One Week of Local Treasures & Must-Visit Spots🌊☀🌵
Los Cabos is famous for its luxury resorts, all-inclusive packages, and bustling nightlife—but is that all there is?
Beyond the tourist-packed beaches, a world of hidden treasures awaits those who seek adventure, culture, and authenticity. This guide will take you through the real Los Cabos—from secret beaches to local food gems, cultural experiences, and untouched natural beauty.
Discover One Week of:
🐟 Hidden Beaches & Secret Coastal Escapes
🐟 Local Food & Must-Try Bites
🐟 Adventure Beyond the Resorts
🐟 Arts, Culture & Local Experiences
🐟 Thursdays Absolute Must Do!
🐟 Must Ditch Tourist Traps 🐟 Saving Tips to Enjoy An Overpriced Paradise
Whether you're hiking through desert landscapes, discovering local art, or tasting the best fish tacos of your life, there's an authentic experience waiting for you. Step beyond the tourist traps and uncover the real Los Cabos! 🌊☀🌵
TWIG Members Get VIP Treatment – Personalized Help for Booking & Planning the Perfect Vacation, Stress-Free!✨🌍🏝
DAY 1: THURSDAY
If Staying In Cabo San Lucas
🚍 Catch the purple and orange bus Ruta del Desierto right outside the airport. It runs along the Tourist Corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. $100 pesos. 45 minutes ride. It's not luxurious but it’s safe, authentic, and the buses run regularly, usually every 15 to 30 minutes or so.
Other Options: Uber ($800 pesos) or pre-booking a shared shuttle ($800 pesos).
🏡 Settle in your hotel. We recommend staying near Medano Beach (the most popular swimming beach in Cabo). From there you can easily walk to downtown Cabo San Lucas. It’s a 5- to 20-minute walk to everywhere, depending where along the beach you’re staying.
🌮 Pre-reserve a table at the famous "Office on the Beach" to enjoy their Fiesta Mexicana. Enjoy Mexican traditions and folklore, Mariachi, dancing in a night full of joy, contests, piñatas dances, etc. Thursday from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
If Staying In San Jose del Cabo
🚍 Catch an Uber ($100-$200 pesos) or pre-book a shared shuttle.
🏡 Settle in your hotel. We recommend staying in the art district for a night or two to enjoy its charm and the wonderful restaurants.
🎨 Attend the famous San Jose del Cabo Art Walk. It’s a delightful evening of strolling the historic art district. Sip wine. Nibble complimentary tapas from wandering restaurateurs. Admire artistic works at a dozen unique galleries. And meet the artists. Every Thursday evening between November and June, from 5pm to 9pm.
DAY 2
Los Arcos
🐟 "Los Arcos" (meaning "The Arches" in Spanish) refers to the iconic natural rock formation, also known as "El Arco" or "Land's End," at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas, a must-see landmark in Los Cabos. The only way to see it up close is by boat (or kayak) – you can’t walk or drive to Land’s End. We chose the tour below not only for its high rating but also because it includes stopping at famous Lovers Beach, and Divorce Beach.
🚍 Book a 5-star tour. They'll pick you up at your hotel. Get ready to kayak, paddle and snorkle in paradise. 3 hour tour. $90 US/Person + Tip.
Other Options: Get to the marina on your own and take a 1 hour taxi boat to Los Arcos for about $100 pesos per person. Share a glass floor boat for $25 US.
🏡 Relax enjoying the amenities at your hotel.
🌮 Enjoy fine dining at Edith's Restaurante. Colorful garden venue with thatched coverings & lanterns, for upscale Mexican fare, lobster & steak. Edith is on the pricey side but the atmosphere and service are great. They offer a few affordable dishes such as the Aztec Soup, Grilled Fresh Fish Tacos or Organic Chicken & Green Pipian Mole. + 52 (624) 143-0801
DAY 3
ATV in the Hidden Baja Desert
🌵Prepare for a truly exhilarating ATV tour at Tierra Sagrada ranch, where adventure and adrenaline collide in the stunning Baja's wilderness. It is the perfect way to explore the beautiful landscape of Cabo San Lucas.
🚍 Book a 5-star tour. They'll pick you up at your hotel. Get ready to get dirty in paradise. 3 hour tour. $75 US/Person + $35 US Insurance + $20 US Entrance + Tip.
Other Options: From Whale watching (mid-November to mid-April) to riding a camel in the desert, there are many wonderful 5-star tours to pick from.
🏡 Relax enjoying the amenities at your hotel.
🌮 Enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life and fine dining at Jazz on the Rocks. Experience Los Cabos' first jazz club, set atop fancy restaurant Sunset Monalisa (same owner). Daily live jazz harmonizes with breathtaking Cabo San Lucas Arch views. Sunset Monalisa is on the pricey side with preset tasting menu. The best options is to secure a table at Jazz on the Rocks, outdoor table with view ($200 pesos to secure) and enjoy a more affordable and flexible A la Carte Menu while enjoying all the magic of Sunset Monalisa.
DAY 4
Free Time
🌊 This is your moment for leisure. From enjoying your hotel, venturing on Medano Beach (the most popular swimming beach in Cabo), or leisuring through downtown, there is no chance you'll get bored.
☀ Check the DayPass app, to see which fantastic nearby hotels offer a day pass to enjoy their pool, spa and beach without booking a room!
🛑 Whatever you choose to do, make sure to avoid the following tourist traps:
Avoid the yacht-filled marina. Yes, the waterfront is lined by numerous bustling bars, restaurants and shopping hubs like the Puerto Paraiso and Luxury Avenue interconnected malls, but it's awfully touristy, sellers will harrass you every second and you can find those restaurants and bars anywhere touristy in the world. Our advice: skip it!
Avoid shopping in any store. They are all overpriced. From buying sunscreen to booking a mani-pedi, you'll pay 3 times the price it's worth. Our advice: Come prepare with everything you need: sunscreen, swimming attire and more.
Do not order drinks without asking for the price first. Save yourself a big surprise and disappointment. When you'll ask for the drinks menu, most restaurants will say "we don't have one." So you'll order a safe marguarita and discover on the bill that you were charged $400 pesos for it. Our advice: Don't be afraid to ask for the price first or for the shocking fee to be removed from your bill.
Skip renting a car. It's overpriced in Los Cabos. Our advice: Rely on Uber and great tours to pick you up at your hotel to drive you to where you wish to explore.
Overpaying for lodging. The average nice hotel in Los Cabos is between $500-$700 US a night. Have you thought of doing a home exchange to save on lodging? This is now the way the TWIG team prefers to travel.
🌮 Enjoy fine dining at Tres Sirenas. From celebrated lifelong restauranteur Edith Jimenez comes her newest project – specializing in the cuisine of the sea in a beautiful decor. Every night starting at 7pm there is a different band or artist playing live. They offer a few affordable dishes such as a Mexican Fish & Chips, Shrimp Bisque served in a sourdough bread bowl, or 1/2 Organic Suckling Chicken in Pipian Mole Sauce. + 52 (624) 143 7884.
DAY 5
Excursion to La Paz, Todos Santos and Balandra Beach
🌊I hope you went to bed early because your amazing day excursion will start between 4 and 5am, depending where you stay. Yes, it's long, but it's 100% worth it. Balandra Beach, located near La Paz, is renowned for its shallow, calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand, and unique "Mushroom Rock" formation. There is only 2 times a day to visit it. 8am & 1pm. It is a protected reserve and only 350 people are allowed at the same time. That's why you had to wake up so early.
La Paz is the underrated capital of Baja California Sur. It’s known for its seafront Malecón promenade with beaches, parks and art by Mexican and international artists. Many bars and restaurants overlook the water. It's quiter and more affordable then Los Cabos.
Todos Santos is a pueblo magico popular with artists. It’s known for its Hotel California controversy and its many Art galleries. The modern Profesor Néstor Agúndez Martínez Cultural Center is housed in a former school and includes a local history museum. To the south, beaches like San Pedrito and Los Cerritos are known for their strong surf.
🚍 Book a 5-star tour. They'll pick you up at your hotel. Get ready for a truly long but amazing day. 14 hour tour. $110 US/Person + Tip.
Other Options: From Whale watching to riding a camel in the desert, there are many wonderful 5-star tours to pick from.
🌮 Enjoy room service at your hotel as you'll return around 6pm and will be exhausted by a fantastic day!
DAY 6 & 7
Change City
🌊 Wherever you stayed for the first 5 days, vibrant Cabo San Lucas or charming San Jose Los Cabos, we recommend you switch to get a totally different experience that will make your week complete.
Voila!
Los Cabos is much more than just luxury resorts—it's a destination full of hidden beauty, culture, and adventure.
Whether you're hiking through desert landscapes, discovering local art, or tasting the best fish tacos of your life, there's an authentic experience waiting for you.
Step beyond the tourist traps and uncover the real Los Cabos!
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FAQ´S -
What is Guadalajara famous for? Guadalajara is famous for being the capital of Jalisco, the Silicon Valley of Mexico, and the land of mariachi music, charros, and tequila. It also offers a wide range of cultural events, historical sites, and unique attractions throughout the year.
What are some must-visit attractions in Guadalajara? Some must-visit attractions in Guadalajara include the Guachimontones circular stepped pyramids, Hospicio Cabañas, San Juan de Dios Market, and the numerous festivals and events that take place throughout the year.
Why Guadalajara is an Ideal Expat Destination? Guadalajara is considered the cultural center of Mexico. Also named the Silicon Valley of Mexico, it still maintains it authentic Mexican culture. Living in Guadalajara will introduce you to eccentric coffee shops, fashionable restaurants, suburbs that contain markets and small shops with traditional folklore and Mexican souvenirs. The prices are still not gringofied and the quality of life is high!
How to Make Your Move to Guadalajara Smooth and Stress-Free? Sign-up to TWIG's Relocation Program and learn in 4 days what it takes other years. From where to eat, where to stay, what to see, and connecting you to all the top professionals you need for your new life, you’ll feel home in an instant.
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We hope this article helped you turn from a newcomer to a smart local, embracing and enjoying your new home in beautiful Guadalajara!
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