us state department travel warning los cabos

Update April 12, 2024

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Is Cabo San Lucas Safe for American Tourists in 2024?

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Are you heading to Cabo and wondering, “Is Cabo safe?” Safety is a top concern for many travelers, and given the media’s portrayal of Mexico, it’s understandable if things seem a bit murky.

Yet, the on-the-ground story from millions of visitors paints a much brighter picture. So, just how safe is Cabo San Lucas for 2024?

Get ready for a quick and practical guide to safety in Cabo San Lucas—what to expect and some easy tips to ensure your experience is nothing short of amazing in all the best ways!

There is a misconception among some—fed by what are often one-sided portrayals in the U.S. media—that México is wracked by drug-related violence and unsafe for travel.

That isn’t the case, as anyone who has visited the country can attest.

While it’s undeniable that México, like every country in the world, suffers from crime and has some undesirable areas, most of its cities and communities—like Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo in particular—are incredibly safe.

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U.s. state department travel advisory for cabo san lucas.

Let’s start with advice from the U.S. State Department. Click here  to see if there is any specific Cabo San Lucas travel advisory for the time you plan to travel.

This department assigns a travel advisory level to destinations based on their social and political climate.

These four levels serve as a guide, indicating to travelers the caution they should exercise when visiting or whether reconsidering their travel plans is appropriate.

The links in this post may be affiliate links.  That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission.  It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.

There are four levels of travel advisories issued by both the U.S. and Canada (and they’re roughly equivalent) for various places around the world:

Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions

Level 2 – Exercise increased caution

Level 3 – Reconsider travel

Level 4 – Do not travel

If you are researching whether Cabo San Lucas is safe, the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory is the first place you need to check.

In Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas graces the map, the travel advisory is comfortably at level 2, nudging travelers to up their caution.

Level 2 is like the green light—it suggests the region is generally safe for exploration.

While an extra dose of awareness is encouraged, there is no need to be worried about safety concerns. No restrictions hang over Baja California Sur, giving the green signal to visit Cabo San Lucas, San Jose Del Cabo, and La Paz.

Now, the million-dollar question: Is Cabo San Lucas safe for tourists? Absolutely, as long as you play it smart.

Stick to reputable accommodations and well-lit areas, and exercise the usual caution.

As with any spot on the globe, steering clear of solo nighttime adventures and excessive partying is wise. The consensus?

Cabo San Lucas, San Jose Del Cabo, and the Tourist Corridor, which connects the two cities, are the safest places for Americans to visit in Los Cabos.

There are no restrictions for the destination of Baja California Sur, which means visiting Cabo San Lucas, San Jose Del Cabo, and La Paz is safe.  

You’re not likely to be killed by an organized crime group in a resort city like Cabo San Lucas; instead, you’re more likely to have your valuables stolen.

Almost all of the American tourists that have been killed in Mexico are due to buying drugs from the cartel because they were too afraid to fly with weed . Someone thought it was a good idea to buy drugs in a foreign country. 

If you’re not participating in illegal activities, you have nothing to worry about.

Is Cabo San Lucas Safe for Families? 

Cabo, a go-to spot for families, welcomes countless folks each year, mine included, and guess what? Smooth sailing! Families, including ours, have been making memories here without a hitch.

Whether it’s the cozy, all-inclusive resorts or the epic family adventures, like catching a glimpse of whales from a pirate ship, Cabo knows how to cater to the family crew.

It’s not just a destination; it’s practically a family tradition!

Is Cabo San Lucas Safe for Female Solo Travelers

Cabo San Lucas is a safe destination for solo female travelers, provided that certain precautions are taken.

While Cabo has seen security improvements, it’s still important to prioritize your safety. Opt for well-established accommodations in reputable areas and inform a friend or family about your travel plans.

Utilize authorized transportation options, such as taxis or Uber Ridesharing, and avoid walking alone late at night.

For solo female travelers who decide to visit Cabo solo, here are some quick and helpful tips for staying safe:

• Learn common, handy phrases in Spanish.
• Share your travel itinerary with friends and family, and keep in touch.
• Avoid traveling around alone at night.
• Enroll in the U.S. State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP).

Scams in Cabo San Lucas

Every popular destination deals with its fair share of folks trying to pull a fast one on unsuspecting travelers.

If you’ve traveled before, you’ve probably encountered these Cabo-style shenanigans – the smooth talkers at the airport and the sneaky pickpockets in busy spots.

Here are the five most common scams in Cabo San Lucas and tips on how to avoid them:

• Taxi Overcharging: Some taxi drivers might overcharge tourists, especially if the fare is not agreed upon before the journey. To avoid this, insist on using licensed taxis, request an estimate before starting the ride, and ensure the meter is used if available.
• Timeshare Presentations: Visitors are often lured into attending timeshare presentations with promises of gifts or tours. These presentations can be high-pressure sales tactics. To steer clear, politely decline such invitations and avoid giving personal information to strangers.
• Fake Excursion Packages: Scammers might sell counterfeit or overpriced excursion packages. Always book activities through reputable agencies or directly with your hotel. Research online reviews and ask for recommendations from fellow travelers.
• Counterfeit Money: Be vigilant when receiving change, especially in busy places. Counterfeit bills occasionally circulate. Verify the authenticity of larger bills and be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar currency.
• ATM Skimming: Criminals sometimes install skimming devices on ATMs to steal card information. Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas, preferably inside banks. Cover your hand while entering your PIN, and regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Additional Scams to be aware of in Cabo

Street Games Shuffle: Sidewalk setups coax unsuspecting travelers into rigged games, which act as a smokescreen for accomplices to steal their valuables.

Stay Sharp: Refrain from diving into street gambling and keep your belongings secure.

Pub Pal Ploy: Scammers pose as newfound buddies cozying up to tourists in bars. They then steer them to another joint where the unsuspecting victims get hit with exorbitant drink charges. To add insult to injury, some tourists end up at the ATM to cough up more cash.

Safe Sips: If strangers invite you to another bar, demand a drink menu to avoid being ripped off. Better yet, don’t go anywhere with strangers.

Camera Conundrum: A scammer will request you snap a picture with their camera. Upon return, they “accidentally” drop it, blaming you for the damage.

Shutter Savvy: Politely decline camera handovers unless you know them personally!

Cabo Safety vs. Major U.S. Cities

Let’s compare the safety of Cabo vs. the good old US of A.

Both the U.S. and Cabo have their share of places with a bit of a rowdy reputation. But here’s the kicker: Cabo doesn’t even appear in the top 50 most violent cities globally.

Can you believe it? Now, want to take a wild guess at who’s hogging the limelight on that list?

St. Louis, Baltimore, Detroit, and New Orleans are the contenders. Clocking in at 60.59 homicides, down to 36.87 per 100,000 people.

Yeah, those are pretty hefty numbers, but here’s the twist—all four cities still manage to pull off the “safe to travel” card and host major shindigs that draw crowds by the hundreds of thousands.

Even Cancun, arguably Mexico’s most visited hotspot, throws its hat into the ring. It’s right there on the list. And get this: in 2022, it made history with a whopping 40 million tourists.

So, despite the digits, it seems like its popularity is on a steady incline.

Statistically speaking, U.S. travelers are safer in Cabo San Lucas than they are in most U.S. cities, despite media sensationalism.

Cabo’s currently has a crime index of 43.24. When you look at the crime rate in Memphis, Cancun is much lower than the rating of 76.27.  See the comparison here.

Drug Cartels in Cabo San Lucas 

Concerns about drugs and drug cartels have been prevalent among travelers contemplating a trip to Mexico, especially in regions like Cabo and Baja California Sur, where incidents related to these issues have occurred in recent years.

However, it’s important to note that most violence doesn’t directly impact tourists. The most effective way to avoid such situations is by refraining from purchasing drugs or engaging in drug-related activities while in Cabo.

While this doesn’t guarantee safety, it significantly reduces the risks. Unfortunately, drug and gang-related violence, as evidenced by incidents in other popular tourist spots in Mexico, can occasionally spill into tourist areas, potentially involving visitors inadvertently.

Ultimately, the safety of visiting Cabo involves assessing these risks. Many tourists find that violent or drug-related crime is not a concern during their stay, so Cabo San Lucas is often perceived as a secure destination.

You are more likely to encounter scams at the airport or have valuables stolen than to become involved in organized crime in Cabo.

Police Extortion in Cabo San Lucas

We’ve all heard the stories about the corrupt cops south of the border. With stories ranging from extortion to kidnapping, the police in Mexico and the rest of Latin America do not have the best reputation.

However, the authorities cracked down hard and dismissed hundreds of officers, including some top officials. They claim the problem is under control.

If you are stopped for a traffic violation in Mexico, you will be asked for your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance . You will also be told what you did wrong.

Of course, in the U.S., we would then be issued a ticket requiring us to pay a fine or appear in court later.

If it is a minor infraction, don’t bribe them. Even so, they may ask you for some money; the amount depends on the seriousness of the infraction. If you pass a red light, it is better if they only give you the traffic ticket.

If you drive without a license, the car must be impounded, and the fine is higher; in that case, I suggest you offer 200 pesos (if you look Mexican) if you are blond with blue eyes, maybe about 500 pesos.

The key is to remain calm and accept your mistake, and when it is inevitable that they take you to jail, then subtly offer the bribe; it is like a negotiation: start with a low amount, and they will go up to agree on an amount.

10 Tips to Stay Safe in Cabo San Lucas

Although a travel advisory is in effect, it’s important to remember that tourists flock to Mexico every year without incident.

The Mexican government is highly motivated to keep tourists safe to preserve the tourist trade but you must also do your part when traveling to Mexico .

Traveling anywhere requires some safety precautions. So, remember to enlist these general rules during your vacation, and you will not have to ask continually if Cabo is safe.

Here are some precautions that you can take to make sure your trip goes as planned :

• Stay Informed : Keep up-to-date about safety news through a few methods. First, talk with your travel agent and/or hotel concierge about safety updates and where to go. They’ll have the most current read on the situation. As an American Citizen, you should also consider signing up for  STEP ,  the Department of State’s Safe Traveler Enrollment Program. This will sign you up for travel alerts, put you on the consulate and Embassy radar, and make it easier to work things out if there’s an incident. 
• Keep your valuables locked up when you leave the hotel.
• Research your destination :  Ensure you are current on travel warnings. 
• Don’t walk around yourself late at night : You are asking for trouble.
• Be careful taking money out of the ATM: these are good spots to rob people. 
• Use a money belt or a crossbody bag : Keep the thieves at bay.
• Don’t get scammed: If someone is asking you for your personal information, you are likely scamming.
• Don’t wear flashy jewelry – looking like you are balling out of control will get you robbed. Leave your LV and Gucci in the States. 
• Don’t try to buy drugs : Don’t ask about buying drugs, and don’t even think about buying drugs.
• DON’T travel at nigh t: Most crime occurs at night.

Is it Safe to Drink The Water in Los Cabos?

Even the locals don’t drink the water in Mexico.   

You can buy bottled water anywhere, but when you buy water, ensure it is factory-sealed to guarantee it is safe to drink. Crystal is one of the most famous brands in Los Cabos.

Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Most ice in the area comes from factories and is purified. If you are uncertain about the ice, ask your waiter.

Many travelers take risks with food and water. Being sick for a few days isn’t such a big deal if you are on a long trip.

If this is a week-long vacation with your bestie, do you want to spend half of it sick just because you were too lazy to get bottled water when you brushed your teeth?

Beach Safety In Cabo San Lucas

One of the main reasons Americans travel to Cabo San Lucas is to enjoy the warm weather and the relaxing beach. 

The beaches in Los Cabos do not have lifeguards, though most resorts have access to medical personnel. Travelers should be careful when they swim and not take risks like jumping off rocks or swimming near coral.

Finally, while I understand you are in Mexico and “drinking” is at the top of your to-do list, remember the heat and too much alcohol do not mix well and can lead to massive dehydration.

Avoid swimming at the beach when a black warning flag is posted.

Wear Sunscreen in Cabo San Lucas

You didn’t fly to Mexico to stay inside, but please beware that Mexican rays are intense and can lead to severe burns or sun poisoning, especially during the warmer spring and summer months.

The sun in Cabos San Lucas is pretty strong and high in damaging UV rays. Stay hydrated and limit the sun you get based on your skin type.

• Protecting skin with clothing .
• • Applying sunscreen to protect skin from harmful rays.
• • Wear a hat preferably with at least a 2-3-inch brim all around.
• • Wear sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.

Is it Safe to Rent a Car in Cabo San Lucas?

For the most part, bus travel is the best way to get around in Mexico, but if you are anything like me, I prefer to rent a car , be on my own time, and not have to wait on other people. 

I like to explore and make up my itinerary as I go, and those tour buses do not give me the freedom, and they may not cover every place I want to see. 

The Yucatan, for example, is especially suited to driving: Many beaches, barely developed ruins, and intriguing villages lie a reasonable distance from the main road.

Highways are well-maintained, constantly improved, and so straight that the slightest curve bristles with warning signs and reflectors.

Driving in Los Cabos is generally safe, but I suggest parking your car at night and not staying out too late.

IS IT SAFE TO CRUISE TO MEXICO? TIPS FOR A SECURE VOYAGE

Cruising to Mexico offers a captivating blend of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine.

While safety concerns may arise when planning such a trip, it’s essential to note that Mexico is a popular cruise destination millions of tourists enjoy yearly.

By taking certain precautions and staying informed, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring Mexico’s coastal gems. 

• Research and Choose Reliable Cruise Lines : Select a reputable cruise line prioritizing passenger safety. Look for companies with a strong track record of delivering secure and enjoyable voyages to Mexico. These cruise lines often have comprehensive safety measures, experienced staff, and well-planned itineraries prioritizing passenger security.
• Review Mexico Travel Advisory and Warnings : Before embarking on your cruise, stay updated on travel advisories and warnings from your home country’s government. These advisories provide valuable insights into potential risks, areas to avoid, and safety recommendations. They can help you make informed decisions about your itinerary and allow you to take necessary precautions.
• Choose Popular and Well-Traveled Ports : Opt for popular ports of call in Mexico that are frequently visited by cruise ships. These ports typically have well-established tourism infrastructure, enhanced security measures, and a focus on ensuring visitor safety. Some of the popular cruise ports in Mexico include Cozumel, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.
• Book Shore Excursions through the Cruise Line: When planning activities ashore, it’s advisable to book excursions through the cruise line. These excursions are often vetted for safety, and the cruise line assumes responsibility for the passengers’ well-being during these organized tours. Additionally, local guides associated with the cruise line are usually knowledgeable about the area and can offer insights and assistance.
• Stay Vigilant and Be Aware of Your Surroundings : While exploring Mexican ports, maintain situational awareness. Be attentive to your surroundings and exercise caution, especially in crowded tourist areas. Stay away from unlit or unfamiliar places, and avoid displaying signs of wealth or carrying excessive amounts of cash or valuables.
• Use Reliable Transportation: Use trusted and licensed transportation options when venturing outside the port area. Taxis recommended by the cruise line or reputable companies are typically reliable choices. Avoid unmarked or unofficial taxis, as they may pose a higher risk. If possible, arrange transportation in advance or rely on services offered by your cruise line.
• Respect Local Laws and Customs: Respect for local laws and customs is crucial when visiting any foreign country, including Mexico. Familiarize yourself with the local customs, traditions, and cultural norms. This will help you blend in and contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Travel Insurance is a Must

I’ve traveled without insurance, and trust me, you don’t want to get sick on your vacation. I’ve had flights canceled and got sick in the Czech Republic. Travel insurance will help you keep peace of mind.

Depending on your needs, you can find a policy that fits them.

Make sure to get your insurance before you head off on an adventure!  I highly recommend Travelex Insurance.

Are Mexico Resorts Safe

There have been incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning at resorts, which have left some potential visitors with questions and doubts. 

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly when inhaled in high concentrations.

Common sources of carbon monoxide include faulty fuel-burning appliances, such as gas heaters, furnaces, and water heaters.

In recent resort incidents, carbon monoxide poisoning deaths have been linked to faulty ventilation systems or poorly maintained equipment.

The Risks at Mexico Resorts: While incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning are rare, they have occurred at some Mexico resorts.

Staying Safe at Mexico Resorts:

• Research and Choose Reputable Resorts: Before booking your stay, research the resort’s safety record, reviews, and certifications. Look for resorts prioritizing guest safety, regularly inspecting their facilities, and maintaining proper ventilation systems.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors : Pack a portable carbon monoxide detector or inquire whether the resort provides them in guest rooms. These devices will alert you to high levels of carbon monoxide and provide an early warning in case of a leak.
• Familiarize Yourself with Resort Safety Measures: Upon arrival, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the resort’s emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, fire exits, and safety guidelines. Ensure you know how to report any concerns about gas appliances or ventilation to the appropriate resort staff.
• Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Be cautious of any signs of potential carbon monoxide leaks in your room. If you experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, or confusion, it could be an indication of carbon monoxide poisoning. Immediately exit the room, alert the resort staff, and seek medical attention.
• Seek Professional Inspections: For added peace of mind, consider hiring a qualified inspector to assess your resort room’s ventilation and gas-burning appliances before your stay. This step can help identify any potential risks and ensure the room is safe for occupancy.

Best Places to Stay in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

▶︎ BOOK the  Waldorf Astoria Cabo San Lucas now!   (Photo:  Expedia)

If you are a couple looking to stay in the thick of things while in Cabo San Lucas, I highly suggest the marina area because it offers a range of luxury hotels, including the Hacienda Beach Club & Residences and Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort and Spa or my favorite The Cape.

There are many restaurants and shops in the marina area, and you will most likely leave from one of the many tours you can book, whether snorkeling or renting one of those clear boats, so it’s the ideal place to get to know Cabo.

▶︎ BOOK The Cape Cabo San Lucas now!   (Photo:  Expedia)

• Best Cabo San Lucas All-Inclusive Resort (Splurge):   Pueblo Bonito Cabo San Lucas
• Best Cabo Hotel (Splurge):  Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
• Best Cheap Cabo Hotel:  Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

ASSISTANCE FOR U.S. CITIZENS

• U.S. Embassy Mexico City
• Paseo de la Reforma 305 Colonia Cuauhtemoc Mexico, D.F., Mexico C.P. 06500
•  Telephone
• 011-52-55-5080-2000
•  Emergency
• American Citizen Services: 01 800 681 9374 (toll-free in Mexico) / 81 4160 5512 (from within Mexico) / 844 528 6611 (toll-free in the U.S.)
• 011-52-55-5080-2201
•  Email
• [email protected]
•  Website

Conclusion: Is Cabo San Lucas Safe

Is Cabo safe ? Yes, if you stay abreast of all Mexico travel warnings, exercise common sense, and pay attention to news about safety in the city you are visiting, I don’t think you will have any issues.

Keep in mind that bad things can happen anywhere, not just in Mexico, but I am sure crimes occur right in your neighborhood. 

No matter where you go in Mexico, follow the common-sense rules listed above, like drinking only in moderation, getting a cab instead of wandering around after dark, and leaving your expensive watches and rings at home. 

Mexico is safe to visit so long as you stay out of trouble, take precautions, don’t buy drugs, and ladies do not allow men to buy you a cocktail, and I don’t care how cute he is.  BUY YOUR OWN COCKTAILS!

You can stop asking why Cabo San Lucas is so dangerous.

Ready to plan your trip? Grab my  FREE  Vacation Planner   to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!

If you would like to donate to  Passports and Grub click here!

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

Mexico vs. Costa Rica Which is Safer

Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico

Best Luxury Resorts in Los Cabos

Do you allow Mexico travel advisory to affect your travel decisions, and are you still wondering if Cabo is safe? I would love to hear your thoughts, so comment on Facebook ,  Twitter ,  or  Instagram.

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Why not save this post to your Pinterest board for later? I am also on Pinterest so feel free to follow  Passports and Grub   boards and get the latest pin directly.

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22 comments.

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Thank you for this fantastic article. I have not been able to find current detailed information that you have provided here. I was specifically looking for opinions for renting a car while in Cabo but found additional very helpful information as well. As far as car rental goes, we are planning to stay in San Jose del Cabo the night before and the night after our 5 night all inclusive stay in Cabo San Lucas. I have found we can rent a car for less than the cost of hired transportation, especially staying at multiple locations. I am still on the fence about renting the car due to safety concerns, but sounds like as long we stay on the main roads during the day we should not have any issues???

Cabo is extremely safe. I normally rent a car but this last time I decided to hire a private driver due to COVID and my life is forever changed. I am never renting a car again. It was just so much easier

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So many helpful suggestions and advice. Thank you for compiling all of this information. We leave for Los Cabos Thursday, and I’m feeling more at ease for sure.

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Cabo San Lucas Safety 2024: How Safe is Cabo San Lucas for Travel?

Welcome to our safety guide for the gorgeous Mexican paradise, Cabo San Lucas!

Cabo is a stunning location on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the waves of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez mix upon its golden dunes.

When it comes to safety, the U.S. State Department has given the go-ahead to visit Cabo San Lucas . Crime is present, but exercising extreme caution goes a long way in Cabo!

In this guide, we’ll teach you precisely how cautious you need to be. We’ll talk about Cabo’s crime statistics, COVID-19 precautions, potential natural disasters, carbon monoxide awareness and prevention, beach safety, Cabo’s weather, and some advice for solo or family travelers. Let’s begin.

Unveiling the Reality: A Comprehensive Look at Cabo San Lucas Crime Rates

Cabo San Lucas sits in Baja California Sur, which, according to the U.S. State Department, is a state where travelers should “Exercise Extreme Caution” when visiting .

This warning shouldn’t worry you, as being super cautious in a foreign country goes without saying. Still, there’s a reason why exercising “extreme” caution is advised when visiting Cabo.

Let’s discuss the reason behind this by examining crime rates and news reports in the area.

Cabo San Lucas Crime Rates

Cabo San Lucas has a crime rating of 44.50—very low compared to other popular destinations in Mexico.

For example, the state’s capital, Mexico City , has a crime rating of 67.95, and the magical Cancun 56.16. The border town of Tijuana is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico , with a staggering crime rating of 72.8%.

So why should travelers be extra cautious while visiting Cabo?

To give you a more detailed answer, we’ll share the crime reports that happened during the first four months of 2023 in Cabo, issued by the Baja California Sur state police :

• Extortion: 8
• Drug deals: 35
• Vehicle theft: 31
• Home break-ins: 38
• Assault: 79
• Family violence: 143

You never know when danger will strike you, so it’s good to be cautious even in the safest cities in Mexico .

What Are the Police Doing to Protect Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo San Lucas has a strong police presence, with local, federal, and national officials working to ensure tourist safety.

The Cabo mayor noted that by 2023, they are expecting to enlist 150 additional officials to protect the safety and serenity of the city.

Furthermore, Cabo San Lucas has made efforts to improve the coverage of security cameras and has installed around 300 new cameras throughout the area.

Cabo has also announced the installation of strategically placed panic buttons that immediately trigger the police command center in case of an emergency.

The powerful military is another force that guards the city in addition to the police. The government declared that Cabo will continue to be protected by the army at least until 2028.

All in all, Cabo is in good hands. Thanks to the effectiveness of the police and military, this beautiful destination receives over 2.8 million tourists each year !

Navigating the New Normal: Ensuring COVID-19 Safety in Cabo San Lucas

Baja California Sur doesn’t require tourists to have COVID-19 vaccines or tests to enter Cabo San Lucas.

Since COVID-19 is still present in Mexico, travelers may be tested for body temperature upon arrival to Cabo, and those who exhibit symptoms may be further examined or placed into quarantine.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of coronavirus while in Cabo San Lucas, go to any hospital, clinic, or laboratory to be tested. Private testing will cost between 950 and 4500 MXN ($53 and $250) for PCR tests and between 200 and 1000 MXN ($11 and $55) for viral antigen tests.

To avoid the spread of COVID-19, practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently. To learn more about how to keep safe and prevent the virus from spreading, go to the American Red Cross website .

Perils of Nature: The Risk of Natural Disasters in Cabo San Lucas

When you look at photographs of Cabo San Lucas’ sunny skies and stunning beaches, it’s difficult to imagine a natural disaster ever occurring. Nevertheless, Cabo is at risk from storms and earthquakes.

Hurricane Information and Precautions

The hurricane season at Cabo San Lucas lasts from mid-May to November, with storm activity peaking from August through October.

The last big Cabo storm was Hurricane Odile , a category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph that happened in September 2014. From that point on, there haven’t been hurricanes that made landfall in Cabo.

If you visit Cabo during hurricane season, you may face restrictions on seafaring and water activities owing to severe winds and waves. There are no guarantees — you could also have nothing but beautiful weather and blue skies!

Still, it’s best to monitor approaching storms on the National Hurricane Service and rearrange your vacation if necessary. If you are already in Cabo during a hurricane, stock up on supplies such as water, food, clothes, and flashlights.

If you’re staying at a Los Cabos resort, the personnel will have a security strategy in place.. Many of these resorts also have additional locations where guests can be evacuated if the weather worsens.

Check the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for more safety tips regarding hurricanes.

Earthquake Information and Precautions

Earthquakes are prevalent in Los Cabos, but they rarely cause damage. The quakes are typically between 4.0 and 5.0 in magnitude and are categorized as light to moderate.

One semi-powerful earthquake hit Cabo in November 2022 , with a magnitude of 4.9, and another in December 2022 , with a magnitude of 5.2. Like many others, these earthquakes caused no damage or loss of life.

Authorities regularly notify residents and visitors of recorded tremors and provide advice on what to do if a major earthquake hits the area. You can track earthquake activity by visiting an online tracker or installing the 911 CDMX app on your smartphone to receive an earthquake warning 60 seconds before it occurs.

Does Cabo San Lucas Suffer From Volcanic Eruptions?

No, there are no active volcanoes in Cabo San Lucas. The center and southern regions of Mexico are where most of the country’s volcanic activity is focused. Visitors may enjoy Cabo San Lucas without worrying about volcanic activity unless they can’t resist the urge to order a “hot and spicy” dish at a local restaurant!

Breathing Safely in Cabo San Lucas: Carbon Monoxide Awareness and Prevention

The incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, such as gas, oil, wood, and coal, produces carbon monoxide (CO) — a colorless, tasteless, odorless, and deadly gas.

When inhaled, carbon monoxide keeps the blood from carrying oxygen to the cells, tissues, and organs, and prolonged exposure to CO may result in paralysis, brain damage, or loss of life.

There have been no known reports of carbon monoxide poisoning in Cabo. However, there was a fatal tragedy in an Airbnb in Mexico City.

A CO detector is the sole tool we have to detect the presence of carbon monoxide around us. Most hotels and rental properties have them, but not all of them. As a result, the authorities are advising travelers to bring their carbon monoxide detectors .

If exposed to carbon monoxide, you must get some fresh air and seek medical attention. If someone is in a CO coma, call 911 for police and 066 for ambulances immediately.

Serenity by the Shore: The Safety of Cabo San Lucas Beaches

Cabo’s glistening, clean waters are breathtaking. However, many of them aren’t suitable for swimming.

Cabo’s beaches are home to very powerful rip currents. These currents near the shallows transport the water like an invisible undersea river. They’re capable of endangering even the best swimmer.

Strong waves are another reason why several beaches in Cabo are deemed dangerous. The waves that crash into the shore are enormous, making for poor swimming conditions. If they hit you, they could easily knock you out and drown you.

Cabo beaches have lifeguards, but not all of them. If you swim on a beach without a lifeguard, you’re at your own risk and the ocean’s mercy.

Every Cabo beach has a warning flag of six colors (black, red, yellow, white, green, and blue), indicating whether swimming is safe.

The most dangerous beaches have the black flag. This means that the area is prone to storms and hurricanes, so you are not permitted to be on the beach or in the water.

The red flag indicates great danger from strong tides and powerful waves. Tourists can stay on the beach but shouldn’t swim in the water.

The yellow flag means medium hazard regarding powerful currents and waves. It’s best if you stick in the shallows.

The white flag means there may be dangerous marine life, including sharks and jellyfish. You may swim here, but you’re at risk of a dangerous encounter.

The flag that you need to seek is the green one! These are the safest and most beautiful beaches to swim in. Some beaches with green flags include Medano Beach, Lover’s Beach, and Cannery Beach.

The blue flag is focused on health rather than safety. There are many dangerous bacteria in the water and shores that, if they enter our bodies, may cause illnesses like vomiting, skin infections, respiratory problems, etc.

Government experts regularly test Mexico’s beaches for bacterial contamination, and luckily, Cabo has passed the test. If you see a blue flag, the water is bacteria-free, and the beach is clean.

Cabo San Lucas Weather Patterns: What to Expect?

Cabo San Lucas has a wet and dry season.

The wet season lasts from May to October. This time of year is hot, humid, and rainy. The rain, however, typically falls in the form of brief showers or thunderstorms rather than lengthy showers that last for days. Temperatures range from 90 to 86°F (32 to 34°C).

The dry season lasts from November to April. The region enjoys warm and pleasant weather with little rain during this period. The temperature is between 69 and 86°F (20 and 29°C).

Weather Overview in Cabo San Lucas

The summer season in Cabo San Lucas lasts from June to September. The average temperature during the day reaches up to 86°F (30°C) and 77°F (24°C) during the night. The hottest month is July, with temperatures reaching up to 93°F (34°C).

Cabo’s fall season begins in October and wraps up in November. The average daily temperature may reach up to 81°F (27°C), and the maximum it can reach is 91°F (31°C). The autumn nights are also enjoyable, with a minimum temperature of 67°F (19°C).

The winter season spans from December to February. Cooling breezes from the United States enter Cabo San Lucas in the winter, bringing a hint of coolness. Temperatures may dip to 46/50 °F (8/10 °C) at night. The daytime temperature, however, stays over 68 °F (20 °C), perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

Cabo San Lucas’ spring season lasts from March until May. Temperatures progressively rise in the spring, with a daily average reaching up to 80°F (26°C) and a maximum of 90°F (32°C). Spring nights have an average temperature of 66°F (18°C).

When Is the Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo San Lucas weather will satisfy everyone’s travel tastes. 

If you enjoy hot weather, July is the warmest month in Cabo. If you desire cooler temperatures, plan your trip around January.

Cabo has the driest weather in March, April, May, and June, whereas the most rainy days happen in September.

Cabo San Lucas’ peak tourist season lasts from November to April — the perfect season for those who don’t mind the crowds!

The shoulder season is between May and October. During this period, Cabo has fewer tourists, but there’s plenty of sunshine and fun activities!

June through September is considered the off-peak period. This time of year is ideal if you enjoy quiet beaches and sparsely populated hotels, restaurants, and bars. In addition, hotel and rental prices drop, with venues frequently offering discounts.

If you are a nature and marine life enthusiast, you must visit Cabo during the whale-watching season, particularly from December to April. During this time, whales migrate and swim along the Baja California coast.

Each season in Cabo San Lucas has its distinct charm. So regardless of whether you want to book your trip in the sunny peak season, the quieter shoulder season, the more inexpensive low season, or the breathtaking whale-watching season, you’ll be in for a treat!

Exploring Cabo San Lucas Solo or With a Family: Is It a Good Idea?

Yes, Cabo is a safe place to visit alone or with family. However, crime does occur there, so being extra cautious will help you avoid harmful situations.

Below are some tips and tricks to help you experience Cabo in the safest possible way.

Essential tips for staying safe:

• Learn some fundamental Spanish words and phrases
• Walk around well-lit central streets and tourist zones
• Don’t take street taxis to avoid getting scammed
• Uber is a great taxi option. However, it’s only available in the center and doesn’t pick up tourists from resorts
• Purchase a Mexican SIM card
• In case of an emergency, the number for calling the police is 911; for ambulances, it’s 066; and for fire services — 080
• Check the reputation of the hotel or rental unit you want to book beforehand
• Don’t drink tap water
• Don’t draw money from public ATMs. Instead, go to the mall, supermarket, or bank
• Have some pesos on hand in case someone doesn’t accept other currencies or card payments

Tips for traveling alone:

• Inform a friend or family member back home of your travel plans and share what you’re planning to do throughout the day
• Don’t walk alone at night
• Don’t wear shiny jewelry
• Don’t bring too much cash
• Drink responsibly and be aware of what’s going on around you
• Keep an eye on your drink to be sure no narcotics are in it
• Never offer a total stranger or someone you just met your phone number or the address of your hotel
• Ignore catcallers
• If someone offers you narcotics, kindly refuse them

Tips for traveling with your family:

• Since you’ll be traveling in a large group, renting a car is safer, more dependable, and more affordable than taking a taxi or a bus
• Be careful when drinking, especially if you’re driving
• Always explore the city together and never apart
• Assemble a first-aid kit
• Always keep an eye out for your children
• For the sake of your children’s safety, avoid staying out too late in bars or restaurants

Are you ready to pack your bags and let Cabo San Lucas enchant you? The US State Department gives you the green light, so it’s time to arrange your vacation !

Remember to be extremely cautious while out and about. Follow the flag warnings on the beach, and don’t overestimate your swimming abilities. Travel safely, adventurers!

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Travel Advisories

In recent years, Los Cabos has successfully implemented a $50-million, five-step program in the public and private sector to upgrade safety and security infrastructure, equipment and personnel. The move has garnered a 90% decrease in security-related incidents in nine months- one of the most prominent decreases in all of Mexico. Tourists can rest assured they will receive travel advisories, including warnings and alerts, in a timely manner when visiting and can have ultimate confidence they are in good hands during their stay.

There is always something happening in Los Cabos. From fresh cuisine and creative inspiration to world-class athletes and award-winning films, you won’t want to miss these events in Los Cabos. Learn More

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Is it Safe to Travel to Cabo San Lucas? Cabo Safety Tips

By: Author Janice and George

Posted on Last updated: April 4, 2024

Categories Tips

Home / Tips

So you’d like to plan a trip to Los Cabos , Mexico.

But before you get too jazzed about going, you want to know: Is it safe to travel to Cabo San Lucas?

The short answer, in our view, is “yes.”

As regular visitors to Cabo for the past 20+ years, we’ve never hesitated to go to Los Cabos and never experienced any safety concerns.

But for a more thoughtful answer – including crime, health and safety stats, plus tips to help you stay safe – read our guide to safety in Cabo San Lucas (and all of Los Cabos) below.

Contents: Is Cabo, Mexico, safe to visit?

Travel warnings

Crime in Cabo San Lucas

Is Cabo safe at night?

How safe is Cabo for driving?

Is Los Cabos safe re: Covid and disease?

Food safety in Cabo

Beach safety in Cabo San Lucas

Other Cabo safety tips

Last words: Is it safe to visit Cabo?

Is it safe to travel to Cabo, Mexico? Cabo San Lucas travel warnings

Let’s start with advice from the very top – the U.S. State Department. Go here to see if there is any specific Cabo San Lucas travel advisory for the time you plan to travel.

You might also want to check the Canadian government’s Mexico travel advisory . Canada has a less complicated relationship with Mexico, so its Mexico travel warnings are sometimes not as harsh.

There are 4 levels of travel advisories issued by both the U.S. and Canada (and they’re roughly equivalent) for various places around the world:

• Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions
• Level 2 – Exercise increased caution
• Level 3 – Reconsider travel
• Level 4 – Do not travel

What you’ll find is that, in general, Los Cabos hovers in the Level 2 safety category – meaning “exercise increased caution.” (Sometimes the U.S. warning is Level 3.)

The Los Cabos area (aka “Cabo”) includes the resort towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo , along with the Tourist Corridor (the 20-mile stretch of coastline connecting the two towns).

How should you interpret the “Level 2” flag?

To put things in perspective, some other Level 2 travel destinations (according to the U.S. State Department) include the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Belgium.

But you probably wouldn’t be scared to travel to Belgium right now, would you?

What about Italy? Would its Level 2 advisory scare you away from all that scrumptious pizza and pasta in Italy?

Cabo San Lucas crime

Thousands upon thousands of visitors flock to Cabo each month to soak up the sun, watch whales , golf, party at rockin’ beach clubs and generally have an epic time.

According to the Ministry of Tourism of the Government of Mexico (SECTUR), an average of 350,000 tourists visited Cabo each month between January and July, 2022.

Most visitors to Cabo are American. (A whopping 98% of all visitors to Cabo between January and July, 2022, came from the United States.)

Pretty well everyone who visits Cabo enjoys their vacation without incident (except maybe for the occasional sunburn and hangover from the wickedly good Mexican margaritas).

Sure, you’ll hear reports of petty crime – pickpocketing, credit card fraud and the like. But these types of incidents aren’t unique to Cabo and can happen anywhere you travel.

Your chances of being robbed or mugged in Cabo are actually miniscule. Any violent crime that does occur is usually related to drug trafficking.

Not only that, but exit surveys reveal that tourists feel safe too when visiting Cabo .

We’ve never felt unsafe in Cabo.

Mind you, we don’t really do anything outside of the tourist areas.

Avoid dodgy areas. (See our post on the best areas to stay in Los Cabos .)

Keep to downtown Cabo San Lucas (including the Cabo San Lucas Marina), Medano Beach, the resort areas on the Pacific Side of Cabo San Lucas, Pedregal, the Tourist Corridor and San Jose del Cabo, and you’re not likely to run into any problems.

If you’d like more information, the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council is a good source for keeping tabs on criminal activity in Mexico and specific regions.

Is Los Cabos safe from drug cartels?

No doubt you’re aware of Mexico’s drug cartel problems.

Bear in mind, however, that most of the drug violence occurs in towns close to the Mexican/U.S. border, like Ciudad Juarez (just south of El Paso, Texas) and Tijuana. Mazatlan in Sinaloa state was also affected in early January, 2023.

Ciudad Juarez is in the state of Chihuahua. It’s more than 600 miles away from Cabo, as the crow flies.

Tijuana is in the state of Baja California (the northern half of the Baja California Peninsula).

Cabo is in the state of Baja California Sur (the southern half of the peninsula).

As a tourist, the risk of encountering drug-related violence in Baja California Sur is very low.

Cabo San Lucas murders

If you were to Google the Cabo San Lucas murder rate, you might choke on your tequila. You’ll find reports saying that Los Cabos has one of the highest murder rates per capita in the world.

However, these are older reports from more than a couple of years ago.

Overall, the state of Baja California Sur had the second fewest number of murders of any state in Mexico in 2021.

And Los Cabos is no longer on the 2022 list of most dangerous cities in the world by murder rate per capita.

What you will find on that top 50 list, however, are some cities in the U.S. For example, St. Louis shows up, with 60.59 murders per population of 100,000. Baltimore is also on the list, with 50.52 murders per 100,000 people.

Of course, you need to do your own risk assessment about Mexican safety and whether travel to Cabo San Lucas is safe crime-wise.

But when it comes to the question “Is Los Cabos dangerous for tourists?” we wouldn’t be surprised if you came to the same conclusion as us – Cabo is very safe for tourists who visit tourist areas.

Is Cabo San Lucas safe at night?

Generally speaking, Cabo is safe at night. That is, as long as you use common sense like not wandering down dark alleys or taking drinks from strangers. 

But you should exercise a few safety precautions at all times, particularly if you’re having two or more cocktails while enjoying the nightlife.

Be aware of how much you’re drinking. Never leave your drink (alcoholic or otherwise) unattended. And if you have to walk outside of the main tourist areas to get back to your hotel, take a taxi. 

As for getting around in Los Cabos , we don’t like to drive on the main highways outside of Cabo at night. If we’ve rented a car for a day trip to Todos Santos or La Paz, we like to return before it’s dark.

The reason is not because we’re afraid of getting car-jacked or kidnapped.

We’re more afraid of the cows! They’re known to wander out on the roads at night. And they’re a serious car accident hazard.

We also don’t like driving after dark during Christmas and on New Year’s Eve. There are too many partiers out on the roads, and drinking and driving spells trouble.

The same is true for driving early in the morning on New Year’s Day. Both locals and visitors are known to still have alcohol in their bloodstream – and to still be inebriated.

Is Cabo safe re: Covid and diseases?

Cabo no longer has any travel restrictions like it did during the pandemic.

You don’t have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 or provide a negative test to enter Mexico. If you feel like you’re coming down with something, Covid tests are readily available at most hotels and are typically free for you to take.

Depending on your age and circumstances, you’ll want to be up-to-date on all your routine vaccines (including Flu, Hepatitis A and Covid) when traveling to Cabo or anywhere else in the world.

See the CDC’s recommended vaccines, guidelines and safety notices for travel health in Mexico . 

Food safety in Cabo San Lucas

Is it safe to drink the water in Cabo?

The safest answer here would be “no.” 

Not all the water is bad, but it’s impossible to know for sure if the water you’re drinking is safe. 

The water supply in Cabo is provided mainly by aquifers in the Sierra de La Laguna mountain range and by desalination plants. It’s mostly pure and clean. 

The problem comes from the pipes that the water runs through.

Many of the pipes are old or in disrepair. Pollutants can easily contaminate the water before it reaches the tap in your hotel or condo. 

The good news is that filtered water is readily available throughout Cabo.

Restaurants and resorts generally use purified water for making ice for your drinks.

They may offer purified water for drinking, but you can also opt for bottled water or sparkling water to pair with your meal.

Is it safe to eat raw fruit and salads in Cabo?

Diving into the local cuisine – like trying the delicious shrimp and fish tacos in Cabo – is part of the fun! This includes eating the local fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Eating fruits in Mexico is an amazing way to try some local exotic fruits that are as fresh as can be.

Fruits that have a thick peel (like bananas) or rind (like oranges) that you remove are absolutely safe to eat. But we’ve also had no tummy issues eating fresh apples or grapes that we’ve bought at the grocery store.

As well, we’ve never had a problem ordering fresh salads when eating out.

When cooking or eating in, we wash our purchased produce with boiled (then cooled) water or bottled water.

If you have stomach sensitivities or want to play it totally safe, you could stick to eating just cooked vegetables (no salad) when dining in restaurants.

Beach safety in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is known for its beautiful beaches. But not all of them are safe and swimmable. 

You can’t swim on many of the beaches due to dangerous rip tides and rogue waves. Be sure you know which are the safe swimming beaches in Cabo before you put your toes in!

(And if you want to swim in the sea at your resort, be sure to book Cabo accommodation on a swimmable beach .)

Here are some steps you can take to make your beach time as safe as possible. 

Learn the colored flag system

Many beaches use a colored flag system to update beach-goers on how the current conditions are for swimming safety.

Flag colors range from black, red, yellow and green.

Black is the most dangerous and green is safe.

Blue flags may also be used to indicate safe swimming conditions and really clean water

Look for a lifeguard on duty

Not all beaches have a lifeguard on duty, but some will for an extra layer of safety. 

Watch the waves

Rogue waves sometimes wash up on the beach and have been known to sweep people out to sea.

Be sure to look for any posted warning signs on the beach to alert for these. And when walking along the beach, always keep an eye on the waves.

Protect against sunburn

Don’t be a lobster!

The sun burns hotter in Mexico than it does in more northern climates. Be sure to wear sunscreen (and re-apply often) and wear protective clothing like rash guards, hats and sunglasses. 

Stay hydrated

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of being out in the sun and surf – and to forget about drinking some water.

Make sure you’re taking plenty of water breaks to prevent dehydration. 

Other Cabo San Lucas safety tips

1) get travel insurance.

Whether you’re an adventurous traveler or a more chill and relaxed visitor, travel insurance coverage is a must-have whenever you’re traveling.

Insurance is available not only for canceled flights and lost luggage, but also for your medical expenses if you end up getting sick on your trip. 

See what insurance your credit card offers.

Also check out SafetyWing . If you travel often to Cabo, it may work for you, as their insurance is designed for frequent travelers (as well as digital nomads).

2) Leave valuables at home

As to the risk of getting mugged, you really don’t have to worry too much about flashing your new diamond engagement ring around at most resorts and tourist restaurants.

But like anywhere else you may travel, things happen. And valuables can be accidentally lost or stolen if left unattended.

So if not’s on your person all the time, why not leave the expensive bling at home?

If you have heirloom jewelry that’s impossible to replace, save yourself the headache of worrying about it and keep it safe at home.

We leave things like laptops, iPads, GoPros, cameras and the like out and about in our rooms when we go to the pool (or out of the resort).

Nothing has been stolen yet.

But we should be more conscious about putting them away out of obvious view. (Just a sensible precaution wherever you travel.)

3) Take group tours

Exploring what there is to do is part of the fun!

Traveling with a group adds strength in numbers and will make it harder to be the victim of a crime.

Try some of our favorite group tours, like:

• This kayaking tour to Lover’s Beach and the Arch
• One of Cabo’s best sunset cruises
• This taco tasting tour
• This tequila tasting tour

4) Keep a copy of your passport separate from the originals

Your passport is your ticket back home, quite literally.

It’s best to put it in your room safe (along with your other valuables like jewelry).

Make sure to keep a copy in a separate safe place, so that if something happens to the original, you’ll still have access to the copy. It can help when it comes time to getting a replacement passport.

5) Don’t walk alone at night

While the tourist areas of Cabo are safe, it’s still important to exercise caution and use your noggin.

Walking alone at night in any city can make you more susceptible to crime. It’s preferable to travel with at least one other person at night. Take a taxi if you need to get somewhere by yourself. 

6) Be extra careful when drinking

Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and decreases your awareness of your surroundings.

Enjoy that margarita and Mexican beer, but do so with caution, especially if you’re outside your resort.

Know your limits and never accept a drink from a stranger.

Avoid setting your drink down for long, and if you’re worried someone could have tampered with your drink, ask for a new one. 

7) Use bug spray to prevent mosquito bites and tropical diseases

We rarely have a problem with mosquitoes in Cabo.

When it comes to Cabo safety measures, we confess that we don’t use bug spray, except when going out for things like ziplining or hiking in the countryside.

But be aware there’s a remote possibility of contracting the Zika virus or Dengue fever from mosquitoes in the area. 

Last words on “Is it safe to travel to Cabo San Lucas?”

We love traveling to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and have always felt safe in the resort and tourist areas of this region.

Sure, there are some potential safety concerns regarding crime (although much lower than in other parts of the country), driving and the overall health and safety of visiting, eating and exploring the area.

But if you use common sense, chances are you’ll have a safe and wonderful vacation. We even bet you’ll be hankering to return to this beautiful region of Mexico as soon as you can!

Discover more of Los Cabos!

• What’s an ideal itinerary for visiting Cabo ? (For 3 days? 5 days? A week?)
• What’s it like to visit Los Cabos in February ?
• Check out the top things to do in Cabo on a cruise !

Planning your trip to Cabo?

Here are our favorite travel resources:

Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)

Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).

Tours: For the best local guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide .

Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.

Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more.

Need more help planning your trip? Check out our ultimate Cabo travel guide ! It’s packed with crazy useful trip planning info.

Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!

Photos:  2 to 5, 15 © Janice and George Mucalov, Cabo Visitor

About the authors

Award-winning travel writers Janice and George Mucalov are frequent visitors to Los Cabos. Here on Cabo Visitor , they share their essential tips for discovering the best of Cabo!

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Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know.

A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government.

By Elisabeth Malkin and Isabella Kwai

Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancún.

A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the country’s beaches, cities and archaeological sites, or to obtain health care .

Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert , urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the alert said. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred — and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum and Mexico City.

An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. But the attack and kidnapping of four Americans in the border city of Matamoros, two of whom were later found dead, along with recent disorder in Cancún and violence in early January that forced the closure of three airports in northwest Mexico, is prompting questions about whether the country’s broader unrest is spilling into other destinations.

What happened on the border?

On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery.

Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived.

The Americans were attacked as a result of “confusion,” according to Irving Barrios, the state prosecutor in Tamaulipas. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. Then, in late February, one gang moved into the city to wrest control of drug sales from another, said Eduardo Guerrero, the director of Lantia Intelligence , a security consulting company in Mexico City.

“There are places in the country where the situation can change abruptly from one week to another,” he said. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had “very bad luck,” Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs.

What happened earlier this year in Cancún?

Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancún and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. The ruling infuriated the powerful unions, which are believed to have links to local organized crime figures and former governors. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers.

The conflict generated widespread attention after a video of taxi drivers forcing a Russian-speaking family out of their rideshare car went viral, and after unions blocked the main road leading to Cancún’s hotel zone. That prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert .

Mr. Guerrero said that the authorities will try to negotiate some kind of compromise, but there was a probability of more violence ahead.

Have authorities curbed violence that might affect tourists?

As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so “can set in motion a persecution that can last years,” the consequences of which can be “very dissuasive,” he said.

But the rule doesn’t always hold. And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists — Los Cabos , at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast — local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists.

A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancún. Two visitors were killed in crossfire between local gangs in Tulum; a gunfight on a beach in Puerto Morelos sent tourists running for cover into a nearby hotel; a hit man gained entry to a luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen and killed two Canadian tourists believed to have links to organized crime.

The federal government sent National Guard units to patrol the beaches, and Quintana Roo state authorities asked U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to provide intelligence, Mr. Guerrero said. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement.

The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roo’s tourist areas, and experts say that drug sales to meet foreign demand no longer take place on the street, although they are continuing more discreetly.

The success in tamping down drug violence in Quintana Roo follows a similar improvement in Los Cabos a couple of years ago when U.S. authorities also collaborated with local officials in the state of Baja California Sur. The murder rate soared in Los Cabos in 2017 amid cartel wars, and although tourists were not targeted, that year police chased gunmen into the lobby of a luxury hotel in San José del Cabo, and a cooler containing two heads was left in a tourist area.

What about tourist areas in other states?

Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence .

The Pacific Coast state of Jalisco, home to the resort of Puerto Vallarta, picturesque tequila country and the cultural and gastronomic attractions of the state capital, Guadalajara , is also the center of operations of the extremely violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel . The cartel’s focus of violence is in the countryside; Puerto Vallarta and the beaches to its north, including the exclusive peninsula of Punta Mita and the surfers’ hangout of Sayulita, are all booming — and, despite drug sales, the cartel’s control seems to limit open conflict.

Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors , and concerns about violence there have receded. The city’s police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years.

Are there any other safety concerns?

Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. While tourists may not be aware of underlying criminal forces, their power sometimes spills out into the open in spectacular shows of violence.

The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants.

Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatlán, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacán, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. Nobody was hurt and the plane returned to the terminal.

In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety.

Pierre de Hail, the president of Janus Group Mexico, a risk management company in Monterrey, is skeptical that security has improved. “There is too much random risk,” he said. “It’s all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

What precautions should tourists take?

Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area you’re visiting. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.)

The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks.

Mr. de Hail also suggests buying travel insurance in case of a medical emergency or theft, and recommends that tourists keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention, he said, warning that it is easy to misread situations.

As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. “I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars,” he said.

He added: “If you’re staying in a place that has a report of strikes or demonstrations, don’t go there. You’re a fish out of water.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

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Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

U.S. State Department Says Cabo is a Safe Destination

Posted by Trademark Productions on May 5, 2023 under Cabo News

Cabo is Deemed a Safe Travel Destination

Los Cabos, Mexico has been deemed a safe travel destination for Americans by the U.S. State Department.

The popular tourist destination located on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula was previously on the travel advisory list due to incidents of violence, but the latest report indicates a decreased crime rate.

The local government and tourism industry have taken steps to improve safety in the area, including increased police presence and surveillance, as well as a focus on crime prevention and public safety initiatives. The efforts have resulted in a significant decrease in violent crime in recent years.

Is Los Cabos Safe?

Travelers should still exercise caution and take basic safety precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas, avoiding unmarked taxis, and being aware of their surroundings. It is also important to check the latest travel advisories before booking a trip and to purchase travel insurance.

The U.S. State Department’s decision to classify Los Cabos as a safe travel destination is a testament to the efforts made by the local government and tourism industry to improve safety in the area. It is also a reminder that travel advisories can change over time, and it is important to stay informed about the latest developments.

Overall, Los Cabos is now a safe travel destination for Americans, and visitors can enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer with peace of mind.

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U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico Ahead of Spring Break

The warning is asking travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed."

marako85/Getty Images

The United States is warning travelers heading to Mexico to be aware of their surroundings ahead of the spring break holiday season.

The warning , which was issued this week by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, reminds travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed” as “thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break” each year. The embassy continued that “while the vast majority travel safely,” visitors should be aware of issues with crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, drownings, and more. 

“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations,” the embassy warned. “U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.”

The warning also reminded American travelers that drug possession and use is illegal in Mexico, including medical marijuana. It also advised that unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, that counterfeit medication is common, and that guns are illegal in Mexico.

When it comes to the country’s popular beaches, the embassy reminded travelers some beaches may have strong rip tides and “may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.”

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a similar spring break warning last year .

The U.S. Department of State classifies different states in Mexico under different warning levels. While travelers can “exercise normal precautions” when traveling to the Campeche and Yucatan states, the State Department warns them to “exercise increased caution” when heading to places like Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is), Mexico City, and Quintana Roo (where Cancun is) due to crime.

The State Department also asks American travelers to “reconsider” going to the state of Jalisco, which is home to popular destination Puerto Vallarta , due to the danger of crime and kidnapping.

The State Department recommends Americans who do travel to Mexico keep people at home informed of their travel plans and enroll in the department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to both receive alerts and make it easier to locate them if an emergency occurs.

Travelers heading to international destinations can view all current travel advisories on the State Department's website at  travel.state.gov .

Related Articles

Forbes Travel Guide Stories

Is It Safe To Travel To Los Cabos? By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

August 31, 2018

Los Cabos. Credit: Los Cabos Tourism Board

Los Cabos ’ stark desert landscape and striking azure waters started gaining international attention after World War II, when Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sophia Loren, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Bing Crosby and John Wayne made it their vacation spot. Though its main resort towns, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, really transformed into a tourism destination after more infrastructure was added in the ’80s and ’90s.

Perched at southern tip of Mexico’s 1,000-mile-long Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is experiencing another tourism boom. In February 2018, Hakkasan Group and Grupo Vidanta christened the area with four new venues: the new Omnia Dayclub and restaurants Herringbone, Casa Calavera and Shorebar.

Montage Los Cabos. Credit: Montage Los Cabos

Then, in May, Montage Los Cabos — the company’s first property outside of the United States — debuted with the largest spa in the peninsula, and minimalist-chic Viceroy Los Cabos launched in the former Mar Adentro space. Solaz, A Luxury Collection Resort will open in September. And more luxury hotels are on the way, including Nobu (the first in Mexico); Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas; Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Mexico’s inaugural Reserve outpost); Amanvari; and Park Hyatt.

Plus, a new $50 million terminal will open at Los Cabos International Airport later this year.

Yet despite the flurry of development, Los Cabos suffered a blow when the U.S. State Department’s new travel warning system gave it a Level 2 advisory in January that implores travelers to “exercise increased caution.” The State Department updated its Mexico advisories on August 22, leaving Los Cabos’ warning intact.

“Criminal activity and violence, including homicide, remain an issue throughout the state,” the advisory said. “While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens.” Though it does say there are no U.S. government restrictions for travel in Baja California Sur, which includes the tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and La Paz.

The advisory seems at odds with the seemingly thriving area that attracts close to 3 million visitors each year. So, is it safe to travel to Los Cabos?

Spa Montage Los Cabos. Credit: Montage Los Cabos

“Today, Los Cabos is safer than ever,” said Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “In the past year alone, the public and private sector have invested close to $50 million to upgrade security infrastructure, equipment and personnel. There has never been such a united and intensified effort to ensure safety.”

To address security concerns, Los Cabos launched a five-point action plan in 2017 that Esponda called “swift, aggressive and multipronged.” It includes a robust, rapid response system that connects all local businesses and hotels to each other and law enforcement authorities, expansions of our surveillance camera network, new security training and protocols aligned with U.S. Embassy standards, a new state-of-the-art intelligence center built for the elite Mexican marines and a hotel security committee that meets biweekly to ensure the plan is continually optimized.

“In the nine months since its implementation, we have seen a dramatic 90 percent decrease in security-related incidents,” he said.

The warning did not stop Hakkasan from rolling out its first Mexican properties. “We are aware of the travel advisory in Los Cabos and always take every precaution to ensure the safety of our guests,” said Gert Kopera, executive vice president of global restaurants for Hakkasan. “Baja California Sur and Mexico are currently categorized as Level 2 by the State Department, which is the same travel advisory level as the United Kingdom and France. As a result, we were not deterred from Cabo as we remain confident that the destination is safe and secure.”

Omnia Dayclub. Credit: Hakkasan

Kopera emphasized that the area was the right fit for Hakkasan. “Cabo is more accessible from the United States than ever before, and we saw huge potential for Hakkasan Group’s brand of experiential entertainment in Mexico,” he said. “Cabo is known worldwide for its pristine beaches and panoramic ocean views, which create the perfect backdrop for an Omnia Dayclub. We also wanted to augment the dayclub with refined dining options and introduced three of our culinary concepts to Mexico. Herringbone’s focus on beachy vibes and California coastal cuisine proved perfect for Cabo, and Casa Calavera, a brand-new culinary concept with a colorful Dia de los Muertos theme, complements the locale sublimely.”

Montage Los Cabos also opened as scheduled. “The hotel has been well-received by both national and international guests,” said Montage marketing manager Carmen Paredes. “We have received many media and travel agents in the destination that can confirm that Los Cabos is a safe place to travel.”

In fact, Esponda said that Los Cabos is the fastest-growing destination in Mexico. “Seventy percent of our visitors are repeat guests and 20 percent have come more than four times. Many of them have been visiting the destination for several years and even own houses in the destination. As a result, the travel advisory’s impact was blunted by the destination’s built-in resilience,” he said. “In 2017, Los Cabos recorded its strongest growth year since 2010.”

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort. Credit: Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort

Before this growth spurt, the region already was a draw with Forbes Travel Guide Five-Stars Esperanza, An Auberge Resort , The Resort at Pedregal and Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort ; Four-Star One&Only Palmilla ; and superior all-inclusives like Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos and Grand Velas Los Cabos .

Open since 1997, stalwart hotel Las Ventanas al Paraíso hasn’t seen business drop as a result of the advisory.

“There have been some isolated incidents in Mexico, which have occurred far from Los Cabos. It is safe to visit Los Cabos, and at Las Ventanas, we continue to take every precaution to ensure that our guests’ safety and privacy is protected throughout their stay,” said Frederic Vidal, managing director of Las Ventanas al Paraiso. “We are fortunate that Las Ventanas is one of the most secluded, private resorts in the world, allowing even the most high-profile of guests to feel safe and protected throughout their stay. Las Ventanas continues to experience a busy summer, and we encourage all travelers to enjoy the paradise that is Los Cabos.”

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Is Cabo San Lucas Safe to Travel Right Now? Cabo Safety Tips

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Is Cabo San Lucas Safe to travel to? If you are wondering, you are in the right place as I have traveled to Cabo and Baja California Sur several times and I’d love to assure you that you can easily travel to Cabo worry-free.

In fact, if you are worried about safety in Los Cabos the short answer is, yes it is safe to travel to Cabo san Lucas and Los Cabos in general.

However, there are a few things about safety in the Los Cabos area that you should know about, and in this post, I will tell you all about them.

Is Cabo safe to travel to? An overview

Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, is a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. But is it safe to travel to Cabo?

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for Mexico, which includes the state of Baja California Sur, where Cabo is located. The warning states that “violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is common” in Mexico.

However, it’s important to keep perspective when considering the risk of traveling to Cabo. While it is true that there are areas of Mexico where crime occurs quite frequently, fortunately, Cabo is not one of those areas.

Yes, there’s some crime in Cabo, as there is in any place, but it is still a relatively safe place to visit. In fact, Cabo is safer than many major US cities; for example, San Diego had a crime rate of 374 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2021, and Cabo’s crime rate for 2021 was 138.26 crimes per 100,000 people for the same period.

As you can see from those statistics, Cabo is already a pretty safe city, compared to many others. And there are many precautions that travelers can take to further reduce their risk of becoming victims of crime while enjoying their time in Cabo.

I’ll be going over those precautions today, so let’s get started!

But first of all, let’s put things in perspective and talk about where is Los Cabos and which region it refers to.

Where is Los Cabos?

Los Cabos is a municipality located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, in the state of Baja California Sur. It includes many towns, the most notable of which are Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

A lot of tourists ask the question, “What is the difference between Cabo, Los Cabos , Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, etc.?”

It’s a fair question and, as someone who’s about to go to the area, you should know the difference between these.

Cabo is the general name for the area, while Los Cabos refers to the two main cities in the region: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

However, as I’ve mentioned earlier, Los Cabos is also the name of the municipality in which both of these towns (among others) are located.

Now, what’s the difference between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo? Which one should you pick when planning your next vacation?

Cabo San Lucas is the more developed and touristed of the two cities. It is known for its nightlife, beaches , and luxury resorts.

San José del Cabo is quieter and more traditional, with a colonial-style town center and a number of art galleries.

When deciding which city to visit, it is important to consider what kind of vacation you are looking for. If you want a party atmosphere with plenty of nightlife options, Cabo San Lucas is the better choice.

If you prefer a more laid-back vacation with ample opportunities to explore art galleries and shops, then San José del Cabo would be a better fit.

Whichever town you pick, it’s important to remember that they’re situated only 30 kilometers apart; it’s very easy to travel between them, and, whichever one of them you end up visiting, I highly recommend you take at least a day trip to the other town in order to get the most out of your vacation.

Cabo San Lucas Travel restrictions

As I mentioned earlier in the article, the U.S. Department of State’s website does advise travelers to exercise increased caution in the state of Baja California Sur (where Cabo is located).

However, there’s no need to worry; even countries like the UK and Spain have a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” rating.

It’s also important to note that there are no restrictions on US government employees on visiting Baja California Sur, which includes tourist areas like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and La Paz .

The State Department website does restrict government employees from visiting some unsafe places in Mexico, like the Mexicali Valley in Baja California (not the same as Baja California Sur).

For information on which states in Mexico are safe to visit, I recommend visiting the US State Department’s travel advisory page for Mexico.

How to stay safe in Cabo San Lucas: travel tips

The truth is that violent crime is rare in Cabo, and the chances of being a victim are low.

However, petty crime is more common, so it’s important to take precautions when traveling to this area. I’m detailing these precautions below.

1. Get travel insurance

I know. The last thing you want to think about is getting sick on your vacation. But things happen, flights get canceled, and languages can get lost and many other unplanned and unwanted events can happen. Travel insurance will help you keep peace of mind.

If you are not convinced you can read my article on the reasons why you need travel insurance.

I have been using either  World Nomads  or  Safety Wing depending on the type of traveling I was planning.

Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER .

Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase.

Get your free insurance quote here:

2. Do your research

Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the highway between them are very safe areas; but if you plan on taking a detour and going off the beaten path, make sure to do your research about the area beforehand.

There’s nothing wrong with being impromptu and exploring to your heart’s content, just research the area(s) you intend to travel to.

3. Keep a copy of your passport and ID separate from the originals

While you’re exploring the country and enjoying yourself, you should always have a copy of your ID and passport on you.

However, make sure to keep the originals in your hotel safe; that way, even, on the off chance, your bag gets swiped or you get pickpocketed, you won’t lose your precious documents.

4. Keep a low profile

The same goes for your valuables. When in Cabo San Lucas, be sure to dress in a way as to blend in and avoid taking flashy jewelry or other valuables outside your hotel room.

5. Stay aware of your surroundings

When you’re out and about it’s also a good idea to keep your belongings close to you at all times, and only carry the essentials with you when exploring the city.

Tourists rarely encounter crime in Cabo, but those few tourists who do encounter crime, almost all of them are victims of petty theft.

Some awareness of your surroundings, as well as knowing at all times where your valuables are, will go a long way towards making sure that your trip to Cabo is incident-free.

6. Don’t walk alone at night

As a general rule of thumb, walking around the city after dark when you’re alone is not a good idea. Stay in the touristy areas or the well-lit parts of town at night.

7. Avoid unsafe neighborhoods

While the chances aren’t high, you’re more likely to be a victim of a crime if you go into the neighborhoods that aren’t frequented by tourists and don’t have that much security.

The areas to the north of the Los Cabos International Airport are generally not recommended, especially after dark.

But there is no reason why you should go there, regardless.

8. Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas

Be extra vigilant when withdrawing cash out of an ATM. ATMs that are situated in deserted or poorly lit areas are ideal spots for criminals, so when you need to withdraw cash, try to find one that’s in a busy area; ATMs that are situated within a bank or a mall are the safest.

9. Be extra careful while drinking

Cabo San Lucas is famous for its nightlife and has a reputation as a party town. There’s nothing wrong with partying and enjoying yourself when you’re vacationing, but be aware that being drunk will put you at a higher risk, especially when you’re alone.

In fact, if you’re alone, I’d advise against drinking unless you’re at the premises of your resort.

In any case, it’s a good idea to drink in moderation, and if you’re going to go overboard, make sure that you’re part of a group.

10. Do not leave food or drinks unattended in public

This is another important point for safety, even more so if you’re a solo female traveler.

Make sure to consume your drinks and food fully before you leave a spot; if you leave them unattended, even for a couple of minutes, don’t consume them again.

11. Use only reputable tour operators and transportation services

If you want to have the best experience and avoid scams, make sure to do your research when selecting tour operators and transportation services.

Check reviews online before you book anything and hand over your hard-earned money.

12. Don’t ever drink tap water

The tap water in most areas of Mexico isn’t for drinking. I highly recommend carrying an insulated water bottle with you and getting it filled with filtered water.

12. Use mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito bites and tropical diseases

There have been some cases of Dengue and Chikungunya in Mexico, and although it’s not very common, it can happen.

Make sure you use repellent and protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially during the summer months, when it’s hotter and more humid.

Top things to do in Cabo San Lucas

There’s no shortage of things to do in Cabo San Lucas. I’m including some of my recommendations, but keep in mind that this is far from an exhaustive list.

Part of the fun in exploring a new country, and especially an area like Cabo San Lucas, is that you get to find new activities and things to enjoy, things you weren’t even aware of before.

So, ultimately, my recommendation would be to go beyond the list of recommended things to do in Cabo that you find on the internet; go exploring and have adventures!

However, I wanted to include here the top things to do in Cabo and the best tours with the most reliable companies.

🐳 Swim with whale sharks, sea lions, and manta rays

Many travelers are interested in getting up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.

Fortunately, Cabo San Lucas is home to a variety of these animals, making it the perfect place to go swimming with whale sharks, sea lions, manta rays, and more.

During the winter months, the water in Cabo is still warm enough for swimming, making it a great time to take advantage of all that the area has to offer.

There are a number of tour operators that offer excursions to see these animals in their natural habitat.

Swimming with Whale sharks from La Paz is possible from the end of November, these gentle giants are often seen in the sea of Cortez. You can either drive from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz or book a tour that includes the transfer .

Swimming with whale shark tours is another experience you shouldn’t miss out on and something that everyone should do at least once in their life.

Snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas | 245 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews

✔️ A half-day swimming and snorkeling cruise to Santa Maria Beach ✔️ 3h 30 min tour

🚣🏽‍♀️ Take a glass-bottom boat ride

A glass-bottom boat ride is a great way to see the underwater world without getting wet. You can find these tours quite easily in Cabo, as they’re a popular tourist attraction.

Most glass-bottom boat tours last between 30 minutes and 1 hour and take you to see some of the most popular sights in the area.

The boats are usually small and intimate, with a maximum of 12 passengers. This makes them a great option for families or groups of friends.

During your tour, you’ll be able to see fish, coral, and other marine life through the glass bottom of the boat. During the right season, you may even spot a whale!

These tours are led by experienced guides who will share interesting facts about the creatures you see.

Tours in Cabo, Paseo al Arco and Fin de la Tierra in the only Clear Boat

450 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews ✔️ English speaking guide ✔️Completely transparent boat ✔️ Visit to the arch, end of the land, tropical fish area, visit to the sea of cortez,

✅ Enjoy some of the world-class restaurants

Both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo boast some of the most amazing culinary scenes in Mexico. You will find all sorts of cuisine, from local street food to fancy gourmet Mexican cuisine to international flavors.

Healthy eating is also very much a thing in Cabo and you will find many different vegans or vegetarians or organic restaurants as well.

Cabo San Lucas Downtown Food and Tacos Tasting Experience

589 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews | 2hrs 45′ A professional guide will take you on a tasty journey through downtown Cabo San Lucas. You will go in search of the best local eateries and sample a selection of local delicacies while learning about Mexican culture and traditions!

✅ Take a water taxi to Lover’s Beach

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Cabo San Lucas party scene, take a water taxi over to Lover’s Beach, which is right behind the famous Arch!

So you can combine the tours and tell the boat captain at what time you want to be picked up.

This secluded spot is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway or travelers wanting to experience a more natural side of Cabo.

As one of the few areas in Cabo that aren’t developed, Lover’s Beach offers stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunny weather.

Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty, so make sure to take the appropriate safety precautions when swimming.

Shared ride to the arch of Cabo San Lucas | BOOK HERE

✔️ Sail from Cabo to El Arco in a comfortable glass-bottom boat ✔️Option to be dropped off at a beach on the way back

✅ Kiteboarding or windsurfing at Playa El Médano

Playa El Médano is arguably Cabo’s most popular beach, and for good reason. The area is known for its strong winds and waves, making it a paradise for those looking to catch some air.

Playa El Médano offers a variety of activities, including jet skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing. You can even take a boat from here to the famous El Arco.

When you do get tired of adventuring, there are plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance where you can get something to eat or drink.

When is the best time to visit Cabo?

There’s no objective one best time to visit Cabo . It all depends on what you want to do when you’re here. If whale watching is your thing, visit between late November to mid-April.

These months are the peak season in Cabo though, so expect accommodation and ticket prices to be high and you’ll have to book everything months in advance.

If you want to experience the best that Cabo has to offer but without the peak season crowds, visit during May or June. The weather is still pleasant during these two months and hurricane season storms don’t usually hit until July.

If your primary motivation for visiting Cabo is fishing, visit anywhere from July to October. This is also a great time to save money, but you’ll have to deal with the frequent rains and the weather will be quite hot.

Top tours in Cabo San Lucas

► snorkeling or swimming with whale sharks tour.

Swimming with whale sharks is a once-in-a-life kind of experience, and Cabo San Lucas is a really famous place for it. You can take a half-day whale shark tour from The Marina. It comes with snorkeling gear, an experienced guide, and refreshments.

► Outdoor ziplining tour

The desert canyons of Los Cabos are quite popular for an adventurous ziplining tour. Soaring over the curves of the desert-like region is the perfect Cabo tour for you if you’re a thrill seeker.

Alternatively, you can drive a UTV on the off-road trails of Cabo as well.

3- Outdoor Ziplining and UTV Adventure from Los Cabos | 1782 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews | BOOK HERE

✔️ Fly across a series of exciting ziplines with breathtaking views of the Boca de Sierra National Park ✔️ Explore the desert on an off-road UTV buggie ✔️ Complimentary pickup and drop-off from most Cabo San Lucas hotels

► Sunset cruise tour

Sailing in the breathtaking waters of the Cabo seas is another unique experience that you can enjoy with a tour.

The sunset tour will take you on a romantic journey filled with spectacular views including the famous El Arco and Lover’s Beach.

You will find plenty of luxury cruise ships that offer this tour, which also includes unlimited beverages and delicious appetizers.

521 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews | 2hrs 30′ Sail along the spectacular coast of Baja Sur aboard a 50-foot sailboat, while watching the sun disappearing in the horizon sipping your favorite drink from the open bar. Tasty appetizers are also offered. It’s a small-group tour to ensure personal attention from the crew!

► Humpback whale-watching tour (from December through March)

Humpback whales are truly majestic, and you can see them up close if you’re visiting Cabo.

You can easily find a whale-watching tour here and the experience is very unique.

Also, some of them have marine biologists onboard, you can learn a lot more about the exotic marine life of Cabo.

► Kayaking/Paddleboarding tour

If adventurous water sports are your thing, the kayaking/paddleboarding tour is perfect for you. This tour includes sailing to a secluded cove and paddle-boarding or kayaking in the pristine waters of Cabo.

Los Cabos Sea Adventure: Snorkeling, Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

486 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews | 3-hour tour A great choice of sea activities in Los Arcos and Lovers Beach area Zoom through the water with a motorized sea scooter, go snorkeling or paddleboarding. See a local colony of sea lions while kayaking in the clear blue water.

Is Cabo Safe to travel FAQ

Is cabo safe to travel for a female solo traveler.

Yes, Cabo is safe to travel for a female solo traveler. I was a solo female traveler in Cabo and I never felt unsafe. I will actually go back this year and I can’t wait.

While there are always risks associated with any international travel, Cabo San Lucas is generally a very safe destination.

In fact, Cabo was declared one of the safest tourist destinations by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

There are plenty of fun activities to keep you busy during the day, and most hotels and resorts have security measures in place to keep guests safe at night.

To further reduce your risk, avoid traveling alone at night and be sure to let someone know your itinerary before you go.

I’ve further detailed safety tips above, so make sure to go through that section.

Is Cabo San Lucas safe from drug cartels?

The good news is that Cabo San Lucas is far from the areas of Mexico that have been plagued by drug-related violence.

The resort town is under the jurisdiction of the state of Baja California Sur, which itself has a much lower crime rate than the rest of Mexico.

There have been no recent reports of violence or other criminal activity directed at tourists in Cabo San Lucas .

In addition, the Mexican government has beefed up security in the area in recent years, and there is now a heavy presence of police and military personnel.

So, if you’re looking for a sunny beach destination where you can relax and feel safe, Cabo San Lucas is definitely worth considering.

Is there Crime in Cabo San Lucas?

While Cabo San Lucas is generally safe to visit, like any popular tourist destination, there are always a few bad apples that can spoil the bunch.

There have been reports of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and thefts from hotel rooms in Cabo San Lucas.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Cabo San Lucas, take some basic precautions. I’ve detailed these precautions in the safety tips section above.

What are the safest areas to stay in Los Cabos?

Los Cabos itself is generally very safe for tourists, but some areas have more security and are safer than others; these include the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, Downton Cabo San Lucas, El Médano Beach, and Pedregal Hills.

Do you need a Covid test to get to Cabo San Lucas?

No. At the time of writing this article, a Covid test is not necessary to go to Cabo San Lucas.

Where can I get a Covid Test in Cabo San Lucas?

There are a few different places where you can get a Covid test in Cabo San Lucas. One option is to go to a private clinic or hospital. Some of these facilities even offer drive-thru testing, so you don’t even have to leave your car. The cost of a Covid test can vary, but it is typically around $100 USD.

Is it safe to leave the hotels in Cabo San Lucas?

The short answer is: yes, it’s perfectly safe to leave your hotel in Cabo San Lucas and go exploring. For a detailed answer, keep reading.

As with any place, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling. Cabo San Lucas is generally a safe place to visit.

Thousands of tourists, including US citizens, visit the area every year and enjoy their vacations without incident.

There have been reports of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and credit card fraud, but incidents like this are not unique to Cabo and can happen at any major tourist destination.

My general recommendation is to keep your wits about you at all times and take care of your belongings, you should have no problems enjoying your trip to this beautiful part of Mexico

Is Cancun or Cabo safer?

Both Cancun and Cabo are quite safe for tourists. Cancun is especially popular with college students during spring break, thousands of whom visit the town every year without incident.

If you go by crime statistics, Cabo is slightly safer than Cancun and it was declared one of the safest tourist destinations by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

That being said, you shouldn’t have an issue with safety at either of these places as long as you follow some basic safety precautions.

Why is Cabo so popular?

There are several reasons why Cabo is extremely popular with travelers. The city’s stunning beaches, diverse landscape, and plethora of activities make it a perfect vacation spot for families, couples, and friends alike.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, Cabo has something for everyone.

What’s more, Cabo is quite safe even when compared to other popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

Cabo’s popularity can also be attributed to its close proximity to the United States.

For travelers looking for a taste of Mexico without having to travel too far from home, Cabo is the perfect destination. New Yorkers, in particular, often take advantage of direct flights to Cabo from JFK airport.

Which Mexican resort is the safest?

As Cabo is a very popular resort town, and one of the safest municipalities in Mexico, the popular resorts here are very safe.

They have day and night on-site security to make sure that their guests can enjoy their vacations in peace and quiet without any incidents.

Online reviews are a great source of information as to a resort’s safety level and comfort.

What is the safest place to visit in Mexico?

People often have this image of Mexico that crime is quite rampant there. Part of that can be attributed to travel warnings to the country by the US Department of State.

While it’s true that some areas of Mexico are not safe for tourists, such as the border areas and other random regions, resort towns, like Cancun , Playa del Carmen, Cabo, Tulum , and Yucatan state, to name a few, are relatively safe.

In fact, if you look at the crime statistics, these resort towns are safer than a lot of US and European cities.

With all that in mind, it’s hard to pick the safest resort in Mexico. If your destination is one of the most popular resorts in Mexico, you’ll be very safe as long as you follow some basic safety precautions.

I recommend all travelers do their research before they make their travel itinerary.

Do You Need to Be Vaccinated to Visit Mexico?

Nope, there are no vaccination requirements to enter Mexico.

Is it safe to travel to Cabo San Lucas? Final Thoughts

To conclude, Los Cabos is a very safe destination for tourists.

The municipality itself has a much lower crime rate than the rest of Mexico, and, if you compare crime figures, a lot of major cities in the US are less safe than Cabo.

So I can say without a doubt that it’s completely safe to travel to Cabo. Just follow the basic safety tips that I’ve mentioned above and you’ll have a great time.

Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

Los Cabos  | San Jose del Cabo International Airport

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Cabo COVID-19 Travel Update

Los cabos covid-19 travel information, masks no longer required.

As of January 2023 you will no longer be required to wear face masks at SJD Los Cabos Airport.

New protocols have been introduced across Mexico, meaning that the use of masks will be optional in all airport terminals across the country. The new measures were announced by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency ( AFAC ), which is in charge of ensuring the country imposes and keeps up to date with health and safety measures imposed by the Ministry of Health.

Updated Shuttle Routes: La Paz shuttles are running! There is also separate shuttles with service to Todos Santos and Los Barriles operating as well. Learn More.

Face masks are no longer required to be worn by visitors to the Los Cabos Airport.

Effective June 12th, 2022 the US CDC are suspending all COVID-19 negative testing to reenter the United States. You are no longer required to get a 24-hour negative test to board your plane back to or connecting through the USA.

NO, you are not required to have a test or be vaccinated to travel to Los Cabos, Mexico.

Presenting a negative COVID-19 test result is  not mandatory  to enter Mexico, however, all passengers, vaccinated and non-vaccinated  may be subject to   health screenings  including temperature checks upon arrival. Those exhibiting symptoms may be subject to additional health screening and/or quarantine. You will be required to present a negative COVID test to board a plane to the United States and Canada when leaving Los Cabos. Contact your airline for individual requirements.

[ see other Cabo Airport Frequently Asked Questions ]

Updated: 02/01/2022 – All air passengers 2 years or older departing Los Cabos, Mexico, (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) , with a flight departing to the United States , are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 24 hours ( ONE day before travel) , or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight. Air passengers will also be required to confirm in the form of an attestation that the information they present is true. [ US CDC Guideline Statement ]

The State of Baja California SUR has reached the “Green Level”, being the lowest threat for COVID-19. Thank you to everyone for taking precautions to help keep everyone safe!

What will I need to provide to return to the USA from Cabo?

You will need to provide written documentation of an official laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to your airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. In addition, this disclosure form needs to be printed and shown prior to boarding along with your negative COVID-19 test result. This is a requirement.   Download the Passenger Disclosure & Attestation to the United States Form

In the event that you do test positive you will be required to leave the airport and quarantine at a safe location, at your expense.

Can the airline deny boarding a plane if a COVID-19 negative test is not presented before boarding? Yes. Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board. If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.

Where do you get COVID-19 testing in Los Cabos? All hotels and timeshares in the destination are equipped with the Antigen test and medical personnel to administer the test along with the medical certificate required by the CDC. Some hotels will offer the test at a discounted price or as a courtesy to their guests. Please contact your hotel or timeshare for specific information.

What is the cost of a COVID-19 test? The cost of the test varies and you should contact your resort, timeshare manager or property manager before you visit so you are aware. If you need a Doctor to come to your location to perform the test(s) for your group there are concierge COVID-19 testing providers.

Is there COVID19 testing at the Los Cabos Airport?

No. Most resorts and third-party providers are available. Please seek providers from list.

AMC Hospital 624-143-4911 http://www.amchospitals.com

Especialidades Hospital 624-143-7777

Hospital H+ 624-104-9300 http://www.hmasloscabos.mx

Hospiten 624-104-9300 http://www.hospiten.com

Prime Lab Diagnostic 612-106-6315 http://www.primelab.com.mx

Pure Cabo – (Remote Area-House Calls to Villa, Resort – Concierge Service) 624-130-6994 https://www.purecabo.com

Saint Luke’s Hospital CSL 624-143-0911 http://www.saintlukeshospitals.com

What if you test positive?

People should self-isolate and delay travel if symptoms develop or a pre-departure test result is positive until they have recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must refuse to board anyone who does not provide a negative test result for COVID-19 or documentation of recovery.

Do I take PCR/NAAT or Antigen test? How accurate are antigen tests for COVID-19?

Positive results are usually highly accurate, but f alse positives can happen with Antigen testing , especially in areas where very few people have the virus. Negative results may need to be confirmed with a molecular test (PCR).

Returning to the USA? You’ll need this form!

PASSENGER DISCLOSURE AND ATTESTATION TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – This disclosure form needs to be printed and shown prior to boarding along with your negative COVID-19 test result. This is a requirement, per the USA, that you need to have printed per person to hand to your airline agent on departure from Los Cabos returning to the USA.  Download the Passenger Disclosure & Attestation to the United States Form

New Mandatory Departure COVID-19 Survey Departing Los Cabos

Effective 3/31/2021 AFAC has mandated the collection of data for COVID-19 questionnaire for airport entry. This simple app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play under Veula Seguro . Fly Safe is the new mobile app and web platform of the Mexican airline industry that controls health risks at airports and airplanes. It is a way to protect yourself and your companions from CoViD-19 and other risks before, during and after flying. The app is free of charge.

Can’t find the form? Download your copy of the SJD Airport COVID form here .

What are this health questions for?

Like in any other country, Mexico established a Health Questionnaire to enter the airport and board your aircraft. At the end of the four sections of the questionnaire, a personal QR Code and a green or yellow sign will be generated. If your personal QR Code is green, you can immediately access the security check at the airport. If you or any of your travel companions gets a yellow QR Code, you must go to the security filter and undergo a face-to-face examination by an authorized doctor. This doctor will define if he allows your access to the plane or not, due to risk of infection.

Why do I have to register?

Do it for you own safety. Your registration will permit us to have better control of health risks, especially COVID-19, and avoid outbreaks that can harm you and yours. The identity of the passenger is to monitor health risks at airports and to cut the chain of contagion in the event that a passenger reports being infected possibly while flying. Being registered protects you. All passengers over 18 must register. Minors may be registered by their parents or guardians on their mobile devices.

What happens with my information? Is it secure and private?

The resulting QR is valid for 3 hours after your departure. Then it will be canceled. Therefore, in any other flight within Mexican territory you must register your new flight in the Vuela Seguro Platform and complete a new Questionnaire. This new QR Code will also be valid for 3 hours after departure. TheFederal Government of Mexico is responsible for receiving, protecting and destroying your personal and sensitive information, based on the General Law on the Protection of Personal Data in the Possession of Enforced Subjects.

COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Re-Entry to USA

On January 12th, 2021 the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) issued new requirements for US citizens whom are traveling back to the United States from Baja California S.U.R. Air passengers are required to get a  viral test (a test for current infection known as PCR, NATT or Antigen) within the 3 days (72 hours) before their flight to the U.S. departs, and provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. This goes into effect 01/26/2021. Airlines at the SJD Airport must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board. If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.

We recommend to first contact your resort or hotel to see if they are providing, or, have a partnership for low-cost COVID-19 testing. Many are making tests available and also offer quarantine accommodations. For others, testing is available at local hospitals, clinics and other COVID PCR testing services in the region.

COVID-19 Testing Requirement for Re-Entry in Canada

Starting January 7, 2021, air travelers 5 years of age or older will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights bound for Canada from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico . Testing is available at local hospitals and other Covid testing concierge in the region.

COVID-19 Requirements For Entry To Los Cabos, Mexico

NOTE: For clarification, as of January 13th, 2021, a COVID-19 test is NOT required for entry to Los Cabos. You will be given a health questionnaire to complete on arrival and departure. Do you need a COVID test to reenter your home country? We do not know this, it is best to question your airline and home country health administration for their requirements for reentry.

NOTE: A face covering is likely required while flying on an airline, except for young children or anyone with a condition that prevents them from wearing one. You also may be required by local law to wear a face mask in the airport where your trip begins, where it ends or where you connect. [ red more about COVID travel restrictions in Cabo here ]

NOTICE:   There is NOT a requirement for a COVID-19 test to enter Mexico via airline. There is not a quarantine period in which you have to endure when you arrive in Los Cabos. Upon departure from Los Cabos to your host country YOU will need to determine requirements for re-entry.

As per the local state health department recommendations SJD Airport will be providing and asking a questionnaire for all arriving guests about recent travel and exposure for safety. A copy of the form we are displaying is available for your view and are subject to on arrival at Los Cabos Airport.

#1 – General information, name, phone and email

#2 – Countries visited in the previous 14 days

#3 – Confirmation of contact with others with confirmed COVID-19

#4 – Dates of contact

#5 – Health screening, temperature, respiratory, headaches and health problems

#6 – Administrator confirmation

September 14th 2020 US Travel Restrictions Update

The U.S. State Department lowered travel warnings for Mexico last week from Level 4 “Do Not Travel” to Level 3 “Reconsider Travel.” With warning stating that most of the country is safe among Cabo San Lucas and surrounding region of Los Cabos. Border crossing by land and water borders is still for cargo and essential travel for Canada and the USA. Flying to and from Mexico is allowed without restrictions.

September COVID-19 Cases Drop

Of the 8,426 people with confirmed infections, 7.173 have recovered and a death rate of 5.2% that is less than half the national rate. 80% from co-morbidities. To date (9/13/2020) Los Cabos Tourism Department has reported that no tourists have reported been infected as the July 2020 reopening.

SJD Airport receives Airport Health Accreditation Award

Airports Council International (ACI) World and ACI Latin America and Caribbean have announced today that Los Cabos International Airport is the second in the world and the first in Latin American and Caribbean to be accredited in the ACI Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) program. [ news release ]

SJD Airport Welcomes Passengers from Canada in October

WestJet has confirmed weekly flights from Calgary to Los Cabos starting Oct. 10, 2020, and the Mexico destination says it’s “very excited” to have its Canadian friends coming back to Los Cabos for the winter season.

Los Cabos has consolidated its health and safety efforts with protocols that include strict and consistent health and safety protocols that have been implemented across the destination from the airport to hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, and other service providers, “making Los Cabos one of the safest destinations in the world.”

YES – Cabo is Open!

As of july 10th, 2020, cabo airport is open and operational. many los cabos area resorts are reopening or have opened with safety measures in place, verified by and monitored by the health department..

July 23, 2020:  the State Committee on Health Safety authorized all nautical activities to be reopened for smaller boats starting this Thursday, July 23. The information was notified by the Captain of Cabo San Lucas, José del Carmen Basurto Beltrán, through an official statement. This statement explains that the State Committee on Health Safety, determined in the last session on July 21, that, from the 23 of the same month, all nautical activities were included, at level 5, (critical), color orange, with a capacity of 30%.

Said reactivation of activities must be carried out in strict compliance with the sanitary protocol for the economic reactivation of nautical activities, for smaller vessels, issued by the State Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COEPRIS).

Will my flight arrive to Cabo San Lucas?

If you are wondering IF your flight will arrive or depart from SJD Airport in the near future, please contact your airline. We have current and future Cabo Airport Arrivals and Departures on our website. SJD Airport serves as a port that accepts and manages airline flights however, SJD does not dictate their individual schedules.

As a port SJD Airport provides space for domestic and international passengers to be processed by Mexican Customs and Immigration and does not control their operations.

The implementation of enhanced procedures at the SJD International Airport, such as thermal cameras and travel background checks on all arriving passengers, that will be done in coordination with other state airports, ports and land entry points.

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel is open and accepting reservations.

OMNIA Los Cabos is temporarily closed until further notice.

Grand Mayan at Vidanta Los Cabos is currently open and accepting reservations.

Flora Farms is open and accepting reservations.

Acre is open and accepting restaurant and treehouse reservations.

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is open and accepting reservations.

Viceroy Los Cabos has temporarily closed until further notice.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is open and accepting reservations.

Hotel El Ganzo is open and accepting reservations.

Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is open and accepting reservations.

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos ,  Dreams Los Cabos  and  Breathless Cabo San Lucas is open and accepting reservations.

One&Only Palmilla is open and accepting reservations.

Pueblo Bonito Resorts  and  Quivira Golf Club is open and accepting reservations.

Montage Los Cabos is open and accepting reservations.

JW Marriott Los Cabos is open as of June 22nd and accepting reservations.

Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos is open and accepting reservations.

ME Cabo is open and accepting reservations.

Paradisus Los Cabos is temporarily closed with a reopening date yet to be determined.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso is open on July 1.

In a move to keep the region and incoming tourists safe the group decided together to keep Los Cabos resorts and beaches on lockdown until June 16th, 2020. A reconsideration of this decision could come sooner.

NOTE: *Future flights: it is strongly recommended to contact your airline directly. Please check current Cabo Airport Arrivals and Cabo Airport Departures

At this time Los Cabos Airport is accepting limited flights at Terminal 1.  The international terminal, Terminal 2, is expected to reopen in mid-June as more flights from the USA, Canada and Europe increase. Los Cabos Airport has the expected on-site protective measures in place to receive flights currently in operation from Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas and, national flights from Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City. Safety precautions include social distancing markets, plexiglass shields at counters, mandatory face masks, sanitizers and other efforts.

Customers arriving will be expected to have a temperature check and answer Coronavirus exposure questions.

May 14th Cabo Coronavirus Update

There is an announced phased reopening for tourists to return to Los Cabos. A a new program “Clean Point” certification will be taking place state-wide. Certification will be implemented at hotels and resorts, restaurants, markets and tour providers as well as in the Los Cabos Airport.

The Clean Point certification includes checking the temperatures, thermal imaging and filling out rick factor questionnaires upon arrival at SJD International Airport.

There is a phased reopening plan that includes 5 steps with a common goal of all of Cabo to be open by the start of 2021. Starting June 1, 2020, limited travel while implementing new health and safety protocols will lead to phase 2 with the reopening of a full-servicing Los Cabos Airport. The following resort and hotels have released this schedule (can be changed at any time, please consult with your destination).

Remaining Reopening Schedule in Los Cabos

October – Grand Solmar, Rancho San Lucas, Hyatt Place

November  – RIU Palace

The Los Cabos Tourism Board is looking to promote luxury travel to visitors from Canada and the United Kingdom starting in October. In the first quarter of 2021 they hope to enter phase 5 and restore 80% of travel and 60% of resort bookings.

Southwest Airlines announced it would start bringing back several international routes flying from Houston and Denver to Los Cabos starting in June this year.

To learn if your airline or airport is flying to Cabo San Lucas please contact them directly. To learn about daily arriving and departing flights please check our live traffic monitor .

Reference site information: Travel & Leisure

3/20/20 – Coronavirus COVID-19 Mexico Travel Alert

On March 20th, 2020 the Presidents of Mexico and the United States of America agreed to restrict travel to and from Mexico limiting to only essential needs. This is the official COVID-19 Mexico Travel Alert.

Mexican Press on COVID-19 Travel US State Department on COVID-19 Travel in Mexico

The Los Cabos Airport is taking these restrictions seriously and making efforts with all airlines and associated service providers. These included increased security measures for safety of all travelers, airport staff and vendors.

Real-time updates at https://coronavirus.bcs.gob.mx/

The health and safety of visitors is our top priority and special protocols to contain the virus have been implemented. Some of the actions taken in Los Cabos to avoid the spread include:

• A sanitary protocol has been established in the Cabo Airport – San Jose del Cabo International Airport checking temperatures to all arriving passengers
• A multidisciplinary committee where private and public organizations receive constant feedback about the source and spread of COVID-19
• Hospitals and Hotels have special training on the implementation of clinical guidelines issued by the Federal Government to limit the risk of infecting others
• More frequent cleaning of public areas
• Daily communication among the associations in the destination about measures, best practices, protocols or assessment measures as needed
• The Ministry of Health of BCS has already implemented protocol with the hotel and timeshare association as well as with the business chamber of commerce and DMCs to assess and immediately inform about any potential risks or cases
• Mexico confirmed 164 positive cases of COVID-19 within its borders as of March 19.  Authorities continue to investigate additional suspected cases.  The  Mexican Ministry of Health (Spanish) publishes daily updates on the number of cases

Entry and Exit Requirements during the COVID-19 Mexico Travel Alert – Is Los Cabos Airport Open?

• Mexico has implemented temperature-screening measures at some of its airports. Passengers with abnormal temperatures and travel to high-risk areas might be subject to additional health screening.
• Beyond standard travel documentation, travelers to Mexico do not require any additional documentation to enter or exit.

Schools, Business, Transportation, and Government Closures during the COVID-19 Mexico Travel Alert

• The Mexican Ministry of Education has closed all schools from March 20 until April 20.
• Between March 23 and April 19, the Mexican government has declared a social-distancing campaign consisting of four pillars.
• Take basic preventative measures: wash your hands, avoid handshakes and kisses, and stay home if you are sick.
• Suspend non-essential public-sector, private-sector, and social activities. Employees who can telework should do so.  Public transit will remain operational.
• Organizers of large events with more than 5,000 attendees will reschedule or postpone them.
• Protect the elderly and vulnerable.

Cruise Ship Passengers during COVID-19 in Mexico – When will Cabo open?

U.S. citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship at this time.  CDC notes increased risk of infection of COVID-19 in a cruise ship environment. In order to curb the spread of COVID-19, many countries have implemented strict screening procedures that have denied port entry rights to ships and prevented passengers from disembarking.  In some cases, local authorities have permitted disembarkation but subjected passengers to local quarantine procedures.  While the U.S. government has evacuated some cruise ship passengers in recent weeks, repatriation flights should not be relied upon as an option for U.S. citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities. Cruise travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing.

This is a fluid situation.  CDC notes that older adults and travelers with underlying health issues should avoid situations that put them at increased risk for more severe disease.  This entails avoiding crowded places, avoiding non-essential travel such as long plane trips, and especially avoiding embarking on cruise ships.  Passengers with plans to travel by cruise ship should contact their cruise line companies directly for further information and continue to monitor the Travel.state.gov website and see the  latest information from the CDC .

Quarantine and Healthcare Information for the COVID-19 Mexico Travel Alert

• There are no mandatory quarantine policies currently in effect in Mexico for confirmed or suspected cases. The Mexican government encourages people experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19, fever, cough, headaches, throat pain, or constant sneezing, to stay at home for 14 days, consult with, and comply with the instructions of your local healthcare provider.
• The Mexican government recommends individuals not self-present to seek testing for COVID-19. Those with severe symptoms should seek medical attention and medical professionals will test, if needed based on travel history, contact with a known case, and the individual’s risk group.  Medical professionals will prescribe actions as necessary; including medication to manage symptoms as no specific therapeutics or vaccine exist for COVID-19.
• Travelers who return from a country with local transmission of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of respiratory illness should seek immediate medical attention and share their travel history.
• The same applies to individuals who were in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and present symptoms of respiratory illness.

Local Resources in Cabo for the COVID-19 Mexico Travel Alert

• Health advice for travelers seeking information is available at ports of entry.
• Call the Mexican Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 hotline at 800 0044 800 for information or medical attention. English language operators are sometimes, but not always, available.

Assistance with Travel in Mexico during the COVID-19 Mexico Travel Alert

• For Emergency Assistance for U.S. citizens in Mexico, call 1-800-681-9374 from Mexico or 1-844-528-6611 from the United States.
• The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City is located at: Paseo de la Reforma 305 Colonia Cuauhtémoc 06500, Ciudad de México Phone: +52-55-5080-2000 Fax: +52-55-5080-2005 E-Mail:  [email protected]
• State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

COVID-19 Testing

Where To Find

Los Cabos has implemented robust COVID-19 testing protocols at various medical facilities, ensuring the safety and health of both residents and visitors. While undergoing a COVID test is not mandatory for travelers arriving at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), it is highly recommended. This measure is a proactive step to safeguard the community and ensure a safe travel environment.

Medical facilities in the area are equipped to provide quick and efficient testing services, allowing travelers to have peace of mind during their stay. This approach reflects Los Cabos' commitment to public health and the well-being of everyone who comes to enjoy its beautiful surroundings.

Import Data

Government Services at SJD

SJD Immigration

Los Cabos immigration facilitates the entry and exit of travelers, ensuring compliance with Mexican immigration laws and offering assistance for a smooth travel experience.

SJD Customs

Los Cabos customs is responsible for monitoring the import and export of goods, enforcing regulations, and ensuring that travelers' belongings meet Mexico's import regulations.

Cabo Airport VIP

The Los Cabos Airport VIP Lounge offers a luxurious, comfortable space for travelers. Featuring amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a variety of snacks and beverages, and quiet areas for relaxation or work, it provides an exclusive environment for guests to unwind and refresh before their flight. Personalized services further enhance the experience.

#VisitLosCabos

Cabo Activities

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Travel Mexico Guide

Is Los Cabos Safe to Travel? Everything You Need to Know

Are you wondering if is Los Cabos safe?

You’ve come to the right place!

Keep reading to find all the information you need to know about Los Cabos’ safety. Get the facts and travel with confidence!

Resting at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos is known for its natural beauty and cultural intrigue.

Cabo San Lucas is a crowd-pleasing tourist destination, and the area has seen increased tourism in recent years.

However, Los Cabos has seen a lot of criminal activities in recent times. In fact, in 2017, the US State Department issued a travel warning, advising tourists to exercise increased caution when visiting the area.

It is why travelers are looking for answers to “is it safe to travel to Cabo San Lucas?” and “is Los Cabos Safe?”.

Go through this Los Cabos safety guide and find everything you need for safe travel to Cabo San Lucas in 2020.

Note from Sara: I’ve avidly traveling Mexico for over a decade now. I love this beautiful country and know it well, so if you have any questions, I respond quickly to comments!

View Contents

Is Los Cabos Safe to travel TO Right now?

Is cabo safer than cancun, is san jose del cabo safe, paseo de la marina, cabo del sol golf club, san jose del cabo art district, don’t swim alone, don’t leave food or drink unattended, don’t take sunburns lightly, don’t get in a taxi without checking the price first, tips for staying safe when traveling to cabo san lucas, wrapping up: is it safe to go to cabo right now.

It is the common question that first-time visitors to Cabo ask. And it’s not surprising given the rise in recent crime in Cabo San Lucas. However, if you use your common sense of travel safety, you’ll be fine.

Overall, Cabo is safe if you take precautions and use your head. But, like any travel destination, you must always be aware of your surroundings.

According to the latest survey, Baja California Sur, where Los Cabos is located, has the lowest rate of homicides in Mexico during January and February. The reported crimes were addressed, resulting in a significant decrease in the Los Cabos crime rate.

Cabo San Lucas and Cancun are popular tourist destinations in Mexico. And both have seen an increase in crime in recent years. Per the US State Department ranking, both destinations are ranked at level two, meaning travelers should exercise increased caution.

San Jose del Cabo is a more discreet side of Los Cabos. It’s located on the East Cape and is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and luxury resorts.

San Jose del Cabo attracts more families and couples than Cabo San Lucas. And overall, it’s a safer place to visit. However, you should still take precautions.

Safest Places to Visit in Cabo San Lucas:

When it comes to safety in Cabo San Lucas, some places are safer than others. Generally, places with high foot traffic and security are the safest. You must also choose well-lit areas at night.

A few safe places to visit in Cabo San Lucas include:

There’s plenty to do in the Marina, from shopping to dining to simply taking a walk. You can also charter a fishing boat or book a private boat tour.

This pedestrian walkway along the Marina has everything from candlelight dinners to live music. It’s safe to walk here at night.

Cabo del Sol is a must-visit if you’re a golf fan. It’s one of the most stunning courses in Mexico. Besides golf, the club also offers tennis and a spa.

It is an ideal place to spend an afternoon on your vacation. Stroll through the galleries, enjoy some lunch, and do some shopping. And while you’re shopping, don’t forget to bargain!

What Should You Not Do in Cabo San Lucas?

Even though Cabo San Lucas is a safe place to visit, there are still some things you should avoid. It is to ensure your physical and mental safety in Cabo.

The beaches in Cabo are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous. Since the currents can be strong, it’s best to swim with a buddy. Also, be aware of crocodiles and other reptiles.

It is a common-sense safety rule, but it’s especially important in Cabo San Lucas. Leaving your food or drink unattended can be harmful.

With the sun being so strong in Cabo, it’s easy to get a sunburn. So always carry and use sunscreen. You must also stay hydrated.

Taxis are a common way to get around in Cabo. But, before you get in, be sure to check the price with the driver. Some taxi drivers will try to take advantage, so even when you’re leaving the Los Cabos international airport, it’s important to be aware.

Regardless of where you travel, there are always risks. Luckily, there are ways to reduce those risks and stay safe while enjoying your trip.

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while traveling to Cabo San Lucas:

• Do your research before you go . Read up on the area and familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs. Some laws, like public intoxication, may be more lenient in Mexico, but it’s still important to know the rules.
• Be aware of your surroundings . When you’re strolling through the streets, pay attention and be aware of potential dangers. It is also safe to travel in groups and avoid deserted alleyways. Don’t flash your valuables. Keep your money, jewelry, and other valuables hidden and out of sight.
• Stay in a hotel or resort in a well-lit, populated area . Some of your best choices are the Nobu Hotel, the Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos, and the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort.
• Don’t accept rides from strangers . If someone you don’t know offers you a ride, politely decline. There have been cases of smash-and-grab robberies in Cabo, so it’s best to be safe.
• Keep your belongings close . When you’re at the beach or pool, don’t leave your belongings unattended. You don’t want to be a victim of theft on your vacation.
• Avoid consuming water from the tap . Instead, drink only bottled water to avoid getting sick. It also means you must steer clear of street vendors selling food and drinks. They may not have access to clean water.
• Make sure your travel insurance is up to date and covers you for the duration of your trip. World Nomads is a great option for travel insurance.

So, you see, there are some risks to consider when traveling to Cabo San Lucas. But, as long as you take the necessary precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip. Of course, you must also get hold of a Mexico sim card for tourists to ensure safety in Los Cabos.

If you’re looking for motivation and reasons to travel to Cabo, please know that the risks are worth it. Cabo’s beauty, culture, and people make it a place everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. So, what do you think? Is Los Cabos safe according to you? Visit to know for sure.

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Sara Rodriguez is the founder of Travel Mexico Guide. She has worked and visited Mexico countless times, and she travels there several times a year.

She helps travelers to discover the beauty of the country with the best Mexico travel tips, insider guides, and helpful information to make sure you love Mexico as much as she does. If you want to know more about her, read her about page here.

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U.S. Airlines Reviewing Issues Related To Los Cabos Transportation Blockade For Possible Travel Advisory

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The fallout from the recent transportation protest blockade in Los Cabos continues with a potential travel advisory warning coming soon from two different United States airlines and potentially the United States Department of State.

The result could be a warning for travelers to the United States not to travel to Los Cabos.

High Risk For Airline Travel Advisory

The concern two United States airlines have about their passengers being able to access Los Cabos International Airport could lead to a travel advisory warning for visitors not to travel to the beach resort destination.

That's according to reports from Mauricio Salicrup, head of the Los Cabos Hotel Association Administrative Council.

The response could come from a recent incident where transportation drivers in Los Cabos recently staged a blockade protest of the Fonatur Roundabout, resulting in significant delays for tourists on both the Transpeninsular Highway and the Los Cabos Toll Road.

Both of the roads and not only important ways for tourists to get around Los Cabos, they are also the main roadways to access the Los Cabos International Airport.

According to reporting of the event, many tourists were delayed in getting to the airport due to the blockade and actually ended up missing their flights.

High Risk For State Department Downgrade

According to Salicrup, the airline advisory could be only the start of the impact the Los Cabos tourism industry could see from the blockade protest.

"We currently have two American airlines that fly to Los Cabos that are sending the destination to review," he said. "This is very dangerous because the airlines have a high influence on decision that are made at the embassy, and this refers to the trip alerts."

Salicrup is referring to the important State Department travel advisory process in this statement, which could also be a fallout from the protest.

Currently, the United States Department of State has Baja California Sur listed as a level two travel advisory level urging travelers to " exercise increased caution ".

This alert level is concerned with criminal activity and violence. However, there are no restrictions on the movement of United States government employees in the area.

Advice for Travelers

While transportation drivers definitely have a right to protest for better working conditions in Los Cabos, they seemed to not anticipate the potential risk that the blockade would cause for future travel to the region.

Officials are negotiating to resolve the issue among the different transportation agencies and the drivers to find a middle ground connected to the new law which was in part created for transparency, safety and security for tourists in the region.

State and local officials are also working closely with the United States Department of State to ensure that the travel advisory level remains the same, or even possibly improves, as actions are proactively taken to improve the protection of tourists on their vacation getaway in Los Cabos.

For now, tourists need to be aware of the situation and the impact that it has on transportation to and from the airport, as well as around town.

Right now, the situation appears to be working towards a resolution as both parties are talking. However, those talks could break down at any time and lead to continued delays for travelers getting to and from the airport in Los Cabos.

The recommendation for travelers is to stay connected with front desk staff at their resort or hotel and plan enough time to get to the airport well in advance of the flight time.

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The post U.S. Airlines Reviewing Issues Related To Los Cabos Transportation Blockade For Possible Travel Advisory appeared first on The Cabo Sun .

Los Cabos Remains At Level 2 Travel Advisory Headed Into The Fall

By: Author Mario Perez

Posted on Published: August 19, 2022

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Last Updated 2 years ago

The US State Department released an extensive document in which it details why American tourists are urged to reconsider traveling to certain parts of Mexico. As we’ve mentioned recently, there are no travel restrictions imposed on Baja California Sur, the state where Los Cabos is located. Still, US authorities recommend that tourists “exercise increased caution” when traveling to Los Cabos. 

Los Cabos is located in what is essentially the second tier travel warning level. This tier includes the largest number of Mexican states. In the travel advisory document published by the US State Department Mexican states are divided into 4 tiers. The “Do Not Travel” tier, the name describes exactly what the US government thinks of that particular Mexican state. From there, the third most dangerous level is labeled as the “Reconsider travel to” tier. The second level, from safest to most dangerous, where Baja California Sur was placed is the aforementioned, exercise increased caution when traveling to, level. Finally, only two states are included in the safest level where tourists are advised to take normal precautions. 

Why Los Cabos Isn’t In The Safest Travel Advisory Tier     

According to US authorities Baja California Sur finds itself as a level 2 travel advisory state because, “criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.” The document, though, clearly points out that there are currently no travel restrictions imposed on US residents that may want to travel to the popular destinations of Los Cabos, and La Paz. Most of the main tourist destinations in Mexico find their state in this second warning level. 

Mexico City is also labeled as a more or less safe city where tourists need to be on the lookout for potential crime related incidents. In the case of Quintana Roo, where Cancun, Tulum, and the entire Riviera Maya region is located, the state is also in this same level. However, this state features an added kidnapping warning. 

The most compelling case may be that of Puerto Vallarta. The resort town is literally on the border of Nayarit, and Jalisco. Jalisco is in the third level where US authorities urge tourists to reconsider their travel plans. Nayarit, on the other hand, shares Baja California Sur’s travel advisory level. It may be safer to stay in the Nuevo Vallarta side of the resort town which is located in Nayarit as opposed to Puerto Vallarta which is on the Jalisco side.

US Authorities Warn Against Traveling To Cabo By Car From San Diego       

US authorities do recommend that people that want to come down to Cabo from the US do so by plane or cruise ship. Traveling by car from Tijuana or the Mexicali region is strongly discouraged. That’s not only because Baja California Norte, the top half of the Baja peninsula, is featured in a riskier travel advisory level. The US state department sent out a special warning for travelers going down the 1 highway that goes from Tijuana all the way down to Los Cabos. US authorities made the following official statement recommending that travelers refrain from taking these roads at night, 

“Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours. Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.” 

Authorities mostly warn travelers to stay out of the Mexicali Valley region, as well as other areas of the country that are located to the east of the Tijuana border. It’s important to clear up that the 1 federal highway is the same road that connects San Jose del Cabo, and Cabo San Lucas. Travel on this particular part of the highway is not necessarily discouraged. Although, it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for local traffic incidents, as accidents have become a common occurrence.

• Mexico Travel News
• Seaweed Updates

Is Los Cabos Safe To Visit? Travel Advisory 2024

Travelers who exercise caution and use common sense can feel secure when visiting Los Cabos . It is recommended to stay within the tourist areas and choose reputable accommodations.

Los Cabos International Airport serves approximately 5 million travelers annually, offering over 1,300 flight routes connecting more than 100 cities in seven countries.

Being well-prepared and knowledgeable will allow you to relax and fully enjoy your time in one of Mexico’s most renowned destinations.

Table of contents

March 5 – crime rises in los cabos – visitors are still safe, u.s. travel advisory, canada travel advisory, areas to avoid, common scams, safety tips for los cabos, latest news from los cabos:.

Of the 11 crimes that were tracked in January, six were “red-lighted.” This indicates that they have to do with drug sales, vehicle theft, house burglaries, personal injuries, domestic abuse, and femicide.

The other five were “green-lighted,” which meant that they involved rape, business robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and murder.

The crime that mostly appears in Los Cabos is drug dealing, which is a crime tourists can easily avoid and is typically nonviolent.

Official Travel Advisories

The State Department acknowledges that “ criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state ,” but there are no travel restrictions specifically for Los Cabos.

However, the State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur due to concerns about crime.

Note: The recent warning from the U.S. embassy in Mexico about Spring Break Travel doesn’t include Los Cabos .

The Canadian government advises its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

However, Baja California Sur (the state where Los Cabos are located) does not appear on its list of Do Not Travel destinations.

Authorities have observed a rise in crime rates in the following locations:

• Santa Rosa Neighborhood in San Jose del Cabo: Incidents primarily consist of armed robberies, vehicle thefts, and general assault crimes.
• Los Cangrejos and Las Palmas in Cabo San Lucas: The majority of reported cases involve vehicle theft and general assault.

Fortunately for tourists, the majority of these neighborhoods are not situated within the main tourist hubs or the hotel zone.

Despite being considered one of Mexico’s safest cities, Los Cabos still harbors individuals intent on defrauding both residents and visitors through various scams:

Restaurant Musicians: Some musicians may approach you at restaurants and perform without your consent, expecting payment afterward. Avoid this by politely declining their services.

Exotic Animal Photos: Locals may offer you the opportunity to take a photo with exotic animals, but it’s not free. Agree on the price beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.

Jetski Rentals: Before renting a jetski, ensure it’s in good condition and free of damage. Insist on a thorough inspection to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage later on.

Tour Scams: Watch out for tour companies that may charge extra for activities advertised as included in the price. Clarify the total cost before booking the tour.

Fake Police: Beware of fake police officers who demand fines for alleged infractions. Politely request to settle any fines at the nearest police station.

ATM Skimming Scams: Criminals may install skimming devices on ATMs to steal credit card details. Use ATMs located inside banks or shopping malls to minimize the risk of falling victim to such scams.

Airport Taxi Overcharging: Exercise caution with taxi drivers at the airport who may overcharge you for their services. To avoid this, consider using reputable taxi apps or calling an Uber instead.

Here are some safety recommendations to ensure a fantastic journey to Los Cabos, Mexico:

• Avoid bringing valuable items with you.
• Opt for group tours over solo excursions.
• Keep a duplicate of your passport in a separate location from the original.
• Refrain from walking alone after dark.
• Exercise extra caution when consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Apply insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites and potential tropical diseases.
• Obtain travel insurance that includes coverage for Los Cabos.

• Travel Tips

A Travel Warning Was Just Reissued for This Popular International Destination

Plus, other active travel advisories for american tourists right now..

With international travel in full bloom post-pandemic and lots of people on the move (to the point of, at times, creating overtourism issues ), it is important to read up about your destination before you actually get there. A simple Google search can go a long way, especially when it comes to government-issued travel advisories .

Among these, the US government recently reissued a travel advisory concerning Macau as well as Mainland China and Hong Kong due to "new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region." According to the advisory, travelers run the risk of wrongful detentions, among other things, due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Currently, the advisory is at level 3, meaning travelers are encouraged to "reconsider travel" in those areas.

This is not, however, the only active advisory right now. While it might not seem like it, at any given time, many countries worldwide have warnings in place for American travelers. To help you navigate international travel more seamlessly and to provide you with a better understanding of how the different types of advisory may impact your travel, we have put together a handy guide of the countries that the US State Department issued new (or updated) travel advisories for March and April. This guide will be regularly updated as more advisories are issued.

Each advisory in the list below is categorized under a different degree, highlighting the level of danger assessed by the department. Level 1 is the lowest degree and suggests you "exercise normal precautions." Level 2 warns travelers to "exercise increased precautions." Levels 3 and 4 are the highest levels, and they respectively tell travelers to "reconsider travel" and "do not travel."

For more information and to see a complete list of active travel advisories for Americans, you can visit the Department of State's website . To stay updated on travel advisories that might impact your next international trip, you can also register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Read on for more details on the new travel advisories for Americans as of the last two months:

The Kyrgyz Republic : Level 1

Authorities are encouraging travelers to exercise normal precautions in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

However, visitors should reconsider travel to the border region with Tajikistan, as it has increased risk. 

Moldova : Level 2

Travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling to Moldova due to "unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government." 

Additionally, they should reconsider travel to the Transnistria breakaway region due to "the unresolved conflict with the central government and the armed conflict in neighboring Ukraine."

Rwanda : Level 1

When traveling to Rwanda, visitors should exercise normal precautions.

However, some areas have increased risk. Travelers should exercise increased caution in the Rwanda-Burundi border due to crime, and they should reconsider travel to the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border due to armed violence. 

Equatorial Guinea : Level 2

According to the authorities, travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling to Equatorial Guinea. 

Cote d'Ivoire : Level 2

When traveling to Cote d'Ivoire, visitors should exercise increased caution. 

Authorities, however, placed a "do not travel" advisory to the northern border region due to terrorism. 

Armenia : Level 2

Travelers heading to Armenia should exercise increased caution. 

Some areas have increased risk, and travelers should avoid travel to the border region with Azerbaijan. 

Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza : Levels 3, 4

Due to terrorism and armed conflict, citizens should avoid traveling to Gaza.

Due to terrorism and civil unrest, travelers should reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank.

Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau : Levels 2, 3

According to the authorities, travelers should reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Additionally, for the same reason, they should exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Travelers should also reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services, and they should also exercise increased caution in the area due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. 

Ecuador : Level 2

The US government is encouraging travelers to exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. 

Additionally, the government placed a "do not travel" advisory for the following areas:

• Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue
• The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro
• The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios
• The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas
• Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province

Travelers should reconsider travel to these areas instead:

• Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue
• El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas
• Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo
• All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province
• The provinces of Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo

Iraq : Level 4

Travelers should not travel to Iraq due to "terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq's limited capacity to provide support to US citizens."

Looking for more travel tips?

Whether you need help sneaking weed onto a plane , finding an airport where you can sign up for PreCheck without an appointment , or making sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to when your flight is canceled , we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for up-to-date travel hacks and all the travel news you need to help you plan your next big adventure.

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram , TikTok , Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , and YouTube .

U.S. State Department issues travel warning for major European country: ‘Terrorist groups keep planning attacks’

• Updated: May. 03, 2024, 3:03 p.m. |
• Published: May. 03, 2024, 12:50 p.m.

(AP Photo/Michael Probst) AP

• Dr. Gracelyn Santos | [email protected]

The U.S. State Department has issued a new advisory urging travelers to Europe to be extra vigilant when visiting Germany due to concerns about potential terrorist activity.

The advisory, a Level Two – which suggests heightened caution— was released on May 1 and highlights ongoing threats from terrorist groups in Germany, cautioning travelers to remain alert as attacks could occur with minimal warning, noting that “terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany.”

The advisory states: “They target tourist locations and transportation hubs. They also target markets/shopping malls and local government facilities. They target hotels, clubs, and restaurants. They also attack places of worship, parks, and major sporting and cultural events. They target schools, airports, and other public areas.”

For reference, Level Three (Reconsider Travel) and Level Four (Do Not Travel) advisories represent more critical levels. However, Germany’s Level Two advisory is noteworthy, given its significant size in central Europe, robust economy, and second-largest population after Russia.

Over the past year, the most severe travel advisories in Europe were primarily linked to the conflict in Ukraine. Do-not-travel advisories were issued for Ukraine (May 2023), Belarus (July 2023), and Russia (September 2023) due to the ongoing hostilities.

If you must travel to Germany, the State Department recommends:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Germany.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

OTHER TRAVEL ADVISORIES ISSUED BY U.S. IN 2024

With Jamaica and Bahamas under travel advisories, which Caribbean islands are safe to book your next vacation?

Following ‘nationwide state of emergency,’ State Dept. issues travel advisory to South American spot

Amid do-not-travel alert, major cruise line stops visits to popular Caribbean resort

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US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

California roads damaged by storms could get help with Newsom’s emergency declaration

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Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency Friday to help fund badly needed repairs of roads battered during this year’s storms, including scenic Topanga Canyon Boulevard that was blocked by millions of tons of debris.

The governor’s action comes two weeks after California Department of Transportation officials said the massive, 300-foot-tall landslide that covered Topanga Canyon Boulevard in March with mud and rocks would not be cleared until fall , “if all things go well.”

The proclamation enables Caltrans to request funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, which could cover up to 100% of the repairs, according to the governor’s office.

It would also help state officials secure federal aid for other roads damaged by the torrential rains, including a portion of Highway 1 in Big Sur that crumbled and fell into the ocean .

“Storms in March caused significant damage to critical parts of our transportation infrastructure — impacting not only traffic for our communities, but also hurting small businesses and workers,” Newsom said in a statement. “The state is working overtime to complete repairs as safely and as quickly as possible, and I have signed a state of emergency proclamation which will help ensure that we receive critical federal funding to help impacted communities bounce back from these devastating storms.”

Topanga Canyon could remain closed into the fall after massive landslide

California Department of Transportation officials said the massive slide covering a large section of Topanga Canyon Boulevard still poses a safety risk.

April 19, 2024

Much of California was drenched with storms in early 2024, with Southern California seeing more than a year’s worth of rain in just a few weeks , causing mudslides and floods.

On Topanga Canyon Boulevard, officials said the landslide that now covers the road at milepost 1.8 is more than twice as large — with about 80,000 cubic yards of debris covering the area — as the massive landslide that occurred in the area in the 1940s.

The incident has caused residents to make hours-long detours and local businesses to lose revenue, according to the governor’s office.

Because of the instability of the slope and water that continues to seep out of the landslide, Caltrans officials on April 18 said clearing the road would require crews to remove the dirt from the top of the slide. Workers plan to work their way down the mass of debris to keep more dirt and boulders from sliding from the hill.

When a portion of Highway 1 in Big Sur crumbled on Easter weekend, the road closure also stranded tourists and locals . This week, twice-a-day convoys resumed along one lane of the damaged section to allow residents, workers and visitors to enter and exit the area.

The emergency declaration also covers storm-damaged roads in Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Nevda, Plumas, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity and Ventura counties, according to the governor’s office.

California granted federal disaster relief for historic February storms

President Biden has approved California’s request for a major disaster declaration to support recovery efforts from February storms, officials said.

April 14, 2024

According to the Federal Highway Administration , the work must be completed within 270 days, but extensions can be requested.

More to Read

Highway 1 collapse in Big Sur was caused by weather, waves, gravity. That’s the good news

April 16, 2024

Repairs on Big Sur’s collapsed Highway 1 start this week. No telling when they will end

April 8, 2024

Officials urge residents near latest Big Sur landslide to evacuate as more rain approaches

April 3, 2024

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Salvador Hernandez is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, he was a senior reporter for BuzzFeed News, where he covered criminal justice issues, the growing militia movement and breaking news. He also covered crime as a reporter at the Orange County Register. He is a Los Angeles native.

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