A camel safari outside Cabo is a change of pace. You get desert scenery, ocean air, and a proper Mexican meal in one tight 5-hour block. I like the back-of-a-camel viewpoint for seeing Baja from ground level, and I also like that the tour throws in a tequila and mezcal tasting with food (not just a ride and a goodbye). One thing to plan for: the entrance fee to The Sacred Land is extra, and souvenir photo packages can add up fast.

You’ll start with round-trip pickup from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo in an air-conditioned vehicle, then head to Tierra Sagrada. There, you’ll meet your camel by name before riding, and you’ll also spend time on foot taking in the area’s desert sights like huge cacti and small wildlife. A friendly staff member named Michael comes up as being especially nice, which matters when you’re handling something as old-school as a camel.

If you’re hoping to film nonstop, you’ll want to know the rules up front. For security, cell phones and cameras (including GoPros) aren’t allowed on the camel, so you’ll be relying on your own photos only where the tour allows them.

Key things that make this camel safari work

• Desert plus Pacific views just outside Cabo, so the scenery changes without a long transfer
• Meet your camel by name before you ride, with a fun stop for camel kisses
• Handmade tortillas, pot beans, and spicy sauces at a typical house lunch
• Tequila/mezcal tasting plus Damiana liquor, not just a single sip at the end
• Winter whale spotting is possible (humpback whales) during the season, depending on conditions
• Small-group feel with a max of 35 travelers

Why a camel safari outside Cabo feels like a mini time machine

I love tours that give you a real sense of place, not just a checkmark. This one is built around Baja’s contrasts: arid desert energy and the nearby sound of the sea. Instead of staring at Cabo from a distance, you’re moving slowly through the same world locals know, from the back of a camel and then on foot.

There’s also a practical reason it feels special. The ride and the walk are short enough to keep things manageable, but long enough to notice details like desert plants and wildlife. Even if you’re not a “nature person,” you’ll still clock the cacti, the open space, and the calm rhythm of walking like the animal knows the route.

The food and drink part helps too. You’re not rushed into a souvenir shop; you stop at a typical house for tortillas and sauces, then you transition into the tasting while looking out toward the Pacific.

Pickup and timing: fitting a big day into about 5 hours

The tour runs about 5 hours, and that matters because it’s the kind of activity that still leaves you energy for dinner afterward. Pickup is round-trip from your Cabo-area hotel (Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo), and you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The schedule is structured into two main phases:

• Stop 1 at Tierra Sagrada for about 1 hour 30 minutes
• Stop 2 for about 1 hour at the typical house area (including lunch and the end-of-tour tasting/hike time)

The pace is mostly “one thing at a time,” which is exactly what you want on a short day. The only practical caution is that you’ll be on your feet briefly, and you’ll ride the camel, so bring a moderate fitness mindset.

One more logistics note: they use a mobile ticket, so have your confirmation details ready on your phone (just not on the camel, based on the security rules).

Tierra Sagrada (The Sacred Land): camels, cactus, and possible whale sightings

This is the heart of the day. When you arrive at Tierra Sagrada (also described as The Sacred Land), you meet your camel by name before climbing on. That little detail makes the ride feel less like an amusement-ride transfer and more like an actual encounter.

Once you’re mounted, you’ll travel through a desert area where you can see huge and ancient cacti, and you may spot animals like foxes, deer, and squirrels. In the winter season, humpback whales are mentioned as a possibility. I’d treat that as weather-and-season dependent, but it’s a nice “wait, really?” highlight that can make the whole outing feel extra special.

You also get a natural walk element guided by your team. That’s where you’ll often notice things you’d miss from a vehicle window—how the plants grow, how the terrain changes, and how the air shifts when you’re closer to open coastal views.

A key detail that affects your photos: because cameras and phones can’t be used on the camel, you’ll likely want to rely on the tour staff for those moments. If you want lots of photos, that’s where the tour’s official photo options enter, and from past experience with this kind of add-on, prices can be steep.

The coastal ride and camel kisses: fun, quick, and very photogenic

Between the desert ride and the lunch stop, you’ll be taken along coastal paths in a small caravan. This is one of those “short but memorable” segments that gives you variety without turning the day into a long drive.

Then comes the camel kisses moment. You’ll make a brief stop to meet a camel referred to as a sweet camel kisser, and you’ll be able to pose for a photo while it gives a kiss. It’s silly in the best way, and it’s exactly the kind of Baja interaction that’s hard to replicate on your own.

The tradeoff is also clear: it’s quick. So if you want multiple angles, keep in mind you may have limited ability to capture your own footage during camel time. Plan to enjoy the moment first, then decide later whether you want to buy official photos.

Lunch at the typical house: tortillas and sauces that make it more than a stunt

This tour stops at a typical house for a traditional Mexican meal. What I like here is that the food isn’t just “included so you don’t go hungry.” You get a setup that sounds intentionally hands-on:

• Handmade tortillas
• Pot beans
• A variety of spicy sauces
• A tortilla making class included

That combination makes the meal feel connected to place, not tacked on. And tortilla making is one of those skills that’s simple in concept but satisfying in practice. Even if you’re not cooking for a living, you’ll likely come away with a better sense of how tortillas are treated like everyday essentials rather than a special occasion.

Timing-wise, lunch sits inside the Stop 2 window (about 1 hour). That’s not a long sit-down, so come hungry and ready to eat rather than expecting a slow, lingering restaurant experience.

Then the day transitions to drinks and a final stretch through tropical Baja terrain. The tour includes a hike through the tropical landscape of Baja California Sur, which helps break up the camel time with something that feels more active.

Tequila, mezcal, and Damiana by the Pacific

One of the best value parts of this tour is the end-of-day tasting: tequila and mezcal, plus liquor from Damiana. It’s included, and it’s tied to the setting—overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

I like tastings when they’re not just sales pitches. Here, the tasting is part of the typical house experience, and it’s paired with your food, so you’re not stuck doing it on an empty stomach. Also, having it near the end gives you something pleasant and relaxing after the physical parts of the morning.

Two practical notes to keep your expectations aligned:

• Drinks beyond the tasting are listed as not included.
• If you’re picky about alcohol types, you’ll want to treat this as a guided sampling rather than a full bar.

Photos, souvenirs, and the real cost of entry

The listed price is $133.00 per person, and that’s for the camel ride day with lunch and tastings. But there are two extra spending areas to know before you book.

First: the admission ticket to The Sacred Land costs $20.00 per adult (and $10.00 for children). That means your all-in cost is likely closer to $153 per adult, depending on your age bracket.

Second: photos and souvenirs can be a major upsell. In past feedback, people liked the experience but felt souvenir photo pricing was high, with examples like $40 for a photo and higher prices for a package. Your exact pricing won’t be guaranteed here, but the pattern is clear: photo add-ons are where costs can jump.

If you’re on a budget, I’d suggest you:

• Go into the day assuming you might not buy every photo.
• Decide at the end, after you see what you actually like.
• If cameras are restricted during camel time, know you may be buying the staff photos if you want them.

All that said, the tour still looks like solid value for what you get: transport, a camel ride, a guided walk, a tortilla-making-focused lunch, and an alcohol tasting.

Who should book (and who should skip it)

This tour makes sense if you want a hands-on Baja morning without a full-day excursion. You’ll enjoy it most if you like animals, don’t mind being outdoors for parts of the day, and are comfortable with a moderate activity level.

It’s also a good fit for:

• Couples and small groups who want one memorable shared experience
• People who want both desert and sea scenery in a short time
• Food lovers who appreciate learning a simple technique like tortilla making

It’s not a match if you have limitations listed by the operator. The tour is not for people under 5 years old, people with limited mobility, those who are pregnant, those weighing more than 120 kg, or anyone with back or neck problems. If any of those apply, it’s worth skipping this one to avoid risk.

And if you’re the type who needs to document everything, remember the camel camera rule. You can still enjoy photos where allowed, but you won’t have full control over capturing every second while mounted.

Should you book this Los Cabos Camel Safari with lunch?

I’d book it if you want an experience that’s truly about Baja daily life—animals, desert plants, a quick coastal feel, then a meal that includes tortilla making and a tasting at the Pacific. The mix of camel ride + hands-on lunch + tequila and mezcal is what makes it more than a single gimmick.

I wouldn’t book it if you:

• Are extremely photo-driven and hate paying for packages
• Don’t want extra add-on costs like The Sacred Land entrance fee
• Have any of the health or mobility restrictions listed for participation

If you’re flexible, go with an open mind, and treat the official photos as optional, this is the kind of Cabo activity that gives you a story you’ll actually tell—camel kisses, desert cactus, and a sunset-style tasting view, all in one morning-length outing.

FAQ

What is included in the camel safari tour with lunch?

The tour includes round transportation from your hotel, an air-conditioned vehicle, a guided camel ride and natural walk, a traditional Mexican buffet, a tequila/mezcal/damiana tasting, and a tortilla making class.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 5 hours.

Is pickup offered from hotels?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. If your hotel is not on the list, you’re instructed to contact the provider.

Is there an extra entrance fee?

Yes. Admission to The Sacred Land costs $20 USD for adults and $10 USD for children.

Are phones or cameras allowed during the camel ride?

For security reasons, cell phones and cameras (including GoPro type) are not allowed on the camel.

Who is not able to participate?

The tour states you cannot participate if you are under 5 years old, weigh more than 120 kg, have back or neck problems, are pregnant, have limited mobility, or for safety reasons you don’t meet the listed criteria.