Major Los Cabos Resort Blocked By Protesters: What Travelers Need To Know

If you’ve got a trip to paradise coming up, there’s one recent hiccup you’ll want to be aware of—especially if you’re relying on hotel shuttles or ride-shares to get around.

Yesterday, access to one of Cabo’s busiest beachfront resorts got partially blocked by a group of protestors, causing traffic delays and forcing some travelers to hoof it with their bags.

At The Cabo Sun, we’re always keeping an eye on what’s happening around town so you’re not caught off guard.

This protest wasn’t citywide and it didn’t spread far, but if your vacation plans include the Riu in Cabo San Lucas—or really, any hotel that uses airport vans or outside transportation—it’s worth knowing the details.

Here’s everything that went down, why it matters, and what you can do to keep your getaway running smooth:

Pues mire su esfuerzo para traer más turistas. El día de hoy en Los Cabos están bloqueando unidades legalmente para proveer servicios de transporte afectando a los turistas y obligandolos a tomar taxis qué son propiedad de funcionarios del gobierno. pic.twitter.com/BWUmbDkiYO

— FBaja (@ferchavs) June 13, 2025

🎯 What Really Happened

On June 13, 2025, things got tense outside the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas.

Access to the resorts was partially blocked by protestors (primarily taxi drivers and state transport inspectors) who were preventing private tourist transport vans from dropping off passengers directly at the entrance.

As a result, several travelers had to hop out of their vans or ride-shares and walk the last leg of the journey, luggage in hand. Not ideal, but still manageable.

According to local authorities, the protest was sparked by ongoing tensions between federal tourist transport services (like private shuttles and chartered vans) and unionized taxi drivers, who argue that some resorts are allowing unauthorized vehicles to operate outside the rules.

The Riu was targeted specifically because it’s allegedly been more lenient when it comes to ride-shares (such as Uber) and outside transport.

🛺 Who Were the Protesters—and Why?

This wasn’t just a random pop-up—it was a coordinated move by unionized taxi drivers, supported by state inspectors, to make a point. Their claim? That unlicensed or under-regulated transport options are eating into their business and that resorts like the Riu are turning a blind eye.

By blocking vans and creating congestion, they were hoping to pressure both local government and hotel management to crack down on what they call “illegal transport.” And in the middle of it all? Tourists just trying to check in and start their vacation.

It’s not the first time this kind of conflict has popped up. Los Cabos has seen several flashpoints over the years as ride-shares and independent shuttles have gained popularity. But even when tensions flare, the disruption is usually brief and contained.

🧳 How Tourists Were Affected

So what was it like for travelers on the ground? Inconvenient, sure—but definitely not vacation-ending.

Guests heading to the Riu resorts that afternoon experienced a minor detour. Since vehicles couldn’t pull up to the main entrance, passengers were dropped a little further out. That meant a bit of walking with luggage, but nothing unmanageable.

Unlike a protest last year that caused airport delays, this one stayed confined to the hotel entrance. Flights weren’t missed, and hotel staff were quick to jump in and assist guests who needed help finding their way in. It was more of a travel hiccup than a full-on disaster.

🧭 What Travelers Should Keep in Mind

Here at The Cabo Sun, our goal is to keep your trip stress-free. So here’s a little friendly advice to make sure you’re prepped, just in case something like this pops up again.

First off, don’t panic—these incidents are rare and usually resolve fast. But a few small tweaks to your travel plans can go a long way in keeping things smooth.

1. This was an isolated incident: It happened outside one resort, and the rest of Los Cabos remained business as usual. There’s no indication this kind of disruption is becoming common.
2. If you’re using private transport or ride-shares, stay flexible: A short walk with your bags isn’t fun, but it’s totally doable. If you hear about delays, chat with your resort ahead of time—they’re used to navigating situations like this.
3. Give yourself a little extra time for airport runs: Even though this protest didn’t cause missed flights, leaving early can save you a ton of stress if traffic gets dicey.
4. Hotel shuttles remain your safest bet: Resorts like Riu have dedicated transport systems and experienced drivers. If there’s any trouble, they’ll find a way to get you in safely.

✅ Bottom Line

This week’s protest outside the Riu may have caused a few headaches, but it didn’t stop anyone from enjoying their vacation. Los Cabos continues to be a top-tier destination, and these rare flare-ups don’t change that.

If you’re heading our way soon, just keep an eye on traffic updates, touch base with your hotel if needed, and rest easy knowing your sun-soaked getaway is still looking picture perfect.

We at The Cabo Sun are always here to help you make the most of your trip—no surprises, no stress, just pure Baja bliss.