Below is a list of 10 things you should consider before booking a Mexico vacation if you’re stuck comparing between Cancun and Cabo. I’ve been to Cabo with my family and my spouse has been to both, so I’ll be using those trips to delve into each city’s unique offerings in helping to you decide your next Mexican vacation destination. Whether you’re planning a family holiday at a Mexican all-inclusive resort, a quick getaway with friends, a romantic retreat, or a lively party scene, both Cancun and Cabo promise unforgettable experiences.
1. Weather in Cancun vs Los Cabos
Cancun: I don’t see enough people talking about the weather when comparing between the two cities, but it’s the most important factor for me so I placed it first on this list. Cancun is positioned on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, so it enjoys a more tropical climate with warm but humid weather almost all year long. You’ll find that the summer months can be particularly hot, with temperatures sometimes rising close to 35°C (which is can be accompanied by frequent rainfall as well). The most important factor to consider when booking a trip to Mexico is hurricane season! Cancun’ location makes it more susceptible to hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season, which is typically from June to mid-November.
Los Cabos: What I love about Cabo is that it’s located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula on the Pacific side (below California) so it has more of a desert climate – that means less humidity, cooler evenings, and minimal rainfall. This region of Mexico enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, which makes it a more popular destination if you’re seeking sunshine. The most important part: Los Cabos is less prone to hurricanes due to its geographical placement, so it offers you a layer of predictability and comfort for vacation planning, especially during the peak hurricane season (if you’re really adamant about going to Mexico then).
2. Activities in Cancun and Los Cabos
Cancun: Cancun caters to adventure seekers of all types. If you’re going with your family, you’ll enjoy interactive experiences at the local aquariums and eco-friendly parks like Xcaret, where you can go snorkeling in underwater rivers. If you’re seeking entertainment more than adventure, then the famous Hotel Zone will offer you endless days and nights of fun – it’s teaming with nightclubs, beachfront bars, and hotel parties.
Los Cabos: Over on the Pacific side, Los Cabos mixes adventure with relaxation. Known for its top-notch golf courses and prime deep-sea fishing spots, it also offers adrenaline-pumping water sports at Medano Beach and serene sunset cruises around the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, perfect for friends and couples looking to make memories.
3. Beaches in Cancun and Los Cabos
Cancun: Home to some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, Cancun’s coastline is adorned with stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Playa Delfines is a favorite for its breathtaking views and quieter atmosphere, ideal for families and couples who seek a peaceful beach day.
Los Cabos: The beaches here are known for their stark beauty, featuring golden sands against dramatic cliff backdrops. Swimming might be restricted due to strong currents, but the views from beaches like Lover’s Beach and Chileno Beach, which are perfect for snorkeling and relaxing, are simply stunning.
4. Nightlife in Cancun and Los Cabos
Cancun nightlife: Vibrant and world-famous, Cancun’s nightlife is a draw for those looking to party. Clubs like Coco Bongo with its extravagant performances, and popular spots like The City and Mandala, promise a night full of excitement and entertainment.
Cabo nightlife: While vibrant, Cabo’s nightlife offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Cancun. From high-end lounges like OMNIA Dayclub to cozy local bars featuring live music, there’s a perfect night spot for everyone by the marina.
5. Food in Cancun vs Los Cabos
Cancun: A culinary hotspot, Cancun offers a taste of the Yucatan Peninsula with dishes like cochinita pibil alongside a variety of international cuisines served in scenic restaurants overlooking the sea.
Los Cabos: The culinary scene in Los Cabos reflects the diversity of Baja California Sur, with a spectacular selection of seafood and traditional Mexican flavors. Be sure to try the fresh lobster and tacos al pastor.
6. All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun vs Los Cabos
Cancun: The city boasts an array of all-inclusive resorts tailored to suit all ages and preferences. From family-friendly establishments with kids’ clubs like Moon Palace to adult-only havens like the Hyatt Zilara, Cancun offers a resort for every type of traveler.
Los Cabos: Known for more upscale and serene all-inclusive options, Los Cabos focuses on luxury and personalized service. Resorts such as Esperanza and Pueblo Bonito blend exclusivity with breathtaking views, ensuring a private and pampered vacation experience.
7. Safety in Cancun vs Los Cabos
Both destinations offer safe environments for tourists, particularly within the resorts and well-frequented areas. Standard travel precautions are advised to ensure a secure and enjoyable trip.
8. Getting Around in Cancun vs Los Cabos
Cancun: With a robust public transport system and ample taxis, Cancun is easy to navigate. Renting a car is also a great option for those looking to explore more of the Riviera Maya.
Los Cabos: The corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is well-served by buses, though taxis can be pricey. For those looking to venture beyond, car rentals offer the freedom to discover less accessible attractions.
9. Cancun and Cabo: Which is More Affordable vs Luxurious?
Cancun: Cancun generally offers more budget-friendly options compared to Los Cabos, although it does still have some luxurious getaway options. If you’re looking for a wider variety of accommodations, when booking a trip to Cancun you’ll find modest hotels to luxurious 5 star all-inclusive resorts, Cancun provides more choices for those watching their wallet. TLDR; it’s more on the affordable side.
Los Cabos: Los Cabos, on the other hand, is renowned for its luxury offerings. With exclusive resorts and private villas, it tends to cater to those seeking a more upscale and intimate vacation experience. We stayed at a 5-star all-inclusive resort when we were there and even the food options seemed a bit more upscale (lobsters, lamb chops, shrimp, and guacamole galore). TLDR; it’s a bit more of a luxurious getaway, though it does provide some budget-friendly resort options.
10. Cancun and Los Cabos Shopping
Cancun: Although this may not be as important to many, some people really do enjoy shopping while on vacation to Mexico. The shopping in Cancun gives you diverse options: La Isla Shopping Village offers you a scenic outdoor experience with canals and bridges that look like Venice, and it has both high-end boutiques and local souvenir shops. For luxury brands, head to Luxury Avenue, which features an array of designer stores. If you’re seeking authentic Mexican handicrafts, Mercado 28 will provide you a bustling market atmosphere where you can haggle over handmade goods, colorful fabrics, and unique art pieces.
Los Cabos: Los Cabos combines both upscale shopping with traditional Mexican markets. Puerto Paraiso Mall in the main city, Cabo San Lucas, is a sprawling complex with a mix of international retailers and high-end boutiques – it’s ideally located right by the Marina, so you can visit straight from there. I personally found the shops to be a bit expensive, but there were definitely affordable options. I also loved that there was a large grocery store attached right to this mall. For a more local shopping experience, you can explore the neighbouring city, San Jose del Cabo’s Art District, where art galleries and craft shops offer everything from pottery to fine art. If you want a more unique experience, on Thursday evenings the district transforms into the Art Walk, and allows you to stroll through galleries, enjoy live music, and experience the local culture in a more festive way.
Conclusion: Which Mexican Vacation City is Right for You?
Choosing between Cancun and Cabo depends largely on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Cancun is ideal for for you if you want a more budget-friendly Caribbean vacation or if you’re looking for a mix of adventures suitable for family fun and vibrant nightlife for young party-goers. Los Cabos on the other hand offers you more of a refined retreat, on average having more luxurious accommodations and having better chances of catching sunshine instead of hurricanes. No matter what your choice is, both destinations are sure give you a memorable Mexican vacation filled with unique experiences. I hope this list helped you hone down on what you need to know before planning a your next Mexico vacation, and gives you one less thing to research on your own.
