FROM WILD TO MILD AT LOS CABOS.

Byline: Cynthia Corpuz www.greatescapes.com

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico - Los Cabos has long had the reputation of being a wild, spring-break stop for young people. The predominant image of this warm and exotic place might be wild coeds dancing the night way and then basking on the sun-soaked beaches while sipping margaritas.

However, to the discerning traveler looking for a quick getaway, Los Cabos actually offers a little bit of everything for everyone. It has quickly grown into a top travel destination that caters to all palates - delivering a wild time, sport, relaxation ... or all of the above.

Located where the cool breezes of the Pacific Ocean and the warm Sea of Cortez meet, Los Cabos boasts on average 300 days of sunshine a year.

On the east side of the cape sits San Jose del Cabo, a surf town that is a little tamer than its raucous neighbor at the tip of the cape, Cabo San Lucas. Sandwiched between the two cities is an 18-mile stretch of land rightfully called the Tourist Corridor, or just Corridor.

The Corridor is sprinkled with seven lush, green golf courses, most overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Luxury hotels, condos, restaurants and beaches perfect for snorkeling hug the coastline of the Corridor.

Los Cabos is currently in its high season (October to April), when daytime temperatures hover between 70 degrees and the mid-80s. It provides an inviting escape for those wishing to escape the chill of winter back home.

From May to September, temperatures can soar above 100 degrees, with the water temperature climbing to a refreshing 80 degrees.

The pink-and-white sandy beaches of Los Cabos offer a magnificent contrast with the region's earthy rock formations and deep-blue waters.

Whether you crave outdoor activities, a cultural experience, spalike relaxation or the wild nightlife scene, Los Cabos offers it all.

Just about every water activity imaginable can be found here: snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, whale watching. For land lubbers, hiking, biking, camping and ATV tours are available year-round.

Golf enthusiasts, meanwhile, may have a hard time deciding which of the seven golf courses to play first.

Vacationers looking for relaxation should head to San Jose del Cabo. An abundance of tourist shops line Mijares Street in the heart of town, where visitors can find silver jewelry, handmade pottery, clothing, tequila shops and a wide range of artisan specialties.

The Tropicana Bar and Grill offers reasonably priced food and drinks and is a good lunch spot after a day of strolling and shopping. At night, the restaurant hosts live music.

Other nightlife scenes in San Jose del Cabo and its surrounding area include the Havana Supper Club, featuring jazz nightly; Zippers, a restaurant bar and club that features '80s and '90s American music; and Shooters, a bar and nightclub for the late-night party crowd.

During the summer months, surfers flock to the city to catch the season's southern swells, which break on the nearby beaches and all along the Corridor.

Playa Costa Azul and Playa Acapulquinto are the top surfing destinations in the region. In the off-season or winter months, the smaller waves and weak tides make these beaches swimmable.

The golf courses and top snorkeling spots also string out along the Corridor on the way to Cabo San Lucas.

There are five 18-hole courses, a nine-hole course (the oldest in the area) and a 27-hole layout designed by Jack Nicklaus. The mild climate, breathtaking scenery and professional upkeep of the courses are reasons why this golfing retreat is known as ``the Palm Springs of Mexico.''

Snorkeling is another popular activity here, notably at two spots along the Corridor and at Cabo San Lucas' famed Arch.

The best snorkeling can be found at Bahia Santa Maria or Chileno Beach and Bay. Open to the public, they boast beautiful pink-granite sand, tide pools, snorkeling, diving and sunbathing.

Tours can be arranged to all the snorkeling destinations for about $30 to $50, depending on the duration. Two popular tours are Pez Gato and Sun Rider. Both leave from the main dock in Cabo San Lucas, last about four hours, and offer food and drink - even an open bar after the snorkeling is finished.

If lucky, guests may be treated to a little whale watching on the way back to the harbor. From January through the end of this month, it is common to find snorkeling boats out in the open sea with whale-watching boats, all trying to catch a glimpse of the majestic gray whale as it surfaces for air.

Back on shore, visitors seeking relaxation can find it at the area's hotels, most of which offer luxury spas, beautiful pools to lounge around and incredible beaches for sunbathing.

IF YOU GO

GETTING THERE: Los Cabos International Airport, near San Jose del Cabo, is served by Alaska, America West, American, Aeromexico, Continental, Delta, Aero California and Sunquest.

MONEY MATTERS: The exchange rate has been hovering at around 10 pesos to the dollar. Most shops, markets, hotels and restaurants will automatically convert prices to dollars. When bartering in the open markets, try bargaining in pesos instead of dollars if looking for the best price. Debit cards and major credit cards are accepted at many establishments. In restaurants and bars, it's preferable to tip in hard currency rather than adding it to your credit card bill.

DRIVING: Be extra careful while driving in Mexico: Stop at stop signs, wear your seat belt, and obey lights and signs because the traffic police are watching. Also, be advised that your auto insurance policy is probably invalid in Mexico, but coverage can be purchased when renting a car, for example.

SNORKELING: Pez Gato: Blvd Marina, Hacienda Beach Resort, Cabo San Lucas, (011-52) 114-3-3797. Sun Rider: Plaza Las Glorias Dock, Marina, Cabo San Lucas (011-52) 114-3-2252.

INFORMATION: The Web site for the government's Los Cabos Tourism Trust is www.visitloscabos.org. A free visitor's guide can be ordered at the site.

CAPTION(S):

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(1 -- color) Some of the best snorkeling in Los Cabos can be found at Bahia Santa Maria, where swimmers can mingle with the colorful fish.

(2 -- 4) The arch at Playa del Amor - Lover's Beach - has become a famous landmark in Cabo San Lucas, top. Visitors to the Los Cabos Corridor can swim with the fish during a snorkeling excursion in Santa Maria Bay, left; such trips can be booked at the main harbor, above, along with glass-bottom boat tours.

Cynthia Corpuz/greatescapes.com

Todd Reimer/Special to Great Escapes

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