Baja California Sur, Mexico, Mexico · Trip plan
4 days in Cabo San Lucas
El Arco, whale watching and desert meeting the sea.
- Best time
- Dec – Apr
- Ideal length
- 4 days
- A day, mid-range
- $320 per person
- Trip for two
- about $2,560
Planning a 4-day trip to Cabo San Lucas? Here's a day-by-day Cabo San Lucas itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
From December to April, humpback and gray whales gather off Cabo, and the weather is dry and sunny.
Cabo San Lucas sits at the tip of the Baja peninsula where the desert meets the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to April: 20–28°C, dry.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Cabo San Lucas
- 01
El Arco
The natural rock arch at Land's End.
- 02
Whale watching
Humpbacks breaching, December to April.
- 03
Todos Santos
A bohemian art town an hour away.
- 04
San José del Cabo
Art walks and colonial streets.
Day by day
Cabo San Lucas itinerary for 4 days
- D1
Day 1: Médano Beach
- Morning
- Arrive and check in near Médano Beach, the one beach in Cabo that's safe to swim.
- Afternoon
- Afternoon on the sand with water sports and beach bars.
- Evening
- Dinner and margaritas at the marina.
Ignore timeshare touts at the airport exit.
- D2
Day 2: El Arco and whales
- Morning
- Glass-bottom boat to El Arco, the rock arch at Land's End, and Lover's Beach.
- Afternoon
- Whale-watching tour to see humpbacks breaching (December to April).
- Evening
- Sunset sail along the coast.
Whale numbers peak from January to March.
- D3
Day 3: Todos Santos
- Morning
- Drive an hour north to Todos Santos, a bohemian town of galleries and the famous Hotel California.
- Afternoon
- Lunch and a walk through the town's art studios.
- Evening
- Join a sea turtle hatchling release at sunset (seasonal), then drive back.
Book turtle releases with local conservation groups.
- D4
Day 4: San José and home
- Morning
- Morning in San José del Cabo's colonial plaza and art district.
- Afternoon
- Lunch of fish tacos.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Arrive early; Los Cabos airport gets busy.
Shorter or longer
Cabo San Lucas in 3, 4 or 6 days
3 days in Cabo San Lucas
Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “San José and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
6 days in Cabo San Lucas
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Cabo San Lucas trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $160 | $1,280 |
| Mid-range | $320 | $2,560 |
| Luxury | $900+ | $7,200 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Cabo San Lucas is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Cabo San Lucas for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Cabo San Lucas
Fish tacos
Baja's own.
Chocolate clams
A local shellfish.
Margaritas
Fresh lime.
Getting there
How to reach Cabo San Lucas
- Travel
- Los Cabos airport has direct flights across the US and Canada.
- Getting around
- Taxis, buses and rental cars along the Corridor.
- Most Pacific beaches are not safe for swimming; Médano is.
- Ignore timeshare touts at the airport.
Before you go
What to pack for Cabo San Lucas
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Binoculars
- Muted, earth-coloured clothes
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Cabo San Lucas trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Cabo San Lucas?
4 days are enough to see the highlights: El Arco, Whale watching, Todos Santos. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 4-day Cabo San Lucas trip cost?
Roughly $160 a day per person on a budget, $320 mid-range and $900+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,560 for 4 days.
What is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
Dec – Apr. From December to April, humpback and gray whales gather off Cabo, and the weather is dry and sunny.
Where should I stay in Cabo San Lucas?
Budget: Hotels in downtown Cabo (Marina), from about $100 a night. Mid-range: Resorts on Médano Beach (Médano Beach), from about $300 a night. Luxury: One&Only Palmilla (Corridor), from about $1,200 a night.
How do I reach Cabo San Lucas?
Los Cabos airport has direct flights across the US and Canada.
Is 3 days enough for Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "San José and home". 4 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Cabo San Lucas?
December to April: 20–28°C, dry.
What food should I try in Cabo San Lucas?
Fish tacos: Baja's own. Chocolate clams: A local shellfish. Margaritas: Fresh lime.
How do I get around Cabo San Lucas?
Taxis, buses and rental cars along the Corridor.
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