Offers may be subject to change without notice. Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC Best Travel Blog award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Both cities offer great transportation service options to get to the hotels in the area or the nearby cities. (But under the shade of an umbrella on the beach, the air can sometimes feel cool.). Do I need travel insurance to travel to Mexico? (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!). We, however, have always felt safe in Los Cabos during the countless times weve visited over the years. In fact, its considered the most expensive resort destination in Mexico. Cabo vs Cancun: Which is Better for You? - UponArriving In Cancun proper, exercising those credit cards at La Isla and Luxury Avenue shopping malls is fun for shopaholics. Non-stop flights from Houston take 2 hours and 15 minutes. Cancn specializes in all-inclusive resorts at practically every price point. 44.8 million visitors are expected to visit in 2019, powerful undertows that make them too dangerous, Beach at the One & Only Palmilla Resort, The Corridor, Los Cabos/Oyster, Aerial Photography at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun/Oyster, how to stay safe while traveling in Mexico, One of Our Favorite Hotels in Cabo: Solmar Resort, Packable Hybrid Fedora Visor from Eric Javits, 10 Things Every Traveler Should Know Before Going to Mexico, The 12 Best, Boozy, Adults-Only, All-Inclusive Hotels, The 14 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusives on the Beach, The Ultimate Guide to Las Vegas Sexiest Topless Pools (And How to Behave). Hello there! Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. If youre visiting from October through February, you can go swimming with the whale sharks in La Paz (a 2-hour drive from Cabo). When you picture nightlife in Cancn or Los Cabos, visions of Seor Frog's and cheap tequila may swirl through your head. The U.S. State Advisory on Mexico has the same warning for the state of Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun, Tulum and the Riviera Maya) as it does for Cabo and the Baja state, i.e., be more cautious because of criminal activities. Offering stupendous views of El Arco, the 2-mile stretch of Medano Beach is the most famous of these. It's a great feeling to realize I'm "home" for a while, even if it's just for a couple of weeks. While Cabo San Lucas is famous for its year-round sunshine, ocean, and celebrity visitors, it's easily very accessible and within 1 hour of enjoying Cancun. Cabo del Sols Cove Club Golf Course (formerly the Ocean Course, and a Jack Nicklaus gem) and the diabolical Diamante Dunes regularly rank among the worlds top 100 courses. But the thick jungle reveals the secrets of the Yucatn's ancient past Maya ruins. A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). You can eat out in Cabo for US$7.50 while in Cancun, it's US$12. Many ex-pat artists have set up shop here you can while away several pleasant hours browsing the art galleries and enjoying a fine lunch. Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Join the journey! (Dont miss Cabo Wabo, the Giggling Marlin andEl Squid Roe!). You will enjoy sightseeing while sipping your cocktail, and snorkeling among colorful fishes near the iconic El Arco. The U.S. State Advisory on Mexico recommends you exercise increased caution due to crime in the state of Baja California Sur (which includes Los Cabos and day trip sites in the lower Baja area). Its a sweet and quiet little oasis right in Cabo San Lucas town with very clean hotel rooms and a small pool too. Cabo vs Puerto Vallarta: 13 Must-Know Differences Even though downtown Cabo is pretty much touristy now, the nearby San Jose del Cabo still has plenty of authentic vibes to offer. Still, let's look at some of the distinctions. Cancn tends to be more party heavy year-round, with bass-thumping beach clubs and discos like Coco Bongo. While beach towns like Sayulita, Tulum, and Playa Espiritu are coming into their own, Cancun and Los Cabos are still major draws for tourists. Theyre expensive. Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. Los Cabos vs. Cancun: Which Is Better for Families? With loads of colonial Mexican style, its charming and also affordable (again, not beachfront). You need to go with a guide to explore some of them. While in Los Cabos, travel up the Pacific coast to the eclectic and mystical Todos Santos, or venture farther north to La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur. 32 min (33 km) from San Jose del Cabo 56 min (76 km ) from Todos Santos 1 hr 32 min (98 km) from the Canyon of the Fox 1 hr 34 min (112 km) from Los Barriles. 2 hr (156 km) from La Paz 2 hr 2 min (131 km) from Cabo Pulmo National Park, The Los Cabos International Airport is 36 mins (44km) away from Cabo San Lucas, well, not that bad, though. Like super hot. That said, by and large, travel to both Cancn and Los Cabos is safe. You will see a colony of sea lions and gaze at tropical fish through the glass bottom of your Kayak. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. This luxury all-inclusive is set in the heart of a private resort community to the north of Cancun. For more itinerary inspiration, check out our list of the coolest things to do in Los Cabos. Also within driving distance is Los Tamarindos, a working, organic farm that grows lemongrass, artichokes, and other fruits and veggies (cooking classes are available). Surrounded by plenty of cafes and eateries where you can sample the local cuisine, take a walk around the neighborhood. But the rest of the year, expect rains and overcast days accompanied by humidity. Make sure you visit the Turtle farm and check out the beach at sunset. This very chilled little island is just a short ferry ride away from Cancun. Beach at the One & Only Palmilla Resort, The Corridor, Los Cabos/Oyster. Weve also enjoyed hanging out in Los Barriles plus hiking to waterfalls and soaking in natural hot springs in the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve. Cabo Is Bigger. Vaccines and meds: We follow CDC travel guidelines to see what medications and vaccines are needed for trips. For renting a car at the Cancun airport, see here. Cabo is usually considered to be a more expensive trip than Cancun but you can save or spend more on a trip to either destination. For more itinerary inspiration, check out our list of the best Cancun excursions as well as the most unexpected day trips from Cancun. Water sports, like diving with whale sharks off the coast of Cozumel, are a major draw. Beach clubs arent a thing in Cancun. For a broader look at the region, check out our story on travel safety in Mexico. The meal is made with their own products and they taste delicious. You also have to be mindful of drunk drivers late at night. After reading your article, you sealed the deal! No matter which you choose, you're guaranteed a relaxing, fun vacation at either of these popular Mexican beach resort towns. But there are also some downsides to Cancun. In October, Cabo hosts the annual Bisbee Black & Blue, the worlds richest billfish tournament. Off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun juts out into the Caribbean Sea. Many resorts are condos with full kitchens, and you can feel at home shopping at Costco and Walmart. But Cancn cuisine also focuses on traditional Maya ingredients and recipes, like slow-roasted pork, or fish that has been steamed in banana leaves. Cabo San Lucas sports a similar energy, particularly in the spring, but San Jos del Cabo is heralded more for its smaller bars, cafes, and restaurants that feature more toned-down live music. (Just be aware that seaweed might put a damper on the experience.). Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. Puerto Vallarta is still the cheapest destination in Mexico and it does not compare to how expensive Cancun is. Deciding between Cabo San Lucas or Cancun for your next Mexican getaway can be challenging, as both are beautiful beach destinations with a lot to offer tourists. Its also surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty. Check them out and make your pick. On a Thursday night, it gets even more lively with live music and all sorts of arts displayed along the main streets. Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. Scuba diving reveals an underwater world of wonders, especially in Cabo Pulmo, where the marine life is spectacular gape at sharks! Los Cabos is much drier, and there are more sunny days than in Cancn. 10 Fun Things to Do on Galiano Island (+ Guide). If you dont have it you will pay a fine. With its easy-to-crush make, you can just throw this stylish hat in any carry-on or beach bag as a last minute bring along for your trip. The partying does tame down after April, but Cancun will always be associated with nightlife and the hot spots get steady crowds all year long pulling in ages from 18 (legal drinking age in Mexico) to mid-50s and up. I've been researching where would be best to go with my husband and my 15 year old son and have decided to pick Cancun. Apart from the occasional cool spells (which means you also need to bring some warm clothes just in case), the temperatures are perfect for golfing, hiking, going for a walk, or just chilling at the beach. Cancun vs Cabo: Which is the Safer Destination? - Go2cabos Then you can add hotels and car rentals. The right choice for you will depend on several factors. Contact usWork with usDisclosure + Privacy PolicyGoogle web stories, spend the day at the Xcaret eco-theme park, which Pueblo Bonito resort in Cabo is best, top hotels in Mexico with private pool suites. Make sure you check it out and try some of the local restaurants. Cancn vs. Cabo find out which Mexican destination is best suited to your travel style. This tour will take you to exploresome of Cancuns most stunning underwater worlds by a thisshipwreck swim and coral reefs. As a result, adventure activities abound on both land and sea, from ATV trails and horseback riding to scuba diving and snorkeling in the national park. Hi Doug, This is Isabella, the author of this blog, and a cat lover. Cabo vs Tulum: 16 Critical Differences You Must Know About San Miguel de Allende | Discover what to do in San Miguel de Allende. Cancun is also just 10 minutes away from the international airport, which makes it more accessible for tourists from across the globe. But even though you'll still find places to party on both coasts, those preconceived notions no longer define the destinations. Delicious restaurant for breakfast and lunch on the terrace of a beautiful farm. Los Cabos is near Cabo Pulmo National Park on the Sea of Corts. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. Because of the huge size of Mexico, there is considerable diversity among different areas in Mexico. Its pretty colonial town is brimming with art galleries, craft shops, and colonial buildings. For weather deals and things to do, All Inclusive Adult only Hotels in Cancun. That's because there's cartel activity in certain areas. But the kind of vacation and experiences you will get in either of the destinations varies hugely. But you should still expect to encounter some seaweed. Dont be alarmed if the car rental company explains where the spare tire and tools are roads in certain parts of Baja can be rough, but they are safe for tourists, with plenty of police presence and several security checkpoints. If you're looking to stay at a luxury hotel, Cabo has some incredible options, including: One&Only Palmilla (four-night stay can cost as much as $8,800). And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. Cabo vs Tulum: Which Mexico Destination is Better? - Wanderly The majority of these properties enjoy prime beachfront real estate on some of the country's most beautiful swimmable beaches. Cabo vs Cancun: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose! There are taxis and a local bus system, but many choose to explore the region with a car. The below highlights are some of the most prominent reasons. As to the question: Is Cabo or Cancun safer? 11 years ago Save Ok, So ussually we take a vacation to Cancun but we left it late and now the rates on airfare and hotels have gone up. Its considered one of the most amazing day-trips from Cancun, where you can enjoy the mesmerizing sites offered by the Island of Women, spend the day at Playa Norte, try out the delicious food, and explore the underwater museum as well. Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals. The Yucatan also has a local bus system for adventurous types, and like Los Cabos some choose to rent a car so they can have the freedom to explore. Of course, be sure to check travel advisories before you go. Cancun is very urban. Again, weve always felt safe in the Riviera Maya. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. Its in fact located on one of the best stretches of beach in Cancun, Playa Marlin, and within a walking distance of the luxury mall La Isla. In this article, I am sharing the essential travel packing list for Mexico for every climate and season. But when the sun sets, its definitely cooler than Cancun in winter. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. But the regional difference means a completely changed experience. Both Cabo and Cancun are visually stunning (though Cabo may be more unique). He has visited over 50 countries and tries to work from a different location each month. Its the most convenient way to get from the airport to your hotel. Cabo has a tropical desert climate and, on average, gets less than 10 inches of rain per year (with its rainiest months typically in August and September). The water is bathtub warm, and the snorkeling and scuba diving in Los Cabos are superb this time of the year. Todos Santos is one of the few Pubelos Magicos in Baja California Sur. :-). Cancun or Cabo? The evenings, especially the nights, are cooler. Cancun and the Riviera Maya cover a larger geographical area than Los Cabos (and its surrounding day trip sites). When shes not exploring a new place you will find Isabella in a cafe, writing on this blog, or on her other sites Boundless Roads, Mexico Cenotes and Ruins and Letstraveltocancun.com where she loves to share her travels on and off the beaten path in Mexico and around the world. Cabo vs. Cancun: Which Is Best? - NerdWallet However, you have a higher chance of encountering stronger hurricanes in Tulum than in Los Cabos. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. Both are among the top high-end all-inclusive destinations in Mexico. But a closer look at each will help reveal some key differences. When it comes to choosing a Mexican destination for your next vacation, it can be hard to decide between Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. Plenty of resorts in Cancn are on the smaller, more boutique side, like Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancn and Nizuc Resort & Spa. However, Cabo is even better during the shoulder season (from April to June, and from October to November). I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. Both destinations have several family-friendly resorts in Cancun, family-friendly resorts include: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya (which is about 40 minutes south of Cancun, in Playa del Carmen). Its clear and sunny almost all year, with very little chance of rain. , When is the best time to visit Cancun? The Caribbean Sea offers coral reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving, including the island of Cozumel, and cenotes, a big sinkhole filled with freshwater and fish. For a luxurious, away-from-the-crowds stay in Cancun, NIZUC Resort and Spa pampers you with a dreamy white sand beach, top-rated spa and exceptional suites boasting private pools and outdoor showers. More than a dozen championship courses lure players who tee off beside rugged seaside cliffs. Weve traveled frequently to both areas (recently returning from another month in Los Cabos!) There have been times in January where weve bundled up in jeans, boots and fleece jackets at night. Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info. Undecided about what destination to choose for your Mexican Vacation? Mexico is as popular a travel destination as ever (approximately44.8 million visitors are expected to visit in 2019, a 5.6 percent increase from 2018). (Not meant as anything other than an observation.) But you should stay off the highways elsewhere in the Baja because of the cow hazard. August and September are particularly hot and sticky months. For adults only, its a romantic boutique hotel right on the beach (though you cant swim at the beach). I live in San Diego so I visit Cabo more frequently. However, tropical storms and hurricanes can occur between May and October. Cancun vs Cabo: Where Should I Go In Mexico in 2022? - JTG Travel Accommodations at The Cape include spacious rooms, suites with sitting areas or living rooms, and villas with private kitchens. Then it was a choice between Cabo vs. Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta. Los Cabos lies at the southernmost tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Corts, and it has a more desert feel to it; while Cancn is on the Caribbean on the east coast and is more tropical in nature. But Cabo and Cancun are also very different. Many rooms have private plunge pools. Table of Contents show Weve written a whole post on Is it safe to visit Cabo? Millions of people visit it annually, and almost 40% of the tourists from the USA come to Mexico to enjoy a dream tropical vacation in Cancun. Guests love everything The Cape has to offer, including its amenities, services, pools, food, staff, and especially the hotels vibe. Is Cancun or Cabo Cheaper? Because of its unique location, Cancun is known as the gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula. Heather B. You can also visit El Farallon at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, a cliffside ocean-to-table restaurant that pairs seafood with some of France's finest Champagnes. As for tropical storms, most of the rain in Cancun falls between May and October. But choosing which is more beautiful is an impossible task. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. Neither wins out over the other in the resort department though. The short answer is: depending on where you are. Cabo San Lucas Cancun vs. Cabo: Which Mexico Travel Destination Is Better for You? Check out the cheapest and best Cabo airport transportation services. Also read: When is the best time to visit Cancun? The Hotel Zone is replete with high-end shopping malls filled with recognizable designer labels. Neither poses any more risk than the other. But it's worth checking directly with the hotel too to see what their rates are and if they'll price match or offer a better cancellation policy. Rent a golf cart there for a fun day trip relax on white sand beaches, eye the colorful Crayola House and walk the scenic Punta Sur coastal path. Driving the Corridor between Cabo and San Jose del Cabo is safe at night. Which is better: Cancun or Cabo? Youd be wise to bring long pants and a sweater or jacket for dining outside in the evenings, in case theres a cold spell. Final thoughts on Cancun vs Cabo Which one to choose? Cabo San Lucas vs Cancun 2021: Which Vacation Destination Should You Thanks for the article! Book months in advance to find early booking discounts Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals! Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia. On land, Cabo is catnip for golfers. On the other hand, a flight from Los Angeles to Cancun takes about 4.5 hours, but LA to Cabo San Lucas is 2.5 hours. While we'll go into which destination is better for partying below, Cancun has a reputation for being party heavy year-round (particularly during spring break), which isn't ideal for family trips. Is Puerto Vallarta nicer than Los Cabos? There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Cancun vs Cabo: which one is better for a vacation in Mexico? If you want a swimmable beach in Los Cabos, consider Playa el Mdano, Playa del Amor, Playa Palmilla, or Playa Chileno. It contains a general advisory to exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping. There are no specific alerts, however, for Cabo or Cancun. If leaning towards Cancun, personally wed prefer to stay on the Riviera Maya, perhaps near Playa del Carmen or in Tulum. The overall weather here is better than in Cabo during winters. Gastronomy is often what sets destinations in Mexico apart. 65 reviews. Nightclubs tend to sell open-bar bracelets, which allows everyone to pay one price to enter the club and drink all night, while bottle service, for an extra fee, is encouraged. The city offers unparalleled water activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, and lots of other fascinating aquatic experiences. Do I need any vaccine to travel to Mexico? Enjoy your next trip! Please double-check things like opening hours before you go. When it comes to grabbing that perfect beach photo, neither destination will disappoint. In winters (December through March), the temperatures are usually warm, so you can bring all your beach clothes along. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Which is cheaper Cabo or Puerto Vallarta? Cancn has several islands to explore off the coast, too, including Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, and Isla Contoy. The Cancun strip alone has over 100 hotels and resorts. Guests are raving about the outstanding personalized service, the impeccable room equipped with modern and elegant furniture and exclusive amenities, the fine restaurants, and the pristine spacious beach. He has visited over 50 countries and tries to work from a different location each month. Waves are generally tame and the Caribbean Sea is safe for swimming at most beaches. The weather is so much better too with a more tropical feel. But youve since swapped out PV and narrowed your choices down to Cabo or Cancun. Being more tropical, though, you should be prepared for more drizzle and grey skies in Cancun than in Cabo. We like the option of free and easy cancellation, and are happy to pay a tad more for that option (rather than being locked in for a slightly cheaper price). Believe it or not, it makes me feel good the minute I walk off the plane. So my favorite is Cancun by a million to one. More. For a 2-week winter vacay, unless youre a golfer or fishing enthusiast, wed pick the Riviera Maya. More than 300 other hotels are found in the Riviera Maya. Now you have to decide between these two crazy gorgeous Mexican beach hot spots. This Cancun vs Cabo comparison will tell you everything you need to know about both places before booking your trip. Jungle adventures such as ATV tours, zip lining, and dirt biking are also popular in Cancn. How to do that? Puerto Vallarta Old Town Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, despite both of them being great places for a beach vacation, are also considerably different places. I hope I have helped you make up your mind. Lets get into the nitty-gritty of the Cabo San Lucas vs. Cancun debate now. If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well: No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico, If you are coming from the US or Europe you dont need a VISA to enter Mexico. make sure you read through the end for some more useful info!!! Compared to Cabo, Cancun is a much more tropical destination, and its more humid as well. You should also know that the water in Cabo is not exactly warm for swimming in winter. I recommend booking the Lands End Luxury Sail & Snorkel Cruise tour in advance on VIATOR. Dont miss the UNESCO site of Chichen Itza (a great day trip from Cancun). But, despite its secluded location, the hotel isnt too far from the famous places in the city, so thats a plus if youre looking for a relaxing trip. The annual average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius. Its perfect for golfing and hiking, as well as for lazing about in the sun. Think a jungle setting with a private beach and beachside yoga studio. The majority of Cancuns resorts in the hotel zone offer access to the picturesque white-sand beaches with their turquoise waters, arguably some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. As you could see both Cancun and Cabo are quite expensive destinations, not only in their high seasons. Kevin Ford is a fact-checker with more than 20 years of experience in print and digital media. Los Cabos:According to the U.S. State Department website, there are currently no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur, which includes tourist areas in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz. However while in Cabo you can also find many adorable boutique hotels, that is not the case in Cancun. Wondering what to pack for your trip to Mexico? With serious waves and a strong undertow, beaches around Los Cabos on the Pacific Ocean side of the Baja Peninsula are unsafe for swimming. I found that Expedia is one of the top online operators to find amazing deals. After the nearby airport started handling jets and international flights, Cabo started to rapidly develop into one of the most visited high-end destinations in Mexico. Flying time from L.A. is just under 2 hours. Is Cabo expensive to visit in 2023? Here's a budget breakdown for Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner). Because Cancun is a popular party place, drinks here are generally cheaper than Tulum. We'll fix this oversight :-). Theres also a small set of Mayan buildings right downtown in Cancun. Cabo is also humid from June to November. The costs in Cabo are about the same as Cancun however, it varies. Your knowledgeable guide ensures a memorable and safe experience in the waters ofBaja California as youlook forblue sharks, silky sharks, mako, smooth hammerheads, and othermarinelife, and get a close look at the Arch ofCabo San Lucas and sea lion colony.