The Two Cabos & Cabo Pulmo
Stay in Cabo San Lucas and San José to explore the Arch, snorkel in the bays, and visit the East Cape reserve.
This itinerary keeps you within the Los Cabos area with short driving times, making it ideal for families and those with limited vacation time. Spend the first two nights near El Médano Beach to explore the Arch and the beaches, then move to the quiet historic center of San José for the next two nights, leaving one day for a trip to the coral reefs of Cabo Pulmo. La Paz is skipped; choose the loop itinerary if you want to see whale sharks and Espíritu Santo.
There is a risk of hurricanes from August to October. Strong winds and cold water from December to March can cause Cabo Pulmo boat trips to be canceled.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive at El Médano Beach
Los Cabos（Medano Beach、Cabo San Lucas Marina）
Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive along the Transpeninsular Highway to Cabo San Lucas (about 45 minutes). Stroll around the marina in the evening.
Stay: Medano Beach
Day 2 · The Arch at Land's End
Los Cabos（El Arco (Land's End)、Lover's Beach & Divorce Beach、Playa Monumentos）
Take a water taxi from the marina or El Médano Beach to see the Arch and land on Lover's Beach, taking about a half-day round-trip.
The Pacific side has strong waves; do not swim at Divorce Beach.
Stay: Medano Beach
Day 3 · Snorkeling in the Corridor Bays
Los Cabos（Santa Maria Bay、Chileno Bay、Playa Palmilla）
Drive east along the Tourist Corridor, stopping at various bays along the way (about 40 minutes total driving time), and arrive in San José by evening.
Stay: San José del Cabo
Day 4 · Cabo Pulmo Day Trip
Los Cabos（Cabo Pulmo National Park）
The drive from San José to Cabo Pulmo takes about 1.5 hours each way, with the last 10 kilometers on a dirt road. Guided day tours are also available.
Winds are calmer in the morning, making it the best time to swim. Snorkeling requires a guide. Confirm that your rental car insurance covers unpaved roads.
Stay: San José del Cabo
Day 5 · San José Historic Center and Departure
Los Cabos（San José del Cabo Historic Center、Estero San José、Flora Farms）
Explore the historic center on foot, drive to a local farm for lunch, and then head to the airport (about a 20-minute drive).