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Cabo San Lucas neighborhood

El Tezal, Cabo San Lucas

El Tezal is the residential hillside on the inland side of Highway 1 above Médano, where condos look down over the bay and prices are lower than on the sand.

Updated September 2026

Where much of Cabo actually lives

El Tezal is where a lot of Cabo actually lives: a mix of local homes, condo complexes and long-stay rentals on the slopes above the eastern end of Médano. The draw is the view. Many units look over the bay toward Land's End, and you pay much less for that view than you would beachfront.

There's no beach of its own, and it's not a place you'll wander around. You drive down to the beach, to the supermarkets on the highway, and into town.

Eating in El Tezal

Two restaurants make the drive up worthwhile even if you're not staying here: Metate and Torote, both with local followings and prices below the waterfront.

Getting to El Tezal from Villa 1

About 4 to 5 km and 10 minutes by car or taxi from Villa 1, up Highway 1 and into the hills. It's not a pleasant walk: the road is busy and the last part is uphill.

Honest comparison

Staying in El Tezal vs Médano Beach

Why stay in El Tezal

  • Bay views for less money
  • Quieter at night than Médano
  • Ten minutes to the beach and town

Trade-offs vs Médano

  • No beach; you drive to swim
  • Car-dependent and uphill
  • Few shops or restaurants within walking distance
Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Tezal a good place to stay in Cabo?

It's good value if you have a car and want a view, especially for longer stays. It's not walkable and has no beach, so it's a poor fit if you want to stroll to dinner or the sand.

Is El Tezal on the beach?

No. It's on the hillside inland of Highway 1, above Médano Beach, about 10 minutes' drive from the sand.

Stay at Villa 1

Your beachfront base in Cabo San Lucas

Villa 1 is a 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath beachfront villa at Hacienda Beach Club on Médano Beach, with a private infinity pool, hot tub and a golf cart. Our concierge can set up drivers, boats and tee times for your dates. Book direct for the best rate.