Cabo San Lucas

THE UGC MEXICAN KITCHEN EXPERIENCE

DATES: APRIL 7 – 13, 2019
WHERE: CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is a highly coveted tourist location. Over the years, it has become known not only for its colorful nightlife, but also for its diverse collection of wildlife, all-inclusive resorts, and variety of water sports such as: jet-skiing, scuba diving, parasailing and more. (Lonely Planet) With year-round tropical weather, sandy white beaches, and amazing scenery, Cabo San Lucas’s geographic location offers visitors views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez from the Peninsula while enjoying all this city has to offer. (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico)

Unique Geography

Cabo San Lucas is surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty, where sandy beaches meet deserts and jungles within a few miles. Between its watery borders and sandy shoreline, lies the famous naturally made stone/sea arch called El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. This rock formation can only be found at Land’s End. It has become a coveted landmark for travelers to capture picture perfect moments. (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) The Arch is also known for having two distinct shores called Lovers and Divorce. They are named this way to reflect the contrasting temperatures of the two bodies of water, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, that meet at the Arch. (“5 Natural Wonders in Cabo San Lucas Worth Traveling For”, 2018)

Beneath the waters surrounding Cabo San Lucas one can find an underwater sanctuary called the Cabo Pulmo Marine Park. It is home to a diverse collection of marine life, including coral reefs of different shapes, sizes, and colors. (“5 Natural Wonders in Cabo San Lucas Worth Traveling For”, 2018) Its turquoise waters make it a desired location for visitors to snorkel, paddle board, and engage in a variety of water activities while taking in the wonders of this underwater paradise.

Aside from its sandy beaches and blue waters, Cabo San Lucas is also filled with mountains and streams that can be found deep within its terrain. The Sierra de la Laguna Mountains is a natural location that encompasses various terrains into a must-see location. Filled with lush jungles and flora that can be found in deserts, one can enjoy the unique beauty and serenity of this hidden gem. By hiking through the trails, visitors are able to discover waterfalls, hot springs, swimming pools and a variety of plant life along the journey. (“5 Natural Wonders in Cabo San Lucas Worth Traveling For”, 2018)

The History and the People

Aside from Cabo San Lucas’s sparkling landscape, the area has a rich history leading to its development as a leisurely destination. Originally inhabited by various indigenous peoples, the Pericúes primarily settled the area. The Pericú occupied territory between the southernmost part of the Peninsula, the East Cape, and several islands in the Sea of Cortés such as Cerralvo, Espírtu Santo, Partida, and San José. (Sands, 2018) This tribe were known primarily to be fisherman. (Pasos, “Home”) However, the Pericú were also hunters and seed/root gatherers; and utilized both land and sea-based resources to sustain their communities.

The Pericú did not build permanent dwellings. This tribe relied on rock shelters, caves, and huts made of branches to build homes. They lived with minimal exchanges between other neighboring tribes, including the Guaycura. (Sands, 2018). Their primary tools for fishing were wooden harpoons coupled with wooden rafts to travel between the islands. The European settlers that came to the area in the early 18th Century described the tools used by Pericúes as, “bows, darts, and spear throwing atlatls.” (Sands, 2018)

The Pericú had their own distinct native tongue. (Sands 2018) Though the culture of the Pericúes has been extinct for more than 250 years, they did leave behind artifacts and various paintings that can be found within caves in Cabo San Lucas; forever preserving their culture and arts for future generations to experience and enjoy. (Pasos, “Home”)

The people of the community of Cabo San Lucas today are known for their warm hospitality.

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Written by Rebecca V. Altman, MBA, Nova Southeastern University

Lonely Planet. (n.d.). Cabo San Lucas travel | Baja California, Mexico. Retrieved January 29, 2019, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/baja-california/cabo-san-lucas

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2019, from https://www.cabosanlucas.net/en/.

Private and Shuttle Transportation in Los Cabos. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2019, from https://www.insideloscabos.com/history

Pasos, M. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved January 30, 2019, from https://www.cabos.com/Editorial/Pericues/

Sands, C. (2018, June 20). A Brief History of Los Cabos, Part I: The Mystery of the Pericúes. Retrieved January 30, 2019, from https://www.loscabosguide.com/a-brief-history-of-los-cabos-part-i-the-mystery-of-the-pericues/

5 Natural Wonders in Cabo San Lucas Worth Traveling For. (2018, May 9). Retrieved January 30, 2019, from https://www.theresortatpedregal.com/blog/natural-wonders-in-cabo/