Sculptures like these are typical of Mayan, Aztec and Mexican
art found in shops throughout the Los Cabos region of Baja, Mexico.
The Puerto Paraiso Mall on the marina in Cabo San Lucas houses dozens of shops, restaurants, a movie theater, bowling alley and arcade making it a very popular destination.
SHOPPING IN LOS CABOS If shopping is your thing, you've come to the right place. The Los Cabos region has many shopping options, from large commercial shopping malls like the Puerto Paraiso Mall in Cabo San Lucas to small shops scattered throughout the streets of San Jose del Cabo. Although few products offered for sale here are actually created in Baja Sur, the area markets items from many regions of mainland Mexico. Pottery from Guanajuato and San Bartolo Coyotepec, woven and embroidered goods from Oaxaca, Chiapas and the Yucatan peninsula and beautiful beaded crafts created by Huichol Indians in Nayarit.
Many businesses gladly accept credit cards and purchases can be made with both US dollars and pesos. Using pesos usually results in a better deal, as most shops will tilt the exchange balance in their favor if you’re paying in dollars. Shops usually open at 10:00 a.m. unless there is a cruise ship arriving early in the morning, in which case, many open earlier and close later.
In Cabo San Lucas, you’ll find that the majority of the shopping to be had borders the marina. There you’ll find the Puerto Paraiso mall on the north end, dozens of small boutique shops and jewelry stores on the street that fronts the marina, and a sunken center plaza filled with all kinds of Mexican handicrafts. On the opposite side of Marina Blvd., a short walk will bring you into more of a swap meet area of vendors selling everything from Margarita glasses to T-shirts and typical tourist items.
If you’re looking for custom designed jewelry, many shops in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo can design just about anything you’d like and have it ready in a day or two. Mexican Fire Opals are a great choice to add to any design and the selection in Los Cabos is very good. Stop in, discuss your design, return the next day and wear it out to dinner that evening. Not a bad way to enjoy your new purchase.
Just up the road from Cabo San Lucas, a visit to the Blown Glass Factory gives shoppers the opportunity to see glass blowers at work, creating the colorful wares that line the shelves inside the store. More than 400 works a day are turned out by 35 artisans who utilize a method relatively unchanged since its inception in Asia almost 4,000 years ago. Mixtures of different metals are added to the liquefied glass to create the deep, rich tones of the figures produced by these artists. If you’re so inclined, you too can opt to create your own work of art, just don’t expect it to come close to the work that the “pros” produce.
Huichol Indian art is personified by there highly-detailed bead work.
Some other notable shops to explore in Cabo San Lucas include; Faces of Mexico - masks from various Mexican cultures (Ave. Cardenas, behind the Mar de Cortes Hotel); Huichol Collection - beaded crafts from the Huichol Indian tribe (Guerrero & Madero downtown); Joyeria Brilanti – silver jewelry created by the Brilanti family that is highly collectable and sought after (Guerrero in between Madero and Zapata); and Magic of the Moon – where owner Pepita creates very unique clothing and will also fashion garments from buyer’s own design (Hidalgo just off Marina Blvd). There are many other worthwhile shops, do a little exploring of your own and you may just turn up a diamond in the rough!
FROM CABO SAN LUCAS TO TODOS SANTOS
A drive north from Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific side of the cape makes for a great day of sightseeing and shopping. Travel out of downtown Cabo on the main drag and just follow the signs pointing you to Todos Santos. The road north is well paved and maintained but watch out for livestock on the roads.There are dirt roads that lead to the beaches all along this stretch of highway and it’s well worth exploring them.
At KM 69 on HWY 19, you’ll come across two small businesses on your left that you should stop in at. The first is the Blanket Factory; the second is Art and Beer. The Blanket Factory produces some of the few homegrown products and has some terrific hand-loomed rugs, blankets, clothing and hammocks. Walk through to the back of the shop and you’ll see the loom where these items are all created. Have a custom design? The family who runs the show will have it ready for you, usually in two days or less.
Just north is where you’ll find Art and Beer, an art gallery and restaurant owned and operated by Lourdes Campos and her partner, Alfredo Ruiz. The two are both artists and have become somewhat of an institution in their own right. Art and beer are not the only things to be found here. Enjoy some chocolate clams or a wonderful lunch on the shaded patio or atop the sun drenched rooftop of the main building, where the art, beer and the hospitable hosts can be found.
Once you’ve reached the sleepy town of Todos Santos you’ve arrived in a handicraft shopper’s paradise. Many little shops can be found such as Artesanias Zahuapan where you can purchase silver, onyx and quartz products as well as handmade blankets. For bronze sculptures, try Fenix de Todos Santos, who also carries cotton resort wear and Baja styled beach clothing. Agua Y Sol is a good choice for wood and iron sculptures, jewelry and hand painted pottery.
Several galleries tempt the art lover to pop in and browse. Todos Santos has earned a reputation as the home of many internationally recognized artists and the colony offers up a wide variety of items sure to please just about everyone’s tastes. Spending time strolling the galleries and shops will no doubt build an appetite, luckily there are several excellent restaurants in town.
To return to Cabo, head back on HWY 19 south, or, continue on towards La Paz. About 15 minutes out of Todos Santos, you’ll come to the intersection of HWY 19 and HWY 1, take HWY 1 south. The drive this way takes about an hour and a half to two hours, but the drive through the Sierra Laguna Mountains and along the East Cape coastline is something you shouldn’t miss.
SAN JOSE DEL CABO
This is perhaps the best location to purchase high-quality jewelry, home furnishings and folk art in Los Cabos. Start out at Plaza Mijares in the center of historic colonial San Jose and fan out in all directions to explore dozens of small, mostly owner-operated shops. Scattered amongst the shops are many restaurants serving both regional and international foods.
For those in search of jewelry, I’d suggest a visit to Amethyst where silver, gold and semi-precious stones take center stage. A small shop, Copal, just up the street brings animals to life in sculptures carved from mesquite wood. For a great selection of Oaxacan artisan works, Galeria Veryka on Blvd. Mijares brings embroidered clothing, silver and hand-molded black and green pottery from the mainland much to the delight of both local and tourist shoppers.
If Tequila is on your list, a visit to Los Barrilles de Cuervo is in order. Rare tequilas housed in imaginative and often collectible decanters make it easy to browse but difficult to decide. Which one is the right one? Well, why not take two, or three? Cigar lovers are well advised to make a stop at Amigos Smokeshop & Cigar Bar. Make a selection and sit back and enjoy a snifter of fine tequila and keep you’re eyes open for the occasional celebrities that make this one of their favorite out-of-the-way stops while in Los Cabos.
Last but not least, furniture and accessories for your home can be found at Art, Design and Decoration, located on Calle Doblado at Morelos. Stock up on handpainted ceramic dishes, hand-carved furniture, accent pieces and decorations at a fraction of the cost of what you’d pay back home. There are many, many more shops in the area and every time I visit I find new ones that coax the cash right out of my pocket, but at the price, at least I know I’ve found a true bargain.
SIGHTSEEING LOS CABOS - EASY DAY TRIPS FROM CABO SAN LUCAS SAN JOSE DEL CABO San Jose del Cabo is about a twenty five minute drive north of Cabo San Lucas. While only a short drive away, the two towns could not be more different. Although San Jose del Cabo has grown much over the last decade, it still retains it's historic colonial feel. What draws most people here is the slower pace and a more traditional Mexican atmosphere. The center point of a tour of San Jose is the town square and church. From this plaza, streets spill out in all directions with distinct areas like the ever-growing and very popular Art's District where dozens of galleries compete for tourist dollars. In addition to the art available here, there are shops that specialize in ceramics including Talavera pottery, leather shops, the expected Mexican gift shops and of course, loads of jewelry stores with Taxco silver leading the way as the most desired items to purchase. Scattered amongst the shopping establishments are many fine restaurants that offer inexpensive fare to 5-star gourmet dining.
Here's a short video of San Jose del Cabo that will give you an overview of what to expect when you take a day trip to this quaint Mexican town.
VIDEO TOUR OF SAN JOSE DEL CABO, BAJA, MEXICO
VIDEO TOUR OF SAN JOSE ESTUARY AT DAYBREAK Nature lovers are sure to enjoy a few hours spent touring the San Jose Estuary as it's loaded with life including some of Baja's most admired birds. Here's what it's like to greet the sunrise at this most precious of natural resources in Los Cabos. In August of 2009, a fire broke out here and we're not sure just how much of the estuary was damaged. We'll be returning to the area in November so check back for more information – a new video may be part of the update.
VENTURING NORTH UP THE PACIFIC SIDE TO TODOS SANTOS
Another easy but very enjoyable day trip out of Cabo San Lucas takes you north up HWY 19 along the Pacific Ocean to Todos Santos with a couple of stops along the way at Art and Beer – a funky spot that mixes art with great food and drink – and Cerritos Beach, a popular beach club and surfing spot.
Here's a short video of what you'll encounter on this sightseeing trip, but do take the time to explore more and discover your own favorite places along this stretch of the Baja.
NOTABLE SHOPS/STORES MEXICAN ARTS AND CRAFTS Plaza Puerto Paraiso
Located on the marina in Cabo San Lucas the mall rivals major US malls but includes some distinctly Mexican stores as well. In addition, there is a cinema, bowling alley and arcade here.
Marina Golden Zone & Luxury Avenue
This area has high-end shops like Cartier and Gucci but it also has the Tequila Museum and several smaller Mexican arts & crafts shops, jewelry and collectibles. Located next to the Puerto Paraiso Mall
Faces of Mexico
One of the area's oldest folk-art shops including masks from Oaxaca and Guerrero. Calle Lazaro Cárdenas beside the Mar de Cortés hotel in Cabo San Lucas PHONE: 011-52-624-143-2634
Necri - San Jose del Cabo
Unique Mexican Gifts, Fine Mexican Handicrafts, Pewter from Mexico City, Talavera, Ceramics from Puebla, Majolica Pottery from Guanajuato 16 Boulevard Mijares in San Jose del Cabo PHONE: 011-52-624-130-7500
Mama Eli's
Mama Eli's is a three-story gallery with fine furnishings, ceramics, appliquéd clothing, children's toys, Quality Mexican arts and crafts, pewter, table wear and linens. Plaza Central & Ave. Cabo San Lucas in Cabo PHONE: 011-52-624-143-1616
Mexican Masters Gallery Hidalgo & Zaragoza in Cabo San Lucas PHONE: 011-52-624-146-9168
FEATURED ART GALLERIES ART GALLERIES IN CABO SAN LUCAS
Golden Cactus Gallery
Chris MacClure and Marilyn Hurst put this gallery together and it has become the most popular gallery in Cabo with perhaps the largest assemblage of art in town. Chris and Marilyn have created a collaborative society of local and international artists with the requirement that the artists that take part in the gallery must have Baja or Cabo related art included as part of their portfolios. The result, an eclectic mix of art in a cozy gallery right in downtown Cabo.
Corner of Guerrero & Madero in Cabo San Lucas PHONE: 011-52-624-143-6399 WEBSITE
Galeria de Kaki Bassi
Kaki Bassi's art is influenced by cave paintings in Baja Sur and Italy but her gallery also features works by other artists. Morelos & Col Juarez in Cabo San Lucas PHONE: 011-52-624-143-3510 WEBSITE
SAN JOSE DEL CABO ART GALLERIES
Galerid de Ida Victoria
A beautiful tri-level art gallery located in the heart of San José del Cabo's historic district. It is a spectacular building that stays true to the Mexican colonial style of the neighborhood on the facade, but the interior is a grand and modern space with state of the art lighting and hanging systems. The gallery is also equipped with a state of the art projection system for weekly lectures on the history of Mexican art and special programs on artists and periods of art history. PHONE: 011-52-624-142-5772 1128 Vicente Guerrero in San Jose del Cabo WEBSITE
Handcrafted Mexican folk art comes in a wide variety of genres. This miniature featuring hand-carved guitars and the craftsman who creates them shows amazing detail. The entire scene depicted is a mere 8 x 12 inches in size.
LIQUOR & CIGARS Tequila’s House
Like the name implies, this is a Tequila lovers must visit shop with good prices on great tequila. Located on Blvd. Marina in Cabo San Lucas PHONE: 011-52-624-143 5666 Located on Morelos St. in Cabo San Lucas PHONE: 011-52-624-143-9070
All-Star Cigar Located on Matamoros in Cabo San Lucas PHONE: 011-52-624-143-6666
J & J Habanos
A little bit of Havana right in downtown Cabo San Lucas. You'll recognize it by all the photos of Ché Guavara hanging in the windows. On Madero between Blvd. Marina & Guerrero PHONE: 011-52-624-143-6160 Tutto Bene
Great little shop with an excellent selection of wines and gourmet snacks. On Blvd. Marina just south of Tesoro Hotel PHONE: 011-52-624-144-3300
BLOWN GLASS The Glass Factory
Watch glass blowers at work, you can even have them fashion a custom piece for purchase! Lazaro Cardenas S/N Edificio Posada in Cabo PHONE: 011-52-624-143-0120
Plaza Indios
Hand blown glass, silver jewelry and pottery. Located on Cardenas & V. Guerrero in Cabo PHONE: 011-52-624-143-0942
FINE JEWELRY Los Cabos Amber Gallery
Exquisite Chiapas Amber Creations.
Alvaro Obregon #18B in San Jose del Cabo PHONE: 011-52-624-105 2332
Bla Bla Bla Silver Shop
Silver jewelry and craftworks. On Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas at Plaza del Mar PHONE: 011-52-624-143-5092
ART GALLERIES (continued from above)
Old Town Gallery
Local and international artists display their work here including Serge Dube, John Einerssen and Fernando Tames.
PHONE: 011-52-624-142-3662
20 Obregon St. in San Jose del Cabo WEBSITE
Pez Gordo Gallery 2 Locations • Tourist corridor at Tiendas de Palmilla Plaza • 19 Alvaro Obregon, San Jose del Cabo PHONE: 011-52-624-142-5788
Corsica Galeria del Arte
Sculpture is the main draw here. Jorge Marin’s bronze sculptures have garnered worldwide attention and acclaim and a visit to this art gallery is a must. Alvaro Obregon 15 in San Jose del Cabo PHONE: 011-52-624-146-9177
Julian Garcia Forcelledo Gallery
Julian Garcia Forcelledo was born in Mexico City in 1950. He worked in Spanish painter Virgilio Ruiz' shop for 7 years. An autodidactic sculptor for more than 18 years, Julian currently resides in San Jose del Cabo. Morelos and Comonfort in San Jose del Cabo PHONE: 011-52-624-142-3566 El Amario
A well-rounded collection of unique Mexican art and gift items. Morelos and Alvaro Obregon in San Jose del Cabo PHONE: 011-52-624-105-2989
Sol Dorado Art Gallery
An extensive collection of Mexican art including paintings, sculptures, silver works, jewelry, Huichol Indian art, textiles, ceramics including Talavera and black clay from Oaxaca, blown glass, forged iron and wood carvings. The gallery has been around since 1983. 33 Blvd. Mijares in San Jose del Cabo PHONE: 011-52-624-142-1950
A QUICK VIDEO TOUR OF LOS CABOSHere's a short video that will give you a little peek into what Los Cabos has to offer. From an incredible sunrise as the sport fishing fleet heads out to sea to the rugged beauty of the desert as it meets with Chileno Beach. Or how about the azure-blue ocean full of marine life and the countless species of birds found in the San Jose estuary. Whatever it is you look for in a vacation, Southern Baja and the Los Cabos region has such a diversity of things to see and do, you'll never run out of new adventures.
See why a trip to Cabo San Lucas is something you don't want to pass up, click the play button in the video player above.
