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Post by busy on Apr 17, 2024 16:24:14 GMT
We're going to Cabo for the first time in August. My parents have been a couple times and my BFF has been a bunch of times. They're all what I would call somewhat nervous travelers. Both say not to rent a car while we're there (though none ever has, so I'm not exactly sure what's convinced them it's such a bad idea) - but their reasons are very vague and not convincing me, but they both seemed firm in their recommendation.
So, peas, if you've been to Cabo - what are the downsides to renting a car? We would like to be able to have the freedom to explore where we want; we are not stay in the resort all day types.
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Post by littlemama on Apr 17, 2024 16:31:09 GMT
I think my main concern would be safety. Id rather book an excursion with an experienced guide than make myself a target by being out on my own, not knowing exactly where is safe.
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Post by mom on Apr 17, 2024 16:40:05 GMT
We've been to Cabo --- and have both rented a car and just used Uber/hotel cars. We are not what I would call 'nervous travelers'.
We wont bother renting a car next time we go. Every resort we've stayed at has either had shuttles/cars to the things we wanted to go to, or the concierge will book us a car (like Uber, but they use people they know and trust). It's just easier having someone local drive us vs. us trying to get where we want to go.
Edited: you have to get Mexican insurance if you do get a rental.
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,626 
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Post by valincal on Apr 17, 2024 16:44:43 GMT
Where would you be going outside of Cabo? Within the city (from what I’ve seen) there is not a lot of available parking. It’s very easy to get around with taxis or hired cars. I’d worry about safety also, depending on where you plan to travel. We were there in January. We had a nice dinner up at Sunset Monalisa and also decent food in a funky setting at Edith’s. 😊 www.sunsetmonalisa.comedithscabo.com/ |
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Post by cmpeter on Apr 17, 2024 18:38:18 GMT
We went in August two summers ago. We rented a car. Booked with Hertz.
As you are exciting the airport there will be quite a few official looking folks (they even have a counter like you would expect for airport car rentals) inside the airport. You need to 100% ignore those folks and walk outside to find the shuttle for off airport car rentals. The inside folks are trying to look legit, but want to sign you up for timeshare presentations.
Car rentals are in a warehouse looking area with poor signage. We thought they dropped us off at the wrong place at first.
Follow every single traffic law to the T. Even if others are going above the speed limit (and they will be), do not. Dh was pulled over and the cop made him follow them to an ATM to withdraw cash to pay his speeding ticket. In retrospect it was a scam. I had read up on them and what to do when pulled over, but I wasn’t with him.
It will be hotter than hell and muggy. We really never wanted to do anything but be in water while we were there.
Two things we loved…booked a private sale with Cabo Sails. Snorkeling, water play, it was lovely. Booked a farm to table cooking class with Los Tamarindos…lovely spot and excellent food.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Apr 17, 2024 20:00:15 GMT
We went to Cabo last year and rented a car. We had booked a house, so needed more options for transportation than if we were staying on a resort. We didn't have any issues - although I do agree that parking downtown can be pain.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,701
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Apr 17, 2024 20:29:58 GMT
Not in Cabo, but the Cancun airport is notorious for "running out of cars" unless you spring for the upgrade which they miraculously have.
I much prefer to do day rentals like a jeep or a convertible bug.
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Post by beaglemom on Apr 17, 2024 23:09:30 GMT
We've been 10 times since 2006. We've rented cars 7/10 times (drove the other 3 times). Never any issues. Check to see if you have insurance coverage through your regular insurance or CC. They always try to upsell you "their insurance," we've never bought it. Never had any issues. Todos Santos is lots of fun to go up and visit. But if you are at an all-inclusive then you don't really "need" one. You can always take a taxi downtown or to San Jose del Cabo.
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Post by scraplette on Apr 18, 2024 12:56:08 GMT
We would like to be able to have the freedom to explore where we want; we are not stay in the resort all day types. Yes, get a car! You will want to go to La Paz, Todos Santos and shops away from the tourist areas of Cabo. You can o this with a driver, but it’s much easier to stop on a whim if you’re at the wheel. Not to mention the last minute Costco trip. I am not a bold driver for most places we’ve been in Central and South America so my husband usually drives. I’d have us sitting at a roundabout for thirty minutes. Cabo wasn’t like this, it’s more like aggressive US driving. |
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