Los Cabos is the fastest-recovering destination in Mexico, having outpaced the likes of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City in year-on-year growth.
Last year alone, it hosted 3.5 million tourists, 25% more than the previous year.
Cancun’s record-setting figures are still hard to beat; it is trailing behind Los Cabos’ recovery rate, registering a moderate 26.6% rise in tourism last fall compared to the latter’s 32.6%. While there is still a lot of ground to cover, their gap is inching ever closer.
This has led many to wonder: could the Pacific destination overthrow the Caribbean giant by the end of this decade? Here are 4 reasons why we believe it might:
It Is Latin America’s Wellness Capital
Few destinations in Latin America have invested as heavily in developing the local wellness industry as Mexico has. Boasting the ‘greatest presence’ of spas and relaxation centers South of the border, it has managed to carve a role for itself as the wellness capital of Latin America.
With resorts and boutique hotels that prioritize the well-being of guests and offer a more tranquil atmosphere, ‘The Capes’ stand out among other competitors within Mexico, particularly Quintana Roo, with its riotous party scene and hectic Hotel Zone.
Now more than ever, amid the economic downturn and the dire state of politics, travelers are looking for utter relaxation when flying abroad, and The Los Cabos Hotel Association has ensured their demands are heard by improving its five-star products and building new luxurious retreats.
Beautiful Nature
74 percent of travelers are looking for some sort of digital detox and being closer to nature when going on a holiday.
As noted by the Executive President of the Los Cabos Hotel Association, the destination has ensured it stays ahead of this trend by providing easy access to ‘natural world experiences‘.
Whether it’s open spaces, the scenic coast, lined by golden sand beaches and lapped by the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, numerous marine parks where exotic wildlife can be spotted, or Cabo’s unspoiled reserves, it has a lot to offer on the nature front.
The main point of interest is El Arco, an arch-like geological formation jutting out of the Pacific, and it is a symbol of Baja California Sur’s awe-inspiring nature. It is a popular day trip for travelers based in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo, who often couple it with a visit to the scenic Lovers Beach.
Unparalleled Cultural Offer
Other than its natural wonders, Los Cabos – and the wider Baja California Sur state – is possibly one of Mexico’s most underrated cultural destinations, jam-packed with historically-relevant sites and sleepy towns dating back to the Spanish Empire.
Only 75km away from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is famous for its traditional old brick buildings and hilly cityscapes. Originally founded as a Spanish trading hub in the 18th century, it’s been added to Mexico’s ever-expanding list of ‘Magical Towns’.
Sitting on the East Cape, Miraflores is yet another gem worth the short drive from Cabo. Settled by French sailors in 1700, it is a quaint, sleepy pueblo best known for its craft shops and hot springs.
El Triunfo is also deserving of a nod, what with its colonial-style church and cobbled streets.
It Is Safer Than Other Mexican Destinations
Mexico is an incredibly safe country for tourists, in spite of what the mainstream media would have you believe, and this statement is particularly true when applied to Los Cabos, where petty crime rates have dropped significantly in recent years.
A study conducted by Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) concluded that 67.4% of residents consider Cabo ‘safe’, due to the low incidence of violence and safety reinforcement in popular tourist areas, easily placing it as one of the safest cities South of the border.
Additionally, the State Department in the U.S. considers Baja California Sur, which includes both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, a Level 2 destination, a status it shares with traditionally ‘safe’ European destinations, like the United Kingdom and Spain.
When traveling to Los Cabos, Americans must simply exercise ‘increased caution’, such as keeping an eye on their personal belongings and being aware of pickpockets in crowded spaces, and avoiding walking in suburban zones after dark. In sum, general safety advice applies.
