Cabo San Lucas: Horseback Riding Coastal Desert & Beach Tour

Summary

Ride horses past cacti to Baja’s wild beaches with local ranchers

You’ll meet real Baja ranchers, ride gentle horses through cactus-filled desert trails to hidden Pacific beaches, and hear stories from your local guide along the way. Expect hotel pickup, snacks to keep you going, and moments where all you hear is hoofbeats and waves — it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever ridden before?” That’s what the rancher asked as he handed me the reins in Cabo San Lucas. I’d barely swung my leg over the saddle when our guide, Luis, grinned and told me not to worry — “The horses know this land better than anyone.” The air smelled like sun-baked earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. Maybe it was the brush or just that early afternoon heat. There were only five of us, plus Luis, and he called out each horse’s name like they were old friends.

I didn’t expect the silence out here. Just hoofbeats crunching over sand and the occasional shout from Luis pointing out a cactus that looked like it belonged in a cartoon — some of them really are taller than you’d think, six meters easy. We followed a winding trail through the desert until suddenly there was this drop-off and below it, white sand meeting Pacific blue. The wind picked up and my hat nearly flew off; someone behind me laughed. We stopped for water and snacks (simple stuff, but cold water never tasted so good) while Luis told us about growing up in Baja — his hands moving as much as his voice.

The way back felt slower, or maybe I just wanted it to last longer. Sun on my arms, salt in the air, that feeling you get when you’re both tired and happy at once. When we reached the ranch again, I realized my legs were sore but I didn’t care. Luis clapped me on the back and said next time I should try saying “gracias” with a little more confidence — he was right; I probably butchered it. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a horseback riding tour in Cabo San Lucas, just go for it. Sometimes you need to see a place from a different height.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding tour in Baja desert

• Depart from Cabo San Lucas hotel
• Travel to Baja California ranch
• Meet rancher and get riding orientation
• Get assigned horse by skill level
• Ride through coastal desert terrain
• Stop for photos of desert and ocean
• Return to ranch
• Travel back to hotel

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour in Cabo San Lucas?

The horseback riding tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cabo San Lucas horseback riding tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Are snacks provided during the tour?

Yes, water and snacks are provided during your ride.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No experience is necessary; horses are matched to your skill level.

What should I wear for horseback riding in Cabo?

Wear pants and comfortable shoes; bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket.

Is this horseback riding tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 6 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can infants or small children join?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller but not on horseback.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup by air-conditioned minivan, friendly guidance from a local rancher who’ll match you with the right horse for your skill level, water and snacks along the way to keep you refreshed after those dusty trails — then an easy ride back when it’s all done.