{"id":508,"date":"2026-09-25T16:10:36","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T23:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/?page_id=508"},"modified":"2026-11-03T19:28:47","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T02:28:47","slug":"cabo-san-lucas-for-first-time-visitors-15-things-to-know-before-you-go","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/cabo-san-lucas-for-first-time-visitors-15-things-to-know-before-you-go\/","title":{"rendered":"Cabo San Lucas for First-Time Visitors: 15 Things to Know Before You Go"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coming to Cabo for the first time? Great choice. You can spend your days on the beach, head out to the Arch, eat your way through the taco spots or do a little of everything. But here&#8217;s something I&#8217;d tell any friend visiting me in Cabo: plan the important stuff, keep an eye on what things really cost, and leave yourself room to relax. You came on vacation, not to run a military operation.<\/p>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>On this page<\/summary><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"#section-1\">1. Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos Aren\u2019t Exactly the Same Thing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-2\">2. You Don\u2019t Need to Stay at Your Resort the Entire Trip<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-3\">3. Pesos Are Usually Worth Having<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-4\">4. The 16% IVA Is a Tax \u2014 Not a Tip<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-5\">5. Uber Can Be a Convenient Way to Get Around<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-6\">6. Not Every Cabo Beach Is a Swimming Beach<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-7\">7. Take a Boat Out to the Arch<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-8\">8. Book Your Must-Do Activities Before You Arrive<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-9\">9. Check the Los Cabos Passport Card Before Booking Activities<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-10\">10. Don\u2019t Limit Yourself to Expensive Restaurants<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-11\">11. Cabo Isn\u2019t Cheap Everywhere \u2014 But It Doesn\u2019t Have to Be Expensive<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-12\">12. San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo Is Worth an Evening<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-13\">13. Consider a Day Trip to Todos Santos<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-14\">14. Cabo Weather Changes More Than People Expect<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-15\">15. Don\u2019t Try to Do Everything<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#section-16\">Ready to Explore Cabo?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s the thing about Cabo: a little local know-how can save you time, money, and a few headaches before you&#8217;ve even unpacked your suitcase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;ve made Cabo home, and these are 15 things I&#8217;d want a friend to know before their first visit. Nothing fancy \u2014 just useful stuff to help you enjoy the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos Aren\u2019t Exactly the Same Thing<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can be confusing at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Los Cabos refers to the larger destination at the southern end of Baja California Sur. The two main cities are Cabo San Lucas and San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo, connected by the Tourist Corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cabo San Lucas is generally the livelier side, with the marina, M\u00e9dano Beach, restaurants, bars, nightlife, and lots of activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo has a more relaxed feel, with its historic downtown, galleries, restaurants, and the popular Thursday evening Art Walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have enough time, experience both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-2\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. You Don\u2019t Need to Stay at Your Resort the Entire Trip<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cabo has some beautiful resorts, but there is much more to see outside of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walk around the marina. Have tacos at a local restaurant. Visit downtown Cabo. Spend an evening in San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo. Take a day trip toward Todos Santos and Cerritos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the reasons we created Mexitara was to help visitors discover some of the places they might miss if they never venture beyond their resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-3\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Pesos Are Usually Worth Having<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Mexican peso is the official currency, although U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We prefer having some pesos available for smaller restaurants, tips, local shops, and other everyday purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pay attention to the exchange rate being offered when paying in dollars because it may not be as favorable as the current bank exchange rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want to check the latest conversion? Use our <a href=\"https:\/\/wise.com\/gb\/currency-converter\/usd-to-mxn-rate?amount=1000\">Currency Converter<\/a>.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-4\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. The 16% IVA Is a Tax \u2014 Not a Tip<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is an important one for first-time Mexico visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may see IVA listed on a restaurant bill or receipt. IVA is Mexico\u2019s value-added tax, and the standard rate is 16%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That charge is not your server\u2019s tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look at the bill carefully before paying so you understand what has been included. Some restaurants may display taxes or service charges differently, so it never hurts to ask if you\u2019re unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tipping is separate from IVA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-5\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Uber Can Be a Convenient Way to Get Around<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taxis are everywhere in Cabo, but rideshare services can also be a convenient option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We use Uber regularly around Los Cabos. One advantage is that you can see the estimated price, driver information, and trip route in the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on where you\u2019re going, it can also cost less than a traditional taxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Airport transportation works differently from simply requesting a ride around town, so it\u2019s a good idea to arrange your transportation from the airport before you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-6\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Not Every Cabo Beach Is a Swimming Beach<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This surprises some first-time visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coastline around Los Cabos is beautiful, but ocean conditions vary quite a bit from one beach to another. Strong waves and currents can make some beaches unsafe for swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If swimming is important to you, choose a beach known for calmer conditions and always pay attention to posted flags and local warnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">M\u00e9dano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cabo San Lucas and is surrounded by restaurants, activities, and beach clubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other well-known beaches around Los Cabos include Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Never assume that calm-looking water is safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-7\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Take a Boat Out to the Arch<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, it\u2019s touristy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do it anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">El Arco \u2014 the Arch of Cabo San Lucas \u2014 is the landmark you see in countless Cabo photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seeing it from the water is completely different from seeing it in a picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll find everything from inexpensive water taxis to glass-bottom boats, sailing trips, and private excursions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-8\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Book Your Must-Do Activities Before You Arrive<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t need to schedule every minute of your vacation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if there is one excursion you absolutely don\u2019t want to miss \u2014 such as a sunset cruise, fishing trip, snorkeling tour, or ATV adventure \u2014 consider reserving it ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Popular tours can fill up, especially during busy travel periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leave some open time in your schedule too. Cabo is a great place to decide, \u201cThat looks fun \u2014 let\u2019s do it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-9\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Check the Los Cabos Passport Card Before Booking Activities<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re planning several activities, restaurants, or other experiences during your trip, take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/los-cabos-passport-card-activities\/\">Tarjeta de Pasaporte de Los Cabos<\/a> before you start booking everything separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Los Cabos Passport Card offers some excellent savings, including many buy-one-get-one-free dining offers and discounts of up to 50% on participating activities and services.<br><br>Depending on what you plan to do, the savings from an excursion or two can offset the cost of the card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can even get it online before your trip and have it delivered to any address in the US or Canada so you already have it when you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-10\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Don\u2019t Limit Yourself to Expensive Restaurants<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cabo certainly has some spectacular high-end restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But some of our favorite meals are at casual local places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A great Cabo trip might include a beautiful marina dinner one night and inexpensive tacos the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some Mexitara favorites include Uno M\u00e1s, Solomon\u2019s Landing, and Sancho\u2019s, along with several local taco spots and casual restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s one of our favorite things about eating in Cabo \u2014 there\u2019s something for almost every budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-11\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11. Cabo Isn\u2019t Cheap Everywhere \u2014 But It Doesn\u2019t Have to Be Expensive<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s easy to spend a lot of money in Cabo if every meal, drink, and activity happens at a beachfront resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But you don\u2019t have to vacation that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walk a few blocks away from the most tourist-heavy areas and you\u2019ll often find local restaurants, taco shops, and bars with very different prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mixing a few splurges with inexpensive local favorites is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Cabo without watching your vacation budget disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-12\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12. San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo Is Worth an Evening<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t spend your entire trip in Cabo San Lucas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo has a completely different atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re visiting during Art Walk season, Thursday evening is an especially fun time to go downtown. You\u2019ll find galleries, food vendors, restaurants, and plenty of people walking through the historic center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our advice?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Come hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are plenty of opportunities to stop for food or drinks while wandering around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-13\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13. Consider a Day Trip to Todos Santos<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your schedule allows it, Todos Santos makes a great day trip from Cabo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town has art, restaurants, shops, and a completely different personality from the resort areas of Los Cabos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few of our favorite stops in the area include Tequila Sunrise, where you can try a Damiana margarita, and The Green Room, a beautiful beachfront stop outside Todos Santos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you continue toward Cerritos Beach, there are even more casual places to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t rush the day. The drive and stops along the way are part of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-14\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14. Cabo Weather Changes More Than People Expect<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cabo is known for sunshine, but the weather still changes with the seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter generally brings comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. Summer can be considerably hotter, and the sun can feel intense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, drink plenty of water, and consider a light jacket during cooler winter evenings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re planning outdoor activities in the hotter months, morning can be much more comfortable than the middle of the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And remember: Cabo is a desert environment next to the ocean. That\u2019s part of what makes the landscape so unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-15\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15. Don\u2019t Try to Do Everything<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This might be our most important Cabo advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s easy to look at all the beaches, restaurants, excursions, bars, and day trips and start building a schedule for every hour of every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick a few things you really want to experience and leave room for the unexpected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spend an extra hour at the beach. Stop somewhere because it looks interesting. Have another margarita while watching the marina. Take the long lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the best Cabo experiences aren\u2019t the ones you planned months ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"section-16\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ready to Explore Cabo?<\/strong><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If this is your first visit, start with the basics and then build the trip that sounds right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mexitara can help you explore our favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/cabo-eats-drinks\/\">Places to Eat and Drink<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/things-to-do-in-los-cabos\/\">Things to do around Los Cabos<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/cabo-san-lucas\/\">Cabo Picks<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/los-cabos-passport-card-activities\/\">Local Discounts<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/los-cabos-l264\/?partner_id=T9BHKLH&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher\">Tours and  Activities<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether it\u2019s your first Cabo vacation or your tenth, there is always somewhere new to eat, explore, or discover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mexico, Beyond the Ordinary<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want to avoid the most common planning mistakes? Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/2026\/10\/27\/cabo-san-lucas-mistakes-first-time-visitors\/\">10 Cabo mistakes first-time visitors make<\/a> guide before you book.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quick planning checklist:<\/strong> For a shorter practical overview of pesos, airport transfers, tipping, and beach safety, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/10-things-to-know-before-visiting-cabo-san-lucas\/\">10 Things to Know Before Visiting Cabo<\/a>. Find <a href=\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/cabo-eats-drinks\/\">local dining favorites<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/los-cabos-passport-card-activities\/\">current Passport Card savings<\/a> as you plan. Some booking links may earn Mexitara a commission at no extra cost to you.<\/p>\n<style id=\"mexitara-label-centering-v5\">\nhtml body #page .entry-content :is(.wp-block-button__link,.mx-card){--mx-label-height:36px;--mx-label-bottom:6px}\nhtml body #page .entry-content .mx-card{--mx-label-height:64px;--mx-label-bottom:4px}\nhtml body #page .entry-content .mx-all-pages-grid .wp-block-button__link{--mx-label-height:40px;--mx-label-bottom:5px}\nhtml body #page .entry-content :is(.wp-block-button__link,.mx-card)>.mx-sign-label{position:absolute!important;inset:auto 7% var(--mx-label-bottom)!important;height:var(--mx-label-height)!important;display:flex!important;flex-direction:column!important;justify-content:center!important;align-items:center!important;gap:2px!important;padding:0!important;margin:0!important;text-align:center!important;line-height:1.15!important;overflow-wrap:normal!important;word-break:normal!important;white-space:normal!important;box-sizing:border-box!important}\nhtml body #page .entry-content .mx-card>.mx-sign-label strong{font-size:16px!important;line-height:1.15!important}\nhtml body #page .entry-content .mx-card>.mx-sign-label span{font-size:12px!important;line-height:1.15!important}\n@media(max-width:559px){html body #site-navigation .main-menu a>.mx-sign-label{position:absolute!important;inset:auto 7% 4px!important;height:29px!important;display:flex!important;flex-direction:column!important;align-items:center!important;justify-content:center!important;margin:0!important;padding:0!important;line-height:1.12!important;white-space:normal!important;text-align:center!important}html body #site-navigation .main-menu .sub-menu a>.mx-sign-label{height:34px!important}html body #site-navigation .main-menu>li.menu-item-has-children>a>.mx-sign-label{right:28px!important}}\n@media print{html body #page .entry-content :is(.wp-block-button__link,.mx-card)>.mx-sign-label{position:static!important;height:auto!important}}\n<\/style>\n<script id=\"mexitara-label-centering-script-v5\">(function(){function centerLabels(){document.querySelectorAll('.entry-content .wp-block-button__link,.entry-content .mx-card,#site-navigation .main-menu a').forEach(function(a){if(a.querySelector(':scope > .mx-sign-label'))return;var label=document.createElement('span');label.className='mx-sign-label';while(a.firstChild)label.appendChild(a.firstChild);a.appendChild(label);});}centerLabels();document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',centerLabels);})();<\/script>\n<style id=\"mexitara-readable-labels-v6\">\nhtml body #page .entry-content :is(.wp-block-button__link,.mx-card)>.mx-sign-label{height:auto!important;min-height:36px!important;max-width:86%!important;inset:auto 7% 5px!important;line-height:1.18!important;white-space:normal!important;overflow-wrap:anywhere!important;text-align:center!important;padding:2px 3px!important;box-sizing:border-box!important}\nhtml body #page .entry-content .mx-card>.mx-sign-label{min-height:60px!important}\nhtml body #page .entry-content button{white-space:normal!important;overflow-wrap:anywhere!important;text-align:center!important;line-height:1.3!important;height:auto!important;min-height:44px}\nhtml body #site-navigation .main-menu a>.mx-sign-label{white-space:normal!important;text-align:center!important;line-height:1.18!important;overflow-wrap:anywhere!important}\n@media(max-width:559px){html body #site-navigation .main-menu a>.mx-sign-label{height:auto!important;min-height:32px!important;inset:auto 7% 3px!important;padding:2px!important}html body #site-navigation .main-menu>li.menu-item-has-children>a>.mx-sign-label{right:30px!important}html body #page .entry-content .wp-block-button__link{min-width:0!important;max-width:100%!important}html body #page .entry-content .wp-block-button{max-width:100%!important}}\n<\/style>\n<script id=\"mexitara-page-spanish-v1\">window.MexitaraPageSpanish={\"Cabo San Lucas for First-Time Visitors: 15 Things to Know Before You Go\": \"Cabo San Lucas para principiantes: 15 cosas que debes saber\", \"Cabo San Lucas is one of those places that can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you want it to be. You can spend the morning on the beach, take a boat past the famous Arch, grab tacos for lunch, watch the sunset from the marina, and finish the night with live music \u2014 all without traveling very far.\": \"Cabo puede ser tan tranquilo o aventurero como quieras: playa por la ma\u00f1ana, barco al Arco, tacos al comer, atardecer en la marina y m\u00fasica en vivo por la noche, sin ir muy lejos.\", \"On this page\": \"En esta p\u00e1gina\", \"1. Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos Aren\u2019t Exactly the Same Thing\": \"1. Cabo San Lucas y Los Cabos no son exactamente lo mismo\", \"2. You Don\u2019t Need to Stay at Your Resort the Entire Trip\": \"2. No necesitas pasar todo el viaje en el resort\", \"3. Pesos Are Usually Worth Having\": \"3. Suele convenir llevar pesos\", \"4. The 16% IVA Is a Tax \u2014 Not a Tip\": \"4. El IVA del 16% es impuesto, no propina\", \"5. Uber Can Be a Convenient Way to Get Around\": \"5. Uber puede facilitar los traslados\", \"6. Not Every Cabo Beach Is a Swimming Beach\": \"6. No todas las playas de Cabo son para nadar\", \"7. Take a Boat Out to the Arch\": \"7. Visita el Arco en barco\", \"8. Book Your Must-Do Activities Before You Arrive\": \"8. Reserva tus actividades imprescindibles antes de llegar\", \"9. Check the Los Cabos Passport Card Before Booking Activities\": \"9. Consulta Los Cabos Passport Card antes de reservar\", \"10. Don\u2019t Limit Yourself to Expensive Restaurants\": \"10. No te limites a restaurantes caros\", \"11. Cabo Isn\u2019t Cheap Everywhere \u2014 But It Doesn\u2019t Have to Be Expensive\": \"11. Cabo no siempre es barato, pero tampoco tiene que ser caro\", \"12. San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo Is Worth an Evening\": \"12. San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo merece una noche\", \"13. Consider a Day Trip to Todos Santos\": \"13. Considera una excursi\u00f3n a Todos Santos\", \"14. Cabo Weather Changes More Than People Expect\": \"14. El clima de Cabo cambia m\u00e1s de lo que parece\", \"15. Don\u2019t Try to Do Everything\": \"15. No intentes hacerlo todo\", \"Ready to Explore Cabo?\": \"\u00bfListo para explorar Cabo?\", \"But a first trip to Cabo is even better when you know a few things before you arrive.\": \"El primer viaje se disfruta m\u00e1s cuando conoces algunos detalles antes de llegar.\", \"Here are 15 things we think every first-time visitor should know about Cabo San Lucas.\": \"Estas son las 15 cosas que recomendamos saber en una primera visita.\", \"This can be confusing at first.\": \"Al principio puede resultar confuso.\", \"Los Cabos refers to the larger destination at the southern end of Baja California Sur. The two main cities are Cabo San Lucas and San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo, connected by the Tourist Corridor.\": \"Los Cabos es la regi\u00f3n tur\u00edstica del sur de Baja California Sur. Sus dos ciudades principales, Cabo San Lucas y San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo, est\u00e1n conectadas por el Corredor Tur\u00edstico.\", \"Cabo San Lucas is generally the livelier side, with the marina, M\u00e9dano Beach, restaurants, bars, nightlife, and lots of activities.\": \"Cabo San Lucas suele ser el lado m\u00e1s animado: marina, Playa M\u00e9dano, restaurantes, bares, vida nocturna y actividades.\", \"San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo has a more relaxed feel, with its historic downtown, galleries, restaurants, and the popular Thursday evening Art Walk.\": \"San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo es m\u00e1s tranquilo, con centro hist\u00f3rico, galer\u00edas, restaurantes y el popular Art Walk de los jueves.\", \"If you have enough time, experience both.\": \"Si tienes tiempo, conoce ambos.\", \"Cabo has some beautiful resorts, but there is much more to see outside of them.\": \"Los resorts son bonitos, pero hay mucho m\u00e1s por ver afuera.\", \"Walk around the marina. Have tacos at a local restaurant. Visit downtown Cabo. Spend an evening in San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo. Take a day trip toward Todos Santos and Cerritos.\": \"Camina por la marina, come tacos locales, visita el centro, dedica una noche a San Jos\u00e9 y haz una excursi\u00f3n a Todos Santos y Cerritos.\", \"One of the reasons we created Mexitara was to help visitors discover some of the places they might miss if they never venture beyond their resort.\": \"Creamos Mexitara para ayudarte a encontrar lugares que podr\u00edas perderte si no sales del resort.\", \"The Mexican peso is the official currency, although U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.\": \"El peso mexicano es la moneda oficial, aunque el d\u00f3lar se acepta ampliamente en zonas tur\u00edsticas.\", \"We prefer having some pesos available for smaller restaurants, tips, local shops, and other everyday purchases.\": \"Preferimos llevar pesos para restaurantes peque\u00f1os, propinas, tiendas y compras cotidianas.\", \"Pay attention to the exchange rate being offered when paying in dollars because it may not be as favorable as the current bank exchange rate.\": \"Revisa el cambio que te ofrecen al pagar en d\u00f3lares: puede ser menos favorable que el del banco.\", \"Want to check the latest conversion? Use our\": \"\u00bfQuieres consultar la conversi\u00f3n m\u00e1s reciente? Usa nuestro\", \"Currency Converter\": \"convertidor de moneda\", \"This is an important one for first-time Mexico visitors.\": \"Un detalle importante en tu primera visita a M\u00e9xico.\", \"You may see IVA listed on a restaurant bill or receipt. IVA is Mexico\u2019s value-added tax, and the standard rate is 16%.\": \"Puedes ver IVA en la cuenta. Es el impuesto al valor agregado de M\u00e9xico y su tasa general es del 16%.\", \"That charge is not your server\u2019s tip.\": \"Ese cargo no es la propina del mesero.\", \"Look at the bill carefully before paying so you understand what has been included. Some restaurants may display taxes or service charges differently, so it never hurts to ask if you\u2019re unsure.\": \"Lee bien la cuenta antes de pagar. Algunos restaurantes muestran impuestos y servicio de forma distinta; pregunta si tienes dudas.\", \"Tipping is separate from IVA.\": \"La propina va aparte del IVA.\", \"Taxis are everywhere in Cabo, but rideshare services can also be a convenient option.\": \"Hay taxis por todo Cabo, pero las apps tambi\u00e9n pueden ser pr\u00e1cticas.\", \"We use Uber regularly around Los Cabos. One advantage is that you can see the estimated price, driver information, and trip route in the app.\": \"Usamos Uber habitualmente en Los Cabos. Puedes ver precio estimado, informaci\u00f3n del conductor y ruta en la app.\", \"Depending on where you\u2019re going, it can also cost less than a traditional taxi.\": \"Seg\u00fan el destino, tambi\u00e9n puede costar menos que un taxi tradicional.\", \"Airport transportation works differently from simply requesting a ride around town, so it\u2019s a good idea to arrange your transportation from the airport before you arrive.\": \"El transporte del aeropuerto funciona distinto al de la ciudad: conviene organizarlo antes de llegar.\", \"This surprises some first-time visitors.\": \"Esto sorprende a muchos visitantes nuevos.\", \"The coastline around Los Cabos is beautiful, but ocean conditions vary quite a bit from one beach to another. Strong waves and currents can make some beaches unsafe for swimming.\": \"La costa es hermosa, pero las condiciones cambian entre playas. Olas y corrientes fuertes pueden hacer peligroso nadar.\", \"If swimming is important to you, choose a beach known for calmer conditions and always pay attention to posted flags and local warnings.\": \"Si quieres nadar, elige una playa conocida por condiciones m\u00e1s tranquilas y sigue siempre banderas y avisos locales.\", \"M\u00e9dano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cabo San Lucas and is surrounded by restaurants, activities, and beach clubs.\": \"M\u00e9dano es una de las playas m\u00e1s populares de Cabo San Lucas, rodeada de restaurantes, actividades y clubes.\", \"Other well-known beaches around Los Cabos include Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay.\": \"Otras playas conocidas son las bah\u00edas Chileno y Santa Mar\u00eda.\", \"Never assume that calm-looking water is safe.\": \"Nunca supongas que el agua de aspecto tranquilo es segura.\", \"Yes, it\u2019s touristy.\": \"S\u00ed, es tur\u00edstico.\", \"Do it anyway.\": \"Hazlo de todos modos.\", \"El Arco \u2014 the Arch of Cabo San Lucas \u2014 is the landmark you see in countless Cabo photos.\": \"El Arco de Cabo San Lucas es el s\u00edmbolo que aparece en tantas fotograf\u00edas.\", \"Seeing it from the water is completely different from seeing it in a picture.\": \"Verlo desde el agua es muy distinto a verlo en una foto.\", \"You\u2019ll find everything from inexpensive water taxis to glass-bottom boats, sailing trips, and private excursions.\": \"Hay taxis acu\u00e1ticos econ\u00f3micos, barcos de fondo de cristal, veleros y excursiones privadas.\", \"You don\u2019t need to schedule every minute of your vacation.\": \"No necesitas programar cada minuto de tus vacaciones.\", \"But if there is one excursion you absolutely don\u2019t want to miss \u2014 such as a sunset cruise, fishing trip, snorkeling tour, or ATV adventure \u2014 consider reserving it ahead of time.\": \"Pero si hay algo que no quieres perderte, como crucero al atardecer, pesca, esn\u00f3rquel o cuatrimotos, considera reservarlo antes.\", \"Popular tours can fill up, especially during busy travel periods.\": \"Los tours populares pueden llenarse, sobre todo en temporada alta.\", \"Leave some open time in your schedule too. Cabo is a great place to decide, \u201cThat looks fun \u2014 let\u2019s do it.\u201d\": \"Deja tambi\u00e9n tiempo libre. Cabo es ideal para decir: \u00abEso se ve divertido, \u00a1vamos!\u00bb.\", \"If you\u2019re planning several activities, restaurants, or other experiences during your trip, take a look at the\": \"Si planeas varias actividades o restaurantes, consulta\", \"before you start booking everything separately.\": \"antes de reservar todo por separado.\", \"The Los Cabos Passport Card offers some excellent savings, including many buy-one-get-one-free dining offers and discounts of up to 50% on participating activities and services.\": \"Los Cabos Passport Card ofrece ahorros, incluidas ofertas de dos por uno en restaurantes y hasta 50% en actividades y servicios participantes.\", \"Depending on what you plan to do, the savings from an excursion or two can offset the cost of the card.\": \"Seg\u00fan tus planes, una o dos excursiones pueden compensar su costo.\", \"You can even get it online before your trip and have it delivered to any address in the US or Canada so you already have it when you arrive.\": \"Puedes comprarla antes por internet y pedir env\u00edo a Estados Unidos o Canad\u00e1 para llegar con ella.\", \"Cabo certainly has some spectacular high-end restaurants.\": \"Cabo tiene restaurantes de lujo espectaculares.\", \"But some of our favorite meals are at casual local places.\": \"Pero muchas de nuestras comidas favoritas son en lugares locales informales.\", \"A great Cabo trip might include a beautiful marina dinner one night and inexpensive tacos the next.\": \"Puedes disfrutar una cena en la marina una noche y tacos econ\u00f3micos la siguiente.\", \"Some Mexitara favorites include Uno M\u00e1s, Solomon\u2019s Landing, and Sancho\u2019s, along with several local taco spots and casual restaurants.\": \"Entre nuestros favoritos est\u00e1n Uno M\u00e1s, Solomon\u2019s Landing, Sancho\u2019s y distintas taquer\u00edas y restaurantes informales.\", \"That\u2019s one of our favorite things about eating in Cabo \u2014 there\u2019s something for almost every budget.\": \"Eso nos encanta de comer en Cabo: hay opciones para casi todos los presupuestos.\", \"It\u2019s easy to spend a lot of money in Cabo if every meal, drink, and activity happens at a beachfront resort.\": \"Es f\u00e1cil gastar mucho si comes, bebes y haces todo en un resort frente al mar.\", \"But you don\u2019t have to vacation that way.\": \"Pero no tienes que viajar as\u00ed.\", \"Walk a few blocks away from the most tourist-heavy areas and you\u2019ll often find local restaurants, taco shops, and bars with very different prices.\": \"A pocas cuadras de las zonas m\u00e1s tur\u00edsticas suelen aparecer restaurantes, tacos y bares con precios muy diferentes.\", \"Mixing a few splurges with inexpensive local favorites is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Cabo without watching your vacation budget disappear.\": \"Combinar algunos gustos con favoritos econ\u00f3micos ayuda a disfrutar sin agotar el presupuesto.\", \"Don\u2019t spend your entire trip in Cabo San Lucas.\": \"No pases todo el viaje en Cabo San Lucas.\", \"San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo has a completely different atmosphere.\": \"San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo tiene un ambiente distinto.\", \"If you\u2019re visiting during Art Walk season, Thursday evening is an especially fun time to go downtown. You\u2019ll find galleries, food vendors, restaurants, and plenty of people walking through the historic center.\": \"En temporada de Art Walk, el jueves por la noche es ideal para recorrer el centro entre galer\u00edas, puestos de comida, restaurantes y gente paseando.\", \"Our advice?\": \"\u00bfNuestro consejo?\", \"Come hungry.\": \"Llega con hambre.\", \"There are plenty of opportunities to stop for food or drinks while wandering around.\": \"Hay muchas oportunidades para comer o beber mientras paseas.\", \"If your schedule allows it, Todos Santos makes a great day trip from Cabo.\": \"Si tienes tiempo, Todos Santos es una gran excursi\u00f3n desde Cabo.\", \"The town has art, restaurants, shops, and a completely different personality from the resort areas of Los Cabos.\": \"Tiene arte, restaurantes, tiendas y una personalidad distinta a los resorts.\", \"A few of our favorite stops in the area include Tequila Sunrise, where you can try a Damiana margarita, and The Green Room, a beautiful beachfront stop outside Todos Santos.\": \"Nos gustan Tequila Sunrise para una margarita de damiana y The Green Room, una bonita parada frente al mar fuera de Todos Santos.\", \"If you continue toward Cerritos Beach, there are even more casual places to explore.\": \"Hacia Playa Cerritos hay m\u00e1s lugares informales por descubrir.\", \"Don\u2019t rush the day. The drive and stops along the way are part of the experience.\": \"No corras. El camino y las paradas tambi\u00e9n son parte de la experiencia.\", \"Cabo is known for sunshine, but the weather still changes with the seasons.\": \"Cabo tiene fama de soleado, pero el clima cambia con las estaciones.\", \"Winter generally brings comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. Summer can be considerably hotter, and the sun can feel intense.\": \"El invierno suele traer d\u00edas agradables y noches frescas. El verano puede ser mucho m\u00e1s caluroso y el sol intenso.\", \"Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, drink plenty of water, and consider a light jacket during cooler winter evenings.\": \"Lleva protector solar, lentes, sombrero, mucha agua y una chamarra ligera para las noches frescas de invierno.\", \"If you\u2019re planning outdoor activities in the hotter months, morning can be much more comfortable than the middle of the afternoon.\": \"En meses calurosos las ma\u00f1anas suelen ser m\u00e1s c\u00f3modas para actividades al aire libre.\", \"And remember: Cabo is a desert environment next to the ocean. That\u2019s part of what makes the landscape so unique.\": \"Recuerda: Cabo es desierto junto al mar. Eso hace \u00fanico su paisaje.\", \"This might be our most important Cabo advice.\": \"Tal vez este sea nuestro consejo m\u00e1s importante.\", \"It\u2019s easy to look at all the beaches, restaurants, excursions, bars, and day trips and start building a schedule for every hour of every day.\": \"Con tantas playas, restaurantes, excursiones y bares es f\u00e1cil llenar cada hora del d\u00eda.\", \"Don\u2019t.\": \"No lo hagas.\", \"Pick a few things you really want to experience and leave room for the unexpected.\": \"Elige algunas experiencias que de verdad quieras y deja espacio para lo inesperado.\", \"Spend an extra hour at the beach. Stop somewhere because it looks interesting. Have another margarita while watching the marina. Take the long lunch.\": \"Qu\u00e9date una hora m\u00e1s en la playa, para donde algo te llame la atenci\u00f3n, disfruta otra margarita mirando la marina o alarga la comida.\", \"Some of the best Cabo experiences aren\u2019t the ones you planned months ahead.\": \"Algunas de las mejores experiencias no se planean meses antes.\", \"If this is your first visit, start with the basics and then build the trip that sounds right for you.\": \"Si es tu primera visita, empieza con lo b\u00e1sico y arma un viaje a tu gusto.\", \"Mexitara can help you explore our favorite\": \"Mexitara te ayuda a explorar nuestros favoritos:\", \"Places to Eat and Drink\": \"Lugares para comer y beber\", \"Things to do around Los Cabos\": \"Qu\u00e9 hacer por Los Cabos\", \"Cabo Picks\": \"Recomendaciones de Cabo\", \"Local Discounts\": \"Descuentos locales\", \"Tours and Activities\": \"Tours y actividades\", \"Whether it\u2019s your first Cabo vacation or your tenth, there is always somewhere new to eat, explore, or discover.\": \"Sea tu primera o d\u00e9cima visita, siempre hay algo nuevo para comer, explorar o descubrir.\", \"Mexico, Beyond the Ordinary\": \"M\u00e9xico, m\u00e1s all\u00e1 de lo ordinario\", \"Want to avoid the most common planning mistakes? Read our\": \"\u00bfQuieres evitar errores comunes? Lee nuestra gu\u00eda de\", \"10 Cabo mistakes first-time visitors make\": \"10 errores de quienes visitan Cabo por primera vez\", \"guide before you book.\": \"antes de reservar.\", \"Quick planning checklist:\": \"Lista r\u00e1pida para planear:\", \"For a shorter practical overview of pesos, airport transfers, tipping, and beach safety, see our\": \"Para un resumen de pesos, aeropuerto, propinas y seguridad de playa, consulta\", \"10 Things to Know Before Visiting Cabo\": \"10 cosas que debes saber antes de visitar Cabo\", \". Find\": \". Encuentra\", \"local dining favorites\": \"favoritos gastron\u00f3micos locales\", \"and\": \"y\", \"current Passport Card savings\": \"ahorros actuales de Passport Card\", \"as you plan. Some booking links may earn Mexitara a commission at no extra cost to you.\": \"al planear. Algunos enlaces pueden generar una comisi\u00f3n para Mexitara sin costo adicional para ti.\", \"Beach\": \"Playa\", \"Tours\": \"Tours\"};<\/script>\n\n<style id=\"mexitara-faint-backdrop-v1\">html body{isolation:isolate}html body::before{content:\"\";position:fixed;inset:0;z-index:-1;pointer-events:none;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/essentials.webp\");background-position:center;background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat;opacity:.22}@media(max-width:767px){html body::before{background-image:url(\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/essentials.webp\");opacity:.21}}@media print{html body::before{display:none!important}}<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Coming to Cabo for the first time? Great choice. You can spend your days on the beach, head out to the Arch, eat your way through the taco spots or do a little of everything. But here&#8217;s something I&#8217;d tell any friend visiting me in Cabo: plan the important stuff, keep an eye on what<a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/cabo-san-lucas-for-first-time-visitors-15-things-to-know-before-you-go\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">&#8220;Cabo San Lucas for First-Time Visitors: 15 Things to Know Before You Go&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":269411838,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"Visiting Cabo San Lucas for the first time? Get 15 practical local tips on beaches, transportation, money, dining, tours and more.","jetpack_seo_html_title":"Cabo San Lucas First-Time Visitor Guide: 15 Tips | Mexitara","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_wpcom_ai_launchpad_about_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_gallery_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_contact_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_events_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_video_page":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_portfolio_piece":false,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-508","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/PhqhBa-8c","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/508","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/269411838"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=508"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/508\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1458,"href":"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/508\/revisions\/1458"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mexitara.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=508"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}