One thing that you will encounter on your trip to Cabo are the street vendors and beach peddlers. Loved by some. Loathed by others. They are a part of the picture.
Street peddlers
Most of the street peddlers in Cabo are not aggressively pushy. Persistent is probably the best way to describe them. Be prepared for a constant stream of offers as you walk around the Marina – for fishing, water taxis, cigars, jewellery, activities.
Street vendors don’t pose much of a problem. It’s fun to chat and laugh with these guys. After all, they are just trying to make a living.
Beach peddlers
And then come the beach peddlers, who are in a different class. They are pretty relentless in their pursuit of a sale. Especially in the Medano beach area – where you will be offered every kind of goods and service imaginable.
Officially, the peddlers, or vendors, are meant to have permits. These cost about $50, and are a serious investment for most of these folks. If they get caught without one, their merchandise is impounded by the Fiscales. And they have to pay a fine to get it back.
On one hand, this seems a pretty harsh penalty for poor people just trying to make a living. On the other, visitors can only handle so many peddlers…
Fortunately, most of the bars, restaurants and hotels on Medano have private roped off areas. And the peddlers are banned from entering these So once you have purchased your daily trinkets, and put a few dollars in the local economy, head to these private areas for some peace. And a beer.
Child vendors
Sadly, there is a dark side to Mexico’s lively tradition of street trade. And that is all the street kids trying to sell you stuff. They are beautiful, beguiling and often very, very young. They are also horribly poor. And
are usually being exploited by groups of ruthless adult “handlers”, who pocket
all the cash. Don’t buy from these kids. You’re not helping them.
Serious attempts are being made
to crackdown on this activity. And in Dec 2016 ,two women were actually jailed
for exploiting 8 minors in exactly this way. Local support groups also try and get the kids off the street, and into
school. Sadly however, this problem will persist as long as there is poverty in
Mexico.
Drugs
Of course, the darkest side to Cabo’s street trade is drugs. Yes, drugs. There are drugs in Cabo. We can’t pretend there aren’t.
Perhaps they are not quite as prevalent as they were. Or not as immediately apparent to the more “innocent traveller”. For example, you won’t get pushers hounding you to buy them.
But they are here. And they are not difficult to find. IF you want to find them. Be warned - you could end up in a lot of trouble.
Don't be put off by the peddlers.
Book your dream vacation to Cabo Now!!!
Fantastic deals on hotels in Cabo with booking.com. Amazing discounts on 100's of properties. User reviews, and online reservations all guarantee you get the perfect hotel for the perfect price.
Book now, and PAY LATER....check it out here!