The most valuable recognition any place can receive is the one given by travelers themselves, based on their real experiences, emotions, and those moments that stay in their memory forever. The Baja California Sur peninsula has once again proven why it is one of Mexico’s favorite destinations. In the latest edition of the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best, the Sea of Cortez made its way into multiple categories, placing its hotels, restaurants, and activities among the most voted for worldwide.
If you are planning your next vacation and wondering what makes this area so special, the answer is its variety. Here, marine life and nightlife naturally coexist with the charm of historic towns and a natural environment that amazes everyone. Join us as we check out the big winners that confirm why this region is so widely loved.
An exceptional destination
The geography of Baja is a visual spectacle you notice the moment you arrive. The rock formations, sand dunes, and clear-water beaches are not just perfect for photos; they define the character of its cities. In this year’s awards, TripAdvisor users made it clear that the experience in this place is excellent.
Cabo San Lucas earned a spot on the list of the Most Popular Destinations in the World, taking the #20 spot globally. This achievement reflects its ability to offer high-quality services while keeping that natural, free spirit that characterizes the Mexican Pacific. Additionally, the region showed how much travelers love it by taking the #1 spot as the Most Popular Destination in Mexico, confirming that visitors find it the ideal refuge for relaxation.
Hospitality and award-winning hotels
Talking about lodging means diving into great service, architecture that respects the desert environment, and relaxation areas that offer total comfort. The hotel complexes in the area received plenty of votes on popularity lists and in the all-inclusive category, showing the high level of Mexican hospitality.
Top All-Inclusive Hotels in the World and Mexico
In the Top All-Inclusive Hotels in Mexico category, Grand Velas Los Cabos took the #1 spot. It was also the only hotel in the area to position itself in the All-Inclusive Hotels in the World category, taking the #8 spot. This property stands out thanks to its suites with ocean-view terraces and its outstanding Michelin-starred dining experience. The list of complexes that received excellent ratings from guests includes great options in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
These are the Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Mexico:
- #1 Grand Velas Los Cabos
- #5 Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
- #8 Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
- #14 El Encanto All Inclusive Resort at Hacienda Encantada
- #19 Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences
Top Luxury Hotels in Mexico
- #2 One&Only Palmilla
- #4 Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
- #5 Grand Velas Los Cabos
- #6 The Towers at Pacifica at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort
- #8 Hacienda Beach Club & Residences
- #15 Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
- #16 Viceroy Los Cabos
Most Popular Hotels in Mexico
The big winner of the area was also Grand Velas Los Cabos:
- #1 Grand Velas Los Cabos
- #2 Hacienda Beach Club & Residences
- #6 Casa Maat at JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa
- #12 Viceroy Los Cabos
- #20 Esperanza, Auberge Collection
For those looking for a different style of lodging, more private or residential-like, the B&B and Inns category in Mexico recognized Novaispania in Cabo San Lucas, placing it #9 for its beautiful villas and views.
Top Experiences and Nature & Outdoor activities
Tour activities here are well known for combining land tours with the vibrant life of the Sea of Cortez. From driving on sand dunes to getting a close look at whales, the choices for building your day received high marks from tourists.
All-terrain vehicle tours combined with cultural dynamics are among the favorites. Also, carefully managed encounters with the local wildlife are key moments of the trip.
Top Experiences in Mexico
- #3 4×4 ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting and Mexican Buffet Lunch
- #5 All-Terrain Vehicle Tour of Cabo Migrino Beach and Desert plus Tequila Tasting
- #9 Camel Ride on Cabo Beach, Mexican Buffet, and Tequila Tasting
- #10 Whale Watching Cabo Female Crew, Guaranteed Sightings, Photos
- #11 Luxury Cruise, Snorkeling, and Lunch in Los Cabos
- #14 Horseback Riding on the White Sands of Cabo and Tequila Tasting
- #20 Espiritu Santo Island Adventure: Snorkeling with Sea Lions and Beach
The success of these activities goes beyond Mexico. On the global list of Sailing & Day Cruises, the “Luxury Cruise, Snorkeling, and Lunch in Los Cabos” excursion reached the #8 position. The Nature & Outdoor category worldwide recognized the area’s natural beauty, placing Whale Watching at #10 and the Catamaran ride at #14.
The culinary offer
The cuisine of Baja California Sur is going through a great moment. Restaurant teams take full advantage of fresh seafood and harvests from local orchards to create excellent dishes. Eating here means discovering flavors and styles that captivate every customer.
On the list of Fine Dining Restaurants in Mexico, the options in the area stand out for their pleasant atmospheres and well-thought-out menus. You will find choices that use ingredients straight from the orchard in San Jose del Cabo, spaces in the historic downtown, and oceanfront restaurants in Cabo San Lucas.
Top Fine Dining Restaurants in Mexico
- #3 Acre
- #14 Café Des Artistes Los Cabos
- #22 Anica
The area’s variety is clear when you see that great quality is also found in casual places. On the world list of Casual Dining Restaurants, Metate in Cabo San Lucas ranked #2, proving that traditional flavor and a relaxed atmosphere appeal to travelers from all over.
To celebrate TripAdvisor’s 25th anniversary, the platform put together a list of user favorites since the year 2000—those classic spots you want to visit again and again. On that worldwide list, Jazz on the Rocks at Sunset Point in Cabo San Lucas was the only one to stand out from the region, taking the #16 spot and keeping its place as a great place to listen to music, have a drink, and look out at the sea.
Are you ready to plan your trip to Los Cabos?
Receiving so many positive votes from travelers worldwide is no coincidence. Year after year, Los Cabos shows it has it all: from the tranquility of its historic towns and clear-water beaches to the excitement of exploring the desert or seeing whales up close.
Whether you want to spend a few days completely relaxing in the best hotels in Mexico, or you prefer to explore nature or enjoy an afternoon of great food, this corner of Baja California Sur has an experience ready for you.