Travelers who exercise caution and use common sense can feel secure when visiting Los Cabos. It is recommended to stay within the tourist areas and choose reputable accommodations.
Los Cabos International Airport serves approximately 5 million travelers annually, offering over 1,300 flight routes connecting more than 100 cities in seven countries.
Being well-prepared and knowledgeable will allow you to relax and fully enjoy your time in one of Mexico’s most renowned destinations.
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LATEST NEWS from Los Cabos:
March 5 – Crime rises in Los Cabos – Visitors are still safe
Of the 11 crimes that were tracked in January, six were “red-lighted.” This indicates that they have to do with drug sales, vehicle theft, house burglaries, personal injuries, domestic abuse, and femicide.
The other five were “green-lighted,” which meant that they involved rape, business robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and murder.
The crime that mostly appears in Los Cabos is drug dealing, which is a crime tourists can easily avoid and is typically nonviolent.
Official Travel Advisories
U.S. Travel Advisory
The State Department acknowledges that “criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state,” but there are no travel restrictions specifically for Los Cabos.
However, the State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur due to concerns about crime.
Note: The recent warning from the U.S. embassy in Mexico about Spring Break Travel doesn’t include Los Cabos.
Canada Travel Advisory
The Canadian government advises its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.
However, Baja California Sur (the state where Los Cabos are located) does not appear on its list of Do Not Travel destinations.
Areas to Avoid
Authorities have observed a rise in crime rates in the following locations:
- Santa Rosa Neighborhood in San Jose del Cabo: Incidents primarily consist of armed robberies, vehicle thefts, and general assault crimes.
- Los Cangrejos and Las Palmas in Cabo San Lucas: The majority of reported cases involve vehicle theft and general assault.
Fortunately for tourists, the majority of these neighborhoods are not situated within the main tourist hubs or the hotel zone.
Common Scams
Despite being considered one of Mexico’s safest cities, Los Cabos still harbors individuals intent on defrauding both residents and visitors through various scams:
Restaurant Musicians: Some musicians may approach you at restaurants and perform without your consent, expecting payment afterward. Avoid this by politely declining their services.
Exotic Animal Photos: Locals may offer you the opportunity to take a photo with exotic animals, but it’s not free. Agree on the price beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.
Jetski Rentals: Before renting a jetski, ensure it’s in good condition and free of damage. Insist on a thorough inspection to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage later on.
Tour Scams: Watch out for tour companies that may charge extra for activities advertised as included in the price. Clarify the total cost before booking the tour.
Fake Police: Beware of fake police officers who demand fines for alleged infractions. Politely request to settle any fines at the nearest police station.
ATM Skimming Scams: Criminals may install skimming devices on ATMs to steal credit card details. Use ATMs located inside banks or shopping malls to minimize the risk of falling victim to such scams.
Airport Taxi Overcharging: Exercise caution with taxi drivers at the airport who may overcharge you for their services. To avoid this, consider using reputable taxi apps or calling an Uber instead.
Safety Tips for Los Cabos
Here are some safety recommendations to ensure a fantastic journey to Los Cabos, Mexico:
- Avoid bringing valuable items with you.
- Opt for group tours over solo excursions.
- Keep a duplicate of your passport in a separate location from the original.
- Refrain from walking alone after dark.
- Exercise extra caution when consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Apply insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites and potential tropical diseases.
- Obtain travel insurance that includes coverage for Los Cabos.