Los Cabos: Sierra de la Laguna Hot Springs & River Pools Tour

Soak in wild hot springs hike riverside trails taste real baja cooking

You’ll leave Los Cabos behind for a day soaking in Sierra de la Laguna’s natural hot springs, swimming in cold river pools, and hiking with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Taste real Baja cooking at a family restaurant if you’re hungry after—and don’t be surprised if something small sticks with you long after you’re home.

What’s included

• Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Los Cabos by air-conditioned vehicle with a bilingual certified guide.
• entrance fees to Sierra de la Laguna reserve.
• bottled water.
• granola bars for snacks.
• access to both hot springs and river pools.
• plus an option to stop for lunch at a local family restaurant before heading back home.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Natural hot springs and local culture

• Drive 1.5 to 2 hours to reserve
• Relax in natural hot springs
• Swim in cold river pools
• Optional guided hike to waterfalls
• Optional longer hike to secluded spring
• Learn about local flora and culture
• Optional lunch at family restaurant
• Return drive to Cabo San Lucas

The Experience

We’d barely left the main road out of Los Cabos when our driver, Martín, slowed down for a herd of goats. He rolled down the window and waved at an old man selling oranges by the dusty bend—Martín called him “Don Chuy” and they joked in Spanish about the weather (I caught maybe half). The air smelled like warm earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. It felt like we were already somewhere else, even though we’d only been driving maybe forty minutes.

The drive into Sierra de la Laguna is longer than you expect—almost two hours—but it’s not boring. The hills get greener, and Martín pointed out cactus flowers I would’ve missed. When we finally got to the hot springs, there was just birdsong and the sound of water moving over rocks. No big crowds or anything. I dipped my feet first; the water was hotter than my morning shower, but in a good way. There’s this weird mix of hot spring steam and cool river air that kind of wakes you up. We met another couple from La Paz who’d brought their own tortillas (should’ve thought of that), and they shared some spicy salsa with us while we sat on a flat rock. I still think about that salsa.

If you want to hike, Martín will take you upriver—he knows every turn and which rocks are slippery (I slipped anyway, but he laughed it off). The longer hike is tough if you’re not used to scrambling around boulders, but the reward is this quiet pool where dragonflies hover right above the surface. It’s easy to lose track of time out there. On the way back, someone started singing softly—one of those ranchera songs—and it echoed off the canyon walls just enough to make your neck prickle.

Lunch isn’t included but Martín suggested a family-run spot in a nearby village—plastic chairs under a tree, homemade tortillas so fresh they almost melt in your hand. I tried to order in Spanish (“huevos divorciados,” which I probably mangled) and everyone smiled politely. It’s not fancy food but it fills you up after all that swimming and sun.

Top questions

How far are the hot springs from Los Cabos?

The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way from Los Cabos into Sierra de la Laguna.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but there’s an optional stop at a local family restaurant after the hot springs.

Can anyone do the guided hike?

The basic access to hot springs is easy for most people who can walk on their own; the guided hike upriver requires better fitness.

What should I bring for the hot springs tour?

You’ll want swimwear, towel, sun protection, sturdy shoes for hiking if you plan to go upriver.

Are there changing facilities at Sierra de la Laguna hot springs?

No formal facilities—most people change by their vehicle or behind rocks near the pools.

Is transportation included from my hotel?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included as part of your day trip from Los Cabos.

How long does the whole tour last?

The total experience is about 7 hours including transport time both ways.

Will there be other tourists at these hot springs?

The area is quiet and not crowded; sometimes locals visit but it’s rarely busy like other attractions near Los Cabos.