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.

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