Cynthia’s guidebook to Cabo

Cabo is less Mexican and more like San Diego. You can walk around the Marina, where there are lots of shops and restaurants, including a large American-style mall. You can also walk the streets behind the Marina for good restaurants, more Mexican shops, bars, etc. This is a safe area. We’ve eaten the street food (tamales and churros) and have never had any problems. San Jose is more typical Mexican. The main square downtown is fun, with shops and restaurants.

They will bend over backwards to take care of you. The resort has a free shuttle to its sister resort in downtown Cabo every couple of hours. Probably best to make a reservation on the shuttle if you choose to take it. If you have a car, you can park for free at the sister resort.

You have access to all resort amenities – pools, restaurants, play areas, etc. Ask for a schedule of daily activities when you check in, if that interests you. Don’t miss the pool at the top of the Tower. It has the best view. You can purchase food/drink at all of the pools. They’ll charge it to your room. It’s not cheap. We found the best bar food at the top of the Tower. If you want to eat dinner at any of the restaurants, I highly recommend making a reservation! I suggest a dinner reservation for the first night you arrive, just so you have that planned (you can always cancel).

Depending when you arrive, you can stop at the grocery store on your way in from the airport, go after you arrive, or wait until the next morning. Shopping at the Mexican groceries is really fun. But it will take you longer than in an American grocery store because you have to read everything in Spanish! We recommend La Comer (on the way from the airport) or Fresca (also part of La Comer, but smaller and more gourmet – one is quite close to the resort). If you’re going to cook a lot while there, I suggest bringing your own spices. Also, I always bring a sponge. Dishwashing soap is provided.

You will have pool service every day – they will provide fresh towels, will clean the grill (so it looks like new every time) and will put the umbrellas up and down. They’ll also service the hot tub and fire pit.

The water in Cabo is filtered (most comes from the sea and is desalinated). You can drink the water and ice at the resort. You can also buy bottled water if that suits your tastes more. Restaurants will ask if you want water – and its usually bottled and they’ll charge for it.

Don’t be afraid to barter/bargain with shopkeepers and tour guides. It’s Mexico. Everything seems to be negotiable. The resort, however, has set prices.

Costa Azul Beach or Playa Costa Azul (20 minute drive from resort). You can rent surf boards/get lessons on one side of the freeway, then drive under the freeway to the beach. Or, you can just go to the beach. This is uncrowded during the week (not sure on weekends) without the gauntlet of beach vendors. There are lots of other beaches as well. Look up “Best beaches in Cabo."

Fishing (ask Butler for recommendations or find a fishing boat at the Marina) Snorkeling Rent a wave runner/SkiDo Take a boat to view the Cabo Arch Tripadvisor | Cabo San Lucas Downtown Food and Tacos Tasting Walking Tour provided by Juan More Taco Food Tours | Mexico

Swim with dolphins. Book through the concierge since it comes out to be so much cheaper. Beach: Private beach that belongs to Hacienda Beach Club & Residences. Access it by going for lunch at the restaurant (Hacienda Cocina y Cantina). Arrive by taxi, which is cheaper than parking there.