Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo
Resting at the tip of the Baja Peninsula are
the sparkling resorts of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, known
as Los Cabos. Once used as a frequent provision stop for pirates
awaiting passage of the Manila Galleons, today Cabo San Lucas is
headed for resort stardom. In
recent years, it has evolved from a sleepy hideaway for recluse
fishermen and yacht owners into one of Mexico's most popular resort
destinations.
Cabo San Lucas differs in many respects from
its Mexican Riviera counterparts. Because of its geographic separation
and isolation from mainland Mexico, Cabo San Lucas' tourism industry
developed with closer ties to the United States than to the rest
of Mexico. A distinctly U.S. atmosphere and attitude give the area
an appealing cultural duality. American products fill store shelves,
dollars are the preferred currency, U.S.-made cars are everywhere,
and much of the resort development has been dominated by North American
enterprises. Despite these foreign trappings, there's no denying
the resort's strong Mexico-by-the-sea atmosphere. Cabo San Lucas
is also unique in its striking desert landscape, dry climate, and
unspoiled beauty. Visitors are surrounded by a dramatic coupling
of endless cactus desert, backed by cinnamon mountains, and bordered
by miles of white sandy beach and clear, azure waters.
Los Cabos is one of Mexico's largest destinations
in terms of its layout. Basically there are three areas of concentration.
San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas anchor the area's resort strip.
The two towns are separated by the Corridor region, a 29 km. heavenly
stretch of lovely beaches sprinkled with much of the area's new
resort development.
Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of the peninsula and
about 30 kms. west of San Jose del Cabo, is a boom town just beginning
to emerge. Dusty streets still prevail, but don't let that fool
you. Cabo San Lucas boasts some very fine restaurants, sophisticated
shopping, a slick 300-slip marina, and an active nightlife. Cabo
San Lucas is tops with fishermen, divers, and those wanting to be
close to assorted dining and nightlife. Nearby Medano Beach is a
heavenly stretch of calm, crystal clear water, and white sand. Just
off shore is El Arco - the area's signature landmark, and one of
the world's most awesome natural wonders.
San Jose del Cabo is a pleasant city of meandering
streets and lush palm groves, with the languid pace of a colonial
village. The area was first visited by Cortes himself in 1535. But
it was missionary zeal, not conquistadors, that first brought European
civilization to San Jose del Cabo. A Jesuit mission was built in
1730 to indoctrinate the Perico Indians of the region. In the nineteenth
century San Jose del Cabo slowly evolved into a modest center of
commerce for passing ships. Today it is a town of 30,000 people
that has a handsome Municipal Palace, charming courtyard restaurants,
shops, boutiques, and a lovely tropical estuary. The atmosphere
here is subdued compared with the more touristy town of Cabo San
Lucas.
Between these two towns is the corridor region,
the site of major resort development and some of Baja's most beautiful
beaches. This zone is where Los Cabos is staking its claim as Mexico's
premier golf destination, with several new courses.
Today the resort attracts a broader range of
visitors than ever before, and has gone to great lengths to diversify
its offering of activities and attractions. Of course, sportsmen
continue to flock to Cabo San Lucas for world-famous fishing, outstanding
diving, and game bird hunting. However, the area draws beach lovers,
golfers, honeymooners, families, and sightseers.
Outdoor recreation is the resort's main activity,
since historic/cultural sightseeing is limited. The area is world
renowned for its deep-sea sport fishing, with over 40,000 marlin
and sailfish hooked each year. Excellent scuba diving and snorkeling
sites are sprinkled throughout the region. Surfing and windsurfing
are practiced, along with the latest in water sports gadgetry. Relatively
new to the scene is the area's stunning assortment of championship
golf courses. Dramatic course layouts by some of golf's premier
designers take full advantage of the region's striking landscape.
The area's lodging scene has also improved dramatically
in recent years. Although somewhat limited in number, accommodations
are first-class and feature some of Mexico's finest properties.
Because of the resort's sprawling layout, selecting the right location
is critical to vacation planning.
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