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Celebration of a City: Art Walk and the Traditional Fiestas of San Jose del Cabo

February 22, 2022 by Leave a Comment

The Covid pandemic has not produced any lasting damage to tourism in Los Cabos. In fact, as we’ve detailed in our “Los Cabos by the Numbers” series in recent months, thanks to increased flights and strong U.S. visitation the region has not just regained but surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic tourism levels.

It’s a rather remarkable story, really. But despite the strong recovery of the tourism sector at large, there is one area that has continued to lag behind: events. The reasons are obvious, of course. Cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo have never wavered in their commitment to the health and safety of tourists and residents alike, remaining at the forefront of all Mexican destinations in terms of pandemic-related protocols, testing, and vaccination programs.

Social distancing has been an important component of these protocols, naturally, and as a consequence the principles of social distancing have affected every business and every public space in the region, from bars and restaurants to boats and beaches. Depending on the existing “system alert level” put in place each week by local authorities in response to the ongoing Covid crisis, businesses or public areas can accommodate only so many people relative to their available space to ensure the safety of guests.

For events, then, the health and safety protocols have been difficult in the extreme to navigate. Events by their very nature are “public gatherings”, and thus pose a challenge to social distancing protocols. Some prominent local events, like fishing and golf tournaments, have scarcely skipped a beat since they have a natural, built-in social distancing component. But other types of events, from food festivals to music concerts, have struggled to return. The ability to bounce back, thus far – despite the very positive signs that point toward a complete pandemic recovery in the future – have been contingent upon the ability of events to work within the existing, often variable, health and safety framework.

Golf and fishing tournaments, as mentioned, have been able to thrive within these parameters. So too have some cultural events, so long as they’ve conformed to health and safety standards established for businesses and public spaces. For instance, the return in 2021 of popular, ongoing, regularly-scheduled cultural festivals like Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo and Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas. These events have, since their return a year ago, consistently offered lively, fun-filled showcases for local art and culture, and have been gratefully welcomed back by residents and visitors alike.

Downtown San Jose del Cabo, after all, is rarely livelier or more beautiful than during Art Walk. Perhaps this is because Art Walk is, at heart, a celebration of San Jose del Cabo itself. The city comes alive in a different way on Thursday evenings during Art Walk season (November through June).

The Gallery District, home to dozens of art galleries and studios, is the center of Art Walk, and remains the primary focus, as gallery owners and artists stay open late to interact with visitors. But the entire downtown area of the city glows with lights and pulses with energy. The town square, Plaza Mijares, becomes an outdoor gallery for street artists and craftspeople, with their wares laid out for all to see. The old Catholic church, Parroquia San Jose, is open for those who want to visit a more traditional site for art and culture than local galleries. City Hall, with its colorful courtyard murals depicting great moments in local and national history, also beckons those on an informal walking tour of the heart of the city.

Indeed, it’s not too extravagant to say that not only is Art Walk a tradition in San Jose del Cabo, it’s a profoundly important cultural and historical institution.

But it isn’t the only local event of such cultural importance. In fact, there’s an annual event, or series of events actually, that are even more of a showcase for the city’s heritage and history. That would be the fiestas tradicionales, which after a two-year Covid related absence are making (health situation permitting) their much awaited return on March 17 – 20, 2022.

For tourists, and particularly U.S. born visitors, here’s the necessary background to know: During the Spanish colonial period, many towns in Baja California and elsewhere in Mexico and Latin America were named according to the Catholic calendar. San Jose del Cabo’s first Spanish name, for instance, was San Bernabe, so named by Sebastian Vizcaino when he landed there on June 11, 1602, during the traditional Catholic feast day for Saint Barnabas. San Bernabe replaced Añuití, the name given to the place by the indigenous Pericues, and was itself later replaced by San Jose del Cabo, the name of the Jesuit mission that opened in 1730.

The city’s fiestas tradicionales, or fiestas patronales (as the patron saint festivals are typically known in Spanish), have in past years encompassed a week or more of celebrations, including parades, live music, regional food and drinks (the ceviche preparation contest was an annual highlight), plus the coronation of an event king and queen. These festivities invariably culminated on March 19, the official feast day of Saint Joseph.

This year, the festivities will actually conclude on the 20th, the day following the feast day of Saint Joseph. And instead of a week of parties, there will be four days. And instead of abundant music and food, it’s expected that these elements of the celebration will be more moderately represented, with enhanced focus on literary contests like the Juegos Florales, which rewards compositions about the founding of the mission, and the importance of Saint Joseph in the foundation of the city.

The most important thing to note, of course, is that these events dedicated to the cultural history and identity of San Jose del Cabo are back, and their return marks another important step forward in the recovery of Los Cabos. It’s yet another indicator that Los Cabos as a destination, and the world at large, are slowly and gradually regaining a much needed sense of normalcy.

That’s the big picture. For visitors and local residents, it just means more fiestas to enjoy during 2022! So continue to mark Thursdays on your event calendar for Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo, Fridays for Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas, and circle March 17 – 20 for the triumphant return of the Fiestas Tradicionales in San Jose del Cabo.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit: The Official Art Walk San Jose del Cabo

Upcoming Events Calendar

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 30 – Feb. 5; Feb. 7 – 11

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25

Todos Santos Open Studio Tour – Feb. 4 – 6

Valentine’s Day– Feb. 14

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 26 – Mar. 1

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

Fiestas Tradicionales in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 17 – 20

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 20

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

End of Whale Watching Season – Apr. 15

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 29 – May 6

May

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 29 – May 6

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 5, 12, 19, 26

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 6, 13, 20, 27

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

July

East Cape Dorado Shoot Out  – Jul. 16

August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Aug. 1 – 6

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 2 – 6

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot – Aug. 20

September

Mexican Independence Day –  Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 16 – 20

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – Oct. 20 – 23

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Oct. 25 – 29

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

 

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Valentine’s Day & Other Celebrations: February Events in Los Cabos

February 2, 2022 by Leave a Comment

February is a fantastic time to visit Los Cabos. The weather is absolutely perfect, a 75 degrees and sunny antidote to the winter conditions found throughout much of the U.S. and Canada. The beaches are beautiful. Seasonal events like whale watching and swimming with whale sharks offer incredible opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures. And, it must be added, February is typically a very good month for events in cape cities Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and beyond.

In terms of events, February’s marquee highlight, as in many other destinations, is Valentine’s Day. Los Cabos is a romance capital, and coastal restaurants and beachfront resorts go all out in their romantic preparations for this romantic couples’ celebration. The most notable example is probably the traditional 7-course feast at Sunset Monalisa, famed for its breathtaking views of Land’s End as the sun goes down.

Valentine’s Day may be internationally observed, but other events this February are of the “only in Cabo” variety. These include two weekly (and locally beloved) cultural attractions: Art Walk, a Thursday night staple in San Jose del Cabo’s historic Gallery District; and Viva La Plaza, which showcases music, art and dancing every Friday evening in Cabo San Lucas’ town square, Plaza Amelia Wilkes.

Todos Santos, in the neighboring La Paz municipality, also offers a variety of cultural events each year, including highly anticipated to-dos focused around music, art, writing and film. February brings the annual Open Studios Tour, in which local painters, sculptors, jewelers, potters and ceramists welcome visitors for an up-close look at the creative process in one of Mexico’s most famous artists’ colonies.

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – February 3, 10, 17, 24

The historic Gallery District in San Jose del Cabo takes center stage each Thursday evening during high tourist season–November through June–when residents and visitors alike are invited to stroll its cobblestone streets and peruse the many eclectic fine arts galleries. Art Walk hours are 5 to 9 p.m., when the neighborhood comes alive with wine, cheese and guided tours, as well as colorful street artists and strolling mariachis.

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – February 7, 14, 21, 28

Art Walk may be the premier weekly cultural event in San Jose del Cabo, but Viva La Plaza holds that distinction in Cabo San Lucas. Held each Friday evening from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Land’s End city’s principal plaza – Plaza Amelia Wilkes – this weekly showcase lures visitors with regional paintings and handicrafts, artfully arrayed around the recently renovated square’s charming central gazebo. Live music and traditional Mexican dance are also big draws, as are food stalls featuring tasty Mexican favorites.

Todos Santos Open Studio Tour – February 4th to 6th

Ever since painter Charles Stewart and his wife Mary Lou moved to Todos Santos in 1985, the town has been famed for its thriving artists’ colony. The best introduction to the region’s abundance of talented artists is the yearly Open Studios Tour, the 13th version of which is scheduled for Feb. 4 – 6, 2022. Dozens of local artists are expected participate, including painters, sculptors, photographers, muralists, plein air painters, encaustic artists, jewelers, printmakers, collage artists, potters, and wood turners. The three-day to-do is expected to include a wine and cheese event at Doce Cuarenta Café on Feb. 4th, as well as a get together at El Mercado Ranchero on Feb. 5th and 6th.

Valentine’s Day– February 14

Romance is ever present in Los Cabos, from pampering couples-focused spa treatments to Champagne amenities and sunset dinners for two. As the name suggests, the latter is a signature highlight at Sunset Monalisa. This year, as always, the fine dining favorite is going all out for Valentine’s Day, pairing a seven course tasting menu from Chef Hector Morales with live music, surprise amenities, and of course the restaurant’s trademark spectacular views of Land’s End as the sun goes down. Reservations are essential for the tasting menu, priced at $220 per person, but those who miss out on preferred seating needn’t worry. Romantic seaside restaurants abound in the cape cities; of special note, Waldorf Astoria Pedregal Los Cabos’ stunning El Farallon, with its dramatic setting of tables and Champagne Terrace perched above crashing Pacific Ocean waves.

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – February 27th to March 1st

This one’s for the youngsters only, but definitely worth watching and cheering for. Arizona State won the 2020 Cabo Collegiate by 8 strokes, besting Texas A&M on the spectacular Tom Fazio designed course at Querencia, one of the most exclusive and acclaimed private courses in Los Cabos. Who’ll win in 2022 (due to travel restrictions, the 2021 tournament was hosted in the U.S.) when the setting shifts to the even more exclusive and acclaimed Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, a Jack Nicklaus designed masterpiece that has been a staple of world top 100 rankings for over two decades? Too early to guess, but over 15 top teams from U.S. universities will compete in the three round event, including defending champion Oklahoma, Cal and Stanford, Ole Miss and Florida State, as well as former tournament champions Arizona State and Oklahoma State.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit: Sunset Monalisa

Upcoming Events Calendar

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 30 – Feb. 5; Feb. 7 – 11

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25

Todos Santos Open Studio Tour – Feb. 4 – 6

Valentine’s Day– Feb. 14

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 26 – Mar. 1

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 20

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

End of Whale Watching Season – Apr. 15

May

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 5, 12, 19, 26

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 6, 13, 20, 27

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

July

East Cape Dorado Shoot Out  – Jul. 16

August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Aug. 1 – 6

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 2 – 6

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot – Aug. 20

September

Mexican Independence Day –  Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 16 – 20

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – Oct. 20 – 23

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Oct. 25 – 29

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

 

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5 Reasons Your New Year’s Resolution for 2022 Should Be to Spend More Time in Los Cabos

January 4, 2022 by Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again: resolution season. Each year in January, as soon as the last New Year’s Eve firework has exploded and the last Champagne bottle has been popped, people’s thoughts inevitably begin turning to New Year’s resolutions.

Often such resolutions are aspirational ideas like “join a gym,” a perfectly understandable sentiment, by the way, after the many dinners and celebrations that traditionally characterize the holiday season. Of course resolutions should be geared towards making our lives healthier and more enjoyable, and rededicating ourselves in that direction is always salutary.

But resolutions can also be a bit more ambitious, a bit bolder than simply deciding to work out a few more times each week. Resolutions are in essence a way to refocus on the big picture. What are the things we care most about? What are the things that bring the greatest amount of joy into our lives? Where do we feel the happiest?

The latter question actually opens up an entire new field when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Instead of “join a gym” it could be “spend more time on the beach”; or, more specifically, “spend more time in Los Cabos.”

With its year-round sunshine and diverse geography – ocean, beach, desert and mountains – Los Cabos offers world-class conditions for virtually every outdoor sport imaginable. So if getting in shape is your focus, there are few better places on Earth to do so.

But the wonder of cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and the reason this is such a magical idea for a resolution, is that they also offer so much more…

Which is why, for many people, this is their happy place. Perhaps in 2022, it will become your happy place as well.

With that in mind, here are five of our favorite reasons for spending as much time as possible in Los Cabos in 2022.

Amazing Golf

Los Cabos is home to an astounding 18 golf courses, including world-class layouts from big-name designers like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Fred Couples and Davis Love III. Norman’s course at Rancho San Lucas is the newest to open, followed by Robert Trent Jones Jr’s Costa Palmas Golf Club on the Los Cabos municipality’s East Cape. But with the exception of Vidanta, whose 9-hole layout is a throwback to an earlier era, the remaining 17 courses all offer an incredible destination experience, with world-class golf and magnificent views of ocean, beaches, mountains and desert.

Amazing Fishing

Cabo San Lucas as a tourist destination was built on big-game sport fishing, and although conditions are good for his premier local attraction on a year-round basis, summer and fall are the best seasons to get your hooks into massive billfish like blue and black marlin. That’s why the big-money tournaments are all scheduled during these two seasons. Don’t want to participate in a tournament? Just charter a boat for a day…or half-day. Virtually every local restaurant offers “you hook it, we cook it” specials and will prepare your catch any way you like it.

Amazing Vacation Rentals

Whether you’re traveling with that special someone, with your kids, with extended family, or with a group of friends for a destination golf or fishing trip, vacation rentals in Los Cabos offer far more options than resorts in terms of finding the right fit. For a couple, perhaps an ocean view penthouse condo is the perfect choice. For a family or larger groups, perhaps a beachfront home is preferred, or a luxury villa with commanding Land’s End views. With vacation rentals, it’s not just the size that’s optional, but the amenities and the location…which can be tailored to your personal vacation plans. Which is why discerning travelers always opt for luxury villas or vacation rentals over resorts. The privacy and security are nice, too.

Amazing Dining Experiences

The Los Cabos culinary scene has grown exponentially since the early days of tourism in the region some 50 years ago. Back then, fine dining was something of a foreign concept. Freshly caught seafood and a few regional Mexican specialty dishes were standard dinner fare after a day spent fishing or beachcombing. In today’s Los Cabos, both the dining and activities options are decidedly more cosmopolitan. Los Cabos has not forgotten its roots – the region’s thriving farm-to-table scene, for example, is premised on fresh local ingredients – but it has allowed those roots to spread far and wide. What has emerged is a world-class culinary destination that boasts acclaimed chefs and creative fusions, as well as the fish tacos and Damiana margaritas that long-time Los Cabos regulars know and love.

Amazing Beaches

Los Cabos has more blue flag beaches (22) than any other destination in Mexico, and blue flags are notable for ensuring a host of services and amenities like bathrooms, handicap access, informative signs, etc. But if all you’re looking for is a wide swath of golden sand, the opportunities then become endless. That’s the way it goes when you have more than 100 miles of coastline – as the Los Cabos municipality does – and the sun shines more than 350 days a year. Enjoy it! Pack a towel, lather on a little sunblock, and feel the Cabo vibes wash over you. You’re in your happy place!

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Visit Los Cabos

Upcoming Events Calendar

January

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Twin Dolphin and Cabo del Sol – Jan. 9 – 13

Tropic of Cancer Music Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 12 – 16

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 30 – Feb. 5; Feb. 7 – 11

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 30 – Feb. 5; Feb. 7 – 11

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25

Todos Santos Open Studio Tour – Feb. 4 – 6

Valentine’s Day– Feb. 14

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 26 – Mar. 1

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament at Querencia – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament at Querencia – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 20

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

End of Whale Watching Season – Apr. 15

May

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 5, 12, 19, 26

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 6, 13, 20, 27

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout  – Jul. 16

August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Aug. 1 – 6

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 2 – 6

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot – Aug. 20

September

Mexican Independence Day –  Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 16 – 20

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – Oct. 20 – 23

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Oct. 25 – 29

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

 

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What’s Happening in the New Year 2022:  January Events in Los Cabos

December 28, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Even before the champagne bottles pop and the fireworks explode over Medano Beach, expectations are already high for what the New Year will bring to always sunny Los Cabos.

Despite travel concerns over the latest Covid variant, Los Cabos has already regained and exceeded pre-pandemic tourist numbers with a simple formula: safety first, last and always.  Los Cabos was the first Pacific destination to receive the Travel Safety Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council, and continues to lead the way among all Mexican tourist destinations with its forward-thinking health and safety guidelines.

Luckily, safety and fun aren’t mutually exclusive.

Large-scale events are still in hiatus as 2022 dawns, but smaller events –particularly those with a built-in social distancing element, like golf or fishing tournaments – continue to be held, with often spectacular results. After another record shattering season for Bisbee’s fishing tournaments, for example, golf season now tees off with the upcoming Los Cabos Pro-Am in January.

Cultural events also continue to be a popular activities option for visitors, none more so than the weekly art-focused to-dos in each of the cape cities: Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo, and Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas. Todos Santos, a popular day-trip destination from Los Cabos, also beckons with its series of annual cultural events celebrating, music, literature, art and cinema.

And, of course, there’s the biggest event of them all – whale watching – which is in peak season throughout January.

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27

The historic Gallery District in San Jose del Cabo takes center stage each Thursday evening during high tourist season–November through June–when residents and visitors alike are invited to stroll its cobblestone streets and peruse the many eclectic fine arts galleries. Art Walk hours are 5 to 9 p.m., when the neighborhood comes alive with wine, cheese and guided tours, as well as colorful street artists and strolling mariachis.

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28

Art Walk may be the premier weekly cultural event in San Jose del Cabo, but Viva La Plaza holds that distinction in Cabo San Lucas. Held each Friday evening from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Land’s End city’s principal plaza – Plaza Amelia Wilkes – this weekly showcase lures visitors with regional paintings and handicrafts, artfully arrayed around the recently renovated square’s charming central gazebo. Live music and traditional Mexican dance are also big draws, as are food stalls featuring tasty Mexican favorites.

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 9th to 13th

The Los Cabos Pro-Am, long a fixture on the regional golf calendar, has seen some changes this year…and they’re good! The tournament had been split up into two separate events last year, each on acclaimed local layouts – at Twin Dolphin and Cabo del Sol. This year, the two courses are both included in the same tournament. The action begins with two rounds at the Tom Weiskopf designed Desert Course at Cabo del Sol, and concludes with a final round at Twin Dolphin, a design collaboration by Todd Eckenrode and legendary player and former Masters Champion Fred Couples that premiered in 2018. Teams consist of 5 players – 4 amateurs and one pro – with participants competing in a best ball format over 54 holes for daily and overall prizes (for both teams and pros). Entry fees include luxurious accommodation packages at local resorts.

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series – January 12th to 16th

Former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck pioneered jam culture in Todos Santos with this acclaimed music festival, which brought in high-profile musicians for performances at the landmark Hotel California, as well as the town’s picturesque main plaza. Buck’s festival went on hiatus after he made some controversial comments about local politics at the 2016 event, but his musical legacy lives on. The annual Tropic of Cancer Concert Series premiered in 2017 and, after a pandemic hiatus in 2021, returns for its sixth anniversary in 2022. This year’s festival is sponsored by Baja Brewing Company, and boasts an all-star lineup featuring Mother Hips, Susto, Cordovas, Holy Spirits, The Jag, La Victoria, The Charities, and many others.
Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 30th to Feb. 5th; Feb. 7th to 11th

Best known for its painters, Todos Santos has also proved a congenial community for writers. The 9th annual writers workshop returns to the atmospheric Casa Dracula–an historic 19th century hacienda–where creative writers are encouraged with seminars and speakers, publishing roundtables, and a variety of craft workshops that focus on fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry and other literary genres. A second weeklong session is optional for those who want to dig deeper or explore an alternative writing genre, and special online sessions are also available. Instructors for this year’s workshops include Natalie Serber (fiction), Jeanne McCulloch (memoir), Karen Karbo (memoir), Christopher Merrill (poetry) and Rex Weiner (writing strategies for getting started or “unstuck”).

Whale Watching Season  – Mid-December to Mid-April

Each winter some 5,000 to 10,000 blue, gray, humpback and other whales migrate from their arctic feeding grounds to breed in the shallow water coves and inlets of beautiful Baja California Sur. In this regard these leviathans of the deep are very much like the snowbirds who flock to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo to escape frigid winter temperatures in the U.S. and Canada. The only real difference–aside from the obvious anatomical ones–is one of scale. The longest mammalian migration ever recorded was in 2014, when a gray whale dubbed Varvara traveled over 14,000 miles round-trip from Russia to Cabo San Lucas. Humpbacks, however, are the most commonly seen whale in Los Cabos waters. The season officially starts on December 15th and extends through mid-April, with a variety of tour options available.

Windsurfing and Kiteboarding Season – Mid-November to Mid-March

Each winter, from mid-November through mid-March, strong El Norte winds blow hundreds of miles down the Sea of Cortés, creating ideal wind and kite surfing conditions in many coastal areas of Baja California Sur. During this yearly breezy season, small East Cape communities like Los Barriles and La Ventana become meccas for world-class kitesurfers, kiteboarders and windsurfers, who flock to regional beaches for a chance to grab big air over offshore waves.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  The Official Art Walk San Jose del Cabo

Upcoming Events Calendar

December

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada – Dec. 31

January

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Twin Dolphin and Cabo del Sol – Jan. 9 – 13

Tropic of Cancer Music Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 12 – 16

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 30 – Feb. 5; Feb. 7 – 11

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 30 – Feb. 5; Feb. 7 – 11

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25

Todos Santos Open Studio Tour – Feb. 4 – 6

Valentine’s Day– Feb. 14

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 26 – Mar. 1

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament at Querencia – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament at Querencia – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 20

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

End of Whale Watching Season – Apr. 15

May

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 5, 12, 19, 26

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 6, 13, 20, 27

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout  – Jul. 16

August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Aug. 1 – 6

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 2 – 6

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot – Aug. 20

September

Mexican Independence Day –  Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 16 – 20

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – Oct. 20 – 23

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Oct. 25 – 29

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

 

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‘Tis the Season to Visit Todos Santos: Events and Attractions in Baja Sur’s Pacific Coast Pueblo Magico 

December 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment

‘Tis the Season to Visit Todos Santos: Events and Attractions in Baja Sur’s Pacific Coast Pueblo Magico

 One of the great things about Los Cabos is that not only are there a rich array of activities and attractions in cape cities Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and their surrounding areas, there are also a number of excellent day trip destinations within easy driving distance…each with their own activities, attractions and signature events.

Todos Santos is easily the most popular of these day trip destinations, thanks in large part to its profusion of artists and art galleries, its many delightful restaurants, and of course its history and architecture.

Few places in the region are as visually distinctive as Todos Santos. The many beautiful old brick buildings, a legacy from its 19th century heyday as a sugar capital, give the historic downtown area a distinctive profile unlike any other place in Baja California Sur. Todos Santos is also blessed by a beneficial vantage, between the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and the Pacific Ocean, that undoubtedly contributes to the unique quality of its light. This unusual light was what first attracted artists in the 1980s, and led to the town’s rebirth as an artists’ colony some thirty years or so after its water wells had run dry.

It was the first place on the peninsula to be designated as a pueblo mágico (a promotional appellation applied to Mexican communities with great natural beauty, and strong cultural or historical legacies), and it remains, along with Loreto and Tecate, one of only three towns throughout Baja to be so honored.

Todos Santos is less than an hour by car from Cabo San Lucas, and in addition to its evergreen charms, hosts a series of annual festivals celebrating art, film, music and literature…all of which take place between January and early April.

So while the holiday season is upon us, the season is fast approaching to see Todos Santos at its artsy, bohemian best. With that in mind, here’s a look at what’s coming up on the cultural events calendar in Todos Santos in 2022.

 Tropic of Cancer Concert Series – January 12th to 16th

Former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck pioneered jam culture in Todos Santos with this acclaimed music festival, which brought in high-profile musicians for performances at the landmark Hotel California, as well as the town’s picturesque main plaza. Buck’s festival went on hiatus after he made some controversial comments about local politics at the 2016 event, but the music lives on. The annual Tropic of Cancer Concert Series premiered in 2017 and, after a pandemic hiatus in 2021, returns for its sixth anniversary in 2022. This year’s festival is sponsored by Baja Brewing Company, and boasts an all-star lineup featuring Mother Hips, Susto, Cordovas, Holy Spirits, The Jag, La Victoria, The Charities, and many others.

 Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 30th to Feb. 5th; Feb. 7th to 11th

Best known for its painters, Todos Santos has also proved a congenial community for writers. The 9th annual writers workshop returns to the atmospheric Casa Dracula–an historic 19th century hacienda–where creative writers are encouraged with seminars and speakers, publishing roundtables, and a variety of craft workshops that focus on fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry and other literary genres. A second weeklong session is optional for those who want to dig deeper or explore an alternative writing genre, and special online sessions are also available. Instructors for this year’s workshops include Natalie Serber (fiction), Jeanne McCulloch (memoir), Karen Karbo (memoir), Christopher Merrill (poetry) and Rex Weiner (writing strategies for getting started or “unstuck”).

 Todos Santos Open Studio Tour – Feb. 4th to 6th

 Ever since painter Charles Stewart and his wife Mary Lou moved to Todos Santos in 1985, the town has been famed for its thriving artists’ colony. The best introduction to the region’s abundance of talented artists is the yearly Open Studios Tour, the 13th version of which is scheduled for Feb. 4 – 6, 2022. Dozens of local artists are expected participate, including painters, sculptors, photographers, muralists, plein air painters, encaustic artists, jewelers, printmakers, collage artists, potters, and wood turners. The three-day to-do is expected to include a wine and cheese event at Doce Cuarenta Café on Feb. 4th, as well as a get together at El Mercado Ranchero on Feb. 5th and 6th.

 Todos Santos Film Festival – March/April 2022

 This annual showcase for Mexican and Latin American films was founded in 2004, and is based each year at the historic Teatro-Cine Manuel Marquez de Leon, a landmark 70+ year old movie theater that overlooks the town square in Todos Santos. N0 dates have been announced as yet for the 19th edition in 2022, but the coastal pueblo magico‘s acclaimed festival de cine is traditionally held in March or April, and includes full-length films, as well as shorts, documentaries, and projects from the local Youth in Video program. Additional screenings may also take place in nearby Pescadero, and Baja California Sur’s capital city, La Paz.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Tropic of Cancer Concert Series

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Upcoming Events Calendar

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Sabor a Cabo Rural – Dec. 5

Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Dec. 9 – 10

El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season in Los Cabos – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Taco Fest 2021 at Casa Dorada – Dec. 17

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada – Dec. 31

January 2022

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Twin Dolphin and Cabo del Sol – Jan. 9 – 13

Tropic of Cancer Music Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 12 – 16

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 30 – Feb. 5; Feb. 7 – 11

February 2022

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 30 – Feb. 5; Feb. 7 – 11

Todos Santos Open Studio Tour – Feb. 4 – 6

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 26 – Mar. 1

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament at Querencia – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

March 2022

Fiestas Tradicionales in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Not Yet Announced

 

April 2022

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

May 2022

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

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Arrows Pointing Up:  What Tourism Trends Say About Los Cabos Travel in 2021

June 22, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Tourism statistics for Los Cabos are released every two months, and do much more than simply track the upward or downward trends in things like flights and hotel occupancy; rather, they’re as much an indicator of how people travel as how many are doing so during any given time period.

Of course, the upwards or downwards numbers also matter – quite significantly – since they are effectively measuring the health of a destination from a tourism perspective. But in tracing the way people travel, what they value, and how they’re choosing to experience a destination, it’s also possible to see the way travel habits and preferences are changing over time.

Based on the latest numbers released, Los Cabos tourism is very healthy indeed. But there are definitely some interesting trends developing, including rising interest in both private flights and villas and vacation rentals as an alternative to traditional resorts.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the most interesting numbers from the most recent statistical report…

Tourism Has Rebounded in A Big Way

Despite the fact that it has yet to see the return of cruise ships, tourism numbers for Los Cabos are refreshingly robust, especially when viewed side-by-side with statistics from the same times in 2019.

Over 221,800 passengers arrived at Los Cabos International Airport in April 2021, which is a slight decrease from April 2019 – by 12.6% – but an 18.5% increase over March 2021, and an even greater increase over January and February, indicating that the destination as a whole is experiencing a rapid recovery from the depressed pandemic numbers of 2020.

Domestic flights were up 3.4% and represented 37.8% of April arrivals (or 83,800 people). Of the 138,000 international arrivals, meanwhile, the overwhelmingly majority were from the United States, with Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Denver and Seattle all showing increases in the number of passengers to Los Cabos relative to the same time frame in 2019.

Even more encouraging are the flights scheduled over the next six months, which show increases of 14.3% from Mexico, and 52.4% from the U.S. versus 2019.

Private Flights Are Way Up

Perhaps the most eye-popping number from the most recent report was the fact that private aviation flights to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo were up 48% in March 2021 relative to the same month in 2019.

These numbers, which have been rising steadily in recent years, reflect an increased emphasis on luxury travel in Los Cabos…which, by the way, the destination itself has been striving to promote…from the influx of luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons to the wide array of championship level golf courses and pampering spas.

But these numbers also reflect a heightened focus on privacy and security by travelers in the wake of the 2020 pandemic.

In fact, it’s fair to say that an increased desire for both more luxury and more privacy are behind the trends among U.S. visitors for private jets to and from Los Cabos, and private accommodations during their stays.

Vacation Rentals Are an Increasingly Popular Alternative to Resorts

Villas and vacation rentals have always been a popular alternative to traditional hotels and resorts, at least among discerning travelers. But certainly the demand has risen in recent years, for the same reasons demand has risen for private flights.

So while demand for hotel rooms was still down slightly in April compared to 2019 levels (-23%), the demand for luxury villas and beachfront rental accommodations has never been higher.

We’d expect this trend to continue in future months and years, even as tourist numbers overall stabilize to pre-pandemic levels: partly because of privacy, but also because these rentals offer more luxurious amenities andmore value relative to the traditional hotel experience, especially for families and friends traveling together.

As for Los Cabos itself, the arrows are all pointing up, as numbers of tourists have increased steadily throughout 2021. Expect that trend to continue.

For more information about upcoming events, activities and attractions, and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Los Cabos Tourism Board

Upcoming Events Calendar

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

Stars and Stripes Tournament – Jun. 23 – 27

Full Moon Dinner at Esperanza – Jun. 24

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 1 – 13

Day of the Dead – Nov. 1, 2

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 3 – 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

 

 

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Cabo is Calling! More New Flights, More New Reasons to Visit Los Cabos

March 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment

There’s never been a special reason needed to plan a Los Cabos vacation. Just the normal ones, like a desire for beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine, laid-back atmosphere, and spectacular fishing and golf.

But as more and more Americans vaccinations get vaccinated and life increasingly starts to normalize in 2021, more and more flights are seemingly being added to everyone’s favorite Baja California Sur based vacation destination.

So if you do need an extra reason to start planning your next trip to Los Cabos, here are several!

American Airlines is Adding New Direct Flights from Austin to Los Cabos

Getting from Austin, Texas to Los Cabos, Mexico just got easier, as American Airlines announced a new weekly, seasonal flight, departing every Saturday this summer (June through August). Of course, American has been has already been offering direct service to Los Cabos from major U.S. cities like Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix, with connecting service from pretty much everywhere else.

Also new for American, at least since October of 2020, are direct flights from Dallas and Phoenix into Baja California Sur’s capital city of La Paz. So for those who like to spend time in both Los Cabos and La Paz, it’s now possible to fly in and out of either destination.

Southwest Airlines is Offering Incredible Low Fares to Los Cabos

Southwest is offering a host of incredible ticket deals this spring, with ridiculously low fares to desirable vacation destinations in Mexico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Round-trip tickets from Los Angeles to Los Cabos, for example, are available from as little as $122. So if you weren’t planning a trip already, now’s a good time to start thinking about one!

Frontier Airlines is Adding Direct Flights from Las Vegas to Los Cabos

Frontier has got Los Cabos in mind, too, as they add four new direct flights from Las Vegas this month, with destinations that include Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).

“We’re very excited bring more new flights to Las Vegas,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president at Frontier Airlines. “Frontier has quickly become a preferred airline in Las Vegas with an established crew base, robust flight schedule and ultra-competitive fares and we look forward to welcoming Nevadans on our two new international routes later this month to the sunny beaches of Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.”

The new nonstop flights will fly twice weekly from Las Vegas to Los Cabos, starting this Friday.

So plan accordingly!

Where to Stay, Where to Play

Now that you have information on new flights to Los Cabos, many at very low cost, that means you can think about more important things: like where you’re going to stay during your time in the area.

Luxury villas and vacation rentals are an excellent option for those staying in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, as well as for secluded getaways on the Los Cabos municipality’s gorgeous East Cape.

Not only to vacation rentals offer an upgraded level of privacy and security, they allow you to set up your Los Cabos base near your favorite beach or activities option, be it a charter fishing boat to chase marlin and tuna, or one of the region’s incredible collection of world-class golf courses.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit                                                                                                                 www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit: Southwest Airlines

Upcoming Events Calendar

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 18 – 21

Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race – Apr. 23 – 26

NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally Road Race – Apr. 23 – 30

May

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 6, 13, 20, 27

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28

June

Los Cabos Open of Surf – Jun. 3 -7

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 23 – 27

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

WON Tuna Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Nov. 3 – 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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Viva La Plaza! Art and Culture on Display Weekly in Cabo San Lucas

March 18, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Those who have spent any time at all in San Jose del Cabo are undoubtedly familiar with Art Walk. The weekly (and seasonal) Thursday night event is, after all, a cultural touchstone, welcoming visitors into the boutiques and art galleries of the historic Art District, but also shining a spotlight on downtown bars and restaurants, and the local street scene, from street painters to wandering musicians.

What casual or first-time visitors to Los Cabos may not realize, however, is that Cabo San Lucas has its own version of Art Walk. The name is different (Viva La Plaza) and so is the night (Friday rather than Thursday), but the essence is the same: to showcase not only regional arts and culture, but also the heart and soul of the downtown area.

Viva La Paza is set in and around Plaza Amelia Wilkes, the plaza principal/town square of Cabo San Lucas. Named for a local schoolteacher and the first woman to hold political office in Baja California Sur, the plaza is home to the natural history museum, and thanks to a recent renovation project, has never looked better or more beautiful. The picturesque central gazebo is sporting a new coat of paint, and festive papeles picados are strung across its flawlessly sculpted expanse, framing the broad walkways and wrought iron benches.

On Friday nights, bars and restaurants surrounding the square are lit up, the streets blocked off to all but pedestrian traffic, and local artists and crafts people display their wares. Cabo San Lucas may not have the gallery space for walk-in art viewing for Viva La Plaza as San Jose’s Art District offers for Art Walk, but the streets themselves become makeshift galleries, spotlighting everything from vibrant contemporary painting to traditional bead art from peyote inspired Huichol Indians.

This being 2021, masks are encouraged and antibacterial hand gel is found at stations situated throughout the plaza. But the streets are not crowded enough to make social distancing an issue. The event is a loose, rambling, open-air kind of party, with couples strolling by exhibits, skateboarders and roller blade wearers weaving in and around them, and families with kids standing in discrete groups in front of the dedicated dance stage.

Speaking of which…the highlight of every Viva La Plaza is undoubtedly the folkloric dancing, which takes place in a slightly elevated area – transformed into an impromptu theater – in front of the Museo de Historia Natural. Every state and region of Mexico has its unique costumes and dances, of course, and since Los Cabos is a melting pot, visitors to Viva La Plaza can enjoy performances representing a diverse and delightful sampling of the country’s rich cultural legacy.

When the stage show is over, couples, families and friends sit and chat on the many benches, or adjourn to nearby restaurants which bound the square, offering cultural treasures of their own. Mi Casa offers regional Mexican fare, for example, while Invita Bistro offers Italian specialties and a front picture window that looks out across the square towards the lovely luxury villas that hug the nearby hillsides of Pedregal. And then there is the Cabo Coffee Company, where Viva La Plaza promenaders can duck in for an energy-boosting espresso or latte…or simply to cool off in the air-conditioning during warmer months.

Despite the obvious comparisons in frequency and focus with Art Walk, there is no competition between Los Cabos’ weekly arts and culture celebrations. Both are special in their own ways, and both have carved out their own space on the local events calendar.

Thursday nights may belong to San Jose del Cabo. But Friday nights belongs to Cabo San Lucas…at least between 6 and 10 p.m. in the Land’s End city’s historic heart.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit                                                                                                                  www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit: Viva La Plaza

Upcoming Events Calendar

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 18 – 21

Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race – Apr. 23 – 26

NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally Road Race – Apr. 23 – 30

May

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 6, 13, 20, 27

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28

June

Los Cabos Open of Surf – Jun. 3 -7

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 23 – 27

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

WON Tuna Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Nov. 3 – 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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Leisure Plus Luxury: 3 Tips for Planning the Perfect Los Cabos Golf Vacation

February 16, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Over the course of a little more than 30 years, Los Cabos has become one of the world’s greatest golf destinations, boasting no less than 18 first-class courses from a who’s who of legendary players and designers, including Jack Nicklaus, who has designed six of them, and Tiger Woods, who is currently working on his third.

It’s not just the designers who are remarkable, however, but the settings. Nearly every course features spectacular ocean views, and many layouts wind through desert or dunes, and offer backdrops of rugged mountains, before the inevitable jaw-dropping crescendo of crashing waves (Pacific Ocean side), or idyllic palm-framed greens against a serene sea (Sea of Cortez side), with the postcard perfection of each only magnified by passing pleasure yachts and seasonally breaching whales.

It’s a place, in other words, that every destination golfer must visit at least once.

That said, it’s not the kind of golf destination where you just grab your clubs and head for the nearest airport or private jet FBO.

A little planning is in order if you want to optimize and maximize your time – on and off the course – in this sun-kissed paradise along the southernmost rim of the Baja California peninsula.

With that in mind, here are three simple tips for planning the perfect Los Cabos golf vacation.

Pick Out the Courses You Want to Play Beforehand

The 18 currently operating courses in Los Cabos (yes, more are on the way!) fall into three broad categories: public, private, and playable with some restrictions.

In the first category are the courses at Cabo Real, Cabo San Lucas Country Club, Campestre, Palmilla, Puerto Los Cabos, and Vidanta at Grand Mayan. All are open to the public and playable without any restrictions.

In the second category are Querencia and El Dorado. If you are not a property owner at one of these developments, or friends with one, these course are inaccessible.

The largest category by far, however, is the third: courses playable with some restrictions. This group includes Diamante’s Dunes Course, ranked among the world’s 100 best, as well as Tiger Woods’ El Cardonal and Oasis Short Course. It also includes Quivira Golf Club, Jack Nicklaus’ latest local masterpiece, Tom Fazio’s Chileno Bay Golf Club, the Greg Norman designed Rancho San Lucas, Fred Couples’ Twin Dolphin, the Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf designed courses at Cabo del Sol, and the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Costa Palmas Golf Club.

By restrictions, what we mean is that tee times are reserved for those at select resorts, residential and rental properties. But trust us: if you really want to play any of these superb courses, you most definitely can.

We should also add, this being 2021, that Los Cabos as a destination has been committed to maximum safety since the start of the pandemic last year, a commitment also shared by local golf courses. Golf as a pastime is perfect for the age of social distancing, but even so, courses have gone the extra distance to ensure players feel safe, and are safe at all times.

Find a Luxury Villa or Home Rental Close to Your Favorite Courses

Once you’ve picked out a course or two (or three) where you want to play most often during your Los Cabos vacation, the smart move is to find a villa or home rental that is conveniently close.

Luxury villas and beach or course adjacent rentals are, of course, the preferred option for destination golfers, especially when traveling in groups.

There are several reasons for this, of course; one being privacy, two being safety, three being luxury. As long as you’re paying to play some of the world’s best courses, after all, why not stay at one of the region’s most remarkable properties?

We might also add a fourth, since for small groups and those planning extended stays home rentals are not only more luxurious than local luxury resorts, but quite often more affordable as well.

Luckily, there is no shortage of jaw-dropping rentals available, from villas hugging the hillside cliffs in the exclusive Cabo San Lucas enclave of Pedregal to beachfront homes all along the coast, each filled with a unique mix of luxe amenities.

And of course top rentals offer round-the-clock concierge service, with easy access to everything from private chefs and sommeliers to mobile massage and spa services.

Blend in the Perfect Mix of Wining, Dining & Pampering Amenities

Play golf by day, but at night? Just play. That’s the motto of destination golfers everywhere, and naturally Los Cabos offers plenty of tempting options along these lines, from restaurants featuring top chefs and extensive wine lists to pampering spas where couples can relax together in total comfort and privacy.

And of course, as you may have heard, Los Cabos also has more than a few beautiful beaches.

Need more details? All you have to do is ask.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit                                                                                                                  www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit: Quivira Golf Club

Upcoming Events Calendar

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop (Virtual Session) – Jan. 31 – Feb. 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day) – Feb. 5

Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14

Día de la Bandera Mexicana (Flag Day) –  Feb. 24

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 18 – 21

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 21

Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race – Apr. 23 – 26

NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally Road Race – Apr. 23 – 30

May

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 6, 13, 20, 27

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28

June

Los Cabos Open of Surf – Jun. 3 -7

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 23 – 27

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

WON Tuna Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Nov. 3 – 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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The Remote Work Revolution: Why There Has Never Been a Better Time to Live in Los Cabos, Either Seasonally or Full-Time

January 12, 2021 by Leave a Comment

The pandemic world in which we now live may soon be coming to an end as vaccination numbers increase, but some of the cultural and social side effects will be with us for a long time to come. A few of them are even positive. The remote work revolution, for instance.

The idea of working online from any location is not a new one. As soon as the internet became a reality in the mid-1990s a few lucky souls were able to cut the metaphorical cord connecting them to an office or defined workplace. The pandemic, however, with its focus on safety and social distancing, has shed a light on how many of today’s tech and other computer related jobs really can be done remotely; in other words, from home.

And with that realization comes another epiphany: home can be anywhere you choose. When all you really need is a laptop to make a living, it matters little whether you live in a densely populated city or in a palm tree lined beachfront paradise.

Given the option of living anywhere in the world, wouldn’t you choose the beachfront paradise?

With this idea in mind, here are three reasons Los Cabos is among the world’s best remote work living destinations…either seasonally or full-time.

The Perfect Mix of Near Yet Far

If you can live anywhere and still work, why not choose a beachfront paradise like Tahiti or Bali? Well, you could, but flying back to the U.S. to see family or attend the rare business meeting would involve very long flights and be very, very expensive. The beauty of Los Cabos is that it has the gorgeous beaches and year-round sunshine, but also an almost perfect mix of near yet far.

What does that mean? Cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are nearly 1000 miles by car from the U.S. border, on the southernmost rim of the Baja California peninsula. So there’s definitely a feeling of being “far from the madding crowd”, with all the privacy and seclusion one could possibly want. But the cape cities are also only two hours by plane from California, and three to four hours from most American cities. If you want to see friends or family members from the U.S., it’s still close enough to be convenient and affordable.

There’s also the fact that the U.S. and Mexico are neighbors, and thus it is easy to acquire visas for extended stays, or even to become a permanent resident of Mexico after a period of four years has elapsed. Dual citizenship is also a long-term option, and an attractive one for parents who’d like their children to have a bilingual education. The lack of Spanish for adults seeking a remote work location isn’t an obstacle either, since Los Cabos is a tourist destination with a work force that largely speaks English. There’s also an expat population of over 15,000 U.S. and Canadian citizens, so it’s not hard to make new friends with common interests.

The Los Cabos Lifestyle

We’re talking about remote work, but obviously the ideal location is one in which there are plenty of things to do when you’re not working.

From a lifestyle perspective, Los Cabos has it all. Everybody knows about the beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, but the area is also home to 18 great golf courses from design names like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, dozens of world-class pampering spas, and for water sports…it’s heaven on Earth. The fishing, surfing and diving are amazing here, but there are also ideal conditions from everything from hiking and mountain biking to sailing and stand-up paddle boarding.

Plus, because Los Cabos is an international tourist destination, there are a wealth of great wining and dining options.

Great Rentals and Real Estate

The Los Cabos real estate market has been booming in recent years, and why not? Who doesn’t like ocean view homes that list well below similar properties in the U.S., and a destination that features lower property taxes and a lower cost of living?

That’s a pretty great combination, and if you decide you want to live full-time in Los Cabos (or even if you don’t), buying a home here is an excellent investment. But for many in the remote work space, the idea of being able to pick up and travel, or to move seasonally, is also part of the attraction.

In this case, Los Cabos also offers a fine selection of rental homes and condos. Traditionally, most seasonal residents have spent the winter in Los Cabos. It’s pretty nice, after all, to have 75 degree days in January. But the good thing about year-round sunshine is there are no bad days, or seasons either.

That’s probably something you couldn’t say about the last place you worked.

For more information about home rentals or real estate in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit                                                                                                                 www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Villa del Palmar

Upcoming Events Calendar

January

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Día de los Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28

Twin Dolphin ProAm Golf Tournament – Jan. 9 – 12

Cabo del Sol ProAm Golf Tournament – Jan. 10 – 14

 February

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

March

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23

May

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 6, 13, 20, 27

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

 

 

 

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