Tourists in Los Cabos Now Concerned About Street Cleanliness, Destination Responds with Action

Published on December 16, 2025

As Los Cabos maintains a reputation as a favorite holiday destination for more and more travelers each year, a trend that has emerged, and is currently being given consideration, in relation to tourist complaints, has to do with cleanliness or, rather, a lack thereof in certain areas. An exit survey that has recently taken place at Fiturca, or the Los Cabos Tourism Trust, has indicated that a major discrepancy exists between the clean state of holiday resorts and the more untidy state of the streets when touring from these resorts has indeed become a concern for the tourism industry in Los Cabos.

The “Resort vs. Reality” Gap: A Common Tourist Complaint

One of the most prominent issues raised by visitors in the exit survey was the stark contrast between the high standards of cleanliness within resorts and the state of public streets. According to a report by Tribuna de México, many tourists have complained about deficiencies in street maintenance, particularly in heavily trafficked tourist areas. The perception that the public spaces do not match the level of luxury seen in resorts is impacting the overall visitor experience.

The main areas where tourists reported cleanliness issues include popular zones such as the marina, beach access points, nightlife districts, and major boulevards. The issue is more noticeable during the busiest times, when more visitors generate additional waste, putting pressure on municipal services and leading to overflowing trash bins and dirty streets. Tourists expecting a seamless, five-star experience throughout their stay may find these discrepancies jarring, making it clear that the destination needs to address the maintenance of public spaces more effectively.

What Hoteliers and Local Officials Are Doing to Tackle the Issue

The complaints about cleanliness have not gone unnoticed. The private sector, particularly the hospitality industry, is taking proactive measures to improve the situation. Armando García, the head of the Los Cabos Hotel Association, acknowledged the problem and outlined a series of actions being taken to address it. Initiatives include increasing the frequency of street cleaning campaigns and adding more garbage trucks to support waste management during peak tourism periods.

García also noted that key tourist areas have been receiving additional personnel dedicated to cleaning, especially around the marina, beaches, and other busy spots. While these efforts are ongoing, there is a clear recognition that improving cleanliness requires both long-term infrastructure upgrades and better coordination between the public and private sectors.

Why Cleanliness is Especially Crucial During Peak Season

The cleanliness problem becomes especially apparent during Los Cabos’ peak season, when the region experiences a significant influx of visitors. The holiday months are the busiest for the destination, and the pressure on municipal services increases as more people generate waste. Full trash bins, uncollected litter, and overflowing public spaces are common issues, which can negatively impact the destination’s image.

During this time, Los Cabos is also ramping up holiday operations to handle increased security, monitoring, and visitor traffic. The result is a more noticeable “messier” feel for those venturing beyond resort properties. This situation underscores how cleanliness is not just a matter of aesthetics—it’s a vital part of the overall tourist experience. Tourists may leave with fond memories of the beautiful beaches and luxury resorts but are unlikely to forget the dirty streets they encountered along the way.

How Visitors Can Manage Cleanliness Concerns During Their Stay

While it’s not the responsibility of visitors to fix the city’s cleanliness issues, there are steps they can take to minimize the impact on their travel experience. Here are a few tips to help travelers navigate cleanliness concerns during their stay in Los Cabos:

• Visit tourist areas earlier in the day: Many areas are cleaned early in the morning before visitors hit the streets, so visiting popular spots like the marina or nightlife districts in the morning can help you avoid seeing overflowing trash bins and unkempt spaces.
• Carry a trash bag: While it may seem simple, carrying a small zip-top bag in your daypack for collecting personal trash can help minimize litter, especially on beach days or boat trips where trash is harder to dispose of.
• Respect local rules: Los Cabos has strict anti-littering regulations, and fines are imposed for improper disposal of trash. Being mindful of your surroundings, especially near beaches, streets, and scenic spots, can help maintain the destination’s cleanliness.
• Be prepared for post-storm cleanup: After heavy rain or storms, trash and debris often wash onto streets and beaches. However, municipal cleanup teams usually work quickly to restore the area to its original state, so don’t be discouraged if you see temporary messes in such conditions.

Los Cabos’ Commitment to Improvement: The Bigger Picture

Despite these challenges, it’s important to note that Los Cabos is still a premier tourist destination with much to offer. The cleanliness issue is not an indication that the destination is losing its appeal—it’s simply a matter of addressing a gap between resort perfection and public infrastructure. The fact that visitor feedback is being taken seriously by local officials and businesses is a positive sign. When a destination listens to its visitors and treats complaints as valuable data, it sets the stage for real, lasting improvements.

While the cleanliness of public spaces may remain an issue for the time being, ongoing initiatives and increased investment in infrastructure suggest that Los Cabos is committed to maintaining its status as a world-class destination. With these changes in place, tourists can look forward to a cleaner, more enjoyable experience in the years to come.

Los Cabos is Listening and Evolving

While cleanliness in public spaces has now become a concern for some tourists in Los Cabos, it remains one of the most desirable vacation spots in Mexico. Government and the private sector in the locale are working out means to improve this aspect of the visitor experience. An increase in the frequency of cleanups, improvement in waste management, and acting on feedback is the method by which Los Cabos demonstrates its commitment to making sure the destination remains attractive for all travelers.