Los Cabos: Rancho San Cristobal Horseback Ride & Second Arch

Summary

Horseback riding in Los Cabos desert to hidden arch with lunch

You’ll ride through quiet desert trails near Cabo San Lucas with a local guide, learn bits of Baja history as you go, see the hidden Second Arch for yourself (and snap photos), then relax over fresh quesadillas back at Rancho San Cristobal. It’s simple but honest — you’ll remember how it felt more than anything you saw.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out at Rancho San Cristobal was how dry the air felt, almost sharp against my cheeks — not like the sticky heat back in town. Our guide, Juan, had this easy way about him; he handed me the reins and just grinned, “Don’t worry, she’s calmer than she looks.” I believed him, mostly. The horse’s mane was rough under my fingers and there was a faint smell of mesquite smoke somewhere on the wind. We started off slow, dust puffing up behind us, nobody else around except for our little group and the odd lizard darting through cactus shadows.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get once we left the main path. Juan pointed out plants that looked like they belonged on another planet — he called one “torote,” said it means ‘elephant tree,’ and then told us stories about people who lived here before Cabo became Cabo. There’s something weirdly peaceful about hearing history while your horse picks its own careful route over rocks. And then suddenly we were looking at the Second Arch. It’s smaller than the famous one but somehow feels more secret — no boats or crowds, just us and this chunk of stone jutting out over blue water. I still think about that view.

After a hundred photos (I’m not even sorry), we headed back toward the ranch, sun higher now and everyone a bit dusty but smiling. Lunch was two quesadillas each — hot off the pan, cheese melting everywhere — with cold seasonal water that tasted way better than it should’ve after a morning in the saddle. Someone tried to ask for salsa in Spanish; Juan laughed so hard he nearly dropped his own plate. So yeah, if you want something close to Cabo but miles from all that noise…this day trip from Cabo San Lucas is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding and scenic tour

• Begin horseback riding tour
• Learn about local culture and history
• Enjoy views of desert, mountain, and beach
• Discover the Second Arch for photos
• End with meal at Quelele restaurant

Top questions

How far is Rancho San Cristobal from Cabo San Lucas?

The ranch is only 10 minutes by vehicle from Cabo San Lucas.

Is pickup included for this horseback riding tour?

Yes, pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle is included.

What do you see on this horseback riding experience?

You’ll ride through desert, mountain and beach scenery and visit Los Cabos’ Second Arch.

Is lunch included at Rancho San Cristobal?

Yes, two quesadillas per person plus seasonal water are included after the ride.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

Can infants or small children join this horseback riding tour?

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

Is this a private horseback riding experience?

The property is private and doesn’t share trails with other vehicles or groups during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Cabo San Lucas to Rancho San Cristobal, a guided horseback riding tour through desert landscapes with stories from your local guide, time to see and photograph Los Cabos’ Second Arch, plus two quesadillas per person and seasonal water served at Quelele restaurant before heading back into town.