travel tips
There is an office in San José del Cabo for the Los Cabos Tourism Board, open weekdays 9am to 5pm. Avoid tour stands on the streets; they are usually associated with time-share operations.
The Gringo Gazette, a free periodical, can be very helpful. In Todos
Santos, pick up a copy of El Calendario de Todos Santos for information
on local events. Los Cabos Guide is another free magazine providing
tourists with much needed information.
The Baja California Sur State Tourist Office is in La Paz about a 10-minute drive north of the Malecón. It serves as both the state and city tourism office. There’s also an information stand on the Malecón across from Los Arcos hotel. The booth is a more convenient spot, and it can give you info on La Paz, Scammon’s Lagoon, Santa Rosalia, and other smaller towns. Both offices and the booth are open weekdays 9am to 5pm.
Mexico’s Entry Requirements
Passport Requirements Resuming October 1, 2007: Passengers traveling via air will again need valid passports to travel between the United States and Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico, according to the US Department of Homeland Security. Summer 2008, passports will be required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States via land and sea, as well as air, regardless of destination.
The Water (Can I drink the water)?
The water supply for all of Los Cabos is spring fed ground water. The water here is very pure, but be careful. The pipes used for distribution of the water supply and other factors can lead to contamination. Although many people drink the water directly from the tap, it is not recommended. Anywhere in the world, a change in drinking water can cause stomach distress. We recommend that you drink only bottled or purified water. All of the major hotels purify their water or serve purified water. If there is any doubt in your mind, do not hesitate to ask about the source of water in any establishment. There should always be someone nearby who speaks English and will be able to translate for you. If your still in doubt, ask for bottled water. “Agua Purificado” is what you want.
In Case of Emergency
While on vacation, it’s always good to have a backup plan, just in case something unexpected happens. It’s always best to know where the closest hospital is and to have a phone number handy. Cabo San Lucas’ most accessible hospital for tourists is the AmeriMed Hospital. They have an Emergency Care Center that is open 24/7. Their phone number is (624) 105 6500.
Driving in Baja
It is safe to drive in Cabo. No special permits or bonds are needed, unless you plan to continue on to Mexico’s mainland. Be sure to get Mexican insurance before crossing the border, as your U.S. insurance is not valid in Mexico. Do not drive in Mexico without insurance! While you are purchasing insurance, get a map that shows the locations of gas stations. Keep your gas tank as close to full as possible, even if it means extra stops. You never know when the next gas station will be closed or out of gas. It is a good idea to carry a gas can, with gas in it. The roads are constantly patrolled by the Green Angels (daytime hours only) who will help with gas and very minor repairs. These angels of mercy will pass by eventually, although you will probably be helped before they arrive by others passing by. The roads are generally safe, but narrow by U.S. standards, be extra careful. Don’t drive at night unless you are curious about the real meaning of “Road Kill”. Even in the day time, WATCH FOR CATTLE.
Useful Phone Numbers
When dialing the 5 digit (local) phone numbers you must first dial 011 52 (624) from the U.S. and Canada.
American Consulute – Mike Houston
143-3566
Canadian Consulate San Jose del Cabo
142-4333
American Express office (Cabo)
143-2787
Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles
(213) 351-6800
Mexican Consulate in San Francisco
(415) 392-2897
Mexican Consulate in San Diego
(619) 231-0337
Vagabundos del Mar RV & Trailer Park
(800) 474-2752
Cabo Isle Marina
143-1251
Time Zone
Cabo San Lucas is on Mountain Time and observes Daylight Savings time.
Visit our 50 Things You Should Know about in Cabo Blog Post for More Tips
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