We all know the story: you want a vacation to remember, but you’re low on cash? Los Cabos is known for glitzy resorts and high-end style, but there’s a wealth of activities that can be enjoyed for those traveling on a budget. With a little planning, you can have the total Los Cabos experience without the price tag.
The high season in Los Cabos begins when the temperatures start to cool off. From October through April, visitors flock to Los Cabos as they flee the cold up north. The summer months from May to August are much hotter, but crowds are practically nonexistent and prices tumble. If you’re flexible with your vacation time, check out the off-season rates at hotels throughout Los Cabos. You could find yourself a deal and have all the glamour without losing an arm and a leg.
That being said, inexpensive accommodations can be found whenever you choose to visit Los Cabos. If you’re traveling with a large group (or you have a larger family) and you want to stay in Los Cabos for a longer period, consider renting an apartment or house. This gives you all the comforts of home (literally) for a much lower rate than you’ll find at a hotel. Brokers and agents in Los Cabos can help you find the right place for you.
In San Jose and San Lucas, smaller boutique hotels offer sparkling accommodations for a fraction of the price of the larger resorts. There might not be a water slide or swimming pool, but at just a short walk from the beach, you can still enjoy the sunshine and the sea. Some of the larger hotels also offer day passes so that you can enjoy lounging by the pool without paying full price for a hotel stay (giving you the best of both worlds).
If you’re driving down into Los Cabos, there are a few trailer parks right outside of San Lucas that are minutes from the beach. Or go off in a search of adventure and go camping along the East Cape: there’s nothing quite like a bed of sand under a canopy of twinkling stars. Either way, you’ll experience a slice of Los Cabos that’s outside the norm and won’t be hard on your wallet.
Celebrities love Los Cabos for its peaceful ambiance, perennial sunshine and miles of beautiful beaches. Luckily for you, you don’t have to be a celebrity to enjoy Cabo’s natural beauty. Some of the most stunning stretches of beaches are protected beach parks, ensuring access for the general public. Grab a snorkel and jump in the water for the best (free) show in town, lounge on the pristine sands or take a relaxing walk down the beach. You’ve got the best of Los Cabos at your fingertips…for free!
For adventurous spirits looking for a little more than relaxation on the beach, water sports are a fun way to get your adrenaline flowing (and it doesn’t have to be expensive). Surfboards and kayaks can be rented by the hour or by the day, and it’s much cheaper than buying your own gear. Craigslist is alive and well in Baja Sur, and if you’re hoping to stay longer and catch more of the action, you can sometimes find someone selling some kind of beach gear for cheap. Or head up to the Sierra de la Laguna to hike in this exotic ecosystem, a land of cactus and canyons, waterfalls and flowering desert plants. If you’re traveling with a large group of people, ask the local outfitting companies about discounted rates for groups.
When you’re stomach’s rumbling, you don’t have to break the bank to have a stellar meal. Humble eateries abound that serve first-class seafood at dramatically lower prices. What might be lacking in ambiance is more than made up for with delicious Mexican fare using fresh fish, seafood, meats and vegetables. Tacos, quesadillas, tortas (Mexican-style sandwiches), tamales, and of course, cheap beer are all for the taking. Head to the organic markets in San Jose or San Lucas for cheap, healthy eats made from local ingredients. Or, check out the large supermarkets found off the Transpeninsular highway to stock up on treats for your own personalized beach picnic.
Before you head home, you’ll probably want to stock up on some souvenirs and gifts for people back home. Kitschy, delightful Mexican handicrafts are for sale everywhere, especially right off the main streets in both San Lucas and San Jose. Don’t be afraid to bargain to get better prices, as bargaining is a standard practice throughout Mexico. You can bring home keepsakes for friends and family back home without sacrificing your budget.
Sure, Los Cabos is famous for it’s high rollers and celebrities, and there is no shortage of million-dollar homes here. But you can enjoy that million-dollar sunset without having to take out a loan. Los Cabos can be a great vacation destination even if you’re on a budget. A little planning and some smart decisions will save you a bundle without sacrificing style or fun. But hey, if you want to pretend to be a high roller or a celebrity as you lounge on the beach, none of us are going to judge you!