Staying in Cabo...Diarrhea!!???

Question

Hi all, I am going to Cabo San Lucas this summer for the first time. I have never been to Mexico before. We are staying at the Sheraton Resort which is suppose to be a really nice one so I'm hoping the water will be filtered but I am still pretty nervous about the dreaded "Montezuma's Revenge". Having a stomach flu and having diarrhea/vommiting the whole time would be an absolute nightmare. Has anyone gone to Cabo and not had a stomach virus? I know to not drink the water and uncooked foods and to stay away from street vendors but what are some other tips?

Has anyone stayed at the Sheraton in Cabo? Please tell me your experience!

Thanks guys!

Answer 1

Bravo, good answers, especially the parts about over indulging, too many Margaritas, late nights and exhaustion. First rate hotels are careful about filtering water, and don't be embarrassed to be a tourist "bottle dragger". Bien Viaje.

Answer 2

Rigo's answer is absolutely correct. I have lived in Mexico 22 years and from the beginning I have learned that 95% of the "Montezuma's Revenge" is from too much tequilla and spicy foods at 3 A.M. Get a small package of Pepto Bismal chewable tablets. If you get a 'bit off', chew a tablet. If you get cramps, his advice about Imodium is also right on. If (And it does happen rarely) it lasts another day AFTER Imodium, see a local doctor. They are very famaliar with the problem and any problem you might have. They are also not expensive and can save a vacation.

Answer 3

Hola.  I live here in Cabo and drink the water from the tap most of the year.  Or at least brush my teeth with it.  

Even though I don't get sick, people who come and visit me often get "Montezuma's"  but its not from the water.  Its usually from drinking too much booze, or eating spicy foods, or foods they aren't accustomed to.   The street vendors are the cleanest - more clean than most restaurants.  Watch to see if they have someone handling food and someone handling money.  If they do, then they are okay.

I also have learned one really great trick that works wonders.  Eat a yogurt everyday.  The bacteria in the yogurt help control any bad bacteria you may have consumed.  If you do this simple trick, you won't get sick I promise you.  It has worked with everyone I know so far.

The Sheraton is really a nice place.  It is well maintained and I think you will be very happy there.  Please just come down and don't worry about getting sick.  Anxiety will probably bring it on!

Answer 4

For the most part, I think that street vendors are acceptable places to patronize if they look clean enough. I've never had a problem with street vendor food from Tacos, to hot dogs, to corn cocktails, and candied apples and churros, they've never made me sick.

Regardless of what you eat or drink, the nature of you being in a new place, and trying different foods may give you traveller's diarrhea, which might not have anything to do with the food specifically, but that your body is having trouble adjusting to a diet that's not normal to what you're used to. Just take some immodium AD and you should be set. But should you happen to fall sick because of something in the food or water, go to the local pharmacy, they will have the right antibiotic for what you need, since it's common enough they know to expect it from foreigners.

Just thought i should mention you said avoiding uncooked food... ceviche is technically cooked. it looks raw but the citric acid it marinates in "cooks" it and kills off any bacteria.

My experience is in the rural parts of mexico, and not the touristy spots, so your experience should be even more smoother.

Answer 5

You are more likely to get "Sick" from under cooked food than from water.

Most of Mexico's city's are treating their water. Los Cabos are two of those.

It is not a serious a problem as you have led to believe.

Get some Imodium just in case.

Most street vendors take every precaution because their families depend on repeat and continuing business.

Find about three or four places to eat and drink and simply frequent the places. 4 gal jugs of water are everywhere @ $2.00.

There is also an excellent product called "Kaomycin" and is in all Farmacias. Take with your meals if you have the runs.

Dont be such a virgin--Stop worrying --have fun

Gringo

Answer 6

About water, I can tell you that the municipal water is treated with chlorine, for sure taste bad, but won't make you seek.

The Sheraton as all 5 star resorts next to the beach, have their own desalinization plants, since water in the desert is not abundant, and they don't take the chance to have 1000 guest and no water.

At the bars, by law, they must have purified water and ice, but if don't want to take a chance, stick with beer.

Enjoy Cabo