Off-Road Nirvana: The Happiest Race on Earth Returns!

The trinity of Los Cabos sports is golf, fishing and off-road racing, and by no means in that order. For decades fishing and off-road racing led the way in terms of high profile events, and even now, the premier events in those sports draw more local interest than any other.

Luckily, with their built-in social distancing component, all three sports have not only survived but thrived despite the pandemic of the past year. Fishing tournaments across the board saw not only record participation, but record payouts in 2020. Golf tournaments have consistently teed off on-time and on-schedule into 2021. And of the two biggest off-road races on the Baja California peninsula, the SCORE Baja 1000 had another successful running in November 2020, and the NORRA Mexican 1000 is primed to return this spring, April 23 – 30, 2021.

If the latter two events sound similar to those unfamiliar with the region’s vibrant off-road racing scene, that’s because their histories are forever intertwined.

When the now legendary off-road endurance race premiered in 1967–as a race from Tijuana to La Paz–it was under the auspices of the National Off-Road Racing Association, formed the year before by a group of racing enthusiasts led by Ed Pearlman and Don Francisco. It was Francisco, a veteran of the Carrera Panamericana, that flew all around Baja to chart a viable course for the first race, Pearlman who handled press and promotion. That was the beginning of the Baja 1000.

NORRA backed out of the race following the OPEC Oil Crisis in 1973, and there was no race at all in 1974. In 1975, eager to continue the tradition, Baja California governor Milton Castellanos convinced promoter Mickey Thompson and his SCORE (Southern California Off-Road Enterprises) organization to take over the race, which they did in 1975. The Baja 1000 has been run under the SCORE banner ever since.

But it was the first few years under NORRA that set the standard for modern Baja style off-road racing, and drew famous contestants like Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones, as well as Hollywood movie stars like James Garner and Steve McQueen.

In order to honor that heritage, NORRA restarted the Mexican 1000 in 2010 as a fun, vintage-style rally race. Dubbed “The Happiest Race on Earth,” the current version of the Mexican 1000 features a mix of restored motorcycles, cars and trucks from the glory era of the Baja 1000, as well as modern desert rally cars. Classes are divided by eras to keep it fun and competitive for all, with high-speed off-road stages linked by controlled-speed highway portions.

Best of all for lovers of Los Cabos, the race course stays the same each year, starting in Ensenada and finishing with an awards ceremony and finish line fiesta beachside in San Jose del Cabo. Contrast that with the Baja 1000, which changes its course from year to year and has finished in Los Cabos only twice, and it’s clear which event offers the most potential for not only racing thrills, but Los Cabos style fun and sun after the race is over.

How’s this for a sporting recipe? Spend the better part of a week racing the rugged, picturesque length of the Baja California peninsula, then as many days as you like relaxing and enjoying Los Cabos’ unmatched brand of laid-back luxury.

No wonder they call it “The Happiest Race on Earth.”

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:  NORRA Mexican 1000

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

Food, Art, Music and Romance:  February Events in Los Cabos

As we reported last week, Los Cabos as a tourist destination has weathered the ongoing Covid-19 crisis quite well, recovering 80% of expected travel activity by the end of 2020, with an even rosier outlook for 2021. The outlook is also brighter this year for events.

Yes, fishing tournaments saw record turnouts and payouts last year, but for the most part the event calendar in 2020 was characterized by cancellations. That trend will continue to some extent in 2021, especially for events that have traditionally seen large crowds gathered in close proximity. But for the most part area event organizers have learned from the destination’s strict approach to temperature testing, sanitization and distancing protocols, and are now working diligently to factor in those protocols so that events can proceed safely and on schedule.

Some big events, alas, will still be cancelled this year. Carnaval, a huge annual event in La Paz, has been postponed until 2o22; as has San Jose del Cabo’s Jazz Weekend, a great downtown music fest that has been a Valentine’s Day weekend favorite for years. But romantic Valentine’s Day dinners will remain a Los Cabos specialty this year, as will memorable cultural festivals, and plenty of outdoor sporting competitions, led by high-profile fishing and golf tournaments.

With that in mind, here are the February event highlights in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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

The historic Distrito del Arte 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. This being 2020, social distancing and other safety protocols are in effect.

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

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.

Valentine’s Day Dinners in Los Cabos – Feb. 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 Jacob Ramos 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 $200 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 – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

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 private courses in Los Cabos. Oklahoma State won the previous three Cabo Collegiate Tournaments. Who’ll win this year? Too early to guess, but over 15 top teams from U.S. universities will compete in the three round event, including Cal and Stanford, Alabama and LSU, 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 (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

 

 

New Direct Flights From New York and Other Destinations, Plus Focus on Safety Propel Strong Tourism Recovery in Los Cabos

Los Cabos brought 2020 to a close with nearly 80% recovery of all travel activity due to the destination’s strong and swift response to control the spread of COVID-19. 2021 is expected to continue this trend, as vaccinations increased and the destination benefits from strong safety protocols and new direct flights from large East Coast markets in the U.S.

What a difference a year makes. In March 2020, Los Cabos closed the destination for over two months to focus on the creation and implementation of health and safety measures that would allow a safe reopening for international travel. With support from local authorities and tourism partners, Los Cabos Tourism Board implemented a successful phased approach to reopen the destination and created the Los Cabos with Care – A Safer Way to Get Away system, which comprises safety guidelines and health protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all travelers when visiting Los Cabos.

Since its reopening on June 15, 2020, Los Cabos has seen a strong recovery in international arrivals and closed the year with 1.4 million international visitors. In November, Los Cabos welcomed 103,000 international visitors, which is 64.3% of the visitation received during the same month in 2019.

“This remarkable recovery underscores the resilience of our travel industry and vote of confidence from our visitors who continue selecting Los Cabos as their preferred luxury travel destination in Mexico,” said Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of Los Cabos Tourism Board. “Our top priority is the health and wellbeing of our community and all visitors. Tourism is the heartbeat of Los Cabos and it’s important that as we continue navigating this challenging time, we maintain our careful approach and strict protocols to protect our community while we continue our path to recovery.”

Los Cabos’ momentum is projected to continue throughout 2021 with an estimated 40.6% growth in seats during the first half of this year. As of now, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines are offering new direct flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark International Airport, marking a big milestone for Los Cabos with added direct connectivity to the East Coast of the United States. American is also launching flights from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Sacramento International Airport. As of November 2020, the destination had successfully recovered 75% on international air connectivity and Los Cabos’ private airport had also seen a significant 137% growth in arrivals of private airplanes since the destination’s reopening.

In recent months, Los Cabos has also strengthened the destination’s health and safety protocols system created in partnership with Intertek Cristal in order to guarantee the highest standard of the travel industry. Additionally, the airport has implemented several changes, including expanding its operational headcount to provide a more personalized service, operating transportation buses at a 35-person capacity limit representing a 50% operational level, and increasing immigration officers’ hours of service to facilitate arrival of all international travelers and avoid waiting times while at the airport.

In each step along the way to recovery and beyond, Los Cabos is committed to a successful implementation of its health and safety system addressing the airport, transportation, accommodations, restaurants and bars, tour activities, the beach and the local community overall. Visitors interested in learning more about Los Cabos’ health and safety efforts can go to visitloscabos.travel/industry/los-cabos-with-care.

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:  American Airlines

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

 

 

 

What’s On Deck: An Early Look at the 2021 Fishing Tournament Calendar in Los Cabos

Despite the pandemic, 2020 proved to be a banner year for Los Cabos fishing tournaments, with huge turnouts and record-breaking prize money.

Destination anglers can expect more of the same in 2021.

Almost all of the dates for the major regional tournaments have now been released, so we’ll catch you up on that, as well as providing the latest info on registration and early bird discounts.

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament/Cabo Summer Slam – June 10th to 12th

Bisbee’s isn’t the only organizer of big money fishing tournaments in Los Cabos. Water sports apparel maker non pareil Pelagic returns to host its 8th annual Summer Slam this June. The 2020 tournament was cancelled because of quarantine conditions in Los Cabos, and only dates have been releases so far for the 2021 event. But based on previous editions of the tournament, expect a shotgun start in front of Land’s End, with teams competing to haul in trophy size marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado and wahoo during the multi-day tournament. Last time the tournament was held, base entry was $3,500 per team, with $19,500 acr0ss-the-board for all jackpots and challenges. We’d expect prize money to easily exceed $300,000 overall.

Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – June 23rd to 27th

During the 20+ years of its existence, the annual Stars and Stripes’ golf and fishing tournament has raised over 36 million dollars for youth focused charities. But it’s not simply a tournament or a charity benefit…more like a complete lifestyle experience. Participants stay at the luxurious Hilton Los Cabos; go big-game sportfishing for dorado, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, swordfish, and black, blue and striped marlin; play golf at some of the world’s best golf courses; and enjoy spectacular live entertainment nightly. Last year’s tournament was cancelled, and only the dates have been released for 2021: meaning there’s no word as yet on this year’s headliner. Expect a big name, though. Sammy Hagar and Cheap Trick have performed in recent years.

East Cape Dorado Shootout – July 17th

This is one of the largest fishing tournaments in Southern Baja, with an average turnout of 130 teams each year. What makes it so popular? The opportunity to win a brand new, fully-loaded 2021 Volkswagen 4×4 Amarok pickup truck, of course. The rules are simple, catch the biggest dorado on July 17th and you win the truck. There will also be great prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, as well as for the largest tuna and largest wahoo caught that day. The beauty of this one-day tournament format is that anyone can win. After the tournament, Palmas De Cortez in Los Barriles will host the award ceremony, which is unlike any in Baja, with dinner, music, a raffle, and more. The combined jackpot prizes here typically average $130,000.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – August 3rd to 7th

The East Cape Offshore kicks off Bisbee’s 2021 series starting August 3rd. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three qualifiers in marlin, tuna and dorado categories, with the awards celebration taking place afterwards at the Hotel Buena Vista. Base entry for the event is $1500 per team, with additional fees for daily jackpots ($32,000 “across the board”). Prize money is based on entry fees received, with 60% going to the billfish winners, and 20% each to top tuna and dorado anglers. For first-timers, each tournament in the Bisbee’s series has an Early Bird Drawing. The winner of the drawing gets a free entry to the following year’s tournament. To be eligible the paid entry (base entry only) must be received by the Early Bird Deadline (June 30th, 2021 for the ECO). The earlier you enter the more chances you have to win, as for each month prior to the deadline that you enter, you will receive an additional chip in the drawing. For example, if you enter 6 months prior you will receive six chips in the drawing. The free entry is good for the following year only and is non-transferable.

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Tournament – August 21st

Similar to the East Cape Dorado Shootout with its drive-away first prize, the biggest wahoo caught on August 21st will earn one lucky fisherman a showroom fresh 2021 Volkswagen Golf and a Suzuki 140 horsepower four-stroke outboard engine. In total, over $100,000 in cash and prizes are expected to be up for grabs, including great raffle prizes, return trips, fishing outings, and much more. The entry fee is only $500 per team and includes dinner at the awards ceremony.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – October 14th to 17th

Commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the “Big Bisbee’s” Black & Blue marlin fishing tournament that also takes place each October in Los Cabos, the Los Cabos Offshore dates back to 2002, and is considered a more laid-back, charity focused endeavor than the Black & Blue. Cash prizes are awarded to the teams with the three biggest qualifying fish in the game and billfish categories at the LCO, and large amounts of fish/meals are always donated to local families in need. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $22,500 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges. The Early Bird Deadline for the LCO this year is August 31st.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – October 19th to 23rd

Oft billed as “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament,” thanks to its million dollar payouts, this marlin fishing tournament originally premiered in 1981, and remains to this day the highest profile annual event in Los Cabos. Base entry for this millionaire maker is $5,000 U.S. per team, and requires a $71,500 U.S. outlay across all categories, jackpots and challenges. Prizes are awarded for the top five catches of black and blue marlin, assuming they meet the minimum standards (300 lbs.). Early Bird Deadline this year, as for the LCO, is August 31st.

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – Nov. 3rd to 6th

The Western Outdoor News has a long history with Los Cabos, dating back to the 1950s, when Baja columnist Ray Cannon’s rave fishing reviews helped put the area on the destination travel map. The WON Tuna Jackpot is one of the larger fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas, a fixture of the autumn sporting calendar that follows hard on the heels of the Los Cabos Billfish and Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue Tournaments. 149 teams made it to Cabo San Lucas for the 22nd annual event in 2020, competing for record cash payouts of over one million dollars ($1,035,700 to be exact). Entry forms ($1000 base entry) are already out on their website for the 2021 tournament.

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:  WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot

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

 

 

 

Health Spotlight: Safe Travel and Medical Tourism in Los Cabos

Los Cabos has for decades been a leading destination for medical tourism, but of course in 2020 the question becomes 1) Is it safe to travel to there?… and then and only then 2) what are the options for affordable, high-quality medical and dental care?

Travel Safety Update for Los Cabos

So let’s start with the first question. Since reopening on June 15th, Los Cabos has been one of the strictest tourist destinations in Mexico in terms of safety protocols in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. What does this mean? Even now six months after reopening, Los Cabos is still mandating lower capacity levels for resorts, restaurants, and other businesses than other popular Mexican vacation destinations, as well as insisting on stringent safety measures elsewhere. Even the most luxurious resorts require mask wearing in all public areas, and temperature checks are obligatory before entering most places of business. Nightclubs have yet to reopen, since they’re regarded as a safety risk.

So yes, it is safe to travel to Los Cabos; and as vaccinations increase in the coming months, it will become even safer still. But for those who want to track the threat level, Mexico maintains its own version of a CDC (Center for Disease Control) website, where one can view a state-by-state, color-coded chart for new and ongoing coronavirus cases around the country.

That chart may be viewed here:  https://datos.covid-19.conacyt.mx/

Prospective visitors can also get an overview of the destination’s safety first approach, and the impact it’s making in this new article from Travel Weekly:  https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Insights/Cautious-optimism-in-Los-Cabos

Medical Tourism in Los Cabos

The pandemic remains at the forefront of everyone’s consciousness, but it’s not the only medical issue, and of course the cost for basic care is often high in the U.S. That’s why Los Cabos has been long been a top destination for medical tourism, offering both convenient proximity to the U.S. and high-quality health care available at 40 to 65% less on average than its northern neighbor.

Not only is the cost affordable, Los Cabos has also seen an influx in recent years of new healthcare facilities with state-of-the-art equipment.

Hospiten and H+

The newest of these high-quality, low-cost medical centers is Hospiten, which premiered in October 2018 just outside Cabo San Lucas, near one of the municipality’s most oft-visited shopping centers (Plaza San Lucas, home to Walmart). If the name is recognizable, that’s because Hospiten is affiliated with the international hospital group of the same name, which has a network of locations that includes México, Spain, Jamaica, Panama and the Dominican Rebublic.

Hospiten Los Cabos offers patients a full-range of services, from emergency care and surgical suites to medical laboratories and departments specializing in anesthesiology, cardiology, general surgery, oral surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, dermatology, internal medicine, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and psychology, among others.

Hospiten isn’t the only impressive new medical facility to open locally. There’s also Hospital H+, which opened in 2016 in the tourist corridor that connects the cape cities, near San Jose del Cabo. Like Hospiten, H+ offers cutting-edge equipment and an excellent roster of on-call physicians, as well as 24-hour triage and intensive care, surgical areas and specialty clinics, laboratories and blood banks, radiology and ultrasound imaging, and private rooms for extended patient stays.

Other Quality Medical Care Options

Interested in exploring all the options? The U.S. Consulate regularly updates a list of fully-accredited hospitals and medical care facilities in Los Cabos, a list that at present includes the two already touted, as well as the AMC and BlueNet Hospitals, the General Hospitals in both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, the Red Cross (Cruz Roja in Spanish) ambulance and rescue services, plus a few clinics and sanitariums.

The list may be viewed here:  https://mx.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/Hospitals-External-Feb-2020.pdf 

Dental Care

One area the U.S. Consulate list doesn’t address is dental care. But in this field, too, Los Cabos offers many excellent options for cost-conscious travelers, including the Dental Studio by Pedro Ortiz.

View the website here:  https://www.facebook.com/dental-studio-by-pedro-ortiz/

For a virtual tour of the facilities and a look at what the dental care experience is like, check out the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNE5dULKWKA&fbclid=IwAR08dE7IYTrfUJWhlkD-zk0jrjRpKw6ZF1yTGIbQ4HP4VswwupdAOj6vbuQ

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, www.TheCaboRealEstate.com or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Hospiten

Upcoming Events Calendar

December

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

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

Festival del Mole in Todos Santos – Dec. 5

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

NYE 2021 Disco Classy at Sunset Monalisa – Dec. 31

NYE 2021 at SUR Beach House – Dec. 31

NYE 2021 at Bar Esquina – Dec. 31

NYE 2021 at Grand Solmar Land’s End – Dec. 31

NYE 2021 Glitz & Glam at Brigantine/Playa Grande – Dec. 31

NYE 2021 Wild Wild West at Anica/Grand Solmar Rancho San Lucas – Dec. 31

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

 July

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

 August

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

 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

 

 

 

Teed Up for Action:  A Preview of Upcoming Golf Tournaments in Los Cabos

The Los Cabos events calendar has been noticeably lighter in 2020, which of course has little to do with the propensity of cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo to throw a great party, and everything to do with the safety concerns surrounding the global coronavirus pandemic.

Events which draw crowds of people together in close proximity have simply not been possible in the current health climate. Events that have a built in social distancing element, however, have been able to continue on to great success, with only minor tweaks for additional safety measures. In this latter category are all the great local golf and fishing tournaments.

Los Cabos is famous for both, of course. The local tourist industry was practically built on big-game sportfishing, and every tournament scheduled after June this year went off as planned with no issues whatsoever. Not only that, Bisbee’s trio of tournaments – which in include the East Cape and Los Cabos Offshore, as well as the famed Black & Blue – were all distinguished by either record fields, record prize purses, or both.

Golf is a less lucrative endeavor in Los Cabos, even relative to the regional pro-am tournaments. Rather, it’s more of a lifestyle pursuit, one which allows visitors to play on some of the best golf courses in the world (at last count, Los Cabos had four of the top 100 in a ranking of international courses), as well as enjoying all the other upscale appeals Los Cabos has to offer (from destination dining to luxury villas, vacation rentals and resorts).

With that in mind, there are three big golf tournaments scheduled during the early part of 2021. One is open only to collegians. The other two, meanwhile, are pro-ams, open to anyone with the wherewithal to enter.

Here’s a preview of what’s on tap in terms of upcoming golf tournaments in Los Cabos.

Twin Dolphin Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 9th to 12th, 2021

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 has been split up into two separate events, each on acclaimed local layouts. For the Twin Dolphin Pro-Am Golf Tournament, the setting is Twin Dolphin Club, which opened in 2018 with a design collaboration by Todd Eckenrode and legendary player and former Masters Champion Fred Couples. Teams at this year’s tournament will consist of 5 players – 4 amateurs and one pro – with participants competing in a best ball format over 36 holes for daily and overall prizes (for both teams and pros). Entry fees include luxurious accommodation packages for three nights at the recently opened Montage Los Cabos Resort, which overlooks gorgeous Bahia Santa Maria.

Cabo del Sol Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 10th to 14th, 2021

Jack Nicklaus’ masterpiece at Cabo del Sol (originally The Ocean Course, now the Cove Club) has been a fixture of the Los Cabos golf scene since the mid-1990s, and has been rated one of the world’s best courses on numerous occasions. Another major champion, Tom Weiskopf, designed the neighboring Cabo del Sol Desert Course. Together, these magnificent layouts form the backdrop of the Cabo del Sol Pro-Am Golf Tournament, with the first and third (final) rounds at the Cove Club, the middle round at the Desert Course. The top 6 teams and professionals will split daily and overall prizes. Team makeup is the same as at Twin Dolphin (4 amateurs, 1 pro).

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28th to Mar. 2nd

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 private courses in Los Cabos. Oklahoma State won the previous three Cabo Collegiate Tournaments. Who’ll win this year? Too early to guess, but over 15 top teams from U.S. universities will compete in the three round event, including Cal and Stanford, Alabama and LSU, 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, www.LosCabosRealEstate.Pro, www.TheCaboRealEstate.com or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Cabo del Sol

Upcoming Events Calendar

December

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

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

Festival del Mole in Todos Santos – Dec. 5

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

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

 

Give Yourself a Gift:  4 Reasons to Spend Christmas in Los Cabos This Year

2020 has been an unusual year, and a very difficult one in many ways. Most of us will be quite happy to see the end of it. But despite the challenges and trials of 2020, it’s still possible to end the year on a high note. In fact, that should be the goal.

And we have a recommendation: Christmas in Los Cabos.

It’s never a bad idea to take a vacation in Los Cabos, and there’s never really a bad time to do it. But Christmas 2020 is a particularly good time to visit, and for a variety of reasons.

Here are four of our favorites:

Winter Weather that Feels Like Summer Weather

This one is almost too obvious to mention…but we’ll do it anyway.

The average daily temperature in Los Cabos during December is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun shines every day. Contrast that with frigid temperatures across much of the U.S., and the idea of a vacation seems better and better. Right?

Why slog through snow, after all, when you could be lounging on the beach with a cocktail or cerveza in hand? Why start the day de-icing your car or shoveling your driveway when you could be snorkeling in warm tropical waters? Why dress in layers of clothing when all you really need is swimsuit?

Well, you get the point.

A Culture of Celebration

Christmas is a popular celebration in countries around the globe, but few nations have embraced the spirit of the holiday quite like Mexico. Long-time visitors will perhaps be familiar with the phrase “Maraton Guadalupe-Reyes”, which refers to the nearly month-long period from the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 to the day of the three wise men (Los Tres Reyes Magos in Mexico, Epiphany in the U.S.) on Jan. 6. This annual stretch is filled (hence the “marathon” analogy) with a seemingly unending string of fiestas, a seasonal party spirit embraced strongly in nightlife meccas like Cabo San Lucas.

But of course spending the holidays in Los Cabos also offer so much more. The Christmas season offers a glimpse into the Catholic core of Mexican culture, from public nacimientos (nativity scenes) to myriad other decorations and observances.

This is a wonderful time to visit historic local churches, as well as a great opportunity to sample traditional holiday food and drink favorites like buñuelos (a fried dough dessert covered in cinnamon sugar), rompope (rum based eggnog), and ponche navideño (Christmas punch).

Christmas shopping opportunities abound as well, from upscale clothing and jewelry at Luxury Avenue to regional arts and crafts.

Larger Than Life Adventures

Snowbirds aren’t the only ones who flock to Los Cabos each winter. So too do upwards of 5,000 whales, who migrate from arctic summer feeding ground to warm water winter breeding grounds around Baja California Sur.

These are the longest migrations on Earth, as well as arguably the most spectacular. Watch a 60,000-pound humpback lift nearly his entire body out of the water in a breach before an awe-inspiring splashdown and it’s hard to argue.

Nearly every activities and adventure company in the area offers whale watching tours from mid-December to mid-April, the best of which typically utilize high-speed Zodiac inflatables to get as close as legally allowed to these leviathans. A few even offer hydrophones to hear their haunting songs.

But you don’t need to take a tour to see the biggest show on the planet, as transiting whales can often be sighted from the shoreline.

Affordable Luxury

The dollar remains strong against the peso, which means a paradisiacal destination that has always offered luxury at a value compared to the U.S., is even more affordable than ever.

Luxuries you might normally deny yourself can thus be enjoyed guilt-free, whether that means renting a yacht for a day, enjoying multi-course meals with wine pairings at top local restaurants, or taking advantage of the region’s superb collection of villas and vacation rentals.

The latter are really the ultimate affordable luxury in Los Cabos, since not only do they typically offer breathtaking ocean views and upscale amenities like infinity pools and hot tubs; but villas and vacation rentals also offer an ability to totally customize your vacation.

Is there a beach you love taking the family to? A restaurant you always visit with your significant other? A view that never fails to fill you with awe? Then find a luxury villa or vacation rental close by; or, better yet, let a professional find it for you.

That’s a pretty good gift to give yourself and your loved ones this Christmas.

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, www.TheCaboRealEstate.com or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Sandos Hotels & Resorts

Upcoming Events Calendar

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

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

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

Los Cabos Film Festival (online only) – Nov. 11 – 19

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

Thanksgiving – Nov. 26

December

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

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

Festival del Mole in Todos Santos – Dec. 5

Sabor a Cabo Rural 2020 – Dec. 11

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January

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

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

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

 

The Other Side of Paradise: 4 Reasons to Fall in Love with the East Cape of Los Cabos

In the 50 years since Mexican tourist trust FONATUR first began developing Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo into world-class tourist destinations, the cape cities have seen remarkable changes: from the arrival of luxury resorts and pampering spas to upscale dining and championship level golf courses.

But there’s another side of Los Cabos, one much less developed, but with considerable charms for visitors seeking a different kind of “Cabo” vacation. That would be the East Cape, a seventy-mile stretch of coastline that swells outward from San Jose del Cabo to Los Barriles.

This coastline offers spectacular conditions for just about every outdoor activity imaginable, from surfing, diving, fishing, and hiking to mountain biking, camping, kayaking and kiteboarding.

If you’ve never experienced life on the East Cape, now’s a good time to start. Here are four of our favorite reasons for vacationing here (and for possibly making the vacation permanent).

The East Cape is a Time Machine to the “Old Cabo”

Because is it so much less developed than Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, going to the East Cape is a bit like getting into a time machine and hitting the setting for “Old Cabo”. The benchmark fishing resorts of Los Barriles and Buena Vista are close to 50 years old, and offer a glimpse of the region’s past, when the prime attractions were fishing, beaches, and little else. But head south below La Ribera and the old Camino Cabo Este (East Cape Road) is almost completely dirt, from just north of Cabo Pulmo to Zacatitos, 10 miles outside San Jose del Cabo.

The East Cape is an off-the-grid paradise, in other words – or at least significant parts of it still are – and it offers an incredible combination of peace, privacy, gorgeous scenery, and luxury rental accomodatons at affordable prices.

The Undersea Fantasia of Cabo Pulmo National Park

In 1995, the 100 or so residents of the tiny East Cape village of Cabo Pulmo noticed that their offshore waters were overfished and their offshore reef was being degraded. What followed was one of the world’s great ecological success stories. Determined residents and regional academics petitioned for protection, and Cabo Pulmo became first a protected sanctuary, and finally a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The eight fingers of offshore coral reef are among the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, and in the 25 years since Cabo Pulmo gained protected status, it has become the most densely populated area of the Sea of Cortez in terms of marine life; it literally teams with life, from mantas, dolphins and giant sea turtles to profusions of colorful tropical fish so intense it’s awe-inspiring. Cabo Pulmo has become one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations on the planet, and visits here are among the highlights of any East Cape vacation.

Beautiful Beaches Without Crowds or Vendors

Surfers have been heading to East Cape beaches like Shipwrecks and Nine Palms for generations, riding the waves from southwest swells. These beaches are beautiful, and there are hundreds just like them along the East Cape, stunning stretches of sand with virtually no one on them save a few surfers, or local fishermen putting their boats in the water. No vendors will bother you, no crowds will intrude on your space. It’s remarkable really; a bit like being in your own private Corona commercial.

Villas and Vacation Rentals That Will Take Your Breath Away

Has there ever been a year like 2020 in showing just how important it can be to truly get away from it all? Not only for peace of mind, but for the health and safety of family and friends?

The beauty of the East Cape is that you can get away in style. Take the Villa El Rincon del Sol, for example, a private 12-acre estate just north of Cabo Pulmo that offers a luxurious five-bedroom vacation rental with heated infinity pool and two waterfalls, plus over 200 meters of private beachfront. There are no crowds or vendors to bother you here. The only sounds you’ll hear are seabirds and waves gently lapping upon the shore. It’s a perfect privacy, with your own beach and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world just down the road. The home is staffed with four full-time employees, including your own private chef, and if you have a stressful day in the infinity pool, a professional masseuse is only a phone call away.

This is the beauty of the East Cape experience, and it’s why a few discerning travelers are choosing it over the crowds and the noisy hustle-bustle of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. If you want the hustle-bustle and the action, you can still have it, of course. The East Cape is in the Los Cabos municipality, after all, and thus proximate by car to the “other” Cabo.

But there’s also immense natural beauty and total privacy, and those things are in shorter supply each passing year.

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, www.TheCaboRealEstate.com or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Chris Sands

Upcoming Events Calendar

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

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

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

Los Cabos Film Festival (online only) – Nov. 11 – 19

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

Thanksgiving – Nov. 26

December

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

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

Festival del Mole in Todos Santos – Dec. 5

Sabor a Cabo Rural 2020 – Dec. 11

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January

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

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

 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

 

Bisbee’s Continues to Smash Records as Black & Blue Tournament Starts

It seems as if nothing can stop Bisbee’s from breaking records. Not even a global pandemic.

The season started hot in August at Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore, when prize money cracked the million dollar mark for the first time ever on the basis of a record 72 entered teams, and Team Chupacabra boated the biggest blue marlin – 704 lbs. – ever weighed during the 21 year history of the event.

And the heat has continued into October, with Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore. The recently completed tournament (Sunday was the final day) saw a record number of 128 teams push the prize purse to another record: 1.44 million dollars. Team Sporty Game walked away with the biggest check – $837,816 dollars – for bringing in the biggest billfish (a 514 lb. black marlin) plus daily jackpot earnings. Pocket Aces came in second, but still walked away with over $293,500 for a few days of fishing in gorgeous sunshine. True Grit, meanwhile, took home pride (and a check for $138,760) after winning the tuna category with a 228 lb. yellowfin tuna.

Another tournament, the non-Bisbee’s sponsored Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, also saw plenty of action. The biggest moment, literally, may have been when angler Hugo Pino aboard the Stella June bagged a whopping 593 lb. black marlin. That catch still wasn’t good enough to win the title on total points, an honor that went to perpetual contenders El Suertudo and fishermen Greg DiStefano, who caught both qualifying blue and black marlin (over 300 lbs. minimum) to help the team take a home a check for a cool $344,700 dollars.

The 22nd annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament took place from Oct. 11th to 15th, the 19th Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore from October 15th to 18th.

Still to come, of course, is the biggest tournament of them all: Bisbee’s Black & Blue, aka The Super Bowl of Fishing and The Richest Fishing Tournament in the World. Last year, Bisbee’s handed out three separate checks of over 1.3 million dollars at the Black and Blue, so there’s no telling how high the prize pool could go this year, at least based on the way each succeeding tournament seems to get bigger and better.

The 40th annual Bisbee’s Black and Blue starts today, so we should know soon just how many teams have registered and how much money may be on the line. Could the 2020 event break the record purse of 4.165 million in 2006, which was and still is the largest payout in sportfishing history?

Based on what’s happened so far this year, don’t bet against it.

The record numbers, it must be noted, should in no way suggest Bisbee’s has ignored the Coronavirus. Indeed, new safety protocols have been in place since the first tournament, the East Cape Offshore, got the go ahead over the summer. In addition to social distancing between boats and virtual captain’s meetings, only one team member has been able to be present at weigh-ins (the one who caught the fish in most cases), with a mask on. An increased focus on pre-registration has also helped to limit personal contact, and the weigh station has been moved from Puerto Paraiso to the cruise ship dock to discourage the forming of crowds to “ooh” and” aah” over incoming catches.

No one would argue it hasn’t been a strange year. But if you love fishing and love competing for huge prizes, it has at least been a great year by those standards. And the best may be yet to come.

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:  Los Cabos Billfish Tournament

Upcoming Events Calendar

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Top Chef Los Cabos 2020 – Oct. 17

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

Restaurant Week San Jose del Cabo – Oct. 23 – 30

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Oct. 29

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Oct. 30

Day of the Dead Festival (“Secrets of La Catrina”) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

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

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

Los Cabos Film Festival (online only) – Nov. 11 – 19

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Los Cabos Big Game Charter Boat Classic – Nov. 17 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

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

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

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

Your Own Private Paradise: 3 Tips to Finding the Perfect Vacation Rental in Los Cabos

Increasingly in 2020, discerning travelers are opting for vacation rentals rather than traditional hotels and resorts. Part of this paradigm shift has to do with the world in which we now live. Privacy, which vacation rentals offer more of by their very nature than even the most luxurious resorts, offer an upgraded sense of security in a pandemic world, and allow those desirous of a much-needed vacation to travel to paradise-like locations such as Los Cabos in safety and style.

But vacation rentals in beachfront destinations like Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del abo offer more than just mere privacy. They also offer an ability to customize your vacation experience in a way hotel and resorts never will, for the simple fact that the latter are tethered to a specific location.

What do we mean by this? We’ll explain more fully as we offer our top 3 tips for finding the perfect vacation rental in Los Cabos.

Customize Your Location

Is there a beach in Los Cabos you love above all others? Do you have a favorite surf break, or dive site? How about a favored restaurant or a bar where everyone knows your name?

One of the great things about luxury villas and vacation rentals is that they dot the coastline from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo and beyond. If you want a place on the beach, or in mountain foothills, or with views of magnificent desert vistas, you can certainly have it. In effect, vacation rentals allow you to choose your scenery, to customize the views which make you happiest.

Just as importantly, they allow you close proximity to the activities or dining preferences you’re most likely to choose on a daily basis. Do you and your wife like playing golf together at a certain course? Then why not choose a vacation rental located close (if not fairway adjacent) to that course?

The ability to find a property that aligns perfectly with your vacation plans is a great luxury, but also a great convenience that will save you hours in back and forth travel time. Time that could be more fruitfully spent doing the things that drew you to Los Cabos in the first place.

Customize Your Amenities

Let’s be honest. It’s not going to be difficult to find a place with a swimming pool–or even an infinity edged pool with gorgeous ocean views–in a destination like Los Cabos. Every luxury villa and vacation rental worth its salt has a pool, not to mention a palapa topped outdoor lounge with a grilling station for sunset barbecues. Amenities like these are practically standard.

Other amenities are more hit and miss, which like location, allows visitors to customize a vacation property based upon their specific needs or wishes. We’d recommend vastly different properties for a couple seeking a romantic getaway, for instance, than for a family traveling with small children.

In the former case, easy access to a private chef for romantic candlelit dinners or a masseuse for side-by-side couple’s spa treatments might be preferred. For the latter, a home theater for family movie nights or direct beach access for sandcastle building are likely more suitable.

Vacation rentals in Los Cabos are apt to have a few things–like ocean views and swimming pools–in common. But there are many more aspects that can be customized. There’s no need to simply select a place based on budget or number of bedrooms, or to choose a hotel or resort based on brand reputation. Not when you can find a place that’s picture perfect for the kind of vacation you’ve always dreamed of having.

Find the Right Rental Agent

Although you can find plenty of people willing to act as your agent for villas or vacation rentals (or real estate, for that matter) in Los Cabos, very few have the knowledge and experience to find properties perfectly suited to both your wishes and your budget.

Enter Michael Aviani and Los Cabos Villas. Michael has been a trusted name in Los Cabos rentals and Cabo real estate for over 30 years, with a stellar reputation and an exhaustive knowledge of properties in the area; and his vacation rental company website, www.LosCabosVillas.com , is the premier resource for locating luxury villas and vacation rentals. Also if you would like to invest and buy a Piece of Paradise click on www.TheCaboRealEstate.com.

So if you really want to customize your Los Cabos vacation, start with finding the right rental agent and the right resources.

The good news? You’ve already found them.

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:  Villas del Mar

Upcoming Events Calendar

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Los Cabos Big Game Charter Boat Classic – Nov. 17 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31