Los Cabos: Horseback Riding in Canyon a Mexican Experience

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Baja California Sur, this horseback riding tour through Wild Canyon offers a memorable mix of adventure, nature, and local flavor. For $110 per person, you’ll spend about 4 hours riding friendly, well-trained horses from the top of a stunning canyon down to an oasis below, with plenty of opportunities to learn about local flora, fauna, and history. Added bonus: you get to visit the animal sanctuary and finish with some delicious Mexican snacks and drinks at the Lion’s Den restaurant.

What we love most about this tour is the breathtaking views you’ll experience—riding along the canyon rim offers sweeping vistas that are worth every penny. We also appreciated how the guides create a relaxed, friendly environment, making even beginners feel comfortable. The animal sanctuary interaction is a highlight, giving you a chance to pet macaws, reptiles, and other creatures—an unexpected delight.

One thing to consider is the actual riding time: reviews note that the horseback portion lasts about 45 minutes rather than a full four hours, which might be a bit misleading. Also, additional costs like park entry ($25 USD) and transportation fees can add up, so plan your budget accordingly.

This experience is ideal for families with kids over 4, nature lovers, and those eager to combine outdoor adventure with cultural exposure. If you’re okay with a shorter ride and want a taste of Baja’s natural beauty plus some animal fun, this tour could be perfect.

Key Points

Stunning vistas: Ride along canyon edges with sweeping views of Baja’s rugged landscape.
Animal encounters: Visit a sanctuary with macaws, reptiles, and other animals.
Cultural flavor: Finish with Mexican snacks and drinks, adding local taste.
Guided experience: Bilingual guides ensure safety and provide informative narration.
Group size: Small groups of up to 5 participants enhance the personal touch.
Additional costs: Expect extra fees for park entry and transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Canyon: What to Expect

When we first think about horseback riding in Los Cabos, images of desert landscapes and rocky canyons come to mind—and this tour definitely delivers. Starting at Wild Canyon, you’ll be greeted by a professional guide, who will explain everything about the horses, safety, and the route ahead. If you’re a nervous rider, don’t worry: the horses are described as perfectly trained and friendly, making this accessible even for beginners.

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The Ride from the Canyon Rim to the Oasis

The main attraction is riding from the top of the canyon down to the oasis below. The trail offers spectacular views of the rugged terrain, with steep cliffs and lush greenery—an unusual combination in Baja. The guides are attentive and will help create a relaxed environment, allowing you to enjoy the landscape and form a bond with your horse.

While the ride itself lasts about 45 minutes, the entire experience—including the transfer, animal sanctuary visit, and meal—spans around 4 hours. The ride is described as easy and suitable for most ages over 4, though participants with back or neck issues, pregnancy, or vertigo are advised against it.

The Animal Sanctuary

After the ride, you’ll head to the animal sanctuary where the tour offers a chance to interact with macaws, reptiles, and other animals. Reviewers have noted that the sanctuary is well-kept and that children particularly enjoy petting the animals. One traveler mentioned, “The park is well kept as well and we enjoyed earning about and petting the animals in the sanctuary,” which highlights the value of this part of the tour for animal lovers and families.

The Final Stop: The Lion’s Den

The tour concludes at the Lion’s Den restaurant, where you can indulge in quesadillas, guacamole, and refreshing smoothies or margaritas. The food is included, making this a satisfying end to your adventure. Some reviews mention the quality of the food and drinks as good, and it’s a relaxed way to unwind after the physical activity.

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Practical Details: What You Need to Know

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Transportation and Fees

Round-trip transportation from Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, or along the Tourist Corridor costs $10 USD for adults and $5 USD for children, while pickups from Zona Diamante and Puerto Los Cabos are $20 USD and $10 USD, respectively. This is an added expense to factor into your overall budget.

It’s important to note that park entry costs $25 USD per person, which is not included in the tour price. You’ll want to bring cash for this fee.

What to Bring

Pack comfortable shoes and closed-toe shoes are mandatory for riding. Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a passport or ID, cash for extras, and be prepared to leave cameras behind during the ride, as cameras are not permitted on horseback for safety reasons. The professional photographers will capture your moments instead.

What Not to Bring

Cameras are not allowed on the ride, but you might find GoPro rentals available if you want to record your adventure. Also, avoid bringing valuables or anything that might distract you or scare the horses.

Group Size and Guides

The experience is limited to small groups of 5, which enhances safety and allows guides to be attentive to individual needs. Guides are bilingual (Spanish and English), ensuring clear communication.

Minimum and Maximum Age and Weight

The minimum age is 4 years, and the maximum weight is 250 lbs. For safety reasons, pregnant women and people with back, neck, or mobility issues are advised against participating.

Authentic Experiences and What Real Travelers Say

One traveler from the US noted that “the actual horse riding took just around 45 minutes, not 4 hours as shown in the description,” which is a useful reminder that the main riding part is relatively brief. They also appreciated the well-organized pickup and drop-off, as well as the animal sanctuary—highlighting that the experience is well-managed overall.

Another reviewer had a 5-star experience: “The horses were well kept, the canyon is just beautiful and the ride was easy. My daughter was a bit scared so our guide took her horse’s lead and she was fine.” This underscores how accommodating and flexible guides can be, especially for families with young children.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $110, this experience combines scenic riding, animal interactions, and Mexican cuisine for a moderate price point. While the ride itself is relatively short, the overall experience—guided tours, sanctuary visits, and food—adds substantial value. It’s especially appealing if you want a diverse, outdoor adventure that includes nature, animals, and cultural flavors in one package.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits families with kids over 4, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxed yet scenic outdoor activity. If you’re interested in breathtaking views and don’t mind a shorter ride, you’ll find it rewarding. However, if you’re looking for a full-day ride or intense horseback adventure, this might fall short.

It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and want a blend of adventure and cultural elements, all while enjoying Baja’s natural beauty.

In the end, the horseback riding in Los Cabos offers a beautiful, manageable, and engaging way to see the canyon and its surrounds. The spectacular views, combined with the chance to connect with animals and enjoy tasty Mexican snacks, make it a well-rounded outing. The small group setting and bilingual guides add a personal touch, ensuring you feel safe and cared for throughout.

While the horseback ride duration may be shorter than some expect, the overall experience delivers on scenic beauty, animal interactions, and cultural flavor. It’s a fantastic option for families, nature admirers, or anyone wanting a taste of Baja’s wild and welcoming spirit.

If you’re after authentic scenery, friendly guides, and a relaxed pace, this tour could be just what you need to make your Los Cabos trip truly memorable. Just remember to budget for the park entry and transportation fees, and leave your camera behind on the horses—your photos will be professionally taken instead.

How long is the horseback riding portion of the tour?
The actual riding lasts about 45 minutes. The full experience, including transfers, sanctuary visits, and meals, takes around 4 hours.

Is the ride suitable for children?
Yes, children over 4 years old can participate. Keep in mind the maximum weight limit is 250 lbs, and the ride is described as easy and friendly for beginners.

Are there any extra costs besides the tour price?
Yes, you’ll need to pay $25 USD for park entry and transportation costs vary from $5 to $20 USD depending on your pickup location.

Can I bring my camera on the ride?
No, cameras are not allowed during the horseback riding for safety reasons. Professional photos are available for purchase afterward.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and bring biodegradable sunscreen. Dress appropriately for the weather, as you’ll be outdoors.

Is there a dress code or specific gear required?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes suitable for riding; no special gear is required besides that. The horses are friendly, and guides will assist with safety.

This horseback adventure in Los Cabos offers a blend of scenic beauty, animal interaction, and cultural flavor, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, family-friendly outing. With careful planning around costs and expectations, you’ll find this tour to be a rewarding highlight of your Baja trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: