mexico ADVENTURES

  The moment we stepped off the plane in Cabo San Lucas, the warm, tropical air wrapped around us like an old friend. We were armed with sunhats, sunglasses and reckless optimism—we were ready for a week of adventure, relaxation, and maybe even a little mischief.

Upon checking into our resort, Sandos Finisterra, our initial activity involved dining and surveying the resort and beach. The outstanding quality of the resort, the courteous demeanor of the staff, the beauty of the beach, and the ideal weather conditions all met our expectations. Given the late hour, we opted to conclude our day and planned to commence our activities in the morning following a restful night's sleep.

The following day, after enjoying an exceptional breakfast with ocean views, we set out to thoroughly explore the beach. Situated between two towering cliffs, the beach area was reserved for the exclusive use of the few resorts located there. We were fascinated by the impressive rock formations emerging from the sea, which seemed like nature’s own masterpiece.

Inspired by curiosity, we decided to investigate what lay beyond the cliffs. Equipped only with our hiking sandals, we carefully ascended the steep rock walls. Upon reaching the summit, we discovered another small, secluded beach. After taking several photographs, we descended to this private beach for further exploration. The beach measured approximately 20 feet wide and was flanked by tall rock formations on both sides, creating a perfectly isolated environment without any other individuals present.

We attempted to climb the rock formations on the far side but found them too smooth and slippery to navigate safely. Following an enjoyable period on the secluded beach, we retraced our steps, climbing back over the high rock formation and returning to the resort and spent the rest of the day relaxing by the pool and a few romantic walks along the beach.

The next day, the morning sun gleamed off the water as we wandered into the Cabo San Lucas Marina area, a vibrant hub where the energy of the town meets the sea. Fishermen proudly displayed their fresh catch, boats bobbed on the waves, and the scent of salt and seafood mixed in the air. The marina buzzed with life—tourists negotiating cruises, locals heading out on deep-sea fishing trips, and waiters balancing trays of ceviche and chilled cervezas as they weaved through packed waterfront restaurants.

After a long walk and exploration at the marina, we proceeded to Puerto Paraíso, Cabo’s expansive shopping center. Inside, luxury boutiques were situated alongside artisanal stalls, offering a variety of items including handcrafted jewelry, woven blankets, and hand-painted pottery. We perused the market-style shops, admiring the silver jewelry glistening under bright lights and considering various handcrafted souvenirs. Upon exiting, we made a brief stop at the shopping center's public restrooms, which unfortunately were found to be dark, unkempt, and potentially unsafe for tourists. 

After escaping the maze of stores, the call of the ocean led us to Medano Beach, a lively stretch of golden sand and clear waters. The moment our feet sank into the soft shore, we knew we had found another paradise in Cabo San Lucas. Beach vendors passed by offering fresh coconuts, while groups of tourists lounged under umbrellas, sipping colorful cocktails.

As the morning transitioned into the afternoon, we returned to the resort for cocktails and a delicious seafood lunch by the ocean. Following lunch, we enjoyed additional beverages and spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on the beach with a good book, accompanied by the warm breeze and bright sun. 

Evenings in Cabo were truly remarkable. The sunsets illuminated the sky with brilliant shades of orange and pink, and we celebrated with drinks in hand. One evening, the resort hosted a special cocktail reception for select guests, which we attended. During the event, we had the pleasure of meeting the resort's management team, followed by music and a raffle for various gifts. Following the cocktail reception, we proceeded to the resort's beach white party (I chose to wear all black to stand out) for an extensive feast on the beach accompanied by live music and a dance performance. Each night at this resort offered activities or shows for guests to enjoy.

One day we walked to the marina, boarded a water taxi, and headed to a beach that is accessible only by boat. When we arrived at the beach, an elderly man attempted to assist us off the boat as we had to disembark in three feet of water. Once in the water, the man requested a tip for his services. After dealing with this individual, we explored the secluded beach, which smelled of urine and had garbage scattered around. 

Eventually, we reached the other end of the beach that ended abruptly at a rock formation, which initially seemed impossible to climb. Upon further exploration, we discovered a passage created by fallen rocks that allowed us to pass through. We climbed under and through sections of rocks, bringing us up to a lower section in the middle of the rock formations. At this point, we could no longer see the beach from where we started but could see the secluded beach we had visited earlier from the opposite side. We climbed across the remaining rock formations and slid down a ten-foot drop (luckily the rock was smooth) to the beach below. 

We took a break before following our route over the rock formation back to our resort on the other side where we enjoyed cold drinks and lunch on the beach. The remainder of the day was spent at the pool relaxing and enjoying our time.

The sun was shining brightly as we boarded the sleek catamaran for our snorkeling adventure with Cabo Adventures. The crew greeted us with big smiles and a palpable enthusiasm that set the tone for the day. As we sailed toward the snorkeling spot, the stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and the iconic Land’s End Arch took our breath away.

Once anchored, it was time to jump into the crystal-clear waters. Equipped with fins and snorkels, we swam among colorful fish, coral reefs. The underwater world felt alive, a hidden paradise full of movement and beauty. One unforgettable moment was when a curious school of fish surrounded us, glittering like precious gems in the sunlight. We marveled at their synchronized dance and felt truly connected to nature.

The adventure did not conclude there. Upon returning to the boat, we were provided with a delightful lunch along with an array of refreshing beverages and upbeat music. The ambiance was celebratory as we exchanged stories with fellow adventurers and shared humorous anecdotes about our attempts to keep pace with the fast-moving fish. As we sailed back to shore under the clear blue sky and bright sunshine, it became evident that we had experienced another remarkable day in a picturesque setting. Following this, we returned to the resort to relax by the pool and enjoy the rest of the day.

One morning, before the first light of dawn pierced the horizon, we quietly slipped out of our resort, excitement buzzing in the crisp pre-dawn air. Our destination was Mount Solmar—a rugged peak overlooking the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean. We had arranged to meet a local, the sole caretaker of this land, who would grant us access to the famed hike that led to breathtaking views at Lands End.

As we arrived, we found that we weren’t alone in our anticipation. A small group of fellow adventurers had already gathered, their hushed voices and eager glances revealing their own sense of wonder. The trail, though unmarked, wound its way through jagged terrain, weaving between desert shrubs and weathered rock formations that had stood the test of time.

With each step, the sky transformed, shifting from deep indigo to fiery streaks of pink and gold as the sun began its ascent. The higher we climbed, the more the world below seemed to shrink—the vast ocean stretching endlessly, waves rolling in rhythmic harmony against the shoreline. At the summit, the panoramic view was nothing short of extraordinary. Cabo San Lucas lay beneath us, its beaches kissed by morning light, while the iconic Land’s End rock formations stood tall in the distance, defiant against the crashing surf.

We paused to inhale the salty air, allowing the moment to envelop us. This location served as a place for reflection and silent appreciation of nature's craftsmanship. Standing on the edge of Mount Solmar and observing the remarkable views, we were certain that this experience would be indelibly imprinted in our memories.

The week progressed quickly, encompassing enjoyable moments, clear skies, sunshine and spontaneous activities. We enjoyed vigorous hikes, a snorkeling excursion that unexpectedly transformed into a small party on the boat, and evening strolls along the beach where we reflected on our adventures in Cabo San Lucas. 

As our journey came to an end, it was time to return home. Cabo had left a lasting impression, forever remembered as a destination of adventure, joy, and some unexpected moments.