Horseback Riding in Cabo San Lucas: Desert, Cliffs & Beach Trails

Ride through desert canyons and along sea cliffs without planning the logistics yourself.

Horseback riding through Migriño National Park near Cabo San Lucas takes you across desert ranges, ocean-side cliffs, private untouched beaches and canyon trails on a guided ride lasting roughly an hour and 35 minutes in the saddle. Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide fluent in English or Spanish, water and snacks are included; the full outing, including transport, runs about three and a half hours. Children from age 8 are welcome, and the ranch offers an introduction to horsemanship for both beginners and experienced riders before the tour starts.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding and sanctuary visit

• Meet and familiarize with horses
• Receive horseback riding introduction
• Ride through Migriño National Park
• Enjoy views of desert and ocean
• Follow path along the sea
• Return to Rancho Carisuva
• Visit donkey sanctuary
• Enjoy craft beer from Baja Brewing
• View and purchase photos of experience

The Experience

You arrive at Rancho Carisuva where the guides introduce you to the horses and walk through the basics of riding, whether you've been in a saddle before or not. The route then moves into Migriño National Park, a protected stretch of coastal desert where endemic plants—cacti and desert shrubs—stand against the ocean backdrop. The trail climbs through canyon passages and along ridges that open onto views of the coastline; the final stretch runs along the water's edge before returning to the ranch.

The whole ride is paced for the group, and the guide handles the route decisions so you focus on the landscape and the rhythm of the horse beneath you. Water and snacks appear during the outing. Transport by air-conditioned minivan moves you from your hotel to the ranch and back, which matters if the afternoon heat is a factor or if you'd rather not drive after being in the saddle.

After the ride, the ranch runs a donkey sanctuary on the grounds and stocks craft beer from a local Baja brewery—the sales support the animals. A photography office on-site sells prints of shots taken during your ride if you want a record of the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• horseback riding through Migriño National Park.
• water and snacks during the ride.
• introduction to horsemanship for beginners and experienced riders.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Rancho Carisuva

Is this one for you?Spend your afternoon riding through desert canyons and along untouched beaches where the ranch provides horses, guide, transport, and everything else—you just arrive and ride.

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Top questions

What's the actual time I spend on the horse versus total time for the whole outing?

Horseback riding time is roughly one hour and 35 minutes; the full experience including hotel transport and the introduction at the ranch runs about three and a half hours total.

Can I bring my kids on this ride?

Children from age 8 can ride; younger children can come along in a pram or stroller if an adult brings them. Each child must be accompanied by an adult during the ride itself.

What's the terrain actually like—is it steep or technical?

The route moves through Migriño National Park across desert canyons, ridges with ocean views, and a final stretch along the shoreline. The guides lead the way and pace the group, and the experience suits all fitness levels; the ranch introduces both beginners and experienced riders before you start.

Do I need to bring anything or wear specific gear?

Wear pants and comfortable shoes; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a light jacket. The ranch provides the horse and tack; water and snacks are included during the ride.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Guides are multilingual and speak English and Spanish, so language won't be a barrier.

What happens if I have my own transportation to the ranch?

If you drive yourself instead of using hotel pickup, the ranch offers a $10 USD discount per person on the entrance fee.