A short history of Los Cabos
Los Cabos has a history that reaches far beyond its modern resorts. Long before international tourism, Indigenous communities lived around the southern Baja Peninsula, and the coast connected people to fishing, travel and exchange. Knowing a little of that past adds meaning to a walk through the destination today.
Before the resort towns
The Pericú people inhabited the southern part of the peninsula before European settlement. Their history belongs at the beginning of the story, rather than treating the arrival of European ships as the discovery of an empty place.
The area's coastal geography later made it important to maritime travelers. Stories of ships and pirates remain part of local storytelling, but a colorful legend should not be confused with a documented event.
San José del Cabo and the mission
The mission at San José del Cabo was founded in 1730. The mission's history and that of the church buildings on the site are not identical; rebuilding and changes over time are part of the story.
When you visit the historic center, take time to appreciate the main square and surrounding streets. A local guide or a museum can provide context that an exterior photograph cannot.
Fishing and tourism
Fishing and the sea helped shape Cabo San Lucas before the destination's tourism growth. Today, the marina and the wider resort landscape show how much the area has changed.
Look for history in the places you visit, while remembering that the region is also home to people living and working here now. Ask questions, distinguish stories from evidence and enjoy the town as more than a backdrop for your trip.
Related reading: Visiting churches in Los Cabos | A first sightseeing plan for Los Cabos | Supporting the Los Cabos community during your visit