BAJA SUR GUIDES
Cabo San Lucas
La Paz
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About & History of San José del Cabo, Mexico
📍 Location
San José del Cabo lies at the southeastern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, just 20 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas. Together, the two form "Los Cabos," but San José offers a more tranquil, refined contrast to Cabo’s vibrant energy.
🏛️ A Colonial Heart
San José del Cabo’s history begins long before its Spanish colonial charm took shape. The area was originally inhabited by the Pericú, a hunter-gatherer tribe who lived off the land and sea for thousands of years. They were among the most resilient indigenous peoples of the Baja Peninsula.
Spanish galleons began stopping in the area in the 1530s for fresh water from the Río San José estuary, which still nourishes the land today. In 1730, Jesuit missionaries founded Mission San José del Cabo Añuití, giving birth to the modern town. This mission still stands at the heart of the city center.
🧭 A Cultural Crossroads
San José del Cabo was historically a waypoint for ships navigating between the Philippines and Mexico as part of the Manila Galleon trade route. Over time, the town developed around its mission, plaza, and estuary, becoming a modest agricultural and fishing community.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the town remained relatively isolated—its economy driven by farming, fishing, and ranching—until the tourism boom of the 1980s transformed Los Cabos into a global destination.
🎨 San José Today
Modern San José del Cabo is known for its preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and thriving arts scene. The Art District, centered around Alvaro Obregón Street, comes alive every Thursday evening for the Art Walk, when galleries and shops open their doors to visitors and locals alike.
The town also boasts a growing culinary scene, high-end resorts, boutique hotels, and access to the San José Estuary, a peaceful nature reserve teeming with birdlife.
🌟 Why Visit
Explore the historic Misión San José del Cabo
Stroll the Art District and attend the Thursday Art Walk
Visit the tranquil Estero San José nature preserve
Dine at upscale restaurants and local farm-to-table eateries
Enjoy boutique shopping and local artisan markets
San José del Cabo beautifully blends history, culture, and coastal charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both authenticity and comfort in Baja California Sur.
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About & History of El Pescadero, Baja California Sur
🌾 A Quiet Gem on the Pacific
El Pescadero is a small, laid-back agricultural community on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, located between Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas—just a 10-minute drive south of Todos Santos. While often overshadowed by its artsy neighbor, Pescadero has a vibe all its own: rustic, surfy, and deeply rooted in the land.
🏝️ Indigenous and Early History
The area surrounding El Pescadero was originally inhabited by the Pericú people, indigenous to the southern Baja peninsula. They lived off both the sea and desert, skillfully adapting to the region’s arid environment. With the arrival of Spanish missionaries and settlers in the 18th century, the local population began to shift, and many traditional ways of life faded.
Though it never became a mission town itself, Pescadero’s fertile land and consistent water supply (rare in Baja) made it ideal for farming.
🚜 Agricultural Roots
El Pescadero is known for its agricultural richness, thanks to underground aquifers and streams flowing from the nearby Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Fields of chili peppers, basil, mangoes, and other produce define the landscape. Today, many local farms—like Baja Beans and Rancho Pescadero—supply organic produce to nearby resorts and restaurants.
Farming continues to play a central role in the town’s identity, with local markets and roadside stands showcasing fresh regional goods.
🏄♂️ Surf, Sand, and Seclusion
Starting in the 1990s and early 2000s, surfers began discovering the region’s incredible breaks—especially at Playa Los Cerritos and San Pedrito Beach, which offer some of the most consistent surf in Baja. That surf culture attracted a small but passionate community of expats, artists, and off-grid dreamers.
While it remains off the beaten path compared to Cabo or Todos Santos, Pescadero has seen a slow and tasteful evolution—hosting boutique hotels, farm-to-table eateries, yoga retreats, and eco-conscious developments.
🌿 Modern Day Vibe
El Pescadero today is a mosaic of:
Organic farms and roadside produce stands
Boutique accommodations and beachside bungalows
Surf culture and seasonal festivals
Artisan markets and farm dinners under the stars
Despite its growth, it retains a rural soul—appealing to travelers who seek nature, wellness, and simplicity.
⭐ Why Visit
Surf world-class waves at Playa Los Cerritos
Shop and sip at Baja Beans Roasting Company
Stay in a boutique eco-lodge or beachfront cabana
Enjoy locally grown food at field-to-fork restaurants
Take in the slow, authentic rhythm of Baja life
El Pescadero is not just a destination—it’s a state of mind. Quiet, grounded, and beautifully Baja.