Cabo San Lucas Travel Blog & Guide For Digital Nomads
As I write this I’m flying out of Cabo San Lucas, on the first leg of a three-leg journey to Bali ✨ and reflecting on my time there. The first part of the week in Cabo was spent on a bachelorette trip, but the second half was spent working remotely on my own and I have a lot of tips to share! I wrote this Cabo San Lucas travel blog & guide with digital nomads and long term travelers in mind, to inspire you to make your own trip. This blog has info about:
- Weather & When To Visit
- Where To Stay
- Getting Around Cabo
- Currency and Pricing
- Language
- Can You Drink The Water In Mexico?
- Cabo For Digital Nomads
- Where to Work
- Cell Phones
- Internet
- What Not To Miss
- Nightlife
Cabo Monthly Weather & When To Visit
There really isn’t a bad time to visit Cabo! When it comes to Cabo’s monthly weather, the city has beautiful weather all year round with rain rarely ruining the day at any time of the year. Peak season is December to February, and you have the best chance of seeing rain from June until October. In my opinion the best time to go is between March and June because it’s less crowded and has the best weather, although you may run into some spring break crowds.
The weather was absolutely gorgeous and I only saw a few clouds (and no rain!) the entire time I was there in June. The heat is dry so even when it’s super hot, it doesn’t feel unbearable.
One thing I will say is that a lot of the tours advertise that you’ll see certain wildlife such as whales or manta rays. Each species has an “in” season and are only active during part of the year typically, so before booking a tour if you are set on seeing a specific type of animal, make sure they’ll be active during your tour!
Cabo San Lucas Travel Blog : Where To Stay
Cabo is relatively small and the best place to stay is in the area surrounding the downtown, so you won’t have to travel far to try all the best restaurants. You also want to make sure to stay on or near Medano beach if you like to swim in the ocean, because the beaches on the southern coast are unswimmable due to huge waves. Each of my recommendations below are within easy reach of downtown and Medano beach, which was perfect for me as I would hate to stay at a beach where I couldn’t swim!
Best Cabo San Lucas Hostels
There are a few Cabo San Lucas hostels that will make your trip much more affordable! See below for details on each.
Mayan Monkey Los Cabos
I prefer to stay in hostels, especially as a solo female traveler, as I like to socialize in the evenings after work is done in a atmosphere where I feel comfortable and safe. And as an added bonus, to save money! I highly recommend the Mayan Monkey Los Cabo as the best Cabo San Lucas hostel, which is right in the downtown area.
This place is very new and modern, in a great location like I already discussed above, and has a fun pool deck and bar. After checking in, you’ll get a wristband which you’ll use to get in and out of the property, as well as into your room, so the property is super secure.
They offer organized activities and a WhatsApp group for travelers to get in touch with eachother, which you can join through the QR code at the front desk. I didn’t get to make it to any of the activities but I found it very easy to socialize here.
The rooms were really nice too, each bed had a curtain, an outlet and a big locker for storage space. Very comfortable!
The beach is about a 30 minute walk away. I would’ve liked it to be closer but of course this is how most hostels are and it’s totally worth saving the money. Plus, you get some extra exercise built into your stay! The walk is simple and easy, and all you have to do is walk around the marina which is beautiful. I did get quite a few vendors coming up to me while I walked throughout town, so it could get annoying, but after I did the walk a few times they would stop coming up to me – so just don’t give them any attention and they will let you be!
Other Cabo San Lucas Hostel Options
I’ve heard great things about the Sofia Hostel Cabo if you’re looking for an alternative to the Mayan Monkey Los Cabos, which is a more low key, less modern and more budget-friendly hostel! I would have loved to make it to both if I had more time during my trip.
Cabo Airbnbs and Villas
My second favorite option for places to stay while abroad is in Airbnbs or Villas. Although I’ve never stayed in a Cabo airbnb, I’ve stayed in over 20 Airbnbs all over the world so far and was able to find one that checks all my boxes in Cabo, which I’ve cued up for my next trip. 😉
This affordable condo at the Terrasol Resort has a table to work at both indoors and outdoors, a kitchen, is in a great location and as a bonus, has a beautiful pool with a swim-up bar.
Hotels In Cabo San Lucas
If you prefer a hotel, there are a bunch of amazing options but here are a few favorites.
Bahia Hotel & Beach House
If hotels are more your speed and you have the extra money to spend, one amazing hotel choice in Cabo San Lucas is the Bahia Hotel & Beach House. The architecture is gorgeous and we loved the onsite restaurant which even serves a free (and really good!) daily breakfast. Outside some of the rooms there are hammocks to lounge on. Combined with the great weather and peaceful atmosphere of the hotel, the hammocks were so relaxing and a great bonus.
Bahia House is also placed in a perfect location, right in the middle of all the popular spots and steps away from Medano beach.
If you plan on going to the beach every day, you might be better off staying at a beachfront resort that has its own loungers and umbrellas for convenience. Hotel Casa Dorado is a beachfront option that is right near the Bahia House and looks like an affordable alternative!
How To Get Around Cabo
The best way to get around Cabo is to walk, since most of the downtown area is condensed and easily walkable. If you’d like to venture outside of the downtown area though you will need to arrange for a rental car or private transportation.
Does Uber Work In Cabo San Lucas?
When writing this Cabo San Lucas travel blog, I knew a really important thing to cover is the transportation because I was surprised to find that Uber does work in Cabo San Lucas and it was the best form of transportation to use (other than walking). While Uber is great, you should avoid the city taxi’s at all costs. You’ll see green-colored vans which are cabs pretty much everywhere, but they typically charge about double what Uber does.
Renting a car is another great option if you’ll be in the area for a while, especially if you’d like to venture a little farther from where you’re staying. There are also scooter rentals but be very cautious with this and make sure the routes you plan to take will be safe to travel on!
Cabo Currency & Budget
Pesos is the Cabo currency and although you can pay with US dollars and credit cards most places, you definitely want to get pesos out to save money if possible. I always try to use the local currency, to support local business and because it feels like a more authentic experience. Plus, it stops me from way overspending which is always good. 😉
Some places will charge more if you’re paying with US dollars and lots of credit cards charge foreign transaction fees. Often businesses will prefer you to use pesos, so you’ll want to use the local currency to support the local business. There won’t be many places and situations where you won’t be able to pay with US dollars as opposed to pesos, but you will definitely want to have some sort of cash on you versus relying solely on credit cards.
Common bills are 20, 50, 100, 500. I recommend trying to quickly memorize how much each of these are worth in USD or whichever currency you use, as it’ll make everything easier.
Language In Cabo: Surviving the Language Barrier
When it comes to the language in Cabo, you can expect about 50% English and 50% Spanish. I underestimated how difficult it would be to not know ANY Spanish in Cabo, as I thought most people would also speak English and I was wrong. I recommend learning some basic Spanish before you go, especially if you’ll be staying outside of a large resort. Here are some easy words to learn:
- Yes – Si
- No – No
- Hello – Hola
- Goodbye – Adiós
- Thank you – Gracias
- Please – Por favor
- Airport – Aeropuerto
- Bus – Autobus
- Cab – Taxi
- Hotel – Hotel
- Bathroom – Baño
- I don’t speak spanish – Yo no hablo español
- I don’t understand – No entiendo
Can You Drink The Water In Cabo San Lucas?
The answer is no, you should not drink the water in Cabo and should definitely opt for some bottled water instead. The water that comes out of the tap water can cause stomach problems and illness, so be careful not to drink it and to also be careful when you’re brushing your teeth and showering.
Some hotels have filtered water available to you whenever you need it, and that’s even better! To save time and money I recommend stocking up on on more water than you think you need, either in jugs or water bottles (or both) at one of the convenience stores or grocery stores in Cabo San Lucas. This way you’ll never run out when you need to be making a reservation or are thirsty in the middle of the night.
Cabo San Lucas Travel Blog : Things To Do In Cabo San Lucas
There are tons of things to do in Cabo San Lucas, but there are a few top things you don’t want to miss.
Visit Medano Beach For A Beach Day
Medano Beach is Cabo’s only swimmable beach, and the views are unbeatable! Be prepared to be visited by a few local vendors, and if this bothers you can snag a seat at one of the beachfront bars or restaurants. They also make for a perfect lunch break or dinner after a relaxing beach day.
See The Famous Cabo Arch & Visit Lover’s Beach
When it comes to things to do in Cabo San Lucas, the Cabo Arch is easily at the top of the list. Each day tons of boats go out to the arch, ranging from discount shuttles to luxury and all inclusive boat tours. Although you can technically see it from Medano beach, it’s much prettier up close.
Another way to see it is to take a ~$10 water taxi to Lover’s Beach. You’ll get to see the arch up close and spend some time on the beach, and then they’ll come back within a few hours to get you. There are some days where Lover’s Beach will be closed due to choppy ocean conditions, so make sure to call ahead and check conditions before you solidify your plans.
Go To A Restaurant On Medano Beach
There are some beach destinations that don’t have many options for beach front dining but Cabo is not one of them. Once the sun starts going down you’ll see tables lining Medano beach with tiki torches right up against the water. It’s a beautiful sight, and I highly recommend spending some time in the evening either at a restaurant or beach front bar! I wish I had spent more time doing this during my trip. Oh well, just a reason to go back some day. 😊
The Office is a nice restaurant option, although it can get pricy and may be too rowdy for kids. 😉
Eat Authentic Mexican Food
You can’t really go wrong here. I had food from a lot of different places and I didn’t NOT like any of them. As long as you like Mexican food, you should try as much as you can! I also recommend trying to find more local, small places that aren’t as touristy because this is where you’ll find the highest quality food for the lowest prices.
Cabo San Lucas Nightlife
I couldn’t write a Cabo San Lucas travel blog / guide without mentioning the nightlife, which really stood out! Squid Roe and Mandala are the best Cabo San Lucas nightlife spots that I could find. Squid Roe is especially fun because of how it’s set up and the whole vibe of the place. They have a bunch of surfaces to dance on and the DJ involves the crowd the whole time. They also release balloons from the ceiling periodically. If you like to dance and lively places, this is a spot you CAN’T miss!
If you’d like something more low key, I recommend heading to Medano beach for the views and cocktails. Baja Brewing Company is on a high rooftop and serves a good selection of beer, so this is a not-to-be-missed place for beer lovers.
Cabo, Mexico Digital Nomad Tips
I put together some tips for digital nomads and long term travelers visiting Cabo below.
Cell Phone Service In Cabo
I would say the most important thing to square away before working remotely in Mexico is making sure you get cell phone service. Check with your cell phone company prior to traveling to see if your plan includes service in Mexico and if not, how much it will cost.
I tried to go my whole trip without cell phone service and only using WIFI, but after a few days I realized this was going to be too difficult. There were times when I did need cell phone service such as when I was walking around outdoors or if the signal at the accommodation is temporarily weak. The other issue was using Uber – if I ordered an Uber and then needed to meet them outside the hostel, I would lose service and wouldn’t be able to connect with them once I left.
For these reasons, I recommend either making sure you can get service through your current cell phone company OR buying a local SIM card. If you do decide to go this route, you can buy a local SIM card on Airlo ahead of time or at an OXXO store in downtown Cabo, which should fit any unlocked cell phone as they come in three sizes. If you’re in need of an unlocked cell phone, you can buy a cheap one at Walmart, a mall or convenience store. This info is also crucial if you happen to have your phone stolen abroad like I did in Bali. 😑 (Don’t worry, you will survive if it happens!)
Where To Work
When it comes to my tips for Cabo, Mexico digital nomads, the most important factor is of course finding somewhere to work. I worked from the Mayan Monkey hostel during my stay and had no trouble at all. The internet speed was fast and consistent, and I typically just worked from my dorm bed. I got privacy by shutting the curtain and putting on sound-canceling headphones. I almost worked from the hotel restaurant and bar a few times.
If you need more space or are worried about interruptions, I recommend getting a private room at a hostel versus a resort to save money.
I also went to the beach a few times to brainstorm for a client or do an easy-going phone call, but I was bothered by people trying to sell me things frequently. There may be other beaches to hit up to do this if you end up getting cell phone service or if you stay at a resort with a private beach that has wifi access extended to the beach. It was just a little bit more fun to work from the beach than the dorm.
Getting Wifi In Cabo
Most restaurants, stores, and bars will have WIFI and all the WIFI I connected to was very strong. I worked out of the Mayan Monkey hostel and had no issues with slow WIFI connection at all. If you’re a nomad and need strong internet, I recommend looking at the reviews for the place you’re staying at prior to check what people have said. Just to be safe!
This Cabo San Lucas travel blog should give anyone looking to visit Cabo a good idea of what to expect and do, especially digital nomads and solo female travelers. I would recommend Cabo San Lucas as a remote working spot except for that the beautiful weather and fun party people make it hard to work sometimes 😉. Other than the fact that it’s TOO fun, Cabo made it easy to maintain my work schedule and to meet cool people along the way.
Lauren Kessel
Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker Blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.
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