Last Updated on December 20, 2024
As a frequent traveler to Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico, it saddens me to hear that the first thing that often comes to people’s minds about this area is party boats, tequila and tourist traps. Of course, if you’re looking for these types of things, you’re sure to find them there.
I prefer sharing the real Cabo. The side of Cabo that my family and I have come to appreciate including sea life preservation, organic farming, green accommodations, and community initiatives.
With 42% of Baja California Sur designated as a protected natural area, Los Cabos is a prime destination for ecotourism, sustainable travel and regenerative tourism practices. This opens the door for the conscientious explorer to seek out beautiful, but responsible adventures and make a positive impact to both the environment and local community during their visit.
From tranquil seaside retreats to holistic havens, travelers can find inner balance amid the incredible loveliness of Los Cabos.
Organic Farming
Organic farms throughout the Baja Peninsula are creating holistic dining experiences that appeal to travelers who are ethically minded, interested in wellness and seeking authenticity. Los Cabos offers guests the opportunity to get to know the true-blue meaning of farm-to-table and fish-to-fork cuisine as they dine at the places that grow their own food on site and use only local purveyors.
El Huerto Farm to Table
This restaurant offers an incredible location in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, México. Surrounded by breathtaking Cabo landscapes, gardens, orchards and fruit trees, El Huerto resembles an old Baja Hacienda with a functioning Baja farm that is meticulously planned out every season.
Culinary creations are inspired by Baja California’s unique products, from land to sea, creating an innovative menu with a blend of Mediterranean and Asian influences. Rancho El Huerto’s six-acre support farm grows more than 60 varieties of fruits and vegetables and is also producing its own organic free-range eggs.
Near-future plans are to raise its own pigs, goats and lambs.
Flora Farms
A family-friendly environment tucked into the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, Flora Farms incorporates several enterprises including a working farm, a restaurant, a grocery, a spa and a 150-acre ranch with chickens, goats, pigs and cows (for house-made cheeses and ice cream).
In addition to cooking classes during which guests learn to make tamales, regional salsas and corn tortillas the old-fashioned way, visitors can purchase homegrown produce and products made by Flora Farms to take home.
Huerta Los Tamarindos
Los Tamarindos is a 17-acre organic farm and restaurant that’s part of a growing trend in Los Cabos. Not only will visitors enjoy an incredible meal crafted from locally grown and sourced ingredients, but they can also have a hand in creating it.
My family’s four-hour cooking class with the chef made us appreciate the amount of time and care that goes into food selection, preparation and production – and it tasted magnificent as we dined among the picturesque farm views.
Sea Turtle Preservation
Los Cabos beaches are native nesting grounds to endangered sea turtles primarily Olive Ridley and Leatherback species. Sea turtle nesting season stretches from late July to November, with hatching season starting in September.
Many hotels support preservation programs and involve their guests in protecting fragile nests and helping hatchlings reach the sea. One of the best locations in the world to see Olive Ridley turtles hatch and emerge is at the Hilton Los Cabos. Since 2003, the Los Cabos Turtle Protection Network, co-founded by the hotel, has patrolled a 10-mile stretch of beach, between El Dorado and El Tule.
Additionally, Hyatt Ziva was recently recognized for its support in a sea turtle tracking program.
Green Accommodations
While many hotels and resorts in Los Cabos are moving in the direction of developing more sustainable practices, there are those already committed to minimizing our ecological footprint and embracing social responsibility to ensure the long-term preservation of this breathtaking paradise.
Initiatives at these hotels include resource care technology, construction of solar panels, LEED certification, social and environmental responsibility, immersive eco-cultural experiences for guests, and more. From boutique to high-end luxury, these hotels are leading the way in Los Cabos!
- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
- Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- Hotel El Ganzo
- Acre Resort
- Vida Soul Hotel
- Paradero Hotels
Community Initiatives
What about giving back to the community?
Solmar Hotels & Resorts has committed to regenerative tourism through the Solmar Foundation, a nonprofit organization that gives back to the community through food distribution (over 3,000 food baskets a year), and 12 job skills workshops while also contributing to 23 local charitable organizations. The foundation also provides scholarships for children pursuing continuing education.
Every donated dollar is matched by the foundation for double the impact. Visitors can get involved directly by participating in voluntourism opportunities and simply supporting local businesses while on vacation.
So, to visitors heading to Baja, come for the paradise, but leave the destination better than you found it.
