It seems the Pacific gem of Los Cabos just keeps rising in popularity, as it claims the title of the third most-visited destination in Mexico and aims to be one of the top vacation spots for American travelers this summer.
A dual-offer comprising the resort cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos, or ‘The Capes’ have always been popular among U.S. travelers, particularly for Californians and other West Coast residents, due to both its beautiful nature and geographical proximity.
Now, authorities are investing heavily in marketing Los Cabos in more markets and most importantly, establishing it as a year-round attraction:
The Second Most Visited Beach Destination In Mexico
According to the latest data published by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism and Economy, Los Cabos now ranks as the third most-visited spot in Mexico by foreign tourists, behind only the sprawling capital that is Mexico City, and Cancun, the gateway to the Caribbean coast.
In other words, it is now the second-most-popular beach destination in the country, again beaten only by the Caribbean giant.
After years of battling against Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta and its adjacent Riviera Maya (its strongest competitors), Los Cabos has finally reached the runner-up slot.
In December 2022, it rounded off the year with a historic 20% growth in visitor numbers, totaling over 4 million visitors, and for 2023, it is projected to increase a further 15% as a destination.
But what is it about Los Cabos that keeps vacationers, and most notably, Americans coming back for more?
It Is The Best-Developed Wellness Center In The Latin World
For starters, unlike the Mexican Caribbean, which in recent years has got dangerously close to losing its traditional Mayan character in favor of becoming a party destination awash with foreigners, Los Cabos has pursued a different path:
Instead of an entertainment hub, it’s branded itself as a ‘more chill’ alternative to the Mayan Riviera, and the numerous efforts in developing a laid-back scene and attracting wellness-driven visitors have paid off: Los Cabos is the leading wellness hub in the whole of Latin America.
While they are definitely not your average quaint coastal town, with both San Lucas and San Jose having lively nightlife and a youthful vibe, they are nowhere near the unruliness and hectic scenes seen in Tulum’s wild jungle raves.
Los Cabos is extremely family-friendly, as well as an ideal location for young travelers looking to relax and soak up the coastal nature:
It is packed with protected reserves, sandy beaches bounded by azure oceans, and award-winning spas and all-inclusive resorts.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, Los Cabos has ‘the greatest presence’ of wellness institutions in the Latin World, with two hotels in particular being renowned for their prioritization of relaxation:
Casa Dorada and One Only Pamilla.
World-Class Service
Casa Dorado is a five-star accommodation provider incorporating natural elements, with a ‘family first’ and pet-friendly policies.
One Only Pamilla, on the other hand, is a luxurious resort providing a ‘heartfelt butler service’ while catering to guests’ ‘every need’.
Overnight fares start from USD $324,00 on Trip.com, and the list of amenities is quite extensive.
On top of improving further what’s already a well-developed resort scene, authorities in Los Cabos have been actively pandering to the luxury tourism sector.
Whether it’s a wider availability of top-notch, semi-private jets with tickets starting from only USD $600,00, leaving from Los Angeles, the reinforcement of security, or the promotion of more exclusive luxury stays, it’s attained distinction as Mexico’s fastest-growing upscale resort zone.
Lastly, Los Cabos is entirely sargassum-free, not being located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.
The arrival of sargassum seaweed to the shores of Cancun has been known to disrupt family vacations a number of times before, and this year, its incidence has reached alarming levels.
Fortunately for Cabo-bound travelers, the algae does not migrate from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
America’s New Fave Summer Getaway?
The Ministry of Tourism and Economy has revealed the first quarter of 2023 has already seen a 20% increase year-on-year compared to the same period in the preceding year, with more than 1,150,000 passengers recorded between January and April so far.
Hotel occupancy is high as well, with the average for the state of Baja California Sur, where Los Cabos is located, reaching 75 percent, 9 points higher than 2022’s figures, even though it’s already entered the off-season.
In other words, Cabo will be busier than ever once the hot winds of summer start blowing.
