Cabo San Lucas: Authentic Old West Experience

Imagine galloping along sandy beaches with the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly before you, feeling the breeze whip through your hair. For those looking to enjoy a taste of the Old West right in Baja California Sur, this horseback riding tour offers an engaging, 2-hour adventure that combines scenic beauty, cultural charm, and a bit of adrenaline—all for $171 per person.

Hosted by Puerto Vallarta Net and rated 4.4 stars, this experience not only promises spectacular views but also the chance to dress up as a cowboy or Native American, adding a playful touch. What we love most are the stunning vistas from the highest viewpoint by the sea and the relaxed, educational vibe that guides provide. However, the mandatory entrance fee ($25) and the need for suitable footwear and sun protection are worth noting. Perfect for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities with a cultural twist, this tour is suited for those who appreciate authentic experiences and don’t mind a bit of sand and sunshine.

Key Points

• Authentic Old West atmosphere with cowboy hats and Native American face paint options
• Scenic ride along the shoreline and rocky trails offering spectacular ocean views
• Learning opportunity with guides teaching about local flora, fauna, and horse care
• Visit to the highest viewpoint for unrivaled panoramic vistas
• Includes tequila tasting for a true taste of Baja culture
• Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure convenience

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Duration

This tour takes place in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, a lively and picturesque destination famed for its rugged coastline and vibrant culture. The adventure lasts just 2 hours, making it a manageable addition to your day without feeling rushed or overlong—ideal for those who want a taste of the Old West without committing to a full-day excursion.

What the Tour Entails

From the moment you are picked up at your hotel—an included service—you start to get a sense of the relaxed pace. The round-trip transportation ensures you won’t have to worry about logistics, letting you focus on the experience.

Once at the riding site, you’ll meet your guide, who will teach you how to adjust the saddle and brakes. This step might seem small, but it’s actually quite important for your safety and comfort. Guides are generally friendly and informative, often sharing stories about the local environment and cowboy culture, which we found added a nice educational touch.

The Ride: Scenic Trails and Beaches

The core of this experience is the horseback ride itself. Expect to gallop along sandy beaches, feeling the breeze and hearing the rhythmic pounding of hooves. The tour also takes you over rocky trails where the local flora and fauna come into view—some of which you might not see on your own. We loved the way guides pointed out native plants and animals, making the ride both fun and educational.

The highlight is reaching the highest viewpoint along the Pacific Ocean, where panoramic vistas unfold. The views are spectacular—standing on the edge of the world, with the vast ocean stretching below, offering perfect photo opportunities and a moment to soak in the natural beauty.

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Cultural Touches and Extras

Adding to the fun, you have the option to dress up as a cowboy or Native American, donning hats or face paint. This playful element enhances the experience, especially if you’re traveling with family or groups who enjoy a bit of costume fun. After the ride, there’s a tequila tasting, allowing you to sample local spirits—an authentic Baja touch.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are hotel pickup and drop-off, the horseback riding itself, safety equipment, several clothing options (cowboy or Native American), the tequila tasting, and your guide. Round-trip transportation is a relief, removing the hassle of figuring out how to get there.

However, you’ll want to budget extra for food and drinks outside the experience, as well as the $25 entrance fee to the park (a mandatory charge). Photographs are not included, so if you want to capture the moment, consider bringing your own camera or smartphone.

Practical Tips

• Bring your passport or ID, especially if you plan to sample spirits afterward.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for riding.
• Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats—the Baja sun can be intense.
• Carry cash for optional extras or souvenirs, and your credit card for the shopping or tips.
• The tour takes place rain or shine, so pack accordingly.

Who Should Consider It?

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic vistas, and a touch of culture and fun. It’s great for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a memorable, active experience. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, or those with back problems or recent surgeries.

Authenticity and Value

The tour offers a genuine slice of Baja California’s cowboy spirit, blended with incredible ocean views and nature. The $171 price is reasonable considering the inclusions—hotel transport, safety gear, clothing options, and tequila tasting. As one reviewer notes, “The views from the highest point are stunning, and the guides make the ride fun and educational.”

The small group size and friendly guides help create a relaxed environment, ensuring that even riders with little experience feel comfortable. The option to dress up adds a playful, memorable element, especially for photos.

The Experience’s Strengths

What truly sets this tour apart is the stunning scenery—the combination of beaches, rocky trails, and panoramic vistas. Many travelers appreciate the personalized attention from guides and the chance to learn about local flora and fauna, making it more than just a ride. The tequila tasting provides a nice cultural finish, rounding out a typical day with authentic Baja flavor.

Potential Drawbacks

The $25 park entrance fee and the fact that photographs are not included might be minor annoyances, but they’re worth considering. Also, the physical activity level may not suit everyone—those with back issues or pregnant women should probably pass.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor adventures and wants to get a sense of Baja’s cowboy heritage, this experience hits the mark. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed, scenic ride with educational insights and cultural extras like tequila tasting. Families with children who are comfortable on horseback will likely find it a fun, engaging outing.

Travelers seeking a short yet memorable activity that combines natural beauty and local culture should consider it. It’s especially suitable if you’re looking to escape the busy tourist spots for a more laid-back, authentic experience in Cabo San Lucas.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier and more convenient.

How long does the horse ride last? The total experience lasts about 2 hours, including transportation, safety briefing, riding, and sightseeing.

Can I dress up as a cowboy or Native American? Yes, clothing for both options is provided, allowing you to add some fun to your ride.

Is the tour suitable for children? The experience is generally suitable for all ages, but children should be comfortable on horseback. Always check with the provider for age restrictions.

What should I bring? You should bring a passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a credit card, and cash for extras.

What is included in the price? The price covers transportation, the horse ride, safety gear, clothing options, tequila tasting, and a guide.

Are photographs included? No, photographs are not included, so you may want to bring your own camera or smartphone.

What about the park entrance fee? There is a mandatory $25 entrance fee per person paid directly at the park.

Is the tour rain or shine? Yes, the tour operates regardless of weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

This horseback riding tour in Cabo San Lucas offers a rare chance to see the Pacific coastline from a unique perspective, all while soaking up a bit of Old West charm. Its combination of scenic trails, cultural touches, and expert guides makes it a solid choice for travelers eager to explore Baja beyond the usual beaches and resorts.

The experience is well-priced considering the stunning views, personalized touches, and cultural highlights. It’s especially suited for those who want an active outing that combines nature, culture, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or trying horseback riding for the first time, this tour promises an enjoyable, authentic taste of Baja’s cowboy spirit—complete with spectacular ocean views that will leave a lasting impression.

If you’re visiting Cabo San Lucas and crave a different perspective of the landscape, this adventure delivers—not just a ride, but a memorable story to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: