Most countries throughout the world are not welcoming tourists from the United States due to COVID-19. That’s because coronavirus is surging in the U.S – they have good reason to close their borders to Americans. But of course, there’s at least one exception, and it’s a place where Americans love to visit. With wide open borders, travelling to Mexico during COVID-19 is much safer than you think, especially in Cabo.
Tourism in Mexico during COVID-19 is on the rebound
Lately, Mexican tourism officials have been celebrating the latest rebound in tourism. They noted that tourists from the United States have made the greatest impact, now that they’re travelling to Mexico during COVID-19 even though the pandemic is resurging. According to the latest figures, which are from October, 2020, nearly 500,000 U.S. citizens have flown to Mexico recently.
Tourism officials are cheering the return of tourists, especially those from the United States. And obviously, many Americans are ready to escape the freezing cold, the lockdowns, and the houses where they’ve been cooped-up for so long. Therefore, they’re flocking to the amazing pristine beaches that surround Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula.
How travelling to Mexico during COVID-19 had stopped
Back in late March, when COVID-19 really hit the headlines, Cabo completely shut down. And since nearly 80% of jobs in Cabo are dependent on tourism, unfortunately, the losses were massive. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography in Mexico, the tourism industry lost more jobs than any other sector. To be specific, about 30% of all businesses in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur had closed down completely. That is the state where Cabo is located, on the southern tip.
Cabo had finally reopened officially on June 20th of 2020. And the early recovery was great! But then a warning came in late November by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It advised Americans against travelling to Mexico during COVID-19. That seemed to threaten even greater job loss in the many wonderful tourist destinations throughout Mexico.
Travelling to Mexico during COVID-19 is very safe
2020 was indeed a tough year for all of us! And we’ve all been affected by COVID-19 in one way or another! As such, this really has been a unique experience for everyone all around the world! Most of us have put extensive precautions in place like social distancing, and we have done such an amazing job buckling down every part of our lives. But now, we’re ready for recovery! We’re ready to be a more vigilant people as a whole.
Mexico does have the fourth-highest mortality rate from COVID-19 in the world. And just like in the United States, Mexico is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. Despite all of that, Mexico does not require travelers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or to quarantine visitors upon arrival.
Now for the great news! Cabo and all of Baja California Sur is a shining example of resilience and recovery. Local companies in Cabo, like Cabo Sailing, are back in action now that Cabo reopened! In fact, they are offering a 30% discount to all Ronival customers. So be sure to contact Nick Fong of Ronival Real Estate today to inquire.
Some Americans are having their weddings in Cabo
Interestingly, many couples choose to have their wedding in Cabo, along with other great Mexican destinations during COVID-19. Since most churches and other event facilities have been closed throughout the United States during the pandemic, it only makes sense to go somewhere warm, sunny, and absolutely beautiful – south of the border.
Safety measures protocols throughout Cabo
Cabo officials have placed tough safety measures and protocols, which they advertise on many travel websites. In one ad example, you hear an announcer declare that “before you visit, get to know the rules in Cabo,” with a frame about mask-wearing that shows a woman snorkeling with the fish in the sea. Then, another frame portrays social-distancing rules with an enticing scene of a lone surfer in the vast blue sea.
Luis Humberto Araiza, the tourism secretary for the state of Baja California Sur, says safety really does come first. Restaurants and hotels are limited to only 50% capacity. Next, visitors’ temperatures are taken before entering any stores. Finally, masks are mandatory everywhere, except when you’re seated and eating.
Police and inspectors are always monitoring the situation. And, officials have been helping pay for the widespread testing of tourist-industry employees, making the Baja California Sur second only to Mexico City for coronavirus testing, according to Araiza.
The director of Cabo’s civil protection agency, Eric Santillán, says his agency has sanctioned several hotels and at least eight restaurants for exceeding capacity limits. Back in December, he says, one event hall was hit with a hefty fine of about $4,000. But he admits that with just six inspectors per shift, it’s tough to patrol much of Cabo’s resorts and restaurants.
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas – The Arch that marks Lands End
If you’re ready to come back, now that Cabo is open and safe, getting out on the water is a must do! This is where the giant Pacific meets the “world’s aquarium” – the Sea of Cortez. So, from whale migrations from Alaska and the abundant sea life to the arch that marks Land’s End – El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, there’s so much to see!
Historically, El Arco de Cabo San Lucas was known as the end of the world. This is because there is nothing but ocean to the south – it’s located at the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Also known as a cape, this awesome limestone rock formation is awe inspiring when you approach it. And, when you look beyond it to the south, you can imagine why early settlers called this “the end of the world.”
Two beaches located at the arch: Playa de Amore and Playa Divorcio
When you visit El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, you’ll discover two beaches: Playa de Amore, which means “Beach of Love” and Playa Divorcio, which means “Divorce Beach” As you can probably guess, Playa de Amore is generally calm and it’s a great place to swim.
On the other hand, there are dangers afoot, if you ever venture into the waters of Playa Divorcio. Playa Divorcio is great for laying on the beach. But, It’s a very dangerous place to swim. For example, there are strong currents, crashing waves, and rip tides that can quickly pull you out to sea. So, stay out of the water along this beach! And beware, there are no lifeguards there.
There’s an old superstition, that may be true, about love and tragedy. As the story goes: back in the 18th century, a beautiful local woman rescued a Japanese sailor near Lands End. They fell in love and enjoyed their time together at Playa de Amor. But then, the Japanese sailor was rejected by her father. So, in an act of anger, her father murdered the sailor. Then, according to the superstition, she took her own life by committing suicide on Divorce Beach.
Baja California Sur real estate
Many Americans, Canadians, and people from other countries choose to make Los Cabos and other magical towns in Baja California Sur, Mexico, their home or vacation home. Discover how to purchase your dream home in Baja. Make an appointment with the top Real Estate Broker in Baja: Nick Fong, featured on HGTV’s Beachfront Bargain Hunt.
Since 2010, Ronival has been helping clients find the best homes in Cabo and throughout Baja California Sur. And, they’re highly-skilled negotiators that’ll get you the best price. Whether you plan to buy a property or quickly sell your Baja real estate, they’ve got you covered!
If you’d like to take a tour of a property in Cabo or anywhere else in Baja California Sur, just click CONTACT to inquire. Or, call directly at 619-831-2000. Ronival will be happy to answer your questions. You can also schedule a time to show you around this breathtaking location.
Ronival on YouTube
See Nick Fong in action on his Ronival YouTube Channel. Find his videos on the Rovival VLOG, where you can read a short, yet in-depth post. Below is an example of one of Nick Fong’s Ronival videos:
Thank you for reading Travelling to Mexico during COVID-19: Americans feel safe, especially in Cabo. Be sure to read other posts about Cabo and Baja California Sur on the Ronival blog. There, learn about the many wonderful aspects of Baja California Sur, Mexico, from blog posts like this.