El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso - a large rock sticking out of the ocean
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El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso

4.1
·90 reviews·, Mexico

Cabo's oldest structure, a historic lighthouse offering stunning Pacific views, now undergoing preservation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
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El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso - a large rock sticking out of the ocean

El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso

Best Time

Afternoon

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Cabo's oldest structure, a historic lighthouse offering stunning Pacific views, now undergoing preservation.

4.1
(90 reviews)

"A beautiful piece of history and an amazing thing to visit and look at."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book a Guided Tour

To ensure access and learn about its history, book a tour through the Quivira Golf Course.

Respect Security

Be aware that security may ask you to leave if you don't have a tour.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Lighthouse Structure

Historic Lighthouse Structure

Cabo Falso

A 119-year-old beacon, the oldest standing structure in Cabo San Lucas, showcasing neoclassical architecture.

Instagram
Panoramic Pacific Views

Panoramic Pacific Views

Cabo Falso

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean from the elevated position of the lighthouse.

Reddit
The Bunker Restaurant

The Bunker Restaurant

Near El Faro Viejo

Highly-rated dining experience with amazing food, ambiance, and service, often mentioned alongside lighthouse visits.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Access & Security

Access to El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso is now limited, often requiring guided tours through the Quivira Golf Course. Be prepared for potential security interactions if you attempt to visit independently. Reddit

Preservation Efforts

This historic lighthouse is undergoing preservation efforts, with plans for a maritime museum. While the building itself may be off-limits due to its condition, its historical significance is being recognized. Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoon
Why
Golden hour for stunning photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Potentially fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Respuesta a @kayom88 Nos encontramos en la playa del faro de bucerias, costa aquila Michoacán, México. 🇲🇽 #parati #costamichoacana #aloha #vacaciones
@el.bar.del.viejo
89.9K likes • 2.6M views

Book a Guided Tour

To ensure access and learn about its history, book a tour through the Quivira Golf Course. Reddit+1

Respect Security

Be aware that security may ask you to leave if you don't have a tour. Reddit

Cómo llegar al faro cocholgue y al arco elefante #viraltiktok #viralvideos #entretenimiento
@castro.artis
28.1K likes • 347.5K views
Podría lamer el atardecer, apuesto a que sabría como un helado napolitano . 🍨🌅🧡 #faroviejodecabofalso
hadaespinoza
81 likes • 0 views

Capture the Sunset

The views are spectacular, especially during sunset. Instagram

Check Restaurant Hours

If dining at The Bunker, confirm their operating hours in advance. Reddit

Los restos de Troya. Los griegos y el imperio @pueblobonito acabaron con Troya. Ya son 12 años también de que las dunas y el Faro Viejo dejaron de tener acceso público, y se convirtieron en campos de golf y hoteles. Que me regresen Troya. #misparques🇲🇽 #bradpittwashere #cabo
estebancorte
72 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book a Guided Tour

To ensure access and learn about its history, book a tour through the Quivira Golf Course. Reddit+1

Respect Security

Be aware that security may ask you to leave if you don't have a tour. Reddit

Capture the Sunset

The views are spectacular, especially during sunset. Instagram

Check Restaurant Hours

If dining at The Bunker, confirm their operating hours in advance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(90 reviews)

Reviews Summary

El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso is a historically significant landmark offering beautiful Pacific views, though access is now restricted and often requires booking a guided tour. Visitors appreciate its architectural charm and the ongoing preservation efforts, but some express frustration over limited public access and the site's integration into private developments. InstagramReddit+1

"While staying at a nearby resort I made the trek up the hill. It's a nice spot and I wish I could have spent a little more time but I was soon confronted by the golf course security guard who promptly asked me to leave and followed me down the hill. I was told that I would need to pay a tour to access the site.

I recognize that I'm just a visitor to this town and probably none of my business but it's a sad state that a local historical site like this is limited to tours and golfers. I would have been happy to leave a donation to keep a place like this open to all.

The building is off limits due to crumbling infrastructure. Seems to me that there's a few folks who would like nothing more than to raze this place to the ground so someone can put a luxury development on the site."

Joe Waldman

"This is a beautiful piece of history. And it is such an amazing thing to visit and look at. Reading reviews, it seems people had a hard time getting to it. We stayed on the property that it is guarded by and we had no issues getting in. We walked/drive our golf cart right to it. It is very well landscaped and has hand rails for you to walk safely. I will visit it every time I go to Cabo. What an experience"

Aaron Stallings

"The Bunker is here. IYKYK. Amazing food, ambiance, service... It has it all. Can't say enough positive things about this place."

John Ustick

What People Like

Historic architecture
Ocean views
Preservation efforts

What People Dislike

Limited access
Security interactions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access to El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso is primarily through guided tours offered by the Quivira Golf Course. Independent access can be challenging due to security and the surrounding development. Reddit+1

Public transportation directly to the lighthouse is not readily available. It's recommended to arrange transport to the Quivira Golf Course for tour access. Instagram

While some visitors have driven golf carts on resort property, general public vehicle access is restricted. Tours are the most reliable way to visit. InstagramReddit

If accessing via a tour or resort property, the walk can be short. However, attempts to reach it from outside the development may involve significant hiking. Instagram

The Bunker restaurant is located nearby and offers a highly-rated dining experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, access is typically managed through guided tours, which require booking and payment. Reddit+1

Costs are associated with the guided tours arranged through the Quivira Golf Course. Specific pricing should be confirmed directly with them. Reddit

The lighthouse itself doesn't have set public opening hours. Access is determined by the schedule of the guided tours. Instagram

The building is often off-limits due to its crumbling infrastructure and for preservation purposes. Reddit

It is difficult and often not permitted to visit without a tour due to security and private property restrictions. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of private property and security personnel. Instagram

You can capture wide-angle shots of the lighthouse against the ocean, close-ups of its historic architecture, and panoramic sunset views. Instagram

Drone usage is likely restricted due to private property and potential aviation regulations. It's best to inquire beforehand. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture details. A tripod is useful for sunset shots. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, 'The Bunker' is a highly-regarded restaurant located near the lighthouse, known for its food and ambiance. Reddit

The Bunker offers a diverse menu with excellent food and service, though specific cuisine details are best confirmed directly. Reddit

There are no dining facilities at the lighthouse. Dining options are available at nearby establishments like The Bunker. Reddit

Picnicking might be restricted due to the private nature of the area. It's advisable to dine at designated restaurants. Reddit

Information on budget-friendly dining near the lighthouse is limited; The Bunker is a more upscale option. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting El Faro Viejo with children can be an educational experience, offering a glimpse into maritime history. However, access is the primary consideration. Booking a guided tour through the Quivira Golf Course is the most reliable way to ensure a smooth visit for the whole family. Reddit+1

While the lighthouse building itself may not be accessible internally, the surrounding grounds offer space for children to explore under supervision. The stunning ocean views can also captivate younger imaginations. Reddit Consider combining the visit with a meal at a family-friendly spot nearby, if available, to make a day of it. Ensure you confirm tour details and any age restrictions beforehand.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso presents a fantastic opportunity for photographers. The golden hour before sunset offers dramatic lighting that enhances the lighthouse's historic architecture and the vast Pacific backdrop. Instagram Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the lighthouse in its expansive setting, while telephoto lenses can focus on the intricate details of its construction. Instagram

Be prepared for potential access limitations; securing a spot on a guided tour is often necessary to get the best vantage points. Reddit+1 While drone photography might be restricted, the natural light and the historical subject matter provide ample creative possibilities. Remember to check the weather, as coastal conditions can add to the dramatic atmosphere of your shots. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by history, El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso is a must-visit. As the oldest standing structure in Cabo San Lucas, it offers a direct link to the region's maritime past and architectural evolution. InstagramReddit Learning about its construction, its role in navigation, and its eventual decommissioning provides a rich historical narrative. Reddit

Understanding the ongoing preservation efforts and the vision to turn it into a museum adds another layer to the historical significance. Instagram While direct exploration of the interior might be limited, the exterior and its historical context are deeply compelling. Engaging with a guided tour can provide in-depth historical insights that enhance the experience. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

History and Preservation

Constructed in 1905, El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso is the oldest standing structure in the Cabo San Lucas region. Its neoclassical design, influenced by the Industrial Revolution, features durable materials like arroyo stone and red brick, built to withstand the coastal climate. Reddit The lighthouse ceased operations in the 1960s and is now a significant historical landmark. Instagram

Currently, El Faro Viejo is situated within the Quivira Golf Course development, which has led to restricted public access. InstagramReddit Fortunately, preservation efforts are underway, spearheaded by organizations like Fundación Letty Coppel, with plans to transform the lighthouse into a museum dedicated to maritime navigation and local history. Instagram These initiatives aim to protect this vital piece of Cabo's heritage for future generations. Reddit

Visiting El Faro Viejo offers a tangible connection to Cabo San Lucas's maritime past. While the building's interior may be inaccessible due to its condition, its exterior and the surrounding landscape provide a powerful sense of history. Reddit The ongoing preservation work ensures that this timeless beacon will continue to stand as a symbol of resilience and heritage. Instagram

Access and Visitor Experience

The visitor experience at El Faro Viejo de Cabo Falso has evolved significantly. Historically, it may have been more accessible, but recent accounts indicate that access is now largely controlled by the Quivira Golf Course. InstagramReddit Many visitors report needing to book a guided tour through the golf course to reach the lighthouse. Reddit+1

Attempts to visit independently can lead to encounters with security guards who may ask visitors to leave or require payment for a tour. Reddit This has led to some frustration among travelers who feel that a historical site should be more openly accessible. Reddit However, those who do manage to visit, often through resort stays or organized tours, describe it as a beautiful and amazing historical place with well-maintained grounds and handrails for safety. Reddit

Despite the access challenges, the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the lighthouse's elevated position are consistently praised. Reddit The surrounding landscape, combined with the historical significance of the structure, makes it a worthwhile destination for those interested in history and scenic vistas. InstagramReddit

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