The Other Side of Los Cabos: Where Adventure, Wellness, and Tranquility Await

Los Cabos is a destination known for its
postcard-worthy sun-kissed shores, luxurious resorts, and, for some, its party
scene. But look further, and you’ll discover a side of Los Cabos where
adventure and wellness reign.

My recent visit here wasn’t along the usual
tourist trail. It was a journey to discover the other Los Cabos — where rugged landscapes invite adventure, where
ancient traditions foster wellbeing, and where the natural beauty begs a deeper
connection to the destination.

I came to discover the heart of Los Cabos, and
what I found was an incredible mix of wilderness, wellness, and tranquility —
plus a desire to find my way back as soon as possible. And I’m not alone. Over
3.4 million people visited Los Cabos in 2024, and 38% of those arriving in
January were returning visitors.

My exploration began not at a busy resort but
in the heart of the Santiago oasis at Amet Nature Retreat. This exclusive lodge
offers six accommodations for a private, immersive, natural experience under
the Baja sky.

A short drive from the San José airport, Amet
feels like stepping into a secret sanctuary. Surrounded by desert mountains and
a sky full of bright stars, it’s a welcome change of pace. Here you’ll find
some of the freshest food in the country, straight from nearby local farms.

And the grounds? They’re genuinely immaculate,
complete with an Instagrammable pool, modern yet natural architecture that
perfectly blends into its surroundings, and the sound of singing birds for your
morning wake-up call.

Amet offers opportunities to enhance your stay
even further with experiences like a private kayak meditation with Baja
Sierra Adventures. The water of the nearby calm, hidden lagoon is
the ideal place to experience firsthand Los Cabos’ growing emphasis on wellness
— and discover a newfound appreciation for nature, too.

Venture beyond Los Cabos’ popular coastline to
the more remote Cabo Pulmo National Park, where the raw beauty of this area is
best explored via a snorkeling excursion with Cabo
Pulmo Divers. These waters reveal a world full of colorful fish and
healthy coral reefs that are vital to protect.

The allure of this UNESCO World Heritage site
lies not only in its vibrant underwater ecosystems but also in its regulated
access. In recognition of the fragile coral reefs and the importance of
preserving the thriving marine life here, the park practices mindful tourism.
This means that a limited number of visitors are allowed per month, making
visiting this intimate and protected sanctuary a true privilege.

Heading inland, you’ll find the landscape
shift again. A hike in the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve allows you to
get a feel for the rugged beauty of the desert (and spot some free-range cows
grazing along the way). This journey shows the diverse landscape of Los Cabos
that an exclusively beachside vacation can’t touch.

In addition to immersing yourself in nature,
Los Cabos also promotes a deeper connection to the area’s rich culture.
Participating in a traditional cacao ceremony at Amet is a unique way to be a
part of an ancient local practice that nourishes body, mind, and spirit. There
is a growing interest in holistic wellness in Los Cabos, and a local-led cacao
ceremony is the perfect activity to dip your toes into this side of the
destination.

While spending time in nature’s calm serenity
is a must for a wellness vacation, so too is exploring the town of San José del
Cabo, complete with beautiful art galleries and delicious eateries. Los Cabos
has risen to establish itself as a premier dining destination with 18 MICHELIN
Guide-recognized restaurants.

This recognition is primarily thanks to the
region’s strong farm-to-table movement, where organic, local farms are the
source of the freshest ingredients for top-tier meals. In fact, Los Cabos is
the largest producer of organic produce in Mexico, and 100% of its produce is
grown locally.

Restaurants like Don
Sanchez and Acre highlight the area’s dedication to
sustainability and fresh, elevated dining experiences that make each meal feel
like the best you’ve ever had.

Los Cabos’ commitment to sustainability
extends into the area’s surrounding waters. Witness the beautiful and diverse
marine ecosystem with local experts, Uncharted Expeditions. Their excursions
prioritize education and a low-impact approach to experiencing the incredible
marine life of the Sea of Cortez. Time your visit right and you’ll see the
biodiversity that thrives in these waters, including humpback whales, grey
whales, sharks, turtles, and more.

Los Cabos’ philosophy of responsible practices
isn’t limited to the natural environment; it’s something you see in the
community too, including Hotel El Ganzo. This funky, stylish hotel
stands out for its artistic ambiance — it’s teeming with incredible art from
local and global artists. There’s even an underground recording studio where
artists like Anderson Paak and Thievery Corporation have recorded.

El Ganzo is also coveted for its focus on
guest wellness (don’t skip out on treating yourself to a massage here; be sure
to check out the hotel’s tranquil Playa El Ganzo beach club). But there’s more:
El Ganzo is the first hotel in Mexico to achieve B Corp status. This shows a
deep devotion to social and environmental responsibility that fits with the
destination’s broader spirit of sustainability.

There’s certainly more than meets the eye with
Los Cabos. This unique gem offers something for everyone, and if you’re looking
for a wellness vacation with a healthy dose of adventure, look no further. From
serene nature retreats to mindful cultural practices, Los Cabos offers an
escape you’ll never want to leave.