Is Cabo San Lucas Safe for Travel in 2024? Tips to stay safe

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Is Cabo San Lucas Safe for Travel in 2024? Tips to stay safe
Are you a solo traveler looking for safe places to visit this year? Add Cabo San Lucas to your itinerary! This beautiful city in Mexico is a haven for all kinds of travelers. Find out the top safety tips for Cabo San Lucas.
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So you're asking "Is Cabo San Lucas is safe to travel to right now"? The answer is definitely yes! This beautiful resort town in Mexico welcomes thousands of tourists safely every year, and has done so for many years! 

Its idyllic beaches and sunny weather make it a popular beach vacation destination for families and couples. And if you're a solo traveler looking for an adventurous care-free trip, you can bet on Cabo San Lucas to offer you the best traveling experience.  

Now, just like whenever you travel abroad, it makes sense that there are still some safety concerns when traveling to any foreign country.

That's why I poured hours into research to bring you a safety guide that's useful! Be sure to look through it before you get to Cabo San Lucas, so you know how to prepare and stay safer while exploring Mexico!

cabo san lucas
Image Courtesy of Victor Hughes on Unsplash

Specific Safety Questions About Cabo San Lucas

Is Cabo San Lucas Safe for Solo Travelers?

Most of my friends and family are always concerned about whether I'm safe since I solo travel and I'm a female. I'll admit, there are some destinations I haven't felt as safe going to as a solo female traveler.

That being said, I definitely feel safe going Cabo San Lucas alone! As long as you follow safety precautions, I think Cabo San Lucas is a great and secure place to visit—just make sure to take some of my tips while you travel.

Is Cabo San Lucas Safe From Drug Cartels?

If you're looking for drug cartels in Cabo San Lucas, you're out of luck. Unlike some of its neighbors, Cabo has managed to avoid the influence of these criminal organizations. 

This is partly due to the efforts of the Mexican government, which has increased its presence in the area recently. But it's also because Cabo is simply an unappealing place for cartels. With its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, it's not exactly the kind of place conducive to illegal activity. 

So if you're looking for a relaxing vacation spot where you don't have to worry about drug cartels, Cabo is a great choice. 

Is There a Cabo San Lucas Travel Advisory Right Now?

As I'm writing this blog, the US does have travel advisories to different parts of Mexico. But the level of warnings are very dependent on where you're traveling to.

Cabo San Lucas is a resort city located in the south of Baja California peninsula in Baja California Sur state. The US states that you should "exercise increased caution" in the Baja California Sur state and has no restriction for US official in tourist areas such as Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz.

Why is there a US travel advisory? The official government website states it's because of crime. But ass a solo traveler myself, I know that you if you exercise caution, you'll be able to stay safe and thoroughly enjoy your trip.

Top Safety Concerns

Pickpocketing Risks: High

While Cabo San Lucas is generally a safe city, pickpocketing is the most common issue that tourists experience. It's especially prevalent in crowded places like markets, beaches, and tourist attractions.

As you explore the beauty of Cabo San Lucas, you need to always be mindful of your belongings, avoid displaying valuable items like expensive jewelry or electronic devices, and use hotel safes for important documents and valuables.

Scam Risks: High

As with any popular tourist destination, scams can be common in Cabo San Lucas. There are various types of scams you could run into, such as inflated taxi fares, timeshare scams, or vendors selling counterfeit goods.

It's crucial to be vigilant, research prices and reviews beforehand, and avoid sharing personal or financial information with anyone you don't trust—sounds pretty standard, right?

Tap Water Risks: High

Similar to many countries and vacay destinations in the area, the tap water in Cabo San Lucas is not generally safe to drink. If you ingest tap water it might lead to stomach upset or more serious health issues.

I highly recommend sticking to bottled water, even when you're brushing your teeth. Also, ensure that ice in your drinks is made from purified water and avoid consuming raw or undercooked food that might have been washed in tap water.

Want to be extra prepared? Carry with you your own water bottle and an easy-to-use water filter.

Transportation & Taxi Risks: Medium

While public transportation and taxis are generally safe in Cabo San Lucas, there have been some reports of visitors being overcharged or taken on longer routes. Always agree on a price before the journey begins and ensure that your driver is licensed.

Natural Disaster Risks: Low

Cabo San Lucas is relatively safe from significant natural disasters. However, it can be susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, primarily between June and November.

That means the key to staying safe from natural disasters in Cabo San Lucas is planning your trip at the right times.

It's also good idea to check the weather forecasts regularly and follow any advisories or evacuation orders issued by local authorities or your embassy.

Mugging Risks: Low

Muggings are quite scary, so it's good to know that mugging incidents are relatively low in Cabo San Lucas, especially in areas frequented by tourists.

That being said, it's always a good idea to stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night.

6 Tips for Travelers To Stay Safe in Cabo San Lucas

6. Rely on a Tour Guide

good guide can be your best friend when traveling to a new place. They can help you find the best restaurants, bars, and attractions, and they can also help you stay safe. 

In Cabo San Lucas, having a guide who knows the area well can help you avoid trouble spots. However, guides are not just good for safety, they can also help you make the most of your trip. 

A guide can introduce you to new experiences and show you things that you would never find on your own. Even better if they're locals so that they can show you things that you'd miss as a foreign tourist.

cabo san lucas city
Image Courtesy of Amy Humphries on Unsplash

5. Avoid Walking Alone at Night

Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful and festive city, but is Cabo San Lucas safe at night?

No matter where you're traveling, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe, especially at night. 

One tip for travelers is to avoid walking alone during the nighttime hours. Although the streets in Cabo San Lucas are well-lit, some areas can be unsafe. It's always better to be with someone else. 

If you have to walk somewhere on your own, stay in well-lit areas, pack bear spray, and carry a phone with you for emergencies. Or better yet, catch a taxi. 

4. Don't Wear Excessive Jewelry

Is Cabo San Lucas safe enough to bring your jewelry box?

As any seasoned traveler knows, it's essential to take precautions to stay safe when visiting unfamiliar places. And one of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is to avoid wearing your most valuable jewelry. 

Not only can flashy jewelry attract unwanted attention, but it can also be a valuable target for thieves. So, whether you're planning a beach day or a night out on the town, leave the bling at home and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful, sandy getaway destination that travelers flock to for its glamorous beaches and stunning ocean views. But remember that pickpocketing is one of the more commonplace crimes in Cabo San Lucas.

Fortunately, in Cabo San Lucas, the local police have even set up special "tourist watch" programs to help prevent visitors from becoming victims of this crime. 

As long as you are aware of potential pickpockets, you're already a bit safe. To be safe, carry as little valuables on you as possible and make sure your money, phone, and credit cards are sealed in a secure bag or money belt.

If you happen to get pickpocketed, the local police here are very helpful and will do everything they can to help you get your things back.

2. Use Reliable Transportation Services

Traveling can be stressful, and safety should always be your number one priority. One way to ease your travel worries is by using a reliable transportation service. They will get you from the airport to your resort in Cabo San Lucas without any hassle. 

cabo san lucas beach
Image Courtesy of Salvador Navarro Maldonado on Unsplash

1. Understand the Mexican Law System

When traveling to Cabo San Lucas, it's important to be aware of the different levels of law enforcement and how they may impact your safety. 

The Mexican Federal Judicial Police have a visible presence in Cabo San Lucas and are responsible for investigating serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. The federal police don't deal with petty crimes such as pickpocketing, so it's best to approach the local municipal police if you run into difficulties. 

However, soldiers are frequently deployed to patrol the beaches and busy tourist areas to make visitors feel safe. And these are also law enforcement officers that you can approach should you need any assistance.

Ultimately, serious crimes are usually cartel related and don't affect tourists visiting Mexico. The best way to enjoy a safe trip is not to get involved in any illicit activities and to take simple precautions. 

Getting to Cabo San Lucas

Now that you know some of the tips to staying safe in this warm paradise, you'll need to book trips to make your adventure a reality! Since Cabo San Lucas is such a popular destination, you should have lots of flight options no matter where you're flying in from.

If you're looking to compare prices of flights from multiple different airlines, try a website like Skyscanner. This will show you more variety, and probably better pricing, than websites like Google Flights or official airline websites.

Stay Safe in Cabo San Lucas

Taking simple precautions can help ensure that your trip to Cabo San Lucas is safe and enjoyable.

Traveling should be a fun and memorable experience. However, there are certain instances where you may encounter mishaps. With these travel tips, you can be sure to have a safe holiday in Cabo San Lucas. 

You could extend your vacation and explore some of the beautiful and safe neighborhoods in Mexico City while you're there. If you're looking for accommodation, use this  Mexico City hostel's full guide to book the best accommodation for your vacation.

cabo san lucas tour
Image Courtesy of Frank Mckenna on Unsplash

Plan for an Exciting Trip With Pilot

Millions of visitors enjoy fantastic vacations in Cabo San Lucas, and I'm sure you're amped to be one of them soon yourself! Now that you've got more of an idea about safety in Cabo San Lucas, it's time to start planning!

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Daisy Wambua Blogs
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Daisy Wambua
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