Getting Around Cabo San Lucas
The best way to get around Cabo San Lucas is on foot. Sites are clustered within the downtown area, though some vacationers opt for a ride on the scenic water taxi to get from the downtown marina to the best beaches. The only trouble is that you can't walk between the Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo; you'll need to drive yourself or take a taxi along the Corridor. Just don't venture too far off the beaten path—there have been reports of car thefts in outlying areas. Car rental agencies have set up camp in Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which sits roughly 27 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas.
| On Foot | Activities within Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are tightly concentrated in downtown areas, you can easily explore both towns on foot. If you have the stamina, you can even make the 20-minute walk from downtown Cabo San Lucas to the popular Playa Médano. |
| Car | The fastest and most economical way to explore all Los Cabos has to offer is to rent a car. But you should be cautious when driving anywhere beyond the tourist areas; highway robberies have been known to occur. You'll find rental agencies in the downtown area as well as inside the airport. Rental fees generally range from $50 to $80 USD a day, with an additional $10 to $25 for collision insurance. However, the earlier you book, the cheaper the rates will be. |
| Taxi | Don't take taxis if you can help it. They're widely available throughout Los Cabos, and rates are negotiable but always on the high side. The one-way fare between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is roughly $36 USD; cabs from the Corridor to either town start at around $15 USD, and it costs upward of $65 to get from the airport to any of the hotel areas. |
| Water Taxi | Water taxis cluster near the downtown marina, ready to take cruise ship passengers and others to Cabo's popular beaches like Playa del Amor (located near the iconic Land's End rock formation) or Playa Médano. These taxis aren't metered, but rates are usually affordable. Previous travelers have paid between $3 and $10 USD one-way. Always negotiate the price with the water cabbies before accepting the ride. |
| Bus | Los Cabos is a popular launch pad for daytrips. You can take a bus (from a terminal about a 10-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas) to outer towns like Todos Santos (approximately $4 USD one-way) and La Paz (about $14 USD one-way). |
Entry & Exit Requirements
You'll need a valid passport to enter Mexico. You'll also need a Mexican Tourist Permit, which is usually issued free of charge upon arrival. If there is a fee, it will be absorbed into the cost of your plane ticket. Be sure to hold on to that card throughout the trip, as you'll need to present it upon your departure. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. State Department's website.
