Travel Essentials when Driving to Cabo San Lucas

Thousands of American tourists drive to the resort city of Cabo San Lucas (or Cabo) every year. If you are up for a road trip, driving to Cabo will give you the freedom to explore more of Mexico's Baja California peninsula and get around the picturesque town on your own.

Here are some travel essentials to keep in mind for your Cabo San Lucas road trip.

Is it easy to drive to Cabo?

It is very easy to drive to Cabo. The straight drive from San Diego to Cabo is 1026 miles long and should take about 20 hours in regular traffic. Most drivers, though, spread this out across at least two days.

While driving straight to Cabo is the most affordable option, there are several fantastic stops along the route. Examples include Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's premier wine region and top places like Pacific Southwest Railway Museum or the party town of Rosarito as well as Loreto which is a world-renowned for aquatic sea life and whale watching, and of course La Paz, the vibrant capital of Baja California Sur.

What paperwork do you need?

You will need to carry your passport, driver's license, and vehicle registration. To protect yourself against financial liability when driving in Mexico, you must also buy a Mexican insurance policy ahead of time. If your plan is to drive from the U.S. border in San Diego down highway 1 to Cabo San Lucas, you will not be required to get a permit for your vehicle “TIP” as this is considered the “Free Zone”. However, if you plan to drive into mainland Mexico, please be sure to do your proper homework of what is required to be legal driving on the roads in mainland, Mexico. Also do not forget your tourist entry card — known formally as the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) from immigration.

When you have all of this in order, you are ready to hit the open roads of Baja California.

Is it safe?

Preparing for a road trip entails more than simply packing and getting your paperwork in order. You should also consider if it is safe to drive to Cabo. It is safe for the most part, but you must follow some guidelines to avoid any problems down the line.

Stay on or near the Federal Highway 1, also known as the Carretera Transpeninsular (or Transpeninsular Highway), which runs through the Baja California Peninsula. This highway is well-maintained, well-lit, and patrolled by Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) — a government-paid bilingual crew that provides roadside assistance 24/7. Also, avoid driving after dark to avoid potentially risky situations. 

Are you insured?

As you plan your road trip to Cabo, remember 2 types of insurance to protect you from the unexpected.

1)     Mexico Auto Insurance: Fast and reliable, click this link to purchase your required Mexican car insurance in a few easy steps online.

2)      Travel Medical Insurance when visiting Mexico. Your American health insurance policy will not cover you south of the border. Furthermore, doctors and hospitals in Cabo and throughout Mexico usually ask for payment in advance for any medical services or treatments. West Coast Global Insurance Services will help you find the best travel insurance for your specific needs. Contact them today to get started!

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