LOS CABOS

Overview


Los Cabos is where the desert meets the ocean and where land ends at the tip of Baja California. El Arco is Los Cabos’ famous landmark arch. This natural structure has been carved from rock by waves. The region consists of two towns, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and the twenty-mile strip between them which is known as The Corridor. Cabo San Lucas is active, commercial, and festive. San Jose del Cabo is quieter and more reserved. The Corridor is home to many of the area’s hotels and resorts. The landscape of Los Cabos is stark and dramatic. The oases of the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Cortez surround a stark, dry finger of land.

The area is actually comprised of several specific areas and destinations, collectively known as Los Cabos, consists of: Cabo San Lucas The resort town of Cabo San Lucas sits right on the edge of the long Baja California Peninsula, known as Land's End. Known as Cabo by the locals, this destination was made famous for it's world class big game sportfishing, notably the powerful Marlin. Cabo has grown to become much more than a fishing village, with many popular night clubs, restaurants, land activities, diving, and of course the famous arches beyond Lover's Beach.

San Jose Del Cabo

The quieter and more laid back village of San Jose del Cabo is to the east of Cabo, and is actually the county seat of administration. Its wonderful tree lined streets attract a somewhat older crowd, and cafes, shops and small restaurants are all within easy walking distance of the more traditional central plaza.

The Corridor

Defined by the four-lane highway that connects Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the Corridor is home to many beaches and coves, as well as a number of first-class hotels and private developments.

The East Cape

Further up the coast along the gulf is the area known as the East Cape, which stretches east from San Jose del Cabo and then north up to Los Brailes. The East Cape is a continuous series of coves and beaches that also includes some growing small developments

A full-range of watersports is available. Hit the water on a jetski or sailboat, dive or snorkel, or just relax on one of Cabo’s beaches. Some of the nicer beaches are Bahía Santa Maria and Bahía Chileno in the corridor, Playa El Médano near Cabo San Lucas, and Playa Palmilla near San Jose del Cabo. These are accessible from land. Playa de Amor, near El Arco, is reached by water taxi. It’s a fun, inexpensive ride and a nice beach. For nightlife and shopping, the town of Cabo San Lucas is the place to go. One can spend an afternoon walking between shops (and dodging aggressive timeshare salespeople). For dinner, there are several restaurants ranging from fine local seafood to American fast food. After dinner, Cabo San Lucas’ clubs welcome you. Two popular nightspots are Cabo Wabo and the Giggling Marlin.


This information found 2-10-2003 at:   http://www.compfare.com/mexico/mexico-loscabos.asp


Today, while Cancún is synonymous with Mexico vacations, other sites such as Acapulco, Los Cabos and Mazatlan are gaining in popularity. The influx of tourist into mexican beaches and the money they bring to mexico has prompted fast developement of new tourist sites.

Click on destination city for more Information


Once sought after by pirates for its safe harbors, the Los Cabos ("the Capes") region of the Southern Baja Peninsula is now home to the bustling towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Each offers travelers an exciting, fun-filled destination.

San Jose del Cabo is a fine place to unwind; of the two Cabos, San Jose is the more sedate. Among activities available there are horseback riding across the sandy beaches, golf and shopping in an authentic Mexican atmosphere.

Cabo San Lucas, with a population of 25,000, is the faster-growing of the two. In the past few years, swanky new hotels and sleek condos have been added to round out this vacation destination. Superb sportfishing put Cabo San Lucas on the map, but non-fishermen will enjoy the thriving beach community as well. Snorkeling gear, boats, waverunners, kayaks, pedalboats and windsurf boards are all available for the active vacationer.


AIRLINES THAT SERVE THE AREA:

Mexicana, Aero Mexico and Aero California serve Los Angeles.  America West serves the area from Phoenix, AZ., Aero California serves Los Angeles, Continental flies from Houston, American Airlines from Dallas/Fort Worth and Mexicana also serves the Denver area.   Alaska Airlines serves the area from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and San Diego, and of course Alaska. Two charter airlines, Canada 2000 and Suntrips also serve the area on a regular basis.

 

OTHER INTERNET LINKS:

http://www.allaboutcabo.com/

 

TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORT:

Relax and enjoy your vacation from the minute you step off the plane.

No more confusion or waiting in lines, trying to select the correct transportation . Los Cabos Express offers reserved transportation that will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive. Whether you prefer an air-conditioned taxi, limousine, bus, or van, you decide what best fits your needs, and Los Cabos Express will provide that service.

Los Cabos Express is the only authorized transportation service at the airport, offering only well maintained, late modeled vehicles and experienced drivers.

You will be satisfied!  

http://www.cabosexpress.com/



AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airline: Phone: (From U.S.)

 Local phone:

Mexicana (800) 531-7921 143-5352
American Airlines (800) 433-7300 146-5304
Aero California (800) 237-6225 143-3700

Aeromexico

(800) 237-6639 146-5097
Alaska Airlines (800) 426-0333 146-5102

America West Airlines

(800) 235-9292 146-5380
Continental Airlines (800) 537-9222 146-5040

Flight times from North U.S. and Canada

wpe24.jpg (15215 bytes)  

 

MAKING PHONE CALLS FROM CABO:

From Anywhere in México...

Use this number to call home from anywhere in México.  You will SAVE money! You will also be supporting the web sites of mexicoLIVE.com.

The caller will need to give the operator a credit card number, name of the credit card holder, zip code of holder and the 3 or four digit security code from the back of your credit card. 

 

THE AIRPORT

The southern tip of Baja California Sur is served by Los Cabos International Airport, a modern facility located just outside San José del Cabo. By taxi or other vehicle, the airport is approximately 25 minutes from the Hilton Los Cabos.

AeroCalifornia
AeroMexico
Alaska Airlines
America West Airlines
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta
Mexicana

THE AIRPORT
More than 150 flights land at San José del Cabo International Airport every week.  Air carriers with regular scheduled service include American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Alaska Airlines, America West, Mexicana, Aero Mexico and Aero California. Delta Airlines has just launched new service this season.

Most East Coast travelers will connect to their Los Cabos flight in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston; travelers on the West Coast have a choice of direct service from several gateways including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver.

Other gateways include Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas and Detroit. A wide variety of vacation packages are available.

Los Cabos is approximately a 2-1/2 hour flight from Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas and Mexico City. Add another 2-1/2 to 3 hours from east coast points.

ARRIVING AND DEPARTING  
Los Cabos International Airport
code SJD.

LOCATION
13 km (8 miles) north of San Jose; 48 km (29 miles) northeast of Cabo San Lucas.

FACILITIES
A sparkling new second terminal opened early in 1999. Both terminals have a restaurant, several snack bars and bars, various shops selling resort apparel, handicrafts, bottled liquor and sundries. There are numerous car rental agencies at both terminals.

INFORMATION RESOURCES

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
All travelers to Mexico must present proof of citizenship (either a valid passport, or original birth certificate and photo ID.) In addition, visitors must carry a Mexican Tourist Permit, which is issued free of charge on arrival after proof of citizenship is shown, or may be provided in advance by an airline or travel agent. This permit must be given to Immigration officials on departure. Children under the age of 18 who are traveling alone or with only one parent need notarized consent from parent(s).

The Official Website of the
Los Cabos Tourism Board/ Hotel Association
Copyright 1999-2001. All Rights Reserved.
1-866-LOS-CABOS
For Travel Agents


INFO ABOVE AND BELOW TAKEN FROM:

http://www.visitcabo.com/overview/gotocabo.shtm

Two small and very different towns -- San José del Cabo to the northeast, Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip -- bracket a twenty-mile seacoast ‘Corridor,’ home to a range of elegant hotels, and to a collection championship golf courses that combine the green velvet-in-a-desert look of Arizona links with the oceanfront challenges of Pebble Beach. 

Picturesque and historic San José del Cabo still looks like the 18th Century mission town it once was; Cabo San Lucas, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortés (home to world-class Marlin fishing) at a natural stone arch, jumps around the clock with shops, restaurants and nightclubs, the Marina and the mariachis. In both towns, and all along the highway between them, are places to stay that suit any style and fit most budgets.

Los Cabos is at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Approaching by air across the Sea of Cortés (which separates the Baja from the rest of Mexico) the visitor first sees contrast: the craggy peaks of the Sierra de la Laguna form a backdrop to miles of golden beach, blue water and dramatic red rock formations; saguaro cactus, palms and cultivated gardens cover the pale gold desert landscape.

Cabo San Lucas is best identified by the image of the world famous rock arch formation "El Arco" where the Pacific meets the warm water of the Sea of Cortes.

Like many of its hotels, the name "Los Cabos" is recent: it means "the Capes."


ABOUT LOS CABOS

Los Cabos is on the southernmost tip of the 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula, west of mainland Mexico, and just below Southern California. The Sea of Cortés borders Los Cabos on the east; the Pacific Ocean is to the west. Los Cabos is approximately 1,000 miles south of San Diego.

The region’s geography is a dynamic mix of unspoiled desert landscape, white sand beaches and dramatic rock outcroppings. "El Arco," a distinctive rock arch that sits at the tip of Land’s End, is Los Cabos’ most famous geographic landmark. "El Arco" dips into the sea at exactly the spot where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

LANGUAGE:  Although Spanish is the official language of the Los Cabos region, English is widely spoken.

CURRENCY:  The Mexican peso is the official currency. The exchange rate fluctuates, but banks are usually the best place to change money.

BEACHES:  From San José del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas there are twenty very varied main beaches to explore. The most famous are Playa Costa Azul, a haven for surfers; Playa Palmilla, a favorite spot for shutterbugs; Santa Maria Bay, with its protected cove and marine sanctuary; Playa Chileno, known for its fine swimming and snorkeling; Playa El Médano, the center of Cabo San Lucas watersports and Playa del Amor, accessible only by watercraft and near the famous "El Arco", where the Sea of Cortés meets the Pacific Ocean. Many are secluded, others popular, and some have restaurants and changing rooms while some do not. At some, currents may be strong, and visitors are advised to seek advice in choosing a beach to fit their needs.

GETTING AROUND:  Taxis are abundant and available at the airport, major hotels and taxi stands. Public transportation is also available. Rental cars are available; a valid US driver’s license will be accepted.

POPULATION: 100,000

TIME:  Mountain Standard Time which is one hour ahead of Pacific Standard Time; one hour behind Central Standard Time and two hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

CURRENT: The electrical current is 120 cycles/60 volts, the same as in the United States.


HISTORY

Until the early 1970's the secrets of Baja Sur were known to only the heartiest of travelers. The Sea of Cortes is one of the world's unique ocean environments. It is considered to be the biologically richest body of water on earth, supporting over 800 marine vertebrates species. Formed millions of years ago in what is today the Baja Peninsula slid westward along the San Andreas fault, the Sea stretches 1,125 km north to south, The shallower northern waters give way to deeper nutrient rich zones near the resorts of Loreto and La Pas.  

The two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo make up Los Cabos.  Francisco de Ulloa, Hernán Cortés's navigator, came upon Cabo San Lucas in 1537. Pirates discovered this trade route and Cabo San Lucas found itself frequently under siege.  San José del Cabo,  was founded in 1730 as a Jesuit mission on the banks of the Rio San José estuary.

In the 1940s and 50s, Cabo San Lucas first saw modern development when millionaires built their vacation homes along the cliffs that towered above magnificent, clear bays and coves. Luxury resorts followed in the 1960s.

Although it is the municipal center of the two towns and a considerable amount of expansion and development has taken place there, San José del Cabo feels much like a Mexican village. Cabo San Lucas,  has a  bustling atmosphere lots of shopping areas, nightlife activity. The area's sport fishing fleet is located there and several cruise ships call on the port.


MAPS

 

OTHER MAPS CAN BE ENLARGED AND PRINTED FROM:

http://www.visitcabo.com/overview/maps.shtm


--THE END--

!!! SAVE YOUR MONEY--PACK YOUR BAGS--CALL THOMAS--LETS GO !!!


-NEXT-

CAR RENTAL TIPS -- DISCOUNT COUPONS TO PRINT AND USE  
THE LANGUAGE (COMMON TRANSLATIONS)


 

Car Rental Tips 

Before You Rent
How long will you be renting? If it's for less than a week, you'll probably do best with a major company, such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty or Value. For rentals of a week or longer, you may get better rates from local companies, particularly auto dealers. Be wary of local companies if you plan to drive a lot; if you breakdown or have an accident, they usually lack the support services of the majors.

Internet Resources
Always shop around, even on the Web. If you're booking online, read the restrictions carefully. If you're booking on the phone, make sure to ask the agent about restrictions.

Questions to Ask
Ask about discounts for major national organizations, frequent-flier programs and credit card programs you may belong to. They'll frequently offer deals on car rentals. Those offered through AAA can be very good. If you're employed by a company that frequently rents cars, they may have a negotiated rate. Make sure to check.

Always get a confirmation number. For airport rentals, be sure to give the reservationist your flight number and scheduled arrival time. This will usually protect your reservation if the flight is delayed.

Be sure you understand the conditions of your reservation. Is there a penalty for no-shows? How long will the car be held if you're stuck in traffic on the way to the pickup station? Is there a fee for additional drivers and must their names be listed in the contract? Is your 20-year-old daughter old enough to drive the car? (For liability reasons, this is important.)

If pertinent, ask about any restrictions on interstate travel. For your own protection in case of breakdown, be sure the company has offices in all the states on your itinerary.
For one-way rentals, ask about drop-off charges. They can be exorbitant.

The Basic Rate
The rate you see advertised in big print may become so inflated with state and local taxes, airport surcharges, additional driver fees, insurance and gasoline bills and drop-off charges on one-way rentals… that you end up paying more than double what you expected. Also, the advertised rate may be valid only in off-season Florida or California, when many cars are idle there, but not where you want to rent. And it may be only for a car size that you would find unsuitable.

Like the airlines, the major auto rental companies have adopted "yield management." That means that their computers can quickly readjust prices according to changes in the supply of cars available. This means the rental rate you are quoted is valid only at that moment. Unless you reserve immediately, the rate is likely to change.

At Pickup Time
If your first drive will be from an airport to a hotel for the night, why not take a shuttle van to the hotel, instead? That may save you the price of day's rental. In major cities, you could probably pick up the car downtown. Even if you must drive the same day your flight lands, you don't have to necessarily get the car at the airport. By picking it up downtown, you can often avoid airport surcharges.

If you have personal auto insurance or charge the rental to a major credit card, you will probably be covered at least for collision damage. If in doubt, ask your insurance agent or whoever issued your card.

Be wary of prepaid gasoline plans. You're usually better off filling up yourself.

Before you drive away from the pickup station, inspect the car carefully for body damage. Be sure the lights and turn signals are working properly. Check the mileage odometer. Report any defects to rental personnel at once.

Upon Return
Be wary of returning the car early. It could be expensive because your rate structure may change. Also be sure the check-in attendant inspects the car's body in your presence and that you agree about any damage. Examine your rental agreement carefully for all charges.


FREE COUPONS AT:

http://www.allaboutcabo.com/coupons.htm

Print this page, take these coupons to Cabo with you.  These coupons will be honored when presented to the merchants
that are participating in this new and innovative program. Print as many as you like and use them as often as you want,
within the limits printed on the coupon. We will be adding more coupons soon.
Printing will result in six pages.

 

FREE NATIONAL DRINK
    CABO CYBER COUPON

   
Please present coupon when ordering.  

This coupon good for any national drink, including beer & soft drinks,  when ordering any meal from our regular menu. 
Presented courtesy of  
THE SHRIMP HOUSE
and
AllAboutCabo.com

The Shrimp House

One free drink per person for each meal ordered. No Limit.

 

10% DISCOUNT ON ALL 
FOOD & BEVERAGES
CABO CYBER COUPON
    
  Please present coupon when ordering.  
GROUPS WELCOME!
Presented courtesy of 
PAZZO'S
AND
AllAboutCabo.com


on the corner behind Squid Roe

* Excludes all regular specials.

 

15% DISCOUNT ON ALL
FOOD & BEVERAGES
CABO CYBER COUPON
    
  Please present coupon when ordering.  
Presented courtesy of 
SEÑOR GREENBERG'S

AND
AllAboutCabo.com

Señor Greenberg's, TRY IT!

Not valid with any other promotion.

 

Free...PITCHER of Margaritas
    CABO CYBER COUPON
      Please present coupon when ordering.   
      This coupon good for a pitcher of Margaritas
     when ordering any meal from our menu.


Presented courtesy of
  
EL SQUID ROE

AND
AllAboutCabo.com

Not valid with any other promotion.

Believe It or Not....
SQUID ROE SERVES FOOD TOO?

One free PITCHER of margaritas per party - when ordering any meal.

 

15 % DISCOUNT ON BOX LUNCH
    CABO CYBER COUPON
      Please present coupon when ordering.  
Presented courtesy of 
SEÑOR GREENBERG'S

AND
AllAboutCabo.com

Señor Greenberg's, TRY IT!

No Limit to the number of BOX LUNCHES.

 

   5.00 PER NIGHT DISCOUNT
 CABO CYBER COUPON
      Must book online to receive discount.  
  This coupon good for $5.00 discount

on any room booked using this site.
Presented courtesy of 

THE BUNGALOWS

AND
AllAboutCabo.com

The Bungalows
Click here to use this coupon.

NO LIMIT on the number of rooms or length of stay. (Subject to availability)

 

15% DISCOUNT - ALL FOOD & BEVERAGE
    CABO CYBER COUPON
       Please present coupon when ordering.  
 Presented courtesy of  
ENRIQUE'S

AND
AllAboutCabo.com

 Come get great Steaks and Lobster

Enrique's Steak House & Lobster

Kilometer 4.5 on the San Jose road. Not valid with any other promotion.

 

10% DISCOUNT ON MERCHANDISE
    CABO CYBER COUPON
         Please present coupon at time of purchase.  This  coupon good for a 10% discount on  merchandise purchase over $100.00 U.S.
Presented courtesy of  
MINERVA'S BAJA TACKLE

AND
AllAboutCabo.com

Baja' most complete fishing tackle - Charters also.

No Limit, shop till you drop. (Merchandise only).

 

10 % DISCOUNT (Cash sales)
( 5% on Credit Card sales)

CABO CYBER COUPON
       Must present coupon at time of purchase.    
This coupon applies to OUR ENTIRE INVENTORY
Presented courtesy of MAGIC OF THE MOON
AND
AllAboutCabo.com

Telephone: 143-3161
 Magic of the Moon
 ORIGINAL FASHIONS
On Hidalgo St., near Plaza Las Glorias

No Limit, this coupon is good on every item in our store, except sale items.

 

FREE MARGARITA
    CABO CYBER COUPON
      Please present coupon when ordering.     
    This coupon good for a FREE Margarita  when ordering
any meal from our regular menu.
Presented courtesy of  FELIX
AND
ALL ABOUT CABO SAN LUCAS


Felix

One free drink per person for each meal ordered. No Limit.

 

   $20.00 DISCOUNT
 CABO CYBER COUPON
Must mention this coupon when making your reservation.
$20.00 Off any of our off-road adventures.
Presented courtesy of 

WIDE OPEN CABO
AND
AllAboutCabo.com

Live the thrill of a real off-road racing experience.
Wide Open Cabo

Not valid with any other promotions.

 

FREE NATIONAL DRINK
    CABO CYBER COUPON
      Please present coupon when ordering.   
      This coupon good for any national drink, including beer & soft drinks,  when ordering any meal from our menu.
Presented courtesy of  
ENRIQUE'S

AND
AllAboutCabo.com

 Come get great Steaks and Lobster

Enrique's Steak House & Lobster

One free drink per person for each meal ordered. No Limit.

 

15% DISCOUNT FOR YOUR GROUP
    CABO CYBER COUPON
    Please present coupon when boarding or when making a reservation at office.
This coupon good for a 15% discount,
on any Pez Gato tour, for your entire group.

Presented courtesy of  
PEZ GATO SAILING TOURS

and
AllAboutCabo.com

 Pez Gato - Sunset and Booze cruises - Charters

Pez Gato Sailing Tours

Use on any Pez Gato Tour.   No Limit on number of guests.

 

15% DISCOUNT ON GREEN FEES
    CABO CYBER COUPON
       Please present coupon when ordering.  
 Presented courtesy of  
Cabo San Lucas Country Club

AND
AllAboutCabo.com

Discounted Golf - Yea! 
Cabo San Lucas Country Club

Limit of one coupon per person.  You must present this coupon at our Pro Shop.

 

FREE MARGARITA
    CABO CYBER COUPON

   
Please present coupon when ordering.
This coupon good for a FREE Margarita, when ordering any meal from our menu. 
Presented courtesy of  
Latitude 22+
and
AllAboutCabo.com

One FREE Margarita for each meal ordered. No Limit.

 

FREE...Margarita or Nachos
    CABO CYBER COUPON
      Please present coupon when ordering.   
This coupon good for a free Margarita or Order of Nachos when ordering any meal from our menu.
Presented courtesy of
  
CARLOS'N CHARLIE'S
AND

AllAboutCabo.com

Not valid with any other promotion.

 

CARLOS'N CHARLIE'S
CABO

One free Margarita or Nachos per person for each meal ordered. No Limit.

 

FREE - FRESH SQUEEZED ORANGE JUICE
    CABO CYBER COUPON
      Please present coupon when ordering.     
    This coupon good for a FREE FRESH SQUEEZED OJ
when ordering any meal from our regular menu.
Presented courtesy of  Mama's Royal Cafe
AND
ALL ABOUT CABO SAN LUCAS



Mama's Royal Cafe

One free OJ per person for each meal ordered. No Limit.

 

20% OFF - All Posters & Prints
    CABO CYBER COUPON

You must present coupon at time of purchase.
Good only on items in stock.

 

Presented courtesy of  
GALERIA de KAKI BASSI
and
AllAboutCabo.com


Now in Puerto Paraiso Mall
Call (624) 144-4510

No limit, purchase as many as you want.

 

FREE Tee Shirt
    CABO CYBER COUPON

You must present coupon upon arrival at shop.
Offer good with  any All Day Dive Package 
or any certification course. 

Presented courtesy of  
CABO PRO DIVE
and
AllAboutCabo.com


Professional Diving Services
Call (624) 143-8972

Limit of one free tee shirt per client.  Cash customers only.

 

** 15% OFF - Our Entire Stock **
(Except watches and our Special Collection)

    CABO CYBER COUPON
You must present coupon at time of purchase.
Good only on items in stock.

 

Presented courtesy of SAX - San Jose del Cabo
and AllAboutCabo.com


Silver Authentic Xpressions
Call (624) 142-6053

Not valid with any other promotion.  ** 15% for Cash or 10% if using a credit card.

 

 

The Language

TAKEN FROM: 

http://www.studyspanish.com/go2mexico/spanishhelper/airport/index.htm

 

At the Airport

If you are concerned with airline safety, take assurance in the fact that all planes traveling between Mexico and the U.S. must conform to all U.S. safety regulations.

25 Important Words 10 Useful Phrases

Medical Care

Many doctors in Mexico have studied in the U.S. or Europe, and so they speak some English. Your embassy should also have a list of doctors who speak English.

25 Important Words

10 Useful Phrases

At the Hotel

Hotels in Mexico are inspected by government officials and assigned a rating of 1-5 stars, thus determining what the hotel may charge. Note that hotels in tourist areas frequently earn a higher rating than an equivalent hotel in a less popular area.

25 Important Words

10 Useful Phrases

At the Restaurant

There are many different types of Mexican food, and frequently it bears little resemblance to the "Tex-Mex" you may be accustomed to. Be sure to print out a copy of our menu translator to ensure that you order exactly what you want.

Menu Translator:

agua
water

ajo
garlic

almejas
clams

apio
celery

arroz
rice

café
coffee

calamares
squid

cangrejo
crab

carne
meat

cebolla
onion

cerdo
pork

cerveza
beer

coco
coconut

conejo
rabbit

cordero
lamb

costillas
ribs

chorizo
sausage

chuleta
chop

ensalada
salad

entremeses
hors d'oeuvres

fresa
strawberry

frijoles
beans
fruta
fruit

jamón
ham

jugo
juice

langosta
lobster

leche
milk

lechuga
lettuce

limón
lemon

maí
corn

manzana
apple

mariscos
shellfish

mejillones
mussels

melocotón
peach

miel
honey

naranja
orange

papa
potato

pastel
pastry, cake

pato
duck

pavo
turkey

pepino
cucumber

pera
pear

pescado
fish

picante
spicy
piña
pineapple

plátano
plantain

pollo
chicken

postre
dessert

pulpo
octopus

queso
cheese

rábana
radish

refrescos
soft drinks

res
beef

riñón
kidney

sal
salt

sesos
brains

sopa
soup

tapa
finger food


tea

tocino
bacon

tortilla
omelette

tostada
toast

uvas
grapes

verduras
green veggies

vino
wine

zumo
fruit juice


25 Important Words

10 Useful Phrases

Meeting People

When Mexican friends meet, it is normal for them to exchange several profuse greetings, even if it hasn't been long since they've last seen one another. Enthusiastic greetings between strangers are also common.

25 Important Words

10 Useful Phrases

At the Beach

Sunburn is a real danger; limit your exposure to 20 minutes a day until you begin to tan. Use lots of sunblock, and be careful to avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the the rays are most direct.

25 Important Words 10 Useful Phrases

Shopping

Haggling for a better price is very common in the markets of Mexico. When trying to get a better price, do not insult the quality of the vendor's product. Instead focus on the fact that there are other vendors who will give you a better price.

25 Important Words 10 Useful Phrases

Downtown

In Mexico, busses range from luxurious, air-conditioned "superbuses" to rattletrap old "chicken buses." Nothing beats travel by bus for becoming immersed in the land and its people, while saving money at the same time.

25 Important Words 10 Useful Phrases

A Word About TimeShares

With hospitality giants like Marriott and Ritz Carlton now major players, time-share has gained not only credibility, but also cache. The time-share lifestyle means ambiance and excellence. And there are some great deals to be had -- especially if you buy secondhand.

For general guidelines regarding time-share purchase, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Web site at www.ftc.gov. Time-share resale scam advisories are posted at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/homes/resales.htm, and you can complain about any difficulties you encounter in your transactions at (877) 382-4357.

For statistics and trends related to time-share, the American Resort Development Association is helpful.