Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula is a popular tourist destination, especially for US citizens. As such, if you’re interested in taking a vacation to this area, you may have encountered Los Cabos or Cabo San Lucas. However, it may need clarification since the two are sometimes used interchangeably. Thus, they may be the same.
Cabo San Lucas is not the same as Los Cabos. Cabo San Lucas is a small resort city that sits on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula. On the other hand, Los Cabos refers to the entire region consisting of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and the area known as the Tourist Corridor.
Some people speak of Los Cabos while only referring to Cabo San Lucas, and others do the other way. As such, it can be confusing, especially for someone unfamiliar with this area. For this reason, we made this article to help you understand the two.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
About Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas
As I mentioned, Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas are not the same, but they are not so different either. So let’s look at each one for you to understand better.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is the leading tourist destination and sits on the southernmost end of Baja California. This city is known for its beaches, stunning rock formations, and rich marine life.
Further, this city is filled with luxury resorts and hotels, making it among the most well-known destinations in Mexico.
When we speak of Cabo San Lucas, we only refer to the city, among the three main areas that make up the region we call Los Cabos.
If you’re unfamiliar with the location of Cabo San Lucas, read: Discover the Magic of Cabo San Lucas: Where to Find It.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos refers to the region consisting of three main areas: Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and the Tourist Corridor.
Los Cabos became popular because Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are often visited together in a single trip. After all, it’s a long way down the Baja California, and visiting the two will make any trip worthwhile.
Now, these two Cabos make up the area of Los Cabos. Then, however, the Tourist Corridor became well-known with the growing luxury resorts and hotels along the road separating the two areas.
Difference Between Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos
The main difference between Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos is the area. While Cabo San Lucas refers only to the city, Los Cabos refers to the entire region clustered together with San Jose del Cabo and the Tourist Corridor.
The two Cabos, referring to the two main areas, are connected to other Mexican cities and international cities through the Los Cabos International Airport. From the airport, it’s around 30 minutes of travel to San Jose del Cabo and 40 minutes to Cabo San Lucas.
If you want to know more about the airport near these cities, read about Cabo San Lucas – Nearest Airport.
One thing to note is that when you search for Los Cabos on google maps, it will only show you the city of Cabo San Lucas, which needs to be updated.
A Los Cabos map makes it easy to see that San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are just a few miles away. So, Los Cabos refers to these two places clustered together, which means two.
Los Cabos or Cabo San Lucas: Which One to Choose?
Choosing between Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas is optional if you plan a vacation. However, if you choose, you’re choosing between a smaller (more particular city) and a larger one (with another nearby town).
A vacation around this area would be much better if you check out the entire Los Cabos. It means you enjoy Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
However, if you only have a limited time, you’ll likely choose between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
If you want a leisurely holiday far from the noise of a bustling urban region, San Jose del Cabo is the place you’ll enjoy.
This tranquil town is far more relaxed, unlike its well-known sister city, Cabo San Lucas, despite its booming cultural scene and many boutique businesses.
However, Cabo San Lucas is the destination to visit if you want to go near the action, with many bars and restaurants.
If you want to know the best places in Cabo San Lucas for food, drinks, and parties, read our article about The Best Restaurants, Bars, and Nightlife in Cabo San Lucas.
Further, most of the region’s top tourist destinations and most travelers prefer to stay within the region’s finer luxury properties.
Whatever your choice is, both areas are only miles apart. As such, you can check out both in a single trip and make your visit to the region worthwhile.
Conclusion
Overall, Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos are different, but they are similar as well. The former refers only to the major tourist city, while the letter includes the San Jose del Cabo and the Tourist Corridor. As such, a trip down the southern part of Baja, California, will be better if you check out the entire Los Cabos rather than only Cabo San Lucas.
