The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a captivating and distinctive granite formation and one of the most recognisable symbols of Los Cabos, is a testament to the tremendous tidal force and wind erosion shaping the Baja California Peninsula over millennia. Popularly called by the locals as El Arco or the arch in Spanish, and located at Land's End, the tip of Cabo San Lucas, which is also at the extreme southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, the arch proudly stands next to the Lover’s Beach on the calm Sea of Cortez side and the Divorced Beach on the rougher Pacific Ocean side, as a symbol of the region's natural splendour and timeless allure. The mammoth taffy-coloured arch, towering three stories above the sea marks the Land’s End at the point where the Sea of Cortez, later renamed Gulf of California by the Mexican Government, flows into the vast Pacific Ocean, creating a wonderful natural phenomenon, as well as one of the most attractive destinations for tourists. Apart from being a captivating tourist spot, the area is also a vibrant habitat for sea lions, basking in the sun on the surrounding rocks or frolicking in the water alongside dolphins, rays, and turtles, while the arch and its associated granite pinnacles are also favoured by the nesting seabirds.

Formed around 115 million years ago through intrusive igneous processes, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas is the only landmass between the southern tip of the 800-mile-long Baja California peninsula and Alaska in the south, and for centuries, sailors, explorers and fisherman navigating the rough coastal waters have used the Arch as a North Star to orient themselves. There is a hidden cave nestled near the base of the gorgeous Arch of Cabo San Lucas that was once a clandestine haunt for pirates before the 1900s. History says that the notorious pirates of the 16th century used the area for darker purposes, and used to lurk in the inlets, coves, and caves of the formation to ambush and plunder the passing ships. Even, Thomas Cavendish, an English explorer and privateer, successfully attacked the galleon Santa Ana off the coast of Cabo San Lucas in 1587, seizing a massive amount of treasure. The plunder was so hefty that it had to be loaded onto two ships, Desire and Content, of which Desire made it back to England, while Content and its treasures were lost, probably deep into the sea. However, although the cargo of Spanish galleons did at times include enslaved people, historical accounts focus on the trade of silver and luxury goods, not the organised transport of enslaved Africans. Nevertheless, it is also likely that Sir Francis Drake, best known for making the second circumnavigation of the world, also passed by the Arch of Cabo San Lucas in 1579, with his ship the Golden Hind. Recently, Hurricane Odile on the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico in September 2014 uncovered the wreckage of Lundenberg sunken in 1956, which formed an artificial reef, and has become a favourite site for the enthusiastic divers at Land’s End.

The best way to experience the beauty of the Arch is from the water, for which one can hire a boat from the Medano Beach or the Cabo San Lucas Marina. But sufficient care should be taken not to go too close to the sides of the arch. Apart from that, entering the arch in a small watercraft can also be somewhat dangerous, as the water level can significantly go up and down. However, the view of sunset at the arch, when the setting sun blazes the sky and dazzles the sea, is an experience of a lifetime. Visitors can also avail of the opportunity of an arranged tour by glass-bottomed boat, which provides an under-the-sea panorama, complete with corals and colorful reef dwellers.

However, the Arch is also accessible by land, which includes several hiking options, along with climbing large rocks. A short but steep, rocky and perilous trail leading up to Mount Solmar offers the breathtaking views of the beautiful Cabo San Lucas, the Arch, Land’s End, endless sea and the limitless horizon. It is also possible to access Lovers Beach, known as Playa Del Amor by the locals, by boat, which is a secluded hideaway that sits between the mainland and the Arch of Los Cabos, and an added attraction for tourists, as its calm waters make it one of the few safe swimming beaches in Carbo. Located directly opposite Lover’s Beach and facing the rougher Pacific Ocean, Divorce Beach is an equally beautiful stretch of sand, said to have earned its name because of the strong currents and impressive waves that crash upon the beach’s shores like fighting couples. However, both Divorce Beach and Lover’s Beach are devoid of any tourist benefit facilities, like eateries or restrooms.

In addition to the above, there are several other pristine beaches in the area, which include the vibrant Medano Beach, dotted with beachfront bars, restaurants, and water sports vendors, where visitors can swim or enjoy jet skiing and parasailing or simply bask in the sun while sipping on a refreshing cocktail. Playa Costa Azul, or Blue Coast Beach, with its formidable waves, is also a haven for surfers, while Palmilla Beach, cradled within a protective cove, welcomes swimmers to its clear aquamarine waters for snorkelling and soft sand for relaxing. There is also the Blue Flag-certified Chileno Beach, considered as a calm and quite family-friendly beach in the area, and known for its calm waters and pristine sands, providing excellent swimming conditions and equipped with all types of amenities, from showers to restrooms. Nevertheless, apart from the beaches, there are two more interesting spots in the area, which include the Pirate's Cave, located adjacent to the Arch and shrouded in centuries-old legends, which adds an intriguing dimension to the iconic landmark, and the Rookery or La Lobera, hanging out on a nearby wave-washed rocky platform, an entire colony of Sealions.