Mexico's Cabo rebounds from hurricane, welcomes tourists

News of the battering that Hurricane Odile delivered in September to Los Cabos, the popular winter getaway on Mexico's Baja California peninsula, caused concern for the people and places my family and I have had the good fortune to encounter there on several visits.

In this ruggedly idyllic setting, we've enjoyed snorkeling in sparkling bays, horseback riding on sunny beaches and bird-watching along the estuary. We've savored pork-filled tortas at Carnitas Los Michoacanos, grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp at Mariscos El Toro Guero and transcendent pizza and spaghetti Bolognese at an out-of-the way, hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant called Fiorenza.

So I was happy to learn that Los Cabos, featuring the neighboring cape cities of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, has largely recovered from the storm. The category 3 hurricane knocked out power, closed the airport and temporarily stranded some 30,000 tourists, but the popular winter getaway now is up and running.

Minnesotans who descend on the area by the planeload — on international flights that Delta and other airlines generally resumed in the first half of October — will find the region largely living up to the #Unstoppable hashtag that the Los Cabos Tourism Board has adopted as a rallying cry for the recovery. See the group's Facebook page or website (www.cabosanlucastours.net/Hurricane_Odile/index.htm) for frequent updates on openings and activities. The Mexico Tourism Board also created a website devoted to the recovery, including lists of restaurants and hotels that are open (www.unstoppablecabo.com).

Some 90 percent of Los Cabos' restaurants, several popular golf courses and more than 6,000 of Los Cabos' 16,000 hotel rooms are open, with that number expected to rise to 10,000 in December, according to Delta Vacations spokesman Albert Snedeker.

The Los Cabos International Film Festival will take place as planned in mid-November, while the popular Art Walk in San José del Cabo's Art District resumed in October. Fishing tournaments at Marina Cabo and Lucas and Marina Puerto Los Cabos continue on schedule as well.

"It's really been incredible and really sort of inspirational to see how quickly folks have rallied and pulled together and gotten the job done," Snedeker said. "They're more than ready to welcome tourists."

Travelers, including those departing from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, who book a flight and hotel stay can save up to 50 percent on accommodations under an offer Delta Vacations announced at the end of October. Sun Country Vacations is also offering deals to Los Cabos.

Those who plan ahead can find good prices for spring break trips, said Hannah Lohmer Johnsen of Travel Leaders in Stillwater.

"I would definitely encourage people to visit Cabo as a whole, but really do your research," Lohmer Johnsen said. "You want to make sure that you know all the facts so that when you get there you don't have any unpleasant surprises."

Some resorts and hotels are still making repairs or are taking the opportunity to make improvements. Travel agents recommend confirming availability, conditions and amenities at individual properties.

As much as tourists appreciate the winter escape that Cabo affords, restaurants, hotels, golf courses and cruise and adventure operators who are back in business are eager for visitors to return.

While fall usually is a slow time for visitors, Los Cabos has been relatively busy since the hurricane with traffic from insurance adjusters and businesses assisting in the recovery, said Caryl Leffel via e-mail. She counts a number of Minnesota snowbirds and vacationers among her clients at Kaleidoscope Yoga in San Jose del Cabo.

Residents are eager for tourists to return, Leffel said. "Cleanup was fast and efficient. Honestly, things are moving with great momentum. By Dec. 1, things will be in great shape. Some will be better than ever," she said.

Among Minnesotans planning to return this winter are Kathy and Dennis Brekken, who have been spending time in Los Cabos for nearly three decades. Dennis flew down in early November to check on their home in a development outside of downtown San José. Both plan to go back early next year.

"They need the business now and if they're open and operating, they're hoping people will come," said Kathy, former chief executive of holiday products business Midwest of Cannon Falls. Vacationers and snowbirds going back to San José will find old favorites such Flora Farm, Buzzard's Bar and Grill, Zipper's Bar and Grill and the aptly named Mega grocery store all open for business.

The debris is gone, utilities are back on, stores are open and stocked, according to Carrie Duncan, publisher of the Gringo Gazette, a local English-language tabloid that covers several Baja towns. "We are bouncing back surprisingly well."

Todd Nelson is a freelance writer in Woodbury. His e-mail address is todd_nelson@mac.com.