Cabo: Baja 1000 ATV Tour with Desert, Cactus & Beach Trails

Summary

Ride wild Baja trails from desert to sea with local guides

You’ll tear across real Baja 1000 trails outside Cabo with a local guide, weaving through ancient cactus forests, mountain passes, and wide-open riverbeds before reaching white sand beaches. Expect gritty hands, good stories, and a lunch spot with views you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to actually drive where the Baja 1000 racers go? I didn’t think I’d care much about off-roading, honestly — but then we met Raul at the edge of Cabo, helmets in hand, sun already sharp. He grinned and said, “Ready for real Baja?” The engine kicked up this dry, peppery dust that got everywhere (I still find some in my shoes), and suddenly we were bouncing through riverbeds that looked more like Mars than Mexico.

The desert here isn’t just sand — it’s these huge cardón cactus, some older than my grandparents. At one point Raul stopped us by a giant one and told us it was over 200 years old. He let us touch the skin (surprisingly cool and kind of waxy), and pointed out tiny birds nesting up high. I tried to say the name in Spanish — “cardón” — but probably butchered it; Raul just laughed and corrected me gently. The wind carried this dry sage smell, mixed with something sweet I couldn’t place.

Lunch was up on a ridge with views rolling all the way down to the sea. It wasn’t fancy — sandwiches, cold drinks — but after all that rattling around it tasted perfect. There was this silence except for far-off engines and someone’s phone playing ranchera music softly. On the way back we hit white sand beaches where the water looked almost fake-blue against the pale dunes. My hands were sore from gripping the ATV so tight but I didn’t want it to end yet. Funny how fast five hours can go when you’re somewhere totally different from home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Off-road Baja 1000 terrain tour

• Ride through Baja desert riverbeds
• Explore hundred year old cactus
• Travel from desert to mountain terrain
• Stop for lunch with scenic views
• Return through desert to white sand beaches

Top questions

How long is the Cabo Baja 1000 ATV tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this ATV tour?

Yes, transportation by Real Baja Tours van is included in your booking.

Do I need previous ATV experience?

No prior experience is required but you should be moderately fit for off-roading.

What should I wear for the Baja 1000 ATV tour?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty; closed shoes are best.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A simple lunch is included during a scenic stop along the route.

Are safety equipment and water provided?

Yes, safety gear and purified water are provided for all guests.

Can I bring my camera on this ATV tour?

Baja allows cameras; you’re welcome to bring yours along for photos.

Who leads the Cabo Real Baja 1000 Tour?

The tour is led by experienced local guides familiar with the terrain.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Cabo by Real Baja Tours van, all necessary safety equipment and your own single ATV for off-roading adventure. Purified water is provided throughout and there’s a casual lunch stop with scenic views before heading back through desert trails to finish near the beach.