Los Cabos: Village tour with local guide & lunch

Summary

Explore Baja’s hidden villages from Los Cabos with a guide and lunch

You’ll travel from Los Cabos with a local guide to four Baja villages—Miraflores, Santiago, Buena Vista, and Los Barriles—exploring workshops, an oasis lagoon, historic sites, and tasting fresh local food over lunch. It’s a day full of small moments and real encounters you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the road out of Los Cabos when our guide, Martín, pointed at the hills and said, “That’s where Miraflores starts.” I could smell leather before I saw anything — there’s this workshop where saddlers shape thick hides into something soft enough for riding. The air was warm but not heavy, and I kept noticing how everyone waved as we passed. We peeked into a little shop where they make rustic furniture; the wood felt rough under my fingers, not like anything from a store back home. I tried to say “banco” in Spanish and got it wrong — Martín just grinned.

Santiago came next. It’s built around this oasis — real palm trees and a lagoon that looks almost too green for Baja. There was a quietness in the mission courtyard except for some birds arguing overhead. Our guide told us about the old agricultural traditions here, how families still grow what they can despite the dry land. I didn’t expect to feel so calm just sitting by the water for a minute. Then we drove on to Buena Vista, where you can see steam rising from natural springs if you look close enough (I missed it at first). There’s an old hacienda from General Olachea’s time — faded walls, stories you can almost hear if you stand still long enough.

Lunch happened in Los Barriles, which is more of a fishing village than I thought. The fish was fresh — like really fresh — and someone brought out homemade salsa that nearly made me cry (in a good way). People here don’t rush; even the dogs seemed half-asleep in the sun. After eating, we wandered downtown for a bit before heading back toward Los Cabos. The drive home felt quieter somehow. Maybe it was just me thinking about how different life is in these small towns compared to the resorts.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Four Villages in Southern Baja

• Explore Miraflores: saddlers and furniture makers
• See Santiago: village views and mission
• Visit Buena Vista: panoramic views and thermal waters
• Tour Los Barriles: resorts, downtown, and lunch

Top questions

How many villages are visited on this tour?

The tour visits four villages: Miraflores, Santiago, Buena Vista, and Los Barriles.

Is hotel pickup included in this Los Cabos village tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price.

What kind of lunch is provided during the day trip?

A delicious traditional lunch is included during the stop in Los Barriles.

Are guides local experts on this tour?

Yes, professional local guides lead the tour and share cultural insights.

Is this day trip suitable for families with children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels; infants seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Los Cabos, all activities with a knowledgeable local guide through each village, beverages along the way, plus a traditional lunch before returning in the afternoon.