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    Fodor's Los Cabos: With Todos Santos, la Paz and Valle de Guadalupe
    Fodor's Los Cabos: With Todos Santos, la Paz and Valle de Guadalupe
    Fodor's Los Cabos: With Todos Santos, la Paz and Valle de Guadalupe
    Ebook406 pages3 hours

    Fodor's Los Cabos: With Todos Santos, la Paz and Valle de Guadalupe

    By Fodor's Travel Guides

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    Read preview

    About this ebook

    COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE:

    • The most comprehensive selection of resort reviews
    • In-depth information on the important nuts and bolts about traveling to and in Los Cabos, including sample itineraries
    • Expertly researched features on must-visit sights, as well as fun, color-photo features on topics that include Los Cabos Ultimate Experiences

    TOURISM TRENDS:

    • The Cabos region (including Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, The Corridor and beyond) has experienced an 8% growth in arrivals year-to-date since 2019.
    • Los Cabos is currently experiencing a hotel boom with numerous hotels and resorts opening, particularly in the luxury sector, adding more than 2,420 new hotel rooms with several more hotels set to debut in 2020 and 2021.

    FULLY REDESIGNED!

    • New front cover has eye-catching full-bleed images with key selling points on the front
    • New back cover is fully-redesigned
    • “Best of” Lists will visually engage the reader and provide an overview of the entire destination (best things to eat, see, do, drink, as well as what to read and watch before going)
    • Visually focused with more color and images including more full and half-page images throughout and color-coded category icons
    • Other useful features including Great Itineraries, Best Beaches, and a Calendar of Events
    • “Travel Smart” (logistical planning tips section) now at the front of the book and redesigned to be more infographic in feel
    • Stronger Voice and Opinions give all Fodor's guides more personality. Books are more friendly and conversational in tone, going beyond informational to being inspirational

    CURATED AND RELEVANT:

    • Focused coverage on only the best places so travelers can make the most out of their limited time.
    • Carefully vetted recommendations for all types of establishments and price points.

    CONCISE:

    • Shortened reviews presented with brevity and focus.

    Please see additional key selling points in the book main description

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherFodor's Travel
    Release dateJun 22, 2021
    ISBN9781640973923
    Fodor's Los Cabos: With Todos Santos, la Paz and Valle de Guadalupe
    Author

    Fodor's Travel Guides

    For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel advice for every stage of a traveler's trip. We hire local writers who know their destinations better than anyone else, allowing us to provide the best travel recommendations for all tastes and budgets in over 7,500 worldwide destinations. Our books make it possible for every trip to be a trip of a lifetime.

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      Book preview

      Fodor's Los Cabos - Fodor's Travel Guides

      Chapter 1: EXPERIENCE LOS CABOS

      17 ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES

      Los Cabos offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.

      1 El Arco at Land’s End

      These towering granite formations let you know you’ve arrived at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. El Arco (the Arch) has become the region’s emblem. (Ch. 3)

      2 Todos Santos

      This típico town on the West Cape is a perfect day trip and home to a growing expat community, cozy lodings, and great eateries. (Ch. 6)

      3 Whale-Watching

      Gray whales migrate to Los Cabos every year from December through April, down Baja’s coast and up to the east, making for a memorable viewing. (Ch. 3, 6, 7)

      4 Shopping

      Find hand-painted tiles, pottery, cigars, embroidered clothing, hand-blown glass, silver jewelry, and fire opals, plus the iconic beaded crafts of the Huichol people. (Ch. 3–7)

      5 Sailing

      Find Windsurfer and Sunfish sailboats docked at the Cabo San Lucas Marina and take a tour along the region’s ultrablue waters. (Ch. 3–7)

      6 Marina Golden Zone

      Peruse upscale shops and enjoy fine dining at Cabo’s downtown marina. Stroll along the boardwalk for stunning sea views and dine in a traditional Mexican-style cantina. (Ch. 3)

      7 Nightlife

      A major spring break destination, Cabo is known as a party town, but you can also opt for low-key outings in San José del Cabo. (Ch. 3–7)

      8 Desert Excursions

      Venture through the Baja desert atop a friendly camel, sail across the canyon on a zipline, cruise the sandy basin on a mountain bike, or take a thrilling ATV tour among desert and cacti. (Ch. 3–5)

      9 Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park

      Stretching five miles from Pulmo Point to Los Frailes, this national park encompasses the only living hard coral reef in North America. (Ch. 6)

      10 Seafood

      Cabo is famous for its seafood, especially dishes like chocolate clams, fish tacos, smoked marlin, lobster, and more. (Ch. 3–7)

      11 Sportfishing

      Cabo San Lucas is nicknamed the Marlin Mecca, but there are over 800 species of fish here. Sportfishing remains one of the area’s most popular pastimes. (Ch. 3–7)

      12 Beaches

      In Los Cabos, soft, sandy beaches stretch for about 50 miles beside the turquoise and navy waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. (Ch. 3–7)

      13 Golfing

      One of the world’s top golf destinations, Los Cabos has courses throughout the area by big-name designers like Jack Nicklaus and Roy Dye. (Ch. 3–7)

      14 Surfing

      Los Cabos, with its warm seas, offers both intense and gentle waves, focused in the Pacific coast, the East Cape, and the Cabo Corridor. (Ch. 3–7)

      15 Gallery Hopping

      Stroll the charming cobblestone streets of San José del Cabo where colorful banners hang over a historic downtown that is home to high-end art galleries and a weekly Art Walk. (Ch. 5)

      16 Spas

      Many come to Los Cabos to relax at one of the many resorts with spas offering scenic outlooks and extensive body and beauty treatments. (Ch. 3–7)

      17 Farm-to-Table Dining

      In Ánimas Bajas, trendy organic restaurants like Flora Farms, Los Tamarindos, and Acre offer the chance to dine right on the picturesque farm where your food was grown. (Ch. 5)

      WHAT’S WHERE

      dingbat Cabo San Lucas. Cabo has always been the more gregarious, outspoken of the sister cities. The sportfishing fleet is anchored here, and cruise ships anchored off the marina tender passengers into town. Restaurants and bars line the streets and massive hotels have risen all along the beachfront. Here you’ll find the towering Land’s End Rocks, and the famed landmark, El Arco.

      dingbat The Corridor. Along this stretch of road, which connects San José to Cabo, exclusive, guard-gated resort complexes have taken over much of the waterfront with their sprawling villas, golf courses, and upscale shopping centers such as Las Tiendas de Palmilla, and Koral Center.

      dingbat San José del Cabo. The smaller, quieter, and more traditional of the two regions of Los Cabos has colonial architecture, an artsy vibe, and quality restaurants. Five minutes from the center are golf courses, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts. Drive another five minutes to organic farms that are producing extraordinary dining experiences.

      dingbat Todos Santos. Only an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos lies close enough to be part of Los Cabos experience—but still be that proverbial world away. This típico town on the West Cape is home to a growing expat community, as well as some cozy lodgings and restaurants.

      dingbat La Paz. The capital of southern Baja is a big little city, one of the most authentic on the peninsula. La Paz is a laid-back community with excellent scuba diving and whale-watching. Its lovely oceanfront malecón features a number of good restaurants and hotels.

      dingbat East Cape. One of the last undeveloped stretches of sandy serenity in the area lies east of San José del Cabo along the Sea of Cortez, to north of Punta Pescadero, Los Barriles, and Rancho Buena Vista and is home to the beautiful Cabo Pulmo National Park.

      dingbat Baja California. The beaches and seafood of Rosarito, Ensenada, and Puerto Nuevo in the northern stretches of the Baja peninsula, close to the U.S. border, draw surfers, RV’ers, and the spring break crowd; the Valle de Guadalupe provides respite and fantastic vineyards.

      Best Beaches in Los Cabos

      LOVER’S BEACH

      Water taxis, glass-bottom boats, kayaks, and Jet Skis all make the short trip out from Playa El Médano to this frequently photographed patch of sand, which is backed by cliffs and Cabo’s most iconic landmark: El Arco. (Ch. 3)

      PLAYA EL MÉDANO

      Cabo San Lucas’ main swimming beach is also one of its most popular. Known as a party beach, it’s much like a daylong parade route fueled by buckets of beer, powerful margaritas, and that carefree feeling of being on vacation. (Ch. 3)

      LA RIBERA

      Quiet and off the beaten path, this white-sand beach on the East Cape is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and snorkeling away from the crowds. It’s also known for its fishing tournaments and proximity to Cabo Pulmo. (Ch. 6)

      BAHÍA Chileno

      Halfway between San José and Cabo San Lucas, Chileno is easy to find thanks to well-marked signs. It skirts a small, crescent-shaped cove with aquamarine waters perfect for swimming and a reef where you can snorkel among colorful fish or explore tide pools to the east. It is consistently ranked one of the cleanest beaches in Mexico. (Ch. 4)

      PLAYA COSTA AZUL

      Cabo’s best surfing beach runs 3 km (2 mi) south from San José’s hotel zone along the Corridor and connects to neighboring Playa Acapulquito in front of Cabo Surf Hotel. Surfers usually congregate in summer when waves tend to be the largest. Swimming is not advised due to strong currents and rocks. (Ch. 4)

      PLAYA BUENOS AIRES

      This wide, lengthy, and accessible stretch of beach is one of the longest along Cabo’s Corridor. Much of it is unswimmable, but it’s a great spot for quiet runs or walks. You can also rent water-sports equipment here and sometimes spot whales breaching from January to March. (Ch. 4)

      PLAYA LAS VIUDAS

      Just west of Bahía Santa María along the Corridor, the small Widow’s Beach has tide pools, a shallow reef, and rock outcroppings that create private areas and natural tabletops in the sand for beach picnics. (Ch. 4)

      BAHÍA SANTA MARÍA

      Part of an underwater reserve and protected fish sanctuary, this broad, horseshoe-shaped beach has placid waters that are ideal for snorkeling. The cove is surrounded by rocky, cactus-covered cliffs but there’s no shade, so you might want to bring an umbrella and your own supplies. (Ch. 4)

      PLAYA MONUMENTOS

      At eastern end of Playa El Médano, this point break popular with surfers is best viewed from Sunset Mona Lisa restaurant perched on the cliff. (True to the restaurant’s name, it’s a great place to be when the sun goes down). The powerful waves mean it’s not a good swmming beach. (Ch. 4)

      PLAYA ESTERO

      At the mouth of San José del Cabo’s lush estuary that starts at the north end of Hotel Zone, this beach is home to more than 350 species of wildlife and vegetation and can be explored on foot or via kayak. (Ch. 5)

      PLAYA LOS CERRITOS

      If you’re visiting Todos Santos, the best beach nearby is Playa Los Cerritos, famous for its surfing. It’s great for beginners thanks to consistent but not overly powerful waves, and wading is possible near shore. The beach conveniently has a restaurant, bathrooms, and surf shops. (Ch. 6)

      PLAYA PALMILLA

      Multimillion-dollar villas and the ritzy One&Only Palmilla resort line this serene beach, protected by a rocky point that makes for calm water and the best swimming near San José. It attracts surfers to the offshore Punta Palmilla farther out to sea. (Ch. 4)

      What to Eat and Drink in Los Cabos

      FARM-TO-TABLE MEALS

      Just outside San José you can indulge in fresh, beautifully green organic produce straight from the farms on which the ingredients are grown. Acre, Jazamango, and Flora Farms are top farms to enjoy Baja Sur’s magical garden bounty.

      GUEMES TAMALES

      While tamales may be known across Mexico, the guemes variety are specific to the Baja Peninsula. Made with pork or chicken, olives, and raisins, the steam-cooked corn wrappers are similar to the Cabo version called fadados prepared with stewed chicken, corn dough, and local seasonings.

      MEZCAL, TEQUILA, AND DAMIANA

      A locally made liqueur is the herbacous Damiana, bottled in a woman-shaped container. You’ll also find mezcal and tequila tastings easily at top restaurants and resorts. Although there are at least five local Cabo tequilas, most of the good stuff hails from Jalisco.

      CHILAQUILES

      Whatever you do, don’t call these breakfast nachos. This traditional Mexican brunch favorite consists of fried tortilla chips smothered in salsa verde, crumbly cotija cheese, and eggs.

      CEVICHE

      Beautiful presentations of fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice are the perfect way to try Baja’s fresh fruits de mer. The poolside favorite is often made with white fish, lime, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, peppers, and sometimes mango and avocado.

      PITAHAYA

      Bright pink-and-yellow dragonfruit, a cactus fruit that blooms in the desert regions, is served on its own, in cocktails, infused into dishes and even makes its way into jellied candies, jams, and marzipan.

      TACOS DE PESCADO

      Fish tacos originated in Baja California, so a trip here without eating one or two (or many) is just wrong. Grilled or fried local catches are piled on a corn tortilla and topped with shredded cabbage, cilantro, salsa, lime, and a dribble of a mayo-based sauce.

      OAXACAN MOLE

      Renowned for the complexity of its flavors, this dark red or brown sauce is typically served over enchiladas, chicken, and tamales. Made with chocolate, nuts, chiles, raisins, and more, it has a smoky, sweet flavor.

      ALMEJAS CHOCOLATAS

      Chocolate clams are neither cooked in nor taste like chocolate; their name derives from their dark brown shells. Although not as decadent as their name implies, the meaty clams are a flavor-packed delicacy often roasted and seasoned with rosemary.

      ZARZUELA

      You’ll find as many recipes for Baja-style seafood stew as there are cooks, who refer to the dish as paella or zarzuela. Any mix-and-match combination of clams, crab, shrimp, cod, sea bass, red snapper, or mahimahi could find its way into your dish, along with requisite white wine, garlic, and spices.

      FRIED LOBSTER

      Lightly battered fried lobster is a good treat to try alfresco overlooking the sea from which it came. A world-famous version is served in Puerto Nuevo. Poached octopus is another to try if you can’t have shellfish.

      SMOKED MARLIN

      The Sea of Cortez is full of marlin, the most common catch in Cabo, and this ubiquitous treat is served smoked and shredded in tacos or as a dip.

      What to Buy in Los Cabos

      HANDBLOWN GLASS

      Artisans at The Glass Factory of Cabo San Lucas (Fábrica de Vidrio Soplado) turn crushed recycled glass into exquisite figures in deep blues, greens, and reds. It’s as fun to watch the glass items being crafted as it is to select a colorful piece to take home.

      TAMARINDO CANDIES

      Made from tamarind fruit and wrapped in a corn husk, these small, sweet and sour chewy treats are a good way to bring back the local flavor of Mexico. They are traditionally sold on a stick, to be enjoyed as a lollipop, but there are many bite-sized variations. They’re a great, sweet pick-me-up if energy is running low, and kids love them.

      PAINTED TALAVERA TILES

      Colorful Talavera tiles, a craft introduced to Mexico by the Spanish, are usually hand painted and glazed, and come in striking geometric patterns of ochre, cobalt, and scarlet.

      Like many other souvenirs you will find in Los Cabos, they are usually made elsewhere in Mexico, but they are popular gifts and can brighten up a walkway, porch, or kitchen. You can buy them in the shops of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

      FIRE OPAL

      As its name suggests, this bright red-orange stone dazzles like a fiery flame. You can buy it in various forms of jewelry such as rings, necklaces, and pendants, from local vendors at Plaza Artesanos or in the Gallery District of San José del Cabo.

      HAMMOCK

      What’s a beach trip without lazing away in a hammock, cold drink in hand? The woven hammocks you buy in Los Cabos may well hail from the Yucatán, but they are a useful purchase for the beaches you’ll encounter–and your favorite quiet spot back home. Find them at Plaza Artesanos, which beckons with stalls featuring handicrafts and curios.

      DAMIANA LIQUEUR

      Sure, tequila and mezcal can be found in abundance, and Los Cabos’ finest restaurants have tastings that may inspire you to take some home, but if you’re looking for something truly local, try damiana, a sweet, herbaceous liqueur made here in Baja Sur. The production of the sugarcane and damiana plant- based liqueur dates back to the time of indigenous inhabitants, who believed it to be an aphrodisiac and relaxation aid. It’s bottled in a woman-shaped glass bottle.

      FINE ART

      Downtown San José’s Art District is a must for art lovers. Here, you can stroll through more than a dozen fine art galleries to find the perfect decorative piece. Pick up a one-of-a-kind painting or sculpture from Galeria Corsica, highlighting Mexican artists, during one of the area’s art walks, held each Thursday from November to June. Even if you’re not in the market, check out the contemporary work at Casa Dahlia.

      HUICHOL CRAFTS

      The Huichol, or Peyote People, of Nayarit and Jalisco are known for their ceremonial use of the hallucinogenic drug peyote; their visions, thought to be messages from God, are represented in their colorful, intricately beaded and woven designs on votive bowls, jewelry, bags, and prayer arrows. The price of these pieces can range from $5 to $5,000 depending on quality of the materials and the artist’s skill. Spot their distinct rainbow of mesmerizing patterns in shops in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

      HANDMADE RESORT WEAR

      A custom-designed bathing suit or dress from a local boutique is the perfect purchase for soaking up the sun here. A favorite boutique for locally made clothing and accessories is Eclectic Array, which has locations in the hotel zone of San José del Cabo, Flora Farms, and the marina in Cabo San Lucas. All of their products are made by local Mexican artisans, and their colorful woven camera straps and dog collars are popular gift items. Pepita’s Magic of the Moon is another excellent boutique that’s stood the test of time with its one-of-a-kind clothing. Plaza del Pescador is another good stop for clothing shops.

      GOODIES FROM FLORA FARMS

      Artisanal salts, fresh produce and herbs, plus flowers, candies, pots, and candles can be found at Flora Farms Grocery, the store attached to the well-loved Flora Farms. However, shopping is just part of the experience at the working farm, grocery, kitchen, and spa. You can also get a spa treatment in the open air and dine on fresh produce in a magical garden setting. Flora Farms, along with a host of new farm-to-table dining experiences, is located just a short drive from San José del Cabo in the Ánimas Bajas.

      ARTISANAL SOAPS

      Santo Cabo’s pampering, natural line of beauty and apothecary products are a must for wellness enthusiasts, and perhaps the best way to bring the scents of Los Cabos home with you. The local company is best known for their beautiful bar soaps and hand lotions made using regionally grown organic ingredients (think: aloe and cucumber, peppermint and red reef clay, or rosemary and grapefruit). Shops in San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas as well as Flora Farms carry the line.

      Cruising to Los Cabos

      In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced all cruise lines into a global suspension with no sailing for 12 months. Once restrictions were lifted, the cruise industry implemented strict health and safety protocols, but some say it will take years before cruise lines will make a full comeback.

      Cruise lines with itineraries to Los Cabos and Baja California include Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, Lindblad Expeditions, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, and Royal Caribbean. Most depart from Los Angeles (Long Beach), San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York, San Juan, Vancouver, and even Southampton, England, or Bridgetown, Barbados. Most cruises to Baja dock at Cabo San Lucas, with a few calling at Ensenada, La Paz, and Loreto.

      Terrific shopping, dining, beaches, and shore excursions and the unforgettable view of El Arco upon approach make Cabo San Lucas a crowd-pleaser among cruise ports. Ships need to drop anchor and tender passengers to the marina, about a 10-minute trip. Ensenada is a favorite stop on shorter Baja cruises. Its modern Cruise Port Village terminal berths two full-size ships at a time. La Paz, on the Sea of Cortez, wins rave reviews as being the most authentically Mexican of Baja’s cruise destinations. A few large ships dock at its port of Pichilingue, about 16 km (10 miles) north of town. Smaller boats can berth at La Paz itself. Tenders transport travelers ashore to the port of Loreto, north of Pichilingue.

      Carnival. Carnival is known for its large-volume cruises and template approach to its ships, which both help keep fares accessible. Boats in its Mexican fleet have more than 1,000 staterooms. Seven-night Mexican Riviera trips out of Los Angeles hit Cabo San Lucas among other Pacific ports in Mexico. Carnival wrote the book on Baja-only cruises, with three- or four-day itineraries out of Los Angeles to Ensenada. Las Vegas–style shows and passenger participation is the norm. P800/764–7419 wwww.carnival.com.

      Celebrity. Spacious accommodations and modern luxury are hallmarks of Celebrity cruises. Its Celebrity Infinity plies the Panama Canal east- and westbound on 15-day itineraries, hitting Cabo San Lucas along the way, with an extensive choice of departure ports (Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, or San Diego). P800/647–2251 wwww.celebritycruises.com.

      Crystal. Crystal is known for combining large ships with grandeur, opulence, and impeccable service. Its Crystal Symphony calls at Cabo San Lucas on a variety of itineraries from Miami to Los Angeles (16 days). P866/866-8025 wwww.crystalcruises.com.

      Holland America. The venerable Holland America line leaves from and returns to San Diego or Fort Lauderdale. Panama Canal cruises spanning 14- to 23-day itineraries include stops in Cabo San Lucas. P877/932–4259 wwww.hollandamerica.com.

      Lindblad Expeditions. Lindblad’s smaller Sea Lion and Sea Bird take you where the other guys can’t go, for an active, nature-themed Baja cruise experience. Five- to 15-day excursions embark in La Paz or Loreto and nose around the islands of the Sea of Cortez. Its kayaks and Zodiacs launch from the ship to provide you with unparalleled opportunity to watch whales, dolphins, and seabirds. P800/397–3348 wwww.expeditions.com.

      Norwegian Cruise Line. Its tagline is whatever floats your boat, and Norwegian is known for its relatively freewheeling style and variety of activities and excursions. Seven day cruises on the Bliss depart from Los Angeles, with full days in Cabo San Lucas, and Panama Canal cruises on the Jewel, and Encore from 15 to 16 days all call on Cabo San Lucas. P866/234–7350 wwww.ncl.com.

      Oceania. The ships of Oceania are intimate and cozy. Before arrival at Cabo San Lucas or any port, you can attend a lecture about its history, culture, and tradition. The Regatta stops here on an 18-day cruise from San Francisco to Miami. P855/623–2642 wwww.oceaniacruises.com.

      Princess Cruises. Not so great for small children but good at keeping teens and adults occupied, Princess strives to offer luxury at an affordable price. Seven- to 10-day Mexican Riviera cruises aboard the Ruby Princess or Majestic Princess start in Los Angeles or San Francisco and hit Los Cabos and other Pacific ports. Shorter five-day trips out of Los Angeles call at Los Cabos. P800/774–6237 wwww.princess.com.

      Regent Seven Seas Cruises. RSSC’s luxury liner the Marnier offers 18-day trips that originate in Miami to San Francisco and call at Cabo San Lucas. The Marnieralso has a 12-day round-trip route from Los Angeles with calls in Cabo and other Mexican Pacific ports. P877/505–5370 wwww.rssc.com.

      Weddings

      Choosing the Perfect Place. Los Cabos is a popular Mexican wedding and honeymoon destination. Many couples choose to marry on the beach, often at sunset because it’s cooler and more comfortable for everyone; others opt to marry in an air-conditioned resort ballroom.

      Consider booking an all-inclusive, which has plenty of meal options and activities to keep your guests busy before and after the main event.

      Beach Wedding Attire. Some brides choose a traditional full wedding gown with veil, but more popular and comfortable—especially for an outdoor wedding—is a simple sheath or a white cotton or linen dress that will breathe in the tropical heat. Some opt for even less formal barefoot attire such as a sundress.

      Weddings on the beach are best done barefoot, even when full gowns are worn. Choose strappy sandals for a wedding or reception that’s not on the sand. Whatever type of attire you choose, purchase it and get any alterations done before leaving home. Buy a special garment bag and hand-carry your dress on the plane. Don’t let this be the one time in your life that your luggage goes missing.

      The groom and any groomsmen can take their what-to-wear cue from the female half of the wedding party, but know that Los Cabos has no place to rent formal attire.

      Time of Year. Planning according to the weather can be critical for a successful Los Cabos wedding. If you’re getting married in your bathing suit, you might not mind some heat and humidity, but will your venue—and your future in-laws—hold up under the summer heat? We recommend holding the ceremony between November and February. March through June is usually dry but extremely warm and humid.

      By July the heat can be unbearable for an outdoor afternoon wedding, and summer rains, rarely voluminous in Los Cabos, begin to fall here around the same time. Although hurricanes are rarer along the Pacific than the Caribbean, they can occur August through late October and even early November. For an outdoor wedding, establish a detailed backup plan and purchase wedding insurance in case the weather does not comply. Generally insurance will cover the cost of a wedding tent if your outdoor party experiences rain.

      Finding a Wedding Planner. Hiring a wedding planner will minimize stress for all but the simplest of ceremonies. A year or more in advance, the planner will, among other things, help choose the venue, find a florist, and arrange for a photographer and musicians.

      The most obvious place to find a wedding planner is at a resort hotel that becomes wedding central: providing accommodations for you and your guests, the wedding ceremony venue, and the restaurant or ballroom for the reception. You can also hire an independent wedding coordinator, which you can find easily online by searching Los Cabos wedding, and ask them to provide references.

      When interviewing a planner, talk about your budget and ask about costs. Are there hourly fees or one fee for the whole event? How available will the consultant and his or her assistants be? Which vendors are used and why? How long have they been in business? Request a list of the exact services they’ll provide, and get a proposal in writing. If you don’t feel this is the right

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