A Brief History of Cabo

The bright blue waters and impressive rock formations were home to three different tribes: the Pericues, the Guaycuras, and the Cochimies. These hunter-gatherer tribes were known for moving around the area, often following wherever the best fishing was. By studying the relics they left behind, we know these tribes were constantly on the move. Today, visitors are likely to see signs labeled “pinturas rupestres” which highlight prehistoric rock or cave paintings. These paintings can still be seen in numerous areas in and around Cabo San Lucas and the Baja Peninsula.

During the 1500s, when the Spanish Conquistadors were traveling through the Pacific Ocean, loaded with spices, gold, and other valuables, pirate ships would use El Arco (The Arch) in Cabo San Lucas as a hiding spot to ambush the Spanish fleets. El Arco provided the perfect hiding spot as well as a vantage point to attack the fleets, making the attempts to steal the valuables from the ships passing through that much more successful. In 1587, Sir Francis Drake, the first English Pirate to challenge Spanish fleets traveling through the Pacific to the Philippines and back, had a major success that inspired pirates from other countries to follow suit. The caves and coves in Cabo San Lucas were the perfect hiding places for pirates, making it difficult for the Spaniards to fare well on their journeys home. Many claim there are still shipwrecks in and around El Arco, along with their golden bullion that sank to the ocean floor.

A number of Spanish Jesuit Missionaries brought religious influence to the area and tried to insulate the coast from the impact of pirates. A handful of missions were built by the missionaries, and some of them can be visited today: Misión Santa Rosalía de Mulegé (1705), Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó (1697), Nuestra Señora del Pilar de la Paz (1733) and Misión Estero de las Palmas de San José del Cabo Añuití (1730). While these missionaries intended to bring peace, and of course, religion, to the area, the attempts to do so were not always successful.

The history of Cabo slowly developed as Hollywood’s elite began to visit more often. Fishing and Beach enthusiasts, such as John Wayne and Charlie Chaplin began to frequent the area. Their presence brought attention from others and soon thereafter, other wealthy enthusiasts appeared; from politicians to scientists - Jack Cousteau fell in love with Cabo Pulmo and named it, "The Worlds Aquarium." Abelardo Rodriguez, son of a former Mexican President, fell in love with Cabo. Married to a starlet, Lucille Bramer, they traveled to Cabo often and finally established Hotel Hacienda in the late 1960s. After Hotel Hacienda became a smashing success, the Baja attracted tourists and resort developers with vigor. Large investments and big names quickly came to help establish the area. Developers such as Ernesto Coppel, Paco Bulnez and Eduardo Sanchez Navarro, to name a few. After the original pioneers, other successful real estate developers appeared, such as Ron Hatfield, Ken Jowdy and Michael Meldman. Today, Cabo San Lucas is a bustling city bursting with activites, opportunity and a rich history of Cabo San Lucas greatest achievements.

At Cabo Platinum, we believe that your vacation should be carefully curated to what makes you the happiest. Our interior design team spends countless hours and help from local artisans, turning each property into a work of art. These special environments welcome you with beautiful designs and comfortable amenities. Our concierge team is dedicated to creating experiences for you and your family that you’ll remember forever. Whether you want the thrill of a sportfishing excursion, a day relaxing in luxury, or a memorable yacht trip across the waters of Cabo San Lucas... relax, we’ll take care of everything.