguard, toilets, showers, food concession, picnic tables, grills or fire pits, playground, parking lot, camping.

Mexican beaches are free and open to the public, although some of the resort developments along the Corridor are doing their best to keep everyone but their guests off the beaches in front of the resorts. Resort boundaries are usually very well marked; any beach after that is free for all.

If you travel Los Cabos with a few extra pesos in your pocket it's likely you'll want to return home with a memento that reminds you of the spirit and vibrancy of this region.

Works of art by local artists make great treasures to take back home—and galleries will usually ship the items for you. For more packable take-home goodies, the clothing options are nearly endless: T-shirts, resort wear, and clothing from hip Mexican designers will all compete for space in your suitcase. Cabo San Lucas is a great shopping town; if you've got time and some money, there's no need to worry about purchasing your beach vacation clothing before leaving home.

If you're looking for something truly authentic and hecho en Cabo(made in Cabo), then check out the blown glass at the intriguing Fábrica de Vidrio Soplado. Other fun souvenirs include the new labels of tequila offered from such outlets as Cabo Wabo, Hotel California in Todos Santos, the Cabo Surf Hotel, and Las Veritas, a popular Cabo dance club and bar.

In Los Cabos, the main Terminal de Autobus (Los Cabos Bus Terminal) is about a 10-minute drive west of Cabo San Lucas. Express buses, including Aguila and ABC, have air-conditioning and restrooms and travel frequently from the terminal to Todos Santos (one hour) and La Paz (three hours). One-way fare is $10 (payable in pesos or dollars) to Todos Santos, $23 to La Paz. From the Corridor, expect to pay about $25 for a taxi to the bus station.

SuburBaja can provide transport for $3 between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The bus is located to the left, outside the airport, about a five-minute walk along the main road. Pay 32 pesos (or $3) when you get on the bus, and press the stop button near the back door when you need to get off. The ride from the airport to Cabo San Lucas takes about 90 minutes due to frequent stops. If you’re going to Cabo San Lucas, the main stop is Puerto Paraíso Shopping Mall, and for San José del Cabo, the bus stops at the Mega grocery store.

In La Paz the main Terminal de Autobus is 10 blocks from the malecón, the seaside promenade.

Bus Information

ABC (800/025–0222. www.abc.com.mx.)

Aguila (DireccionAlvaro Obregon # 125, entre 5 de Mayo e Independencia, La Paz, Baja California Sur. 800/824–8452. www.autotransportesaguila.net.)

Los Cabos Terminal de Autobus (Hwy. 19, Heroes at Morales, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. 624/143–7880.)

SuburBaja (624/143–7880. www.suburcabos.com.)

One of the benefits of traveling in Los Cabos is the low crime rate, thanks in part to the large population of expats and year-round tourists, and the tranquilo nature of locals. That being said, it's always wise to pay attention to what's going on when money is changing hands. Some tips: Watch that your credit card goes through the machine only once, so that no duplicates of your slip are made. If there's an error and a new slip needs to be drawn up, make sure the original is destroyed. Don't let your card leave a store without you. One scam is to ask you to wait while the clerk runs next door ostensibly to use another business's phone or to verify your number—but really to make extra copies. Again, this area is refreshingly safe and incident-free compared to many areas on the mainland, but it's always wise to be aware.

If you're planning to stay a week or more, renting a condo can be more economical and convenient than a hotel. Los Cabos has countless condominium properties, ranging from modest homes to ultra-luxurious villas in such exclusive areas as Palmilla near San José del Cabo and the hill-clinging Pedregal neighborhood above Cabo San Lucas and its marina. Many private owners rent out their condos, either through the development's rental pool or property management companies. The price is the same for both, but with the latter you might get a better selection.

Nearly all condos are furnished and have a fully equipped kitchen, a television, bed and bath linens, laundry facilities, and maid service. Most are seaside and range from studios to three-bedroom units. A minimum stay of one week is typically required, though rules can vary by property. Start the booking process at least four months in advance, especially for high-season rentals.

Contacts

Cabo Homes and Condos (Baja California Sur. 866/321–CABO(2226) From U.S. www.cabohomesandcondos.com.)

Cabo Villas. Offering private villa vacation rentals, Cabo Villas represents several high-end homes at five-star properties throughout Los Cabos. Baja California Sur. 855/745–2226 in U.S./Canada. www.cabovillas.com.

If you're heading down to Los Cabos with the little ones in tow, you're in luck, because many properties are kid-friendly. Unless they are adults-only properties, most of them welcome children with Kids' Clubs. Many of the independent hotels listed don't restrict children, but their size and arrangement suggest more adult-oriented accommodations. We've mentioned these factors in our reviews.

Rental cars come in handy when exploring Baja. Countless paved and dirt roads branch off Highway 1 like octopus tentacles beckoning adventurers toward the mountains, ocean, and sea. Baja Sur's highways and city streets are under constant improvement, and Highway 1 is usually in good condition except during heavy rains. Four-wheel drive comes in handy for hard-core backcountry explorations, but isn't necessary most of the time. Just be aware that some car-rental companies void their insurance policies if you run into trouble off paved roads. If you are even slightly inclined to impromptu adventures, it's best to find out what your company's policy is before you leave the pavement.

Gasoline

Pemex (the government petroleum monopoly) franchises all gas stations in Mexico. Stations are to be found in both towns as well as on the outskirts of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas and in the Corridor, and there are also several along Highway 1. Gas is measured in liters. Prices run higher than in the United States. Premium unleaded gas (magna premio) and regular unleaded gas (magna sin) are available nationwide, but it's still a good idea to fill up whenever you can. Fuel quality is generally lower than that in the United States and Europe. Vehicles with fuel-injected engines are likely to have problems after driving extended distances.

Gas-station attendants pump the gas for you and may also wash your windshield and check your oil and tire air pressure. A tip of 5 or 10 pesos (about 50¢ or $1) is customary depending on the number of services rendered, beyond pumping gas.

Road Conditions

Mexico Highway 1, also known as the Carretera Transpeninsular, runs the entire 1,700 km (1,054 miles) from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas. Do not drive the highway at high speeds or at night—it is not lighted and is very narrow much of the way.

Highway 19 runs between Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos and was widened in 2014 to two lanes in each direction, joining Highway 1 below La Paz. The four-lane road between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is usually in good condition. Roadwork along the highway is common and commonly frustrates locals and visitors alike. Take your time and don't act rashly if you encounter delays or if you need to drive several miles out of your way to turn around and re-approach a missed turnoff.

In rural areas, roads tend to be iffy and in unpredictable condition. Use caution, especially during the rainy season, when rock slides and potholes are a problem, and be alert for animals—cattle, goats, horses, coyotes, and dogs in particular—even on the highways. If you have a long distance to cover, start early, fill up on gas, and remember to keep your tank full as gas stations are simply not as abundant here as they are in the United States or Europe. Allow extra time for unforeseen obstacles.

Signage is not always adequate in Mexico, and the best advice is to travel with a companion and a good map. Take your time. Always lock your car, and never leave valuable items in the body of the car (the trunk will suffice for daytime outings, but be smart about stashing expensive items in there in full view of curious onlookers).

The Mexican Tourism Ministry distributes free road maps from its tourism offices outside the country. Guía Roji and Pemex publish current city, regional, and national road maps, which are available in bookstores and big supermarket chains for under $10; but stock up on every map your rental-car company has, as gas stations generally do not carry maps. Most car-rental agencies have GPS units available for $12 to $15 per day with regional maps preprogrammed.

Roadside Emergencies

The Mexican Tourism Ministry operates a fleet of more than 350 pickup trucks, known as the Angeles Verdes, or Green Angels. Bilingual drivers provide mechanical help, first aid, radio-telephone communication, basic supplies and small parts, towing, tourist information, and protection. Services are free; spare parts, fuel, and lubricants are provided at cost. Tips are always appreciated ($10–$15 for big jobs, $3–$5 for minor repairs). The Green Angels patrol sections of the major highways daily 8–8 (later on holiday weekends). If you break down, call Green Angels, or if you don’t have a cell phone, pull off the road as far as possible, lift the hood of your car, hail a passing vehicle, and ask the driver to notify the patrol. Most bus and truck drivers will be quite helpful. If you witness an accident, do not stop to help—it could be a ploy to rob you or could get you interminably involved with the police. Instead, notify the nearest official.

Contacts

Federal Highway Patrol (624/122–5735 or 624/125–3584.)

Green Angels, La Paz (800/987–8224 In Mexico; 078 From any Baja Phone.)

Safety on the Road

The mythical banditos are not a big concern in Baja. Still, do your very best to avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas. Cows and burros grazing alongside the road can pose as real a danger as the ones actually in the road—you never know when they'll decide to wander into traffic. Other good reasons for not driving at night include potholes, cars with no working lights, road-hogging trucks, and difficulty with getting assistance. Despite the temptation of margaritas and cold cervezas, do not drink and drive; choose a designated driver. Plan driving times, and if night is falling, find a nearby hotel or at least slow down your speed considerably.

Though it isn't common in Los Cabos, police may pull you over for supposedly breaking the law, or for being a good prospect for a scam. If it happens to you, remember to be polite —displays of anger will only make matters worse—tell the officer that you would like to talk to the police captain when you get to the station. The officer will usually let you go. If you're stopped for speeding, the officer is supposed to hold your license until you pay the fine at the local police station. But he will always prefer taking a mordida (small bribe) to wasting his time at the police station. Corruption is a fact of life in Mexico, and the $10 or $20 it costs to get your license back is supplementary income for the officer who pulled you over with no intention of taking you to police headquarters.

Rental Cars

When you reserve a car, ask about cancellation penalties, taxes, drop-off charges (if you're planning to pick up the car in one city and leave it in another), and surcharges (for being under or over a certain age, for additional drivers, or for driving across state or country borders or beyond a specific distance from your point of rental). All these things can add substantially to your costs. Request car seats and extras such as GPS when you book.

Rates are sometimes—but not always—better if you book in advance or reserve through a rental agency's website. There are other reasons to book ahead, though: for popular destinations, during busy times of the year, or to ensure that you get certain types of cars (vans, SUVs, exotic sports cars). We've also found that car-rental prices are much better when reservations are made ahead of travel, from the United States. Prices can be as much as 50% more when renting a car upon arrival in Los Cabos. Shockingly low rates through third-party sites usually result in hidden fees when you actually pay for the car on-site. Alamo and Cactus Car include insurance, taxes, and unlimited mileage in the quoted rate and have a solid fleet of compact cars, SUVs, and vans. The Los Cabos-based Cactus Car has some of the best prices in the area and includes 30% discounts on local attractions when booking through their website.

Make sure that a confirmed reservation guarantees you a car. Agencies sometimes overbook, particularly for busy weekends and holiday periods.

Taxi fares are especially steep in Los Cabos, and a rental car can come in handy if you'd like to dine at the Corridor hotels, travel frequently between the two towns, stay at a hotel along the Cabo Corridor, spend more than a few days in Los Cabos, or plan to see some of the sights outside Los Cabos proper, such as La Paz, Todos Santos, or even farther afield. If you don't want to rent a car, your hotel concierge or tour operator can arrange for a car with a driver or limousine service.

Convertibles and jeeps are popular rentals, but beware of sunburn and windburn and remember there's nowhere to stash your belongings out of sight. Specify whether you want air-conditioning and manual or automatic transmission. If you rent from a major U.S.-based company, you can find a compact car for about $60 per day ($420 per week), including automatic transmission, unlimited mileage, and 10% tax; however, having the protection of complete coverage insurance will add another $19 to $25 per day, depending on the company, so you should figure the cost of insurance into your budget. You will pay considerably more (probably double) for a larger or higher-end car. Most vendors negotiate considerably if tourism is slow; ask about special rates if you're renting by the week.

To increase the likelihood of getting the car you want and to get considerably better car-rental prices, make arrangements before you leave for your trip. You can sometimes, but not always, find cheaper rates on the Internet. No matter how you book, rates are generally much lower when you reserve a car in advance outside Mexico.

In Mexico your own driver's license is acceptable. In most cases, the minimum rental age is 25, although some companies will lower it to 22 for an extra daily charge. A valid driver's license, major credit card, and Mexican car insurance are required.

Contacts

Alamo (Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 43.5, at Los Cabos Intl Airport, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, 23400. 624/146–1900. www.alamo.com.)

Cactus Car (Carretera Transpeninsular Km 45, at Aeropuerto Internacional de Los Cabos, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, 23400. 624/146–1839; 866/225–9220 from U.S. www.cactuscar.com.)

Car-Rental Insurance

Everyone who rents a car wonders whether the insurance that the rental companies offer is worth the expense. In 2013, the Mexican government passed a law stating that drivers must carry mandatory Third Party Liability, an expense that is not covered by U.S. insurance policies or by credit card companies. Just to be on the safe side, agree to at least the minimum rental insurance. It's best to be completely covered when driving in Mexico.

If you own a car, your personal auto insurance may cover a rental to some (very limited) degree, though not all policies protect you abroad; always read your policy's fine print.

Even if you have auto insurance back home, you should buy the collision- or loss-damage waiver (CDW or LDW) from the car-rental company, which eliminates your liability for damage to the car. Some credit cards offer CDW coverage, but it's only supplemental to your own insurance and rarely covers SUVs, minivans, luxury models, and the like. If your coverage is secondary, you may still be liable for loss-of-use costs from the car-rental company. But no credit-card insurance is valid unless you use that card for all transactions, from reserving to paying the final bill. In general, U.S. and Canadian auto insurance policies are not recognized in Mexico, and the few that are only cover specific coverage like damage and theft. Rather than fear what might happen, it is best to purchase a Mexican liability insurance package from your rental car company so that you know you’re covered.

American Express offers primary CDW coverage on all rentals reserved and paid for with the card. This means that the American Express company—not your own car insurance—pays in case of an accident. This does not cover Third Party Liability, nor does it mean your car-insurance company won't raise your rates once it discovers you had an accident—but it provides a welcome amount of security for travelers.

San José del Cabo is the closest to the international airport, and it's here that you'll be farthest from the crowds that gravitate toward downtown Cabo San Lucas's fiesta atmosphere. These towns have retained their Mexican colonial roots and are the most charming of Los Cabos region. Some boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts lie in or near the town centers of these very walkable towns, and others are more remote. For high-season stays, try to make reservations at least three months in advance, and six months in advance for holidays. Precious few lodgings serve travelers on a budget.

The Corridor—the stretch that connects San José with Cabo San Lucas—has seen the growth of several megaresorts. These microcosms contain two or more hotels, throughout which golf courses, private villas, and upscale condo projects are interspersed. If you are planning a vacation in Los Cabos, do keep in mind that most of the beaches at the resorts along the Corridor are not swimmable.

Cabo San Lucas continues its meteoric climb into the 5-star stratosphere. Nearly every hotel in Cabo has undergone some kind of renovation, from minor to complete makeovers. The ME Cabo by Meliá is one such example. When Casa Dorada Resort opened, smack in the middle of busy El Médano Beach, it raised the bar in regards to rooms, services, and pampering, and Capella Pedregal and Grand Solmar Land’s End have set a new high standard.

The rate of development in the area is astonishing, and begs the question of sustainability. As developable space in Los Cabos region diminishes and becomes prohibitively expensive, the newest expansions are moving beyond the Sea of Cortez coastline north of San José del Cabo, known as the "East Cape," and north of Cabo San Lucas along the Pacific coast. For years, building restrictions have been discussed, but money talks in every language. The only "restrictions" seem to be how much actual land is left.

Phones

Los Cabos is on U.S. Mountain Time. The region has good telephone service and wide cell-phone reception. Phone numbers in Mexico change frequently; a recording may offer the new number, so it's useful to learn the Spanish words for numbers 1 through 9. Beware of pay phones and hotel-room phones with signs saying "Call Home" and other enticements. Some of these phone companies charge astronomical rates. Some all-inclusive resorts include free calls to the U.S. and Canada, which will be clearly stated in your amenities upon check-in.

The country code for Mexico is 52. When calling a Mexico number from abroad, dial the country code and then the area code and local number. At this writing, the area code for all of Los Cabos is 624. All local numbers have seven digits.

Calling Within Mexico

For local or long-distance calls, one option is to contact your cell phone provider and add the Mexico plan to your account for the days you are traveling. From your computer or a smartphone you can download Skype onto your device and purchase $10 to $20 of talk time, which will actually go quite far. Alternatively, if the person you are calling has Skype, it will be free for both parties. If you are tech-savvy, purchase a local SIM card for an "unlocked" cell phone and use a prepaid phone card to deduct minutes from your talk time. TelCel is a reliable Mexican company that offers this service. When all else fails, you can always use the phone in your hotel room.

Contact

TelCel (552/581–3300 or 888/350–4035. www.telcel.com.)

Calling Outside Mexico

To make a call to the United States or Canada, dial 001 before the area code and number. For operator assistance in making an international call dial 090.

AT&T, MCI, and Sprint access codes make calling long-distance relatively convenient, but you may find the local access number blocked in many hotel rooms. First ask the hotel operator to connect you. If the hotel operator balks, ask for an international operator, or dial the international operator yourself. One way to improve your odds of getting connected to your long-distance carrier is to travel with more than one company's calling card (a hotel may block Sprint, for example, but not MCI). If all else fails, call from a pay phone.

Access Codes

AT&T Direct (800/331–0500. www.att.com.)

MCI WorldPhone (800/674–7000. www.mci.com.)

Sprint International Access (866/866–7509. www.sprint.com.)

Directory and Operator Assistance

Directory assistance in Mexico is 040 nationwide. For international assistance, dial 020 first for an international operator and most likely you'll get one who speaks English; indicate in which city, state, and country you require directory assistance and you will be connected with directory assistance there.

Mobile Phones

If you have a multiband phone (some countries use different frequencies from what's used in the United States) and your service provider uses the world-standard GSM network (as do T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon), you can probably use your phone abroad. Roaming fees can be steep, however: 99¢ a minute is considered reasonable. And overseas you normally pay the toll charges for incoming calls. It's almost always cheaper to send a text message than to make a call, since text messages have a very low set fee (often less than 5¢). Verizon offers very reasonable Mexican calling plans that can be added to your existing plan.

If you just want to make local calls, consider buying a new SIM card (note that your provider may have to unlock your phone for you to use a different SIM card) and a prepaid service plan in the destination. You'll then have a local number and can make local calls at local rates. If your trip is extensive, you could also simply buy a new cell phone in your destination, as the initial cost will be offset over time.

If you travel internationally frequently, save one of your old mobile phones or buy a cheap one on the Internet; ask your cell phone company to unlock it for you, and take it with you as a travel phone, buying a new SIM card with pay-as-you-go service in each destination.

There are now companies that rent cell phones (with or without SIM cards) for the duration of your trip. You get the phone, charger, and carrying case in the mail and return them in the mailer.

Contacts

Cellular Abroad (800/287–5072. www.cellularabroad.com.)

Mobal (888/888–9162. www.mobalrental.com.)

Planet Fone (888/988–4777. www.planetfone.com.)

Public Phones

Although uncommon, you may see pay phones with an unmarked slot for prepaid phone cards called Telmex cards. The cards are sold in 30-, 50-, or 100-peso denominations at newsstands or pharmacies. Credit is deleted from the Telmex card as you use it, and your balance is displayed on a small screen on the phone. Some phones have two unmarked slots, one for a Telmex card and the other for a credit card. These are primarily for Mexican bank cards, but some accept Visa or MasterCard.

Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers in Mexico start with an 800 prefix. To reach them, you need to dial 01 before the number. Most of the 800 numbers work in the United States only and are listed simply: 800/123–4567; you cannot access a U.S. 800 number from Mexico. Some U.S. toll-free numbers ring directly at Mexican properties. Don't be deterred if someone answers the phone in Spanish. Simply ask for someone who speaks English. Toll-free numbers that work in other countries are labeled accordingly.

Upon entering Mexico, you'll be given a baggage declaration form and asked to itemize what you're bringing into the country. You are allowed to bring in 3 liters of spirits or wine for personal use; 400 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco; a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use; one video camera and one regular camera and 12 rolls of film for each; and gift items not to exceed a total of $300. If driving across the U.S. border, gift items shouldn't exceed $50, although foreigners aren't usually hassled about this. Although the much-publicized border violence doesn't usually affect travelers, it is real. To be safe don't linger long at the border.

You aren't allowed to bring firearms, ammunition, meat, vegetables, plants, fruit, or flowers into the country. You can bring in one of each of the following items without paying taxes: a cell phone, a beeper, a radio or tape recorder, a musical instrument, a laptop computer, and portable copier or printer. Compact discs are limited to 30 total and DVDs to 10.

Mexico also allows you to bring one cat or dog, if you have two things: (1) a pet health certificate signed by a registered veterinarian in the United States and issued not more than 72 hours before the animal enters Mexico; and (2) a pet vaccination certificate showing that the animal has been treated (as applicable) for rabies, hepatitis, distemper, and leptospirosis.

For more information or information on bringing other animals or more than one type of animal, contact the Mexican consulate, which has branches in many major American cities as well as border towns. To find the consulate nearest you, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (go to the "Servicios Consulares" option).

Information in Mexico

Mexican Embassy (202/728–1600. www.embassyofmexico.org.)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (55/3686–5100. www.sre.gob.mx.)

U.S. Information

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (877/CBP–5511 in U.S.; 202/325–8000 outside the U.S. www.cbp.gov.)

Mexico's nationwide drinking age is 18. Bars here check IDs at the door if they have any doubts about your age. Consumption of alcohol or the possession of an open beverage container is not permitted on public sidewalks, streets, or beaches (outside of licensed establishments), or in motor vehicles, whether moving or stationary.

Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed businesses, including bars and restaurants. Lighting up is allowed at outdoor-seating areas provided by such venues, but not indoors.

Although Mexicans often prefer dining late into the evening, be warned that if you arrive at restaurants in Los Cabos after 10 pm, you're taking your chances. Most places are open year-round, sometimes closing for a month in the middle of the hot Baja summer, and many Los Cabos restaurants close one night a week, typically Sunday or Monday.

For U.S. and Canadian travelers, electrical converters are not necessary because Mexico operates on the 60-cycle, 120-volt system; however, many Mexican outlets have not been updated to accommodate three-prong and polarized plugs (those with one larger prong), so to be safe bring an adapter. If your appliances are dual-voltage you'll need only an adapter. Don't use 110-volt outlets, marked "for shavers only," for high-wattage appliances such as blow dryers. Most laptops operate equally well on 110 and 220 volts and so require only an adapter. It is well worth bringing a small surge protector if you're going to be plugging in your laptop, unless you have a newer computer with a battery and power adapter that handles both 120V/220V.

The state of Baja California Sur has instituted an emergency number for police and fire: 060. A second number, 065, is available to summon medical assistance. Both numbers can be used throughout the state, and there are English-speaking operators. Another option is air medical services—find a provider through the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS); several of the U.S.-headquartered operations have bases around Mexico, so they can reach you more quickly.

Emergency Services

AAMS (703/836–8732. www.aams.org.)

Highway Patrol (624/143–0135 in Los Cabos; 612/122–0429 in La Paz.)

Police (624/142–0361 in San José del Cabo; 624/143–3977 in Cabo San Lucas; 612/122–0477 in La Paz.)

Foreign Consulates

Consular Agent in Cabo San Lucas (Hwy. Km 27.5, Shoppes at Palmilla, The Corridor, Baja California Sur. 624/143–3566.)

Consulate General Tijuana (Av. Tapachula 96, Colonia Hipodromo, Tijuana, Baja California Norte. 664/977–2000. tijuana.usconsulate.gov.)

Hospitals and Clinics

AmeriMed (Av. Cárdenas at Paseo Marina, in front of Seven Crown Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. 624/105–8500. www.amerimed.com.mx. Plaza Patio Cabo Ley, near Burger King, San José del Cabo. 624/105–8550. www.amerimedloscabos.com.)

Centro de Especialidades Médicas (Calle Delfines 110, La Paz, Baja California Sur. 612/124–0400.)

Pharmacies

Each of these fills one day. Together they touch on some of Los Cabos' most quintessential experiences from boating to El Arco and visiting the blown-glass factory, to grabbing a beer at a local brewpub and discovering Cabo's Marina Golden Zone.

Learn the Lay of the Land

On Day 1 take it easy, enjoy your hotel, take a swim in the pool, and get to know the beach in your general area. If staying in Cabo, meander around town, mentally noting the many restaurants and shops on the way that you might wish to sample later. Walking the length of the marina boardwalk will introduce you to Cabo's notorious party central: From the boardwalk's western end beginning near the Marina Fiesta Hotel, you'll pass through the marina's Golden Zone (along which is the infamous Nowhere ¿Bar?). If you make it all the way to the Wyndham Hotel, you've essentially completed the marina walk. Note that it's here where you can catch a boat for sunset cruises, whale-watching, and sportfishing.

Traversing the Corridor

To see the Corridor and make it over to San José del Cabo from Cabos San Lucas, it's most convenient and least expensive if you rent a car for a couple of days. (Taxis are frightfully expensive, and buses limit you to their schedule and stops.) Shop around for rentals and you'll be amazed at the range; Alamo and Cactus Car include insurance in their rates. Take your time driving along the Corridor, both to enjoy the sights of the coast, as well as to become accustomed to the unique traits of this quirky highway. On and off ramps are challenging, as you'll see. About mid-Corridor you pass Playa Santa María and Chileno Bay, fun for stops to sun, swim, and snorkel. Bring your own equipment and refreshments.

As you near San José del Cabo, you can't miss the Tiendas de Palmilla (Palmilla Shopping Center) across from the One&Only Palmilla Resort. "Tiendas" comprises upscale shops and some excellent restaurants, including Nick-San. (Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club have also set up shop along Highway 1 for more basic shopping needs.) Heading farther east, you'll shortly see a turnout and large parking lot—a great panoramic overlook of the Sea of Cortez. It's a lovely spot to watch the surf at the Old Man's break, to your right, in front of the Cabo Surf Hotel.

Beachy, Happy People

For a small deposit, many hotels provide beach towels, coolers, and umbrellas, or you can rent these from Trader Dicks, near the Costa Azul beach. Dicks also fixes good box lunches. The 7 Seas restaurant at Cabo Surf Hotel will deliver cocktails beachside, meaning you don’t even have to leave your sunning spot for a margarita. To get to the most pristine beaches along the Sea of Cortez, head east out of San José del Cabo by car. At the corner of Boulevard Mijares and Calle Benito Juárez in San José, turn east at the sign marked "pueblo la playa." The paved street soon becomes a dirt road that leads to the small fishing villages of La Playa (The Beach) and La Playita (The Little Beach), about 1½ km (½ mile) from San José. As the gateway between San Jose del Cabo and the East Cape coastline, this area known as Puerto Los Cabos is marked by a series of roundabouts that branch to the marina, Cacti Mundo (cactus world gardens), organic farms (Flora Farms and Los Tamarindos), and luxury resorts like Secrets and JW Marriott.

From La Playita, drive 60 km (37 miles) up the coast to the ecological reserve Cabo Pulmo, home of Baja Sur's largest coral reef. Water depths range from 15 to 130 feet, and colorful marine animals live among the reef and shipwrecks. When hunger pangs call, stroll up the beach from Cabo Pulmo to Tito's for a fish taco and an ice-cold cerveza. Try to get back to La Playa by late afternoon to avoid driving the East Cape's dirt road at night. Stop for some fresh seafood and a frozen margarita at Buzzard's Bar and Grill right near the beach just north of La Playa. San José is 10 minutes away.

Artsy Los Cabos

Set out from Cabo San Lucas for the Fábrica de Vidrio Soplado (Blown-Glass Factory)—a bit hard to find if you're driving yourself. First head toward San José on Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas, which becomes Highway 1. Turn left at the stoplight and signs for the bypass to Todos Santos; then look for signs to the factory. It's in an industrial area two blocks northwest of Highway 1. At the factory, you can watch the talented artisans use a process little changed since it was first developed some 4,000 years ago.

From the factory, head east for the 20-minute drive to San José del Cabo. Park at the south end of Boulevard Mijares near the Tropicana Inn, since parking is limited from here on in. Grab some lunch at Baja Brewing Company, located on Avenida Morelos. The pub has a tasty San José Especial cerveza, and offers international fare to go along with it. Then stroll through the central plaza, or zócalo, directly in front of the Mision de San José del Cabo Anuiti (mission church) and take in the several art galleries north and west of the church.

For dinner, try Don Sanchez’s in San Jose proper, where Canadian-born chef Tadd Chapman is elevating the presentation of local ingredients and Mexican wines.

Alternatively, from the glass factory, head north on Highway 19 for the one-hour drive to the laid-back town of Todos Santos. Lunch at El Gusto! restaurant in the Posada La Poza hotel promises to be one of the most sumptuous you'll get in Baja. (Reservations are a must.) Spend the afternoon visiting in-town galleries near the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Pilar (Mission of Our Lady of Pilar) church.

Organic, Green, and Good

Start off your morning with green juice and homemade granola at Lolita Café in the heart of San José del Cabo. Before the afternoon sun beats down, head to chic Hotel El Ganzo at San José’s Marina where you can rent beach cruisers and bike through Cacti Mundo’s botanical gardens. Just in time for lunch, join a cooking class at Los Tamarindos organic farm, which includes a property tour and four-course meal. If you’re in the area on Saturday, be sure to visit Mercado Organico, the farmer’s market that takes place in San José from 9 to 3. End the day with a sunset surf session with Costa Azul Surf Shop or participate in Baja Outback ’s evening turtle release program (August to November only). Finish with a healthy dinner at 7 Seas Restaurant, known for their local products, organic oils (instead of butter), and sustainable seafood that has not been impacted by commercial overfishing.

Visitors fly nonstop to Los Cabos from all over the United States, and to La Paz from some U.S. cities. Via nonstop service, Los Cabos is about 2 hours from San Diego, 2½ hours from Los Angeles, 2¾ hours from Houston, 2¾ hours from Dallas/Fort Worth, and 2 hours from Phoenix.

Flying time from New York to Mexico City, where you must switch planes to continue to Los Cabos, is 5 hours. Los Cabos is about a 2-hour flight from Mexico City.

CABAJA Rental Cars. Consider renting an auto from CABAJA Rental Cars, in San Diego. It's one of the few American car-rental companies that permits, and encourages, taking cars south of the border. 9245 Jamacha Blvd., Spring Valley, CA, 91977. 888/470–7368 or 619/470–7368. www.cabaja.com.

Lewis & Lewis Insurance. For affordable insurance for your own car, that covers you in Mexico, try Lewis & Lewis Insurance. 2950 31st. Street, Suite 140, Santa Monica, CA, 90405. 310/399–0800 or 800/966–6830. www.mexicanautoinsurance.com.

Food and Drink

In Mexico the biggest health risk is turista (traveler's diarrhea) caused by consuming contaminated fruit, vegetables, or water. To minimize risks, avoid questionable-looking street stands and bad-smelling food even in the toniest establishments; and if you're not sure of a restaurant's standards, pass up ceviche (raw fish cured in lemon juice) and raw vegetables that haven't been, or can't be, peeled (e.g., lettuce and tomatoes).

In general, Los Cabos does not pose as great a health risk as other parts of Mexico. Nevertheless, watch what you eat, and drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for a few minutes. Water in most major hotels is safe for brushing your teeth, but to avoid any risk, use bottled water. Hotels with water-purification systems will post signs to that effect in the rooms.

When ordering cold drinks at establishments that don't seem to get many tourists, skip the ice: sin hielo. (You can usually identify ice made commercially from purified water by its uniform shape.)

Stay away from uncooked food and unpasteurized milk and milk products. Mexicans excel at grilling meats and seafood, but be smart about where you eat—ask locals to recommend their favorite restaurants or taco stands, and if you have the slightest hesitation about cleanliness or freshness, then skip it. This caution must extend to ceviche, which is a favorite appetizer, especially at seaside resorts. The Mexican Department of Health warns that marinating in lemon juice does not constitute the "cooking" that would make the shellfish safe to eat. Fruit and licuados (smoothies) stands are wonderful for refreshing treats, but again, ask around, be fanatical about freshness, and watch to see how the vendor handles the food. Mexico is a food-lover's adventureland, and many travelers wouldn't dream of passing up the chance to try something new and delicious.

Mild cases of turista may respond to Imodium (known generically as loperamide), Lomotil, or Pepto-Bismol (not as strong), all of which you can buy over the counter. Keep in mind though, that these drugs can complicate more serious illnesses. You'll need to replace fluids, so drink plenty of purified water.

Chamomile tea (té de manzanilla) and peppermint tea (té de menta/hierbabuena) can be good for calming upset stomachs, and they're readily available in restaurants throughout Mexico.

It's smart to bring down a few packets of drink mix, such as EmergenC, when you travel to Mexico. You can also make a salt-sugar solution (½ teaspoon salt and 4 tablespoons sugar per quart of water) to rehydrate. Drinking baking soda dissolved in water can neutralize the effects of an acidic meal and help with heavy indigestion or an upset stomach. It might also help prevent a painful hangover if taken after excessive drinking.

If your fever and diarrhea last longer than a day or two, see a doctor—you may have picked up a parasite or disease that requires prescription medication.

Divers' Alert

Do not fly within 24 hours of scuba diving.

Shots and Medications

According to the U.S. National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there's a limited risk of dengue fever and other insect-carried or parasite-caused illnesses in some rural parts of Mexico, though Baja California Sur is not one of the major areas of concern.

Health Information

National Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (800/232–4636 international travelers' health line. www.cdc.gov/travel.)

World Health Organization (41–22/791–2111. www.who.int.)

Medical Insurance and Assistance

Consider buying trip insurance with medical-only coverage. Neither Medicare nor some private insurers cover medical expenses anywhere outside the United States. Medical-only policies typically reimburse you for medical care (excluding that related to pre-existing conditions) and hospitalization abroad, and provide for evacuation. You still have to pay the bills and await reimbursement from the insurer, though.

Another option is to sign up with a medical-evacuation assistance company. Membership gets you doctor referrals, emergency evacuation or repatriation, 24-hour hotlines for medical consultation, and other assistance. International SOS Assistance Emergency and AirMed International provide evacuation services and medical referrals. MedjetAssist offers medical evacuation.

Medical Assistance Companies

AirMed International (800/356–2161 In U.S.; 205/443–4840 From Mexico. www.airmed.com.)

International SOS Assistance Emergency (800/523–8662. www.internationalsos.com.)

MedjetAssist (800/527-7478. www.medjetassist.com.)

Medical-Only Insurers

International Medical Group (800/628–4664. www.imglobal.com.)

Wallach & Company (800/237–6615 or 540/687–3166. www.wallach.com.)

Mexico is the land of festivals; if you reserve lodging well in advance, they present a golden opportunity to have a thoroughly Mexican experience. Banks and government offices close during Holy Week (the week leading to Easter Sunday) and on Cinco de Mayo, Día de la Raza, and Independence Day. Government offices usually have reduced hours and staff from Christmas through New Year's Day. Some banks and offices close for religious holidays.

Official holidays include New Year's Day (January 1); Constitution Day (February 5); Flag Day (February 24); Benito Juárez's Birthday (March 21); Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday); Easter Sunday (the first Sunday after the first full moon following spring equinox); Labor Day (May 1); Cinco de Mayo (May 5); St. John the Baptist Day (June 24); Independence Day (September 16); Día de la Raza (Day of the Race; October 12); Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead; November 2); Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution (November 20); Christmas (December 25).

Festivals include Carnaval (February and March, before Lent); Semana Santa (Holy Week; week before Easter Sunday); Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe; December 12); and Las Posadas (pre-Christmas religious celebrations; December 16–25).

Banks are usually open weekdays 8:30–3 (although sometimes banks in Cabo and San José stay open until 5). Government offices are usually open to the public weekdays 8–3; they're closed—along with banks and most private offices—on national holidays. Stores are generally open weekdays and Saturday from 9 or 10 to 7 or 8. In tourist areas, some shops don't close until 10 and are open Sunday. Most galleries are closed on Sunday. Some shops close for a two-hour lunch break, usually from 2 to 4. Shops extend their hours when cruise ships are in town.

Many stores are open as early as 9 am, and often stay open until 9 or 10 pm. A few close for siesta at 1 pm or 2 pm, then reopen at 4 pm. About half of Los Cabos' shops close on Sunday; those that do open usually close up by 2 or 3 in the afternoon.

It's not uncommon to find some shops and galleries closed in San José del Cabo or Todos Santos during the hot season (roughly June to September), though very few shops close in Cabo San Lucas. We've noted this whenever possible; however, some shops simply close up for several weeks if things get excruciatingly slow or hot. In any case, low-season hours are usually reduced, so call ahead during that time of year.

Beaded items: The smaller the beads, the more delicate and expensive the piece. Beads with larger holes are fine for stringed work, but if used in bowls and statuettes cheapen the piece.

Items made with iridescent beads from Japan are the priciest. Look for good-quality glass beads, definition, symmetry, and artful use of color. Beads should fit together tightly in straight lines, with no gaps.

Yarn paintings: Symmetry is not necessary, although there should be an overall sense of unity. Thinner thread results in finer, more costly work. Look for tightness, with no visible gaps or broken threads. Paintings should have a stamp of authenticity on the back, including artist’s name and tribal affiliation.

Prayer arrows: Collectors and purists should look for the traditionally made arrows of brazilwood inserted into a bamboo shaft. The most interesting ones contain embroidery work, or tiny carved icons, or are painted with copal symbols indicative of their original, intended purpose, for example protecting a child or ensuring a successful corn crop.

Airmail letters from Baja Sur can take up to two weeks and often much longer to reach their destination. The oficina de correos (post office) in San José del Cabo is open 8–7 weekdays (with a possible closure for lunch) and 9–1 Saturday. Offices in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz are open 9–1 and 3–6 weekdays; La Paz and San Lucas offices are also open 9–noon on Saturday.

Post Offices

Cabo San Lucas Oficina de Correo (Av. Cárdenas s/n. 624/143–0048.)

San José del Cabo Oficina de Correo (Mijares and Margarita Maya de Juárez. No phone.)

Shipping Packages

FedEx does not serve Los Cabos area. DHL has express service for letters and packages from Los Cabos to the United States and Canada; most deliveries take three to four days (overnight service is not available). To the United States, letters take three days and boxes and packages take four days. Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and La Paz have a DHL drop-off location. Mail Boxes Etc. can help with DHL and postal services.

Major Services

DHL Worldwide Express (Blvd. Mauricio Castro 1738, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, 23400. 624/130–7887. www.dhl.com. Plaza Los Arcos, Leona Vicario, Cabo San Lucas, 23450. 624/146–4184. www.dhl.com.)

Mailbox Store (Plaza las Palmas, Hwy. 1, Km 31, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, 23400. 624/142–4355. www.mbstorecabo.com. Blvd. Lazaro Cárdenas, Esq. 20 de Nov. Col. Benito Juarez, Cabo San Lucas, 23450. 624/143–3032. www.mbstorecabo.com.)

Mexico has a reputation for being inexpensive, but Los Cabos is one of the most expensive places to visit in the country. Prices rise from 10% to 18% annually and are comparable to those in Southern California.

Prices in this book are quoted most often in U.S. dollars, which are readily accepted in Los Cabos (although you should always have pesos on you if you venture anywhere beyond the walls of a resort).

Prices here are given for adults. Substantially reduced fees are almost always available for children, students, and senior citizens.

ATMs and Banks

ATMs (cajas automáticas) are commonplace in Los Cabos and La Paz. If you're going to a less-developed area, though, go equipped with cash. Cirrus and Plus cards are the most commonly accepted. The ATMs at Banamex, one of the oldest nationwide banks, tend to be the most reliable. Bancomer is another bank with many ATM locations.

Many Mexican ATMs cannot accept PINs with more than four digits. If yours is longer, change your PIN to four digits before you leave home. If your PIN is fine yet your transaction still can't be completed, chances are that the computer lines are busy or that the machine has run out of money or is being serviced. Don't give up. Expect to pay a $5 withdrawal fee with each ATM transaction.

Credit Cards

When shopping, you can often get better prices if you pay with cash, particularly in small shops. But you'll receive wholesale exchange rates when you make purchases with credit cards. These exchange rates are usually better than those that banks give you for changing money. The decision to pay cash or to use a credit card might depend on whether the establishment in which you are making a purchase finds bargaining for prices acceptable, and whether you want the safety net of your card's purchase protection. To avoid fraud or errors, it's wise to make sure that "pesos" is clearly marked on all credit-card receipts.

Before you leave for Mexico, contact your credit-card company to let them know you’ll be using your card abroad, and get lost-card phone numbers that work in Mexico; the standard toll-free numbers often don't work abroad. Carry these numbers separately from your wallet so you'll have them if you need to call to report lost or stolen cards. American Express, MasterCard, and Visa note the international number for card-replacement calls on the back of their cards.

Currency and Exchange

The currency in Los Cabos is the Mexican peso (MXP), though prices are often given in U.S. dollars. Mexican currency comes in denominations of 20-, 50-, 100-, 200-, and 500-peso bills. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 pesos and 20 and 50 centavos (20-centavo coins are only rarely seen). Many of the coins are very similar, so check carefully; bills, however, are different colors and easily distinguished.

At this writing, US$1 was equivalent to approximately MXP 12.98.

A passport, or other WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) compliant document, is required of all visitors to Mexico, including U.S. citizens who may remember the days when only driver's licenses were needed to cross the border. Upon entering Mexico all visitors must get a tourist card (FMT card). If you're arriving by plane from the United States or Canada, the standard tourist card will be given to you on the plane. They're also available through travel agents and Mexican consulates and at the border if you're entering by land.

You're given a portion of the tourist card form upon entering Mexico. Keep track of this documentation throughout your trip: you will need it when you depart. You'll be asked to hand it, your ticket, and your passport to airline representatives at the gate when boarding for departure.

If you lose your tourist card, plan to spend some time (and about $60) sorting it out with Mexican officials at the airport on departure.

A tourist card costs about $23. The fee is generally tacked onto the price of your airline ticket. If you enter by land or boat you'll have to pay the fee separately. You're exempt from the fee if you enter by sea and stay less than 72 hours, or by land and do not stray past the 26- to 30-km (16- to 18-mile) checkpoint into the country's interior.

Tourist cards and visas are valid from 15 to 180 days, at the discretion of the immigration officer at your point of entry (90 days for Australians). Americans, Canadians, New Zealanders, and the British may request up to 180 days for a tourist card or visa extension. The extension fee is about $20, and the process can be time-consuming. There's no guarantee that you'll get the extension you're requesting. If you're planning an extended stay, plead with the immigration official for the maximum allowed days at the time of entry. It will save you time and money later.

Mexico has some of the strictest policies about children entering the country. Minors traveling with one parent need notarized permission from the absent parent.

If you're a single parent traveling with children up to age 18, you must have a notarized letter from the other parent stating that the child has his or her permission to leave his or her home country. The child must be carrying the original letter—not a facsimile or scanned copy—as well as proof of the parent-child relationship (usually a birth certificate or court document), and an original custody decree, if applicable. If the other parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a notarized statement saying so must be obtained as proof. In addition, you must fill out a Tourist Card for each child over the age of 10 traveling with you.

Info

Mexican Embassy (202/728–1600. www.embassyofmexico.org.)

U.S. Passport Information

U.S. Department of State (877/487–2778 or 888/407–4747. www.state.gov.)

Reservations are mentioned when essential, but are a good idea during high season (mid-November to May). Restaurant websites are common, and many let you make online reservations.

Expect to find clean flushing toilets, toilet tissue, soap, and running water in Los Cabos. An exception may be small roadside stands or restaurants in rural areas. If there's a bucket and a large container of water sitting outside the facilities, fill the bucket and use it for the flush. Some public places, such as bus stations, charge 1 or 2 pesos for use of the facility, but toilet paper is included in the fee. Still, it's always a good idea to carry some tissue. Throw your toilet paper and any other materials into the provided waste bins rather than the toilet. Mexican plumbing simply isn't equipped to deal with the volume of paper Americans are accustomed to putting in toilets.

Although Los Cabos area is one of the safest in Mexico, it's still important to be aware of your surroundings and to follow normal safety precautions. Everyone has heard some horror story about highway assaults, pickpocketing, bribes, or foreigners languishing in Mexican jails. Reports of these crimes apply in large part to Mexico City and other large cities; in Los Cabos, pickpocketing is usually the biggest concern.

General Information and Warnings

Transportation Security Administration (866/289–9673. www.tsa.gov.)

U.S. Department of State (202/501–4444 From Mexico; 888/407–4747 From the U.S. www.travel.state.gov.)

Los Cabos is one of the safest areas in Mexico, but standard precautions always apply: Use your security safe in hotel rooms. Distribute your cash, credit cards, and IDs between a deep front pocket, an inside jacket pocket, and a hidden money pouch. Don't carry excessive amounts of cash. Leave your passport behind, with your other valuables, in your in-room safe—and be sure to make copies of your passport and credit cards and leave an extra copy with someone back home.

Better stores and galleries offer shipping services for large or unwieldy items.

If you are an avid shopper, it won't hurt to pack a duffel bag for all your new treasures to check as luggage on your way home.

Mexican law prohibits smoking in all enclosed businesses, including restaurants. The drinking age here is 18. Establishments do ask for IDs.

If swimming in the ocean or the sea is important to you, be sure to research beachside resorts, as most in this region are on stretches of beach where swimming is dangerous or forbidden due to strong currents. Nearly all resorts discourage guests from swimming in the ocean, except for Hilton and Melia Cabo Real where a man-made cove between the two hotels makes for calmer waters. Look for the beach warning flags posted outside resorts: red meaning conditions are dangerous, yellow a symbol to use caution, and green signifying conditions are safe. Barely visible rocks and strong undertows make many of the beaches unsuitable for swimming. Take care when you go swimming—it can be serenely calm or dangerously turbulent, depending on the day or even the hour. The Pacific side is notorious for rogue waves and intense undertows. Also, the sun here is fierce: don't underestimate the need for waterproof sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.

Mexico charges a departure and airport tax of about US$13 and US$8.50, or the peso equivalent, respectively, when you leave the country. This tax is almost universally included in the price of your ticket, but check to be certain. Traveler's checks and credit cards are not accepted at the airport as payment for this fee.

A 2% tax on accommodations is charged in Los Cabos, with proceeds used for tourism promotion.

Baja California Sur has a Value-Added Tax of 10%, called I.V.A. (impuesto de valor agregado), which is occasionally (and illegally) waived for cash purchases. Other taxes and charges apply for phone calls made from your hotel room.

Taxis are plentiful throughout Baja Sur, even in the smallest towns. Government-certified taxis have a license with a photo of the driver and a taxi number prominently displayed. Fares are exorbitant in Los Cabos, and the taxi union is very powerful. Some visitors have taken to boycotting taxis completely, using rental cars and buses instead, the latter of which can be most time-consuming. The fare between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo runs about $50–$60—more at night. Cabs from Corridor hotels to either town run at least $30 each way. Expect to pay at least $55 from the airport to hotels in San José, and closer to $85 to Cabo.

In La Paz, taxis are readily available and inexpensive. A ride within town costs under $5; a trip to Pichilingue costs between $7 and $10. Illegal taxis aren't a problem in this region.

Baja California Sur is on Mountain Standard Time, Baja California is on Pacific Standard Time. And the unofficial standard for behavior is "Mexican time"—meaning stop rushing, enjoy yourself, and practice being tranquilo.

When tipping in Baja, remember that the minimum wage is equivalent to a mere $4.50 a day, and that the vast majority of workers in the tourist industry of Mexico live barely above the poverty line. However, there are Mexicans who think in dollars and know, for example, that in the United States porters are tipped about $2 a bag; many of them expect the peso equivalent from foreigners but are sometimes happy to accept 5 pesos (about 50¢) a bag from Mexicans. They will complain either verbally or with a facial expression if they feel they deserve more—you and your conscience must decide. Following are some guidelines. Naturally, larger tips are always welcome.

For porters and bellboys at airports and at moderate and inexpensive hotels, $1 (about 13 pesos) per bag should be sufficient. At expensive hotels, porters expect at least $2 (about 26 pesos) per bag. Leave at least $1 (13 pesos) per night for maids at all hotels. The norm for waiters is 15% to 20% of the bill, depending on service (make sure a 15% service charge hasn't already been added to the bill, although this practice is more common in resorts). Tipping taxi drivers is necessary only if the driver helps with your bags; 50¢ to $1 (6 to 13 pesos) should be enough, depending on the extent of the help. Tip tour guides and drivers at least $3 (39 pesos) per half day or 10% of the tour fee, minimum. Gas-station attendants receive 50¢ to $1 (6 to 13 pesos), more if they check the oil, tires, etc. Parking attendants—including those at restaurants with valet parking—should be tipped $1 to $3 (13 to 39 pesos).

You won't find much consistency in tipping expectations among Los Cabos restaurants. Some upscale places automatically add a 15% service charge (or even up to 18%) to the bill—look for the word "servicio"—but no one will object if you leave a few pesos more for good service. If a service charge is not included in your bill, a tip of 15% is common.

Better deals are often given to cash customers —even though credit cards are nearly always accepted—because stores must pay a commission to the credit-card companies. If you are paying in cash, it is perfectly reasonable to ask for a 5%–10% discount—though you shouldn't assume you'll be given one.

U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Los Cabos, although most shops pay a lower exchange rate than a bank (or ATM) or casa de cambio (money exchange).

Bargaining is common in markets and by beach vendors, who may ask as much as two or three times their bottom line. Occasionally an itinerant vendor will ask for the real value of the item, putting the energetic haggler into the awkward position of offering far too little. One vendor says he asks norteamericanos "for twice the asking price, since they always want to haggle." The trick is to know an item's true worth by comparison shopping. It's not necessary to bargain for already inexpensive trinkets like key chains or quartz-and-bead necklaces or bracelets.

Comprehensive trip insurance is valuable if you're booking a very expensive or complicated trip (particularly to an isolated region) or if you're booking far in advance. Comprehensive policies typically cover trip-cancellation and interruption, letting you cancel or cut your trip short because of a personal emergency, illness, or, in some cases, acts of terrorism in your destination. Such policies also cover evacuation and medical care. (For trips abroad you should at least have medical-only coverage). Some also cover you for trip delays because of bad weather or mechanical problems as well as for lost or delayed baggage. If you plan on engaging in extreme activities like surfing, bungee jumping, scuba diving, or zip-lining, consider buying an extended plan that covers such sports.

Another type of coverage to look for is financial default—that is, when your trip is disrupted because a tour operator, airline, or cruise line goes out of business. Generally you must buy this when you book your trip or shortly thereafter, and it's only available to you if your operator isn't on a list of excluded companies.

Always read the fine print of your policy to make sure that you are covered for the risks that are of most concern to you. Compare several policies to make sure you're getting the best price and range of coverage available.

Insurance Comparison Sites

Insure My Trip.com (800/487–4722. www.insuremytrip.com.)

Square Mouth (800/240–0369. www.squaremouth.com.)

Comprehensive Travel Insurers

Allianz (800/284–8300. www.allianztravelinsurance.com.)

Travel Guard (800/826–4919. www.travelguard.com.)

CSA Travel Protection (877/243–4135. www.csatravelprotection.com.)

Travelex Insurance (800/228–9792. www.travelex-insurance.com.)

Travel Insured International (800/243–3174. www.travelinsured.com.)

Avoid tour stands on the streets; they are usually associated with time-share operations. The Gringo Gazette newspaper and the Baja Traveler Guide are good resources for the Cabo scene, as are Los Cabos Magazine and What’s Up Los Cabos. These publications are free and easy to find in hotels and restaurants throughout the region. Discover Baja, a membership club for Baja travelers, has links and info at its website. Planeta.com has information about ecotourism and environmental issues.

The Baja California Sur State Tourist Office is in La Paz about a 10-minute drive north of the malecón, the seaside promenade. It serves as both the state and city tourism office. There's also an information stand on the malecón (no phone) across from Los Arcos hotel. The booth is a more convenient spot, and it can give you info on La Paz, Scammon's Lagoon, Santa Rosalia, and other smaller towns. Both offices and the booth are open weekdays 9–5.

Contacts

Baja California Sur State Tourist Office (Mariano Abasolo s/n, La Paz, Baja California Sur. 612/124–0100. www.explorebajasur.com.)

Discover Baja (800/727–2252. www.discoverbaja.com.)

Gringo Gazette. www.gringogazette.com.

Los Cabos Tourism Board (Plaza Providencia, Hwy 1, Km 4.3, next to Costco, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23454. 624/143–5531 In Mexico; 01-800/746–2226 toll-free. www.visitloscabos.travel.)

Mexican Government Tourist Board (800/446–3942 from U.S. and Canada. www.visitmexico.com.)

Planeta.com (www.planeta.com.)

TodosSantos-Baja.com (www.todossantos-baja.com.)

If you decide to get married in Los Cabos, you'll be able to enjoy nuptials with friends and family in a gorgeous setting, and there'll be no worries about heading out for the honeymoon the morning after—you're already there. Los Cabos has a bevy of choices, and prices, for dream destination weddings. If money is no object, look into the big-name properties such as One&Only Palmilla, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Esperanza, Capella Pedregal, and the Secrets Marquis Los Cabos, where celebs often say "I do." Palmilla even has an official Director of Celebrations to assist. At Las Ventanas, the Romance Director has an entire program dedicated to dream weddings, offering everything from a fireworks display to a ring bearer on horseback. But the true champion of weddings has got to be the Dreams Los Cabos property, where as many as five couples get hitched each week. Let anyone concerned about the legitimacy of a Mexican wedding know that as long as you satisfy a few easy requirements, the ceremony will be legally binding.

Bargains here are few; rooms generally start at $200 a night and can climb into the thousands. For groups of six or more planning an extended stay, condos or villas can be a convenient and economical option, though you should always book early.

Hotel rates in Baja California Sur are subject to a 10% Value-Added Tax and a 2% hotel tax for tourism promotion. Service charges (at least 12%) and meals generally aren't included in hotel rates, except at some all-inclusive resorts. Several of the high-end properties include a daily service charge in your bill; be sure you know the policy before tipping (though additional tips are always welcome). We always list the available facilities, but we don't specify extra costs; so always ask about what's included.

Don't buy items made from tortoiseshell or any sea turtle products: it's illegal (Mexico's turtle species are endangered or threatened, and these items aren't allowed into the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom). Cowboy boots, hats, and sandals made from the leather of endangered species such as crocodiles may also be taken from you at customs, as will birds, or stuffed iguanas or parrots. It isn't uncommon for U.S. Customs agents to seize seashells, so those and all sea creatures are best left where you find them.

Both the U.S. and Mexican governments also have strict laws and guidelines about the import–export of antiquities. Check with customs beforehand if you plan to buy anything unusual or particularly valuable.

Although Cuban cigars are readily available, American visitors aren't allowed to bring them into the United States and will have to enjoy them while in Mexico. However, Mexico produces some fine cigars from tobacco grown in Veracruz. Mexican cigars without the correct Mexican seals on the individual cigars and on the box may be confiscated. For those 21 and older, U.S. customs allows one liter of alcohol per person to be entered into the U.S. duty-free, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on gifting bottles of tequila.

You'll find copies of Los Cabos publications in hotels, restaurants, and bars all over the city. The most helpful are Los Cabos Visitors Guide and Los Cabos Magazine. Both provide a wealth of information on everything Los Cabos, from the restaurant, hotel, bar, and shopping scenes, to the many activities. The free English-language newspapers Gringo Gazette (www.gringogazette.com) and Destino: Los Cabos (www.destinomagazine.com) offer timely and cultural articles on the ever-changing scene. (We especially like the Gringo Gazette for its fun-loving, humorous look at expatriate life in Los Cabos.) The English-Spanish Los Cabos News (www.loscabosnews.com.mx) is also a good source for local event listings. These publications are available free at many hotels and stores or at racks on the sidewalk.

Although Los Cabos hotels are often busiest starting in mid-October for the sportfishing season, the high season doesn't technically begin until mid-December, running through the end of Easter week. It's during this busy period that you'll pay the highest hotel and golf rates. Spring break, which can stagger over several weeks in March and April, is also a particularly crowded and raucous time. Downtown Cabo gets very busy, especially on weekends, throughout the year. Whale-watching season (December–April) coincides with high season, but whale-watchers tend to stay in La Paz, not Los Cabos.

The Pacific hurricane season mirrors that of the Atlantic and Caribbean, so there is always a slight chance of a hurricane from August through late October. Although hurricanes rarely hit Los Cabos head-on, the effects can reverberate when a large hurricane hits Mexico's Pacific coast. Though much less frequent than Atlantic hurricanes, Pacific hurricanes do occur and can cause significant damage. Still, most summer tropical storms pass through quickly, even during the so-called short "rainy" season, from July through October.