Expan Experience: Los Cabos, a paradise for diving, whale watching and having fun
Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, where the desert meets the sea , Los Cabos has established itself as one of Mexico's most attractive tourist destinations. Why do experts predict it will be a trending destination in 2026 ?
Cynthia Moya , supervisor of the North America, Central America and Caribbean area of Expan Tours , tells us in this new edition of Expan Experience the details of her recent adventure in Los Cabos , a destination worth discovering and that will be talked about next year.
Los Cabos, a destination within reach from Santiago
" I arrived in Los Cabos with a pretty clear idea of what I was going to find. In my mind, it was a destination mainly associated with relaxation , large resorts , and long days by the sea. However, from the first day I understood that this perception was far from reality ."
The main objective of the trip was to participate in VIP Summit 2025 , a tourism fair that has been held for several years and which, in this edition, decided to open itself more strongly to Latin America .
The reason is strategic and very concrete: on December 4th, a new Copa Airlines flight was inaugurated connecting Panama City with Los Cabos , completely changing the air connectivity landscape for the region.
" Until now, traveling from Chile to this destination involved long and inefficient routes. The most direct alternative was Aeromexico , which does not operate year-round, or connections with LATAM that considerably lengthened travel times ."
Today, thanks to Copa Airlines , the Santiago-Panama-Los Cabos route, with three weekly flights , is much smoother and more attractive. This new flight is significantly boosting the destination's position in the Latin American market, and this is clearly evident on the ground.
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VIP Summit: The Gateway
" The fair took place over two days at the Hotel Hacienda del Mar , where we also stayed the first few nights. It was an event designed to generate direct meetings with local suppliers : hoteliers, restaurants, tour companies, DMCs offering transfers and specialized tours, among other key players in the destination ."
The objective was clear: to create networks , gain in-depth knowledge of Los Cabos ' tourism offerings, and understand how to promote them in source markets. For me, it was also an opportunity to see the destination with fresh eyes. While I was familiar with its reputation as a place to relax, I hadn't imagined the level of diversity of experiences it offers .
After the trade show, we took a post-FAM trip , visiting the main attractions of the region. We visited hotels of different categories and styles, and conducted site inspections in areas such as Cabo San Lucas , San José del Cabo , and the tourist corridor that connects both locations .
A different kind of luxury: Relaxed, authentic, and unpretentious
From a broader perspective, Los Cabos is defined by its natural contrasts . It's a destination with a predominantly desert landscape, marked by cacti, rock formations, and ochre tones, yet simultaneously coexisting with the intense blue of the sea. This duality gives it a very distinctive identity.
" It's also a luxury destination, but a relaxed kind of luxury, without excess or ostentation. It's not a place where people dress up to go to the beach; on the contrary, the atmosphere is hippie-chic , informal, elegant without being rigid. Added to that is a key factor for any traveler: safety . Despite the prejudices that often exist about Mexico, Los Cabos is a very safe destination , with significant investment in security and surveillance ."
Another hallmark of the destination is its sporting profile. It boasts nearly 18 golf courses , two of which are ranked among the best in the world , attracting golf enthusiasts.
Sea of Cortez: Debunking myths
" One of the biggest myths associated with Los Cabos is that, being on the Pacific Ocean , its beaches are not suitable for swimming. While it's true that there are areas with strong currents along the Pacific coast, the Sea of Cortez has numerous beaches that are perfectly swimmable , with ideal conditions for enjoying the water ."
This sea, known as "the aquarium of the world," offers turquoise, clean waters with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius , making it a refreshing and very pleasant sea. It's not as warm as the Caribbean, but neither is it as cold as the Chilean sea.
" Furthermore, the beaches are clearly marked with safety flags , making it easy to identify areas suitable for swimming. Here you can swim, snorkel with your own equipment , practice water sports and enjoy the sea without problems, always respecting local guidelines ."
One of the favorite beaches in the area is Palmilla Beach , part of the Los Cabos experience: " It's also swimmable , very well located, and close to the main hotels in San José de los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas ."
Cabo San Lucas: Energy, Marina and Nightlife
Cabo San Lucas is undoubtedly the most vibrant area of the destination. The marina is concentrated here, from where most maritime excursions depart, in addition to a wide variety of bars, nightclubs, and beach clubs .
" I stayed at the Hotel Hacienda del Mar , a hotel with a Mexican hacienda aesthetic, where every corner reinforces the local identity, from the architecture to the gastronomy. I also visited the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas , very well located, just a few minutes by Uber from the main attractions, shopping centers and beaches ."
From the marina, I took an unmissable excursion to El Arco , the iconic rock formation that has become the most recognizable image of Los Cabos. I arrived on a sailing catamaran , but you can also get there by kayak or stand-up paddleboard . The view is truly breathtaking .
During that same trip, we were fortunate enough to see humpback whales jumping very close to the boat, something especially exciting considering that the whale watching season had not yet officially begun .
Then we visited Playa Santa María , a 100% swimmable beach, ideal for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding , with calm waters and excellent visibility. The Montage Hotel is located very close by, right across from this beach .
Another highlight is El Médano Beach , a beach with calm seas and crystal-clear waters, perfect for families and those who prefer to avoid the waves. Several boutique hotels are located here, such as Corazón , modern and with an excellent beach club, and Casa Dorada , which offers spacious rooms, some with kitchens, ideal for longer stays.
For those seeking a high-end experience, Grand Velas Los Cabos is simply exceptional. In addition to its family-friendly approach and personalized service, it houses the region's only Michelin-starred restaurant , Cocina de Autor , included for guests in the all-inclusive plan, though also open to the public with reservations.
San José del Cabo: the cultural heart
About 40 to 50 minutes away is San José del Cabo , a town that preserves the most authentic soul of Mexico . Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, markets, traditional restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene define this area.
" I had the opportunity to visit it on a Thursday , when the famous Art Walk takes place, a weekly event in which galleries and artists bring their works out into the street. It's a delightful stroll, ideal for those who enjoy art, culture, and history ."
I had dinner at Tres Gallos , a Michelin- recommended restaurant, run by its owner and accompanied by live mariachi music —an experience that truly makes you feel like you're in Mexico. San José is family-friendly, safe, and relaxed , with bars and restaurants that stay open late, but always in a calm and welcoming atmosphere .
Personally, it was the area that captivated me the most ."
Cabo Pulmo: Protected nature and unique experiences
One of the great must-sees in Los Cabos is Cabo Pulmo , a marine national park with more than 400 species .
" Getting there is already part of the experience. I did it on an off-road Jeep tour , skirting the coast on dirt tracks, with spectacular views of cliffs, beaches and the open sea ."
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