Living in Los Cabos Beyond the Holiday: An Interview with Fiona Barfoot

Answers edited for length and clarity from a voice-note interview.

Living in a holiday destination can feel different once everyday routines take over. Fiona Barfoot, who moved from Vancouver to Los Cabos, recommends trying several neighbourhoods, checking how a community works, and practising daily life before deciding where to settle.

In this conversation, she shares her experience of choosing an area, learning Spanish and building connections beyond the expat community.

What brought you to Los Cabos, and how are you involved in the community?

My name is Fiona Barfoot. I moved here from Vancouver, Canada, and I’ve been living in Cabo for five and a half years.

I run the Los Cabos Expats Facebook group and another large group called Cabo: everything you need or want to know, which is for people coming to visit. I also do charitable work in the community, including work supporting women and girls, and animal rescue.

What surprises newcomers about everyday life beyond the resorts?

You’re not on vacation. When you first get your boots on the ground, it feels like a holiday because you’re in a holiday spot. As you get used to living your real life here, you start noticing things like infrastructure gaps and the wealth gap between rich and poor. You also notice that Cabo is expensive.

Getting used to cultural differences was a big thing for me, too. If I’m texting a friend in Canada, I might start straight away with, “Can you meet tomorrow?” Here, I’ve learned to begin with a good morning or good afternoon and ask how the person is. Those subtle differences matter.

How would you compare Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo for a longer stay?

It depends on what you’re looking for. I live in the corridor, roughly halfway between the two.

To me, Cabo San Lucas has a younger feel, more of a party vibe, and can be noisier. San José is quieter and more quaint. I find more of the cultural experience I’m looking for in San José. I think both are great spots.

What should a useful scouting visit include?

If you’re coming here to live, my recommendation is to rent in a few different places. During that first week somewhere, you’re still in vacation mode and may not notice the things that will affect everyday life.

Look at the water situation in the community. What is the homeowners’ association like? How are the guards? Do you want to live in a gated community or somewhere else?

If you’re looking at a condo community, find out what percentage of the homes are rentals or Airbnbs. That can affect the neighbourhood feel and noise level.

Stay in both San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, and get out there. Walk, go to the grocery stores, see how far things are, and go to Costco. Do the normal things you would do at home and see how that particular neighbourhood fits you.

How can newcomers build friendships and contribute to the community?

My biggest tip is to learn the language. I speak Spanish fluently, but I don’t expect everyone to. Start little by little: learn to say good morning, good afternoon, thank you and “Where can I find this?” Introduce yourself to people.

Some of my best friendships here are with my Mexican friends. I think part of why I’ve settled in so well is that I don’t just do expat things.

And volunteer. There is such a need here. Whether you’re interested in faith-based volunteering or love animals, as I do, there are opportunities to get involved in a positive way. I’ve got three rescues looking at me as I leave this voice note.

Meet your neighbours, too. My community is roughly half Mexican and half expat. Create a neighbourhood for yourself in the same way you would at home.

Put Fiona’s advice to work on your scouting stay

Editorial checklist based on this interview:

• Try more than one area before choosing a longer-term home.
• Test ordinary routines, including grocery shopping and getting to services.
• Ask about water supply, community management and any homeowners’ association.
• Consider how short-term rentals may affect noise and neighbourhood life.
• Practise everyday Spanish and introduce yourself to neighbours.
• Explore volunteer opportunities that match your interests and the community’s needs.

Fiona’s observations reflect her personal experience. Conditions vary between neighbourhoods and individual properties.