Los Cabos has made significant strides in accessibility, offering wheelchair-friendly beaches, hotels, and excursions. However, for American and Canadian expats, foreign disability placards are not officially recognized in Mexico. While vacationers can display their foreign placards when parking rental cars, expats staying long-term or permanently must apply for a Mexican disability license plate. Unlike the U.S., Mexico does not issue special license plates featuring a blue wheelchair symbol, but instead hanging placards for rearview mirrors.
To obtain a Mexican disability license plate, applicants must complete a form submitted to DIF (the government-run charity agency), undergo a physical assessment by a doctor, and obtain a Mexican driver’s license, including a written test, as the disability permit and driver’s license are issued together.
Since 2017, authorities in La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and surrounding areas have strictly enforced handicap parking laws. Fines for illegal parking in designated spaces can be between US $300 and $500. Additionally, only disabled individuals may use handicapped spaces. Family members or others parking in these spots without a disabled person in the vehicle may face vehicle impoundment and hefty fines for fraud.
Cabo San Lucas offers good wheelchair accessibility, especially around the Marina, where most intersections have drop-down curbs but not many handicapped parking spaces. Actually, there are few parking spaces in downtown Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
About half of the restaurants along the Marina are accessible, while 30-40% of nearby shops offer full accessibility. Cabo San Lucas’ main drag has the most wheelchair-friendly streets. In San José del Cabo, many streets in the historical center have drop-down curbs, with fewer obstacles compared to Cabo San Lucas. The public bus system, Ruta del Desierto, is wheelchair accessible. However, shops and restaurants in the downtown area tend to be less accessible, though the Hotel Zone offers better options. Some sidewalks in San José lack proper drop-down curbs, making accessibility inconsistent.
The best place for free, accessible restrooms is the Puerto Paraíso Mall. Restaurants along the Marina offer excellent ocean views with wheelchair access. The only way to see Cabo’s famous Land’s End Arch is by boat, and the Marina has ramps leading to the docks where staff assist wheelchair users onto the boats. Most fishing charters also accommodate wheelchair users. Even Los Cabos International Airport follows ADA guidelines, providing aid for travelers with mobility challenges.
For disability services, the DIF office in Cabo San Lucas is located at Playa Caracoles, in the Jacarandas barrio and can be reached at (624) 172-5600.