The post GUIDE: LOS CABOS, MEXICO appeared first on JETSET WITH JASMINE.
]]>If you ask me, I will tell you that Mexico is always a good idea, and, more specifically, Cabo is always a good idea! I love any excuse to practice my Spanish, drink margaritas, and snack on chips and guacamole at all hours of the day. There are two popular areas that make up Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas is the most popular with luxury resorts, nightlife, and tourism entertainment; San José del Cabo is more laidback with art galleries, boutique shops, and authentic culture. Both are amazing for different reasons, but I have to say that my favorite to return back to is San José del Cabo.
In this Los Cabos travel guide, I will share my tips for where to stay, what to eat and drink, and things to see and do in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo!
STAY
There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from in Los Cabos. You should definitely ask yourself how important beach access is, because many of the beaches in Los Cabos are actually not swimmable due to the intense riptide. A good hotel will make up for this with a fabulous pool and maybe even a dreamy chair set up on the beach that is set far enough back from the shoreline. Other factors to consider are if the hotel or resort is family-friendly v. adults only, if there is on-site transportation available, what activities and entertainment is scheduled, if there is a quality spa, and what the nearby dining options are.
HOTELS & RESORTS WITH PERKS
As a Fora travel advisor, I can hook you up with room upgrades, perks, resort credit, free breakfast, and more at the following hotels. The best part is there is no additional cost to you. Fill out the form on this page to get started!
P.S. The first three in this list are my favorites!
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort
One&Only Palmilla
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Viceroy Los Cabos
Montage Los Cabos
Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Solaz, A Luxury Collection Resort Los Cabos
ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS
Mexico is practically synonymous with all-inclusive resorts. I think this is a great option for a family or a group, as all-inclusive resorts offer flexible and easy planning, and you pay for everything upfront so you really don’t have to worry about spending money during your vacation. The one downfall of all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos is that you may miss out on experiencing the amazing food, drinks, and culture outside of the resort property. That does not mean that the included food and drinks will not be good, too, but I would not limit yourself to those options.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
Paradisus Los Cabos
Zoëtry Casa Del Mar
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos
Marquis Los Cabos
BOUTIQUE HOTELS
Drift San José del Cabo is my favorite boutique hotel option in the area. I absolutely loved staying here for a few nights during my last trip. There are only 29 rooms on the property – all similar in size and amenities and facing the courtyard pool. There are complimentary surf boards and racks available. The vibe is very cool and serene. Drift has properties in Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and Nashville, too.
EAT AND DRINK
As I mentioned before, the food and drinks are so good throughout Los Cabos, so it’s really a shame to not leave your resort to sample the incredibly authentic Mexican food here. I regularly dream about the margaritas and chilaquiles from my most recent trip to Los Cabos.
TIP: Several of these restaurants have locations in San José del Cabo AND Cabo San Lucas. Secure your reservation in advance!
LUNCH & DINNER
Flora Farms | If there is one place that you should make a reservation at before you arrive in Los Cabos, it should be Flora Farms – whether it be for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Everything on the menu is amazing, the organic ingredients come straight from the farms (which you can tour), there is often a band playing live music, and the property is large and accommodating for groups of all sizes (even weddings). It is located in San José del Cabo.
Los Tres Gallos | There are obviously a lot of Mexican restaurants with colorful decorations, inviting atmospheres, mariachi bands, and authentic food and drinks, but Los Tres Gallos might be my favorite of this restaurant genre. There is a location in Cabo San Lucas and in San José del Cabo (request a table on the rooftop).
Edith’s | This is a classic establishment that has been around since 1994. The vibrant setting and circling mariachi band will put you in a good mood before you’ve even had a sip of margarita. It is located in Cabo San Lucas.
The Office | I first came to this lively beachfront restaurant for dinner during my best friend’s bachelorette party – it is perfect for groups and celebrations. It’s also a great place to grab a margarita and listen to live music while you wait for a table at any of the nearby hot spots. It is located in Cabo San Lucas.
ACRE | This gorgeous resort has an equally gorgeous on-site bar and restaurant. Come here for their prix fixe brunch menu or for a cocktail before or after hopping over to Flora Farms (they are pretty close together). It is located in San José del Cabo.
La Lupita Taco & Mezcal | Known for their tacos!!! There is a location in Cabo San Lucas and in San José del Cabo.
Kitchen + Mezcal Bar | The restaurant on the Drift hotel property with amazing food and drinks. Some nights it is very chill and some nights there is a DJ, so take your pick! It is located in San José del Cabo.
On my list for next time: El Huerto, El Farallon, Tres Sirenas, Metate, LUMBRE.
DRINKS
The Rooftop at The Cape | This is my favorite place to watch the sunset while enjoying a delicious cocktail and a light bite. Make a reservation for 30 minutes before sunset.
Nomada Bar de Origen | The mezcalita. OMG. It is located in San José del Cabo.
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
PEZGALLO | I love this spot so much that I ate breakfast here two days in a row. Order the iced coffee with orange cold foam and the chilaquiles. The vibe in the back patio is so inviting with plants and art everywhere. It is located in San José del Cabo.
Ruba’s Bakery & Bistro | A super cute spot known for their breakfast and pastries but they are open late if you are looking for somewhere to grab dinner or drinks. It is located in San José del Cabo.
Coffee LAB | If you’re dealing a three hour time difference like me, you’re going to need to save this local coffee shop! It is located in San José del Cabo.
Follow me on Instagram for even more foodie content!
SEE AND DO
LUXURY SUNSET SAIL
If there is one activity that you plan, it should definitely be some time on a boat. You can go during the day and have the opportunity to jump in the water, snorkel, and see marine life OR you can go in the evening and *cheers* to golden hour and take in the sunset views.
Cabo Adventures has so many options but I loved the luxury sunset sail with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, comfortable / spacious seating, and an entertaining crew onboard.
HIKE MT. SOLMAR
This hike is just under two miles and leads to a breathtaking view from a peninsula in the Lands End area. It is not far from downtown Cabo San Lucas. While I have not personally done this hike, I have read that it is a bit challenging. I have also read that it is not a public trailhead and you must be accompanied by a guide. I encourage you to do your own research to keep up with the latest information, but there is a man named Enrique that owns a dog kennel and leads hikes at 8am daily every morning except for Saturdays. You just show up!
ART WALK
If you are in San José del Cabo on a Thursday between November and June, then you don’t want to miss the weekly art walk in the Gallery District. The colorful streets are closed to car traffic from 5-9pm so that locals and tourists can comfortably explore the art galleries, bars, and restaurants in the area.
TODOS SANTOS AND LA PAZ
Rent a car or join an organized tour for a day trip to these magical cities near Los Cabos. Todos Santos is about one hour away from the SJD airport and La Paz is another hour away from Todos Santos.
I hope you enjoyed this Los Cabos travel guide and are planning to visit soon!
TIPS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Like I said in the beginning, Mexico is always a good idea. Technically, the best time to plan your trip is anytime from April to July. August to October is considered the rainy season. November and December are popular months to visit for the “festive,” or holiday season, so make sure you are planning ahead.
CURRENCY & LANGUAGE
Mexican Pesos is the local currency. The official language spoken in Los Cabos is Spanish.
GETTING AROUND
To/From SJD Airport: It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive between the airport and San José del Cabo. It takes approximately 40 minutes to drive between the airport and Cabo San Lucas.
Uber is readily available in Los Cabos; however, it is unable to pick-up directly at the airport. While I found it completely safe and reliable for navigating around Los Cabos, I encourage you to be vigilant, as Uber is technically illegal here. There are plenty of taxis and shuttles available if you do not choose to rent a car.
Tip: Save locations to a list on Google Maps – your hotel, bars and restaurants, sights, etc. for planning your days efficiently. This will help you see which sights, bars, and restaurants are in the same areas.
PACKING
The usual beach accessories are a must: sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuits, beach bag.
My complete guide to how to pack for travel is saved HERE!
P.S. Don’t forget your passport!
Jetset with Jasmine contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/990580880524508117/sent/?invite_code=b8db13eef5664d9dbd071533195e732d&sender=990581017947459703&sfo=1 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/990580880524508123/sent/?invite_code=4692ec8205d749eab80f0040df7190c3&sender=990581017947459703&sfo=1 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/990580880524508108/sent/?invite_code=c1210282e3b845428a13b640af90c950&sender=990581017947459703&sfo=1The post GUIDE: LOS CABOS, MEXICO appeared first on JETSET WITH JASMINE.
]]>The post GUIDE: PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO appeared first on JETSET WITH JASMINE.
]]>In this travel guide, I will share my tips for where to stay, what to eat and drink, and things to see and do in vibrant Puerto Vallarta. Oh…and I highly recommend vacationing for your birthday!
STAY
As with most destinations, there are many homes on Airbnb, as well as hotels and resorts to choose from for accommodations. Keep reading for the reasons we chose to stay in an Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta.
AIRBNB
Book the house HERE!
LOCATION | This Airbnb is located in the Amapas neighborhood in the lush Sierra Madre mountains. Not only is it scenic here, but it is also a bit calmer than the nearby Zona Romántica neighborhood. Taxi and Uber rides to Zona Romántica and Downtown take no more than ten minutes. The house has a 24/7 security staff that was able to assist in calling taxis, which was very helpful for our group, since Uber XL was not always readily available.
SPACE | Having a shared space to hangout is ideal when traveling with a group. This house has three levels, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a private pool, and multiple sitting areas indoors and outdoors. There are views of the jungle, ocean, and sunset that can be seen throughout the house.
Party Tip: I ordered this customizable gold banner and white paper picado for a little birthday décor in the house.
POOL | We especially loved that our house had a private heated pool so that we could control the playlist, make poolside margaritas, and take a swim whenever we wanted! No matter where you stay in Puerto Vallarta, a pool is a must!
Party Tip: Everyone loved these drink name tags, drink stirrers, drink umbrellas, and flamingo straws that paired perfectly with these pink glitter party cups. Bring pool floats (if you have room in your suitcase) – mine are sold out at Target but these glitter pool floats look similar!
COOKING | Our home came with a personal chef that we used for daily breakfast, snacks, and one dinner which made us feel so pampered. We were able to arrange for food and drinks to be stocked in the kitchen upon arrival, too – cost effective and easy! I am still thinking about the chilaquiles we had for breakfast on the first morning…
This home also comes with a masseuse and daily housekeeping. How do you say “no” to that?!
Book the house HERE!
ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
There are also amazing hotels and resorts in Puerto Vallarta that would be perfect for a couple, couples trip, or a small family. Check out Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta for that! The best way to book your stay is by using World of Hyatt points – whether you transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards (use this link to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and receive an amazing bonus offer) or earn points directly through Hyatt (use this link to apply for the World of Hyatt Credit Card and receive an amazing bonus offer).
EAT AND DRINK
An essential part of every Jetset with Jasmine guide is bar and restaurant recommendations that offer good food + drinks AND good vibes, and this Puerto Vallarta travel guide is no different! Keep in mind that we had coffee, breakfast, and lunch at our Airbnb every day (which passed the good food + drinks AND good vibes test), so my list is focused to dinner and drinks below.
I highly recommend making some reservations in advance of your travels – most of the best spots in this Puerto Vallarta travel guide are on Open Table.
If I were in Puerto Vallarta for longer, then I definitely would have booked this tacos and tequila tour during the day!
DINNER
The Iguana | If you can only eat at one place in Puerto Vallarta, then this has to be it. It is set in the former home of Elizabeth Taylor, which is absolutely stunning. The food and drinks are exceptional, the service is a 10/10, and the views are scenic.
iK Mixology | Not only a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset, but also a fun table setting with delicious drinks and fusion cuisine. Make a reservation right before sunset, and request to sit in a nest.
On my list for next time: Tintoque, Barcelona Tapas, El Dorado
DRINKS
Cocktails: Bar La Playa, El Colibri, Mezcal y Sal, Elixir Mixology Bar
SEE AND DO
BOOK A DAY CRUISE
A day cruise with Ally Cat Sailing Adventures is a MUST if you are celebrating anything in Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita, or Sayulita! We booked the Fat Cat Day Cruise, which lasted six hours and was on board a 60-foot luxury yacht with comfortable seating and shade. Everything was included in the price – breakfast, snacks, lunch, an open bar (mimosas, piña coladas, margaritas, beer, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water, etc.), and water activities (slides, high dive, lily pads, paddle boards, etc.). We also made stops at the Marietas Islands for swimming and snorkeling at Playa la Nopalera + Playa la Manzanilla for water activities. The crew was so friendly and fun, too! Everyone on board seemed to be celebrating something – birthday, honeymoon, bachelorette, you name it!
EXPLORE ZONA ROMÁNTICA & DOWNTOWN
If you cannot already tell from all the photos in this Puerto Vallarta travel guide, this destination is beautiful! The Sierra Madre mountains are lush, the Banderas Bay is deep blue, and the town itself is colorful and authentic. Here is a list of picture perfect places to find when you are exploring Zona Romántica and Downtown:
Casitas Coloridas
El Parque de los Azulejos
iK Mixology
Casa Kimberly
Mirador de la Cruz
Iglesia de Guadalupe
El Malecón
Lastly, there are so many beautiful beaches for relaxing and hiking + nearby colorful towns to explore like Sayulita. I hope you enjoyed this travel guide to Puerto Vallarta and are planning to visit soon! I will definitely be coming back!
TIPS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful destination any time of the year. I actually visited during the low season (July-September), which is also considered the rainy season, but truth-be-told, the rain was scarce during the day and was only an issue in the evening. The sun still shined, and I still got a tan!
If you are interested in whale watching, the best time to visit is from December-March.
CURRENCY
Mexican Pesos are the local currency. The conversion rate is more or less $1 USD = $20 MXN. I recommend that you keep some cash on hand for taxis, local vendors, and tipping. We found that most ATMs were closed on Sunday, so plan accordingly.
GETTING AROUND
To/From PVR Airport: Leaving the airport, I recommend using Uber, as taxis and shuttles are actually more expensive! The pick-up point for Uber is a left after you exit the terminal, another left at the end of the building, and across the pedestrian bridge (4-5 minutes of walking in total). Arriving at the airport, you can use Uber or a taxi, which will drop you off right in front of the departures entrance.
Uber is available throughout Puerto Vallarta and is very affordable (it never costs more than $5 USD to go from Amapas to Zona Romántica). Taxi services are also easy to find, but keep in mind that you will need to pay in Mexican Pesos. Otherwise, Zona Romántica and Downtown are super walkable.
Tip: Save locations to a list on Google Maps – your hotel, bars and restaurants, sights, etc. for planning your days efficiently. This will help you see which sights, bars, and restaurants are in the same areas.
PACKING
Pack several pool/beach outfits + my favorite essentials: these hair claw clips, these hydration packets, and this travel and reef-friendly sunscreen.
For the evenings, I recommend that you dress up a little – think dresses for the ladies and casual button-downs for the gents.
And if you’re celebrating anything like we were, don’t forget all of the party décor that I mentioned earlier!
My complete guide to how to pack for travel is saved HERE!
P.S. DON’T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT!
LANGUAGE
You do not need to speak Spanish, but it does help a lot. Not everyone that you encounter will be able to speak English – be patient. I always encourage people to attempt to learn a few key words, though!
| English | Spanish |
| Hello | Hola |
| Good morning/day | Buenos días |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? |
| I’m good! | Estoy bien |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Hablas inglés? |
| Please | Por favor |
| Thank you | Gracias |
| You’re welcome | De nada |
| Bye | Adios |
| How much does it cost? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? |
COVID-19
With the spread of COVID-19, all travelers should prioritize their health and safety. Rules and restrictions are constantly changing, so stay updated HERE for related rules and restrictions in Mexico.
Jetset with Jasmine contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/990580880514114218/The post GUIDE: PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO appeared first on JETSET WITH JASMINE.
]]>