Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
The history of Los Cabos dates to at least 13,000 B.C.
The Pericu are considered to be the first human inhabitants of Los Cabos.
The Pericues were a tribe of hunter-gatherers.
They have been extinct for about 250 years.
It is not known where they came from or how they got to the area now known as Los Cabos.
Some Europeans who first visited what is now Los Cabos considered them to be savages.
Some other Europeans spent time getting to know them and their culture.
What is left of these original inhabitants are artifacts and skeletons, as ancient history gave way to the modern development of Los Cabos.
Los Cabos attracts millions of travelers every year.
The area has seen a steady increase in the number of visitors to the area year over year.
Travelers flock to Los Cabos to enjoy the nature, the weather, the beaches, and the other things that Los Cabos has to offer travelers all year round.
People who plan to visit want to make sure that they are safe when they visit Los Cabos.
Is it safe for families?
Is it safe for women who travel alone?
These are some things to consider when planning your trip.
Warnings & Dangers in Los Cabos
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Los Cabos is in an area with stunning views that is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. The location makes it a popular destination for millions of travelers. Local law enforcement works hard to help make sure that travelers stay safe during their visit.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
The taxis in Los Cabos do not have meters. Discuss your fare before you get into the taxi. Take a taxi from a reputable taxi service. Do not get a taxi on the streets of Los Cabos. Travelers who do this may become victims of robberies or other crimes. Do not use public transport in Los Cabos. There is also a high risk of being a robbery victim.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Although most crimes are low in Los Cabos, the risk attributed to pickpockets is high. Do not carry your phone in your pants pocket or in an open handbag. Keep your phone, wallet, and credit cards safely tucked away in an inside pocket.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Los Cabos has beautiful weather, but there are some risks of natural disasters. Hurricanes may occur, as well as tropical storms. Travelers likely want to plan their trip during times that are a low risk for hurricanes and tropical storms. Earthquakes have occurred in Los Cabos, but they are at a lower risk compared to hurricanes and tropical storms.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Travelers who do not practice good safety measures may become mugging victims when they visit Los Cabos. Dress down so you do not draw attention to yourself. Cooperate with people who try to rob you. It is better to give them what they ask for than to risk getting hurt by them.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Los Cabos has a low risk of terrorism. That does not mean that it is immune to such an activity. Stay alert to news reports and any demonstrations that may occur in and around Los Cabos.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Scams are one of the crimes that travelers need to be aware of when they visit Los Cabos. One example is the scam where people offer to help you with your luggage or other belongings. Do not accept help from anyone you do not know. You may find yourself in Los Cabos without your documents, wallet, and credit cards. Do not fall into the trap of buying tours or transport to destinations in Los Cabos from unverified sources. It is usually a scam. Use only reputable companies to book tours, excursions, and activities.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Los Cabos is one of the safest places in Mexico for women travelers. Thousands of solo women travelers have traveled to Los Cabos and had a great time without any safety issues. Women should still stay aware of their surroundings and of anyone who they feel may be watching them or following them.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Do not drink the tap water in Los Cabos. Several sources say that it is generally not considered safe for people to drink. The local people often avoid drinking tap water. The water at hotels and resorts in Los Cabos is usually safe. This is because of the treatment that the tap water receives from desalination systems. Remember, though, not all hotels and resorts are alike. Travelers may prefer to purchase their own drinking water.
Safest Places to Visit in Los Cabos
Los Cabos is home to award-winning resorts, championship golf courses, spas, and fishing tournaments.
It also boasts pristine beaches that offer travelers the opportunity to enjoy many different water activities.
Some people come to the beach to indulge in people watching, rather than participating in water activities.
Visit Cabo San Lucas for luxury hotel and resort stays.
Immerse yourself in the local culture when you visit Plaza Amelia Wilkes.
Travelers can visit the museum, local shops, and restaurants.
Come to Los Cabos for the International Film Festival.
Enjoy top feature films, rising talent in the film industry, and film screenings and other events.
Travelers to Los Cabos often book a small group whale watching tour.
See whales up close and personal on a marine biologist-led tour.
The tours usually run from mid-December to mid-April.
Visit Cabo San Lucas beach for year-round surfing, fishing, and other beach and water activities.
Travelers who want to just relax in the sand or get a good tan often visit Lovers Beach.
It is also a great spot for photos.
Some other safe places to visit and things to do include going on a kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling adventure.
Consider taking a nature and wildlife tour.
Who knew that you could ride a camel in Los Cabos?
Places to Avoid in Los Cabos
Most of Los Cabos is relatively free of crime, except for petty crimes, such as pickpockets and small theft incidents.
There are still areas that travelers should avoid to help protect themselves and their family members.
The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 travel advisory warning for all of Mexico.
The advisory level means that travelers should exercise increased caution throughout the country.
Still, Los Cabos is one of the safest places for travelers.
They should still stay aware of their surroundings and the risk of crimes.
Avoid the airport “Shark Tank.”
Some sources say that travelers should avoid this area, which is the hallway between customs and the exit door at Terminal 2.
The people yelling at you, asking if you want a taxi, may not be real taxi drivers.
People who offer tourist information may really be aggressive timeshare sales agents.
Stay away from downtown at night.
Do not try to save on taxi fares and start walking to your hotel.
You will likely be a prime target for criminals.
Most of the unsafe neighborhoods are not neighborhoods that are usually on the list of places that travelers plan to visit.
Some adventurous travelers who want to see things other than the usual tourist destinations may become crime victims if they go to unsafe neighborhoods.
Stay away from the Las Palmas neighborhood and the Los Cangrejos neighborhood.
These Cabo San Lucas neighborhoods have had incidents like auto theft and assaults.
Stay away from the City Center of Cabo San Lucas.
Some sources report that it is the most dangerous spot in Los Cabos.
Travelers should keep close watch on their belongings.
Avoid theft and pickpockets by hiding your wallet and credit cards.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Los Cabos
- Leave your valuables at home. Most crimes that occur in Los Cabos are crimes like pickpockets, thefts, and muggings. Leave the expensive jewelry at home. Leave the designer handbags, clothes, and expensive shoes at home.
- Do not leave your drinks unattended. Keep yourself safe from getting your drink spiked. Do not leave it unattended at any time.
- Book your accommodations at a reputable hotel or resort. You do not want your stay to turn into a nightmare travel experience. Avoid booking at local hotels. Book your accommodations at well-known hotels or resorts.
- Do not walk alone, especially at night. If you travel to Los Cabos with a group, stay with your group. Learn the safe places to visit and those that you should avoid. Do not walk by yourself at night.
- Make copies of your documents. The risk of pickpockets, and incidents like mugging and robbery are reasons to make copies of your passport, your ID, and other documents. You do not want to be without any proof of your identity and without a copy of your passport and other important papers.
- Stay away from unfamiliar areas. Stay in areas that are popular destinations for travelers. Avoid known neighborhoods and destinations that have a reputation for being unsafe areas.
- Do not take a taxi on the street. Use only reputable taxi and transport companies. Do not get into any taxis at the airport where drivers are yelling at you to get into their taxi. They may not be from a reputable taxi company.
- Review updated travel safety information. Some information about crime in and around Los Cabos is outdated. Check the dates of any information, including travel warnings. Stay alert to any new travel advisories and warnings.
- Avoid the urge to walk off the beaten path. Some attractions and sites in Los Cabos are safe for travelers. The issue is that travelers put their safety at risk when they try to walk to some of these places. Check with tour guides or resort staff before walking anywhere outside the usual areas that travelers visit.
- Do not share travel plans or personal details with strangers. Travelers may appreciate that the locals seem friendly and welcoming to them when they arrive in Los Cabos. The U.S. Embassy says that travelers should not let strangers know their personal details or their travel plans.
So... How Safe Is Los Cabos Really?
Los Cabos is one of the safest places for travelers in all of Mexico.
It has low rates of serious crimes.
The most common crimes committed against travelers are minor offenses.
Los Cabos is considered a safe destination for women, including solo female travelers.
Both women and men should remain informed about any criminal activity or risks to their safety.
How Does Los Cabos Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Los Cabos |
78 |
| Oaxaca |
78 |
| Monterrey |
58 |
| Durango |
75 |
| Cancun |
70 |
| Mexico City |
55 |
| Piedras Negras |
60 |
 Tehran | 35 |
 Olathe | 84 |
| Martinsburg | 67 |
| Boulder City | 74 |
 Arequipa | 32 |
| Hershey | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
Travelers do not need a visa if they plan to stay less than 180 days.
Currency
The official currency in Los Cabos is the Mexican Peso. Most locations accept U.S. dollars. Travelers who plan to visit Los Cabos should only exchange currency at reputable banks or other official currency exchange locations.
Weather
The weather in Los Cabos is warm during the winter and hot during the summer months. July is the hottest month, while January is the coldest month. The tropical desert climate brings warm sunshine for at least seven to almost nine hours every day throughout the year.
Airports
The Los Cabos International Airport serves travelers to and from Los Cabos. It operates domestic flights throughout Mexico and international flights around the world. The airport is regulated by international laws and organizations.
Travel Insurance
The U.S. Department of State says that it highly recommends that travelers buy travel insurance before they travel. People who plan to visit Los Cabos should check with their travel insurance provider for details.
Los Cabos Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
23 | 25 | 27 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 32 | 28 | 25 |
| Low °C |
12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 17 | 14 |
| High °F |
73 | 77 | 81 | 86 | 90 | 93 | 97 | 95 | 93 | 90 | 82 | 77 |
| Low °F |
54 | 55 | 55 | 57 | 61 | 66 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 68 | 63 | 57 |
Crime: medium? Tell the truth…
What is the truth?
I’ve been living in Los Cabos for the last year, and I can tell that crime is not a problem at all. Let’s make it clear, as any other Mexican city, there are some neighborhoods that most be avoided by tourist if they don’t want to be mugged or get into a hard situation. However, tourist areas such as Marina, Puerto Paraíso, Hotel Zone, etc. Are relatively safe for everyone. Drugs cartels have decreased their presence in the surrounding areas and public transportation sometimes can be a little annoying for the long distances, but it is quite effective and cheaper that taking a taxi. So don’t be afraid to visit Los Cabos, you’ll love it!
Love Cabo
We visit the area almost every year. Have never had any problems. But then again, we don’t send much time partying at night. Prefer quite evenings at our resort. We also rent a car and have driven all over the lower Baja area. Any area is dangerous if you don’t use your head.
Isn’t it funny how a place with such a rich history is now all about beach chairs and sunscreen, while the original inhabitants are just memories in the sand?
Did the Pericu get a chance to enjoy the “nature and beaches” before they became artifacts?
It’s fascinating to think about the deep history there, especially how the Pericu lived off the land and what their lives must have been like so long ago; it makes visiting Los Cabos feel like stepping into a place with layers of stories waiting to be discovered.
Been here enough to know the Pericu history goes back to 13,000 B.C., and seeing the artifacts and skeletons by the beaches made me feel oddly humbled but relaxed by the weather, though I still watch my surroundings when I’m out alone.
Walking the beach at sunrise made the history hit me, but I still get uneasy about safety for women traveling alone after dark.
Spent enough weekends in Los Cabos to know the El Arco sunset always soothes me, but I still get a knot in my stomach walking quiet side streets alone after dark.
Can’t believe those ancient skeletons and artifacts are part of the place, but strolling the beaches still made me feel oddly peaceful.
Kinda funny that the beaches everyone flocks to sit right next to exhibits of Pericu artifacts and skeletons, it left me oddly proud and a little creeped out.