When you need one
Staying in the Tourist Corridor makes a car close to essential. Nothing there is walkable and taxis to either town run $25–$45 each way, so two meals out a day costs more than the car.
Todos Santos and the East Cape effectively require one. Downtown Cabo San Lucas and downtown San José del Cabo do not — both are walkable, and a handful of taxis over a week is cheaper than renting.
The insurance, explained properly
Mexico requires every vehicle to carry third-party liability insurance issued by a Mexican insurer. Foreign policies and credit card coverage do not satisfy it. This is why the counter price differs so sharply from the booking price.
Collision damage cover is separate and often is covered by a credit card, but you will typically need to decline it in writing and accept a large hold on the card.
Driving here
Highway 1 between the airport and Cabo San Lucas is a good divided road with a toll option. Highway 19 to Todos Santos is single carriageway and fine. The East Cape road beyond La Ribera is partly unpaved and wants high clearance.
Do not drive intercity at night. Livestock on the road, unlit vehicles and no hard shoulder are the reasons, and they are sufficient ones.
- Fuel is served by attendants — watch the pump reset to zero before they start.
- Topes, the aggressive Mexican speed bumps, are frequently unmarked and will damage a low car.
- Keep the rental agreement and your passport copy in the car, not the glovebox.