If you’re visiting Los Cabos and only stick to the beaches and resorts, you’re missing out on one of the region’s most vibrant and authentic experiences: the local markets.
From open-air farmers markets to artisan bazaars, Los Cabos is home to a variety of colorful spots where you can shop for organic produce, handcrafted goods, regional delicacies, and unique souvenirs you won’t find in tourist shops. Whether you’re in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, these markets offer a chance to explore the real Baja—one booth, bite, and conversation at a time.
In this guide, you’ll find the best markets in Los Cabos, what they’re known for, what to buy, and how to make the most of your visit.
1. San José del Cabo Organic Market (Mercado Orgánico)
When: Saturdays, November through May
Where: Huerta Maria, San José del Cabo
Tucked away in a quiet part of San José del Cabo, this open-air organic market feels like a secret garden of Baja flavors. The Mercado Orgánico is a weekly gathering of local farmers, chefs, herbalists, and artisans, all coming together to celebrate sustainability and regional pride.
What to Expect:
- Organic produce: Lush heirloom tomatoes, aromatic herbs, nopales (cactus paddles), and tropical fruits grown in nearby communities.
- Artisan food stalls: Vegan tamales, empanadas, and handmade cheeses. Try the locally fermented kombucha or a slice of raw cacao tart.
- Live music & community vibe: It’s not just a market—it’s an event. Families picnic under the trees, barefoot kids run around, and musicians play folk guitar or jazz in the background.
Pro Tip:
Come early for the best selection and bring cash. Many vendors don’t accept cards. If you’re renting a vacation home with a kitchen, stock up here—you’ll find ingredients that rival any gourmet grocer.
2. La Paz Farmers Market (Mercado Madero)
When: Tuesdays & Saturdays
Where: Madero Street, La Paz (Worth the 2-hour day trip)
If you’re in Los Cabos for a week or more, a day trip to La Paz—the laid-back capital of Baja California Sur—is highly recommended. One of its hidden gems is the Mercado Madero, a traditional farmers market filled with locals doing their weekly shopping.
What Makes It Special:
- Hyper-local produce from Baja’s inland valleys and the Sea of Cortez.
- Freshly caught seafood: Shrimp, clams, and fish straight off the boat—ideal if your rental has a grill.
- Handmade tortillas and salsas: Watch women prepare blue corn tortillas by hand and sample salsas that range from smoky chipotle to fiery habanero.
Insight:
Unlike more polished markets in tourist zones, this one is unfiltered and truly local. You may be the only foreigner there—which is exactly the point.
3. Cabo San Lucas Artisan Market (Mercado Artesanal)
When: Daily
Where: Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas, near the marina
Just steps from the Cabo San Lucas Marina, this bustling artisan market is a maze of stalls brimming with handmade crafts and souvenirs. Yes, you’ll find some of the usual trinkets—but look closer and you’ll uncover genuine artistry from across Mexico.
What to Look For:
- Huichol beadwork: Intricate designs crafted by Indigenous artisans from Nayarit.
- Talavera ceramics: Painted by hand, these colorful pieces make beautiful gifts or home décor.
- Textiles & embroidery: Woven shawls, hand-stitched pillow covers, and rebozos from Oaxaca and Chiapas.
Tip for Shoppers:
Practice your Spanish, bargain with a smile, and ask where the items are made. You’ll often get stories as colorful as the goods themselves.
4. El Merkado in San José del Cabo
When: Daily
Where: Carretera Transpeninsular, inside Koral Center
This isn’t your typical farmers market—it’s more of a European-style gourmet food hall with a Baja twist. Set in a modern industrial space, El Merkado brings together more than 20 vendors under one roof, from gourmet butchers to wine bars and craft taco counters.
Highlights:
- Baja wine tasting from Valle de Guadalupe.
- Locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries.
- Specialty ingredients like sea salt from Guerrero Negro, artisanal mezcals, and regional honey.
Why Go:
It’s a great rainy day option or a place to eat if you’re traveling with a group that wants different cuisines. Plus, it has air conditioning—a rare luxury in Baja’s heat.
5. Local Flea Markets (Tianguis) in Cabo Neighborhoods
When: Varies—often Sundays
Where: Various neighborhoods like El Tezal, Colonia 4 de Marzo, or San José Pueblo
If you really want to explore Los Cabos like a local, venture into a tianguis—a pop-up market typically held on Sundays in residential neighborhoods. These informal street markets are where locals buy clothes, housewares, used goods, and cheap eats.
What You’ll Discover:
- Street food: Grilled elotes (corn), chicharrones, and tacos de birria made from recipes passed down through generations.
- Second-hand finds: Vintage denim, old records, and antique tools. Think of it as Baja’s version of a garage sale mixed with a street fair.
- Local color: No tourists, no filters—just the real, everyday Cabo.
Bonus Tip:
Ask a local vendor or your host about tianguis schedules—these markets are fluid, seasonal, and often cash-only.
What to Buy at Los Cabos Markets (And Why It Matters)
Los Cabos is rich in natural and cultural resources. Supporting local markets helps sustain small producers, Indigenous communities, and generational trades that are too often overshadowed by mass tourism. Here are a few meaningful things to take home:
1. Handmade Goods
From woven baskets to pottery and jewelry, these pieces often carry regional identity and symbolism. Many vendors will happily share their process and story.
2. Regional Food Products
Bring home sea salt, artisanal chocolate, dried chiles, or a bottle of smoky mezcal. Not only are they delicious—they’re often handcrafted in micro-batches.
3. Textiles & Embroidery
Buying from local weavers ensures that centuries-old techniques stay alive and valued. Look for natural dyes and traditional patterns.
How to Shop Local Markets Like a Pro
- Bring cash, ideally in small denominations.
- Carry your own market bag or tote—some vendors don’t provide bags.
- Go early for produce, late for bargains.
- Ask before taking photos—especially with artisans and food vendors.
- Learn a few Spanish phrases—even basic courtesy goes a long way.
- Be respectful when bargaining—this isn’t about undercutting, it’s about fair exchange.
Why Local Markets Are Worth Prioritizing
Beyond the souvenirs and snacks, markets offer an intimate window into daily life in Los Cabos. You’ll meet people who live there, learn what grows in Baja’s arid soil, hear the rhythms of the region, and maybe even walk away with a few new recipes or stories.
For visitors staying in vacation rentals—especially those with a full kitchen or outdoor grill—markets are the perfect place to source fresh, authentic ingredients and cook like a local. It’s an experience that no resort buffet can match.
Bottom line: Let the Markets Be Your Guide
Whether you’re strolling through the organic gardens of San José, sampling street tacos at a Sunday tianguis, or picking out a hand-painted plate near the marina, the markets of Los Cabos invite you to slow down and connect to the place through its people and its produce.
At Vacation in Tulum (yes, we also love Los Cabos), we always encourage guests to go beyond the typical tourist path. Local markets are where memories are made, flavors are discovered, and true travel stories begin.
