REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Horseback Riding Beach and Desert Adventure
Book on Viator →Operated by Grupo Journey · Bookable on Viator
Pacific ocean on horseback is rare. This Cabo San Lucas ride mixes a Pacific beach feel with desert trails and mountain terrain, and it starts with a safety speech so you can settle in fast. I like that the guides match the experience to your comfort—relaxed walk and trot for easing in, or a steadier pace if you’re already confident.
I also love the way the ride ends with a tequila tasting that’s included in the tour plan (optional, but they strongly encourage it). Between the air-conditioned transport and the helmet provided, it’s built to be stress-free from the start.
One thing to plan for: the park entrance fee is not included. It’s $25 USD per person, and lunch isn’t listed as part of the experience, so you’ll want to eat before or after.
In This Review
- Key Highlights Before You Go
- A 2-Hour Horse Ride That Blends Beach Air and Desert Trails
- The Safety Talk That Makes New Riders Relax
- Playa Migrino: Where the Pacific Makes Everything Feel Bigger
- How the Ride Works: Walk-Trot Comfort vs. More Challenging Sections
- Tequila Tasting: Included in the Plan, Optional but Worth It
- Transport, Helmets, and the Small-Group Advantage
- Pickup in Cabo and San José: Make It Easy on Yourself
- Price and What You Actually Need to Budget
- Photos and That Extra Moment After the Ride
- Weather Matters More Than You Think
- Who Should Book This Ride?
- Should You Book This Horse and Tequila Adventure?
- FAQ
- How long is the horseback riding and beach adventure?
- Where does the tour start?
- Is pickup available?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- Do I get a helmet?
- Is the tequila tasting included and is it optional?
- Is the park entrance fee included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- What happens if weather is bad?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key Highlights Before You Go

- Playa Migrino is the main stage, with big ocean views of the Pacific.
- Two riding styles are built in: calmer walk-trot or a more controlled pace depending on you.
- Tequila tasting is included in the tour flow, and it’s highly recommended.
- Helmets are provided, plus you get a safety talk at the beginning.
- Limited group size (max 20) helps the guides keep things organized.
- Pickup in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is offered for hotels, with help for Airbnb stays.
A 2-Hour Horse Ride That Blends Beach Air and Desert Trails
This is the kind of tour that feels like two environments in one session. You’ll start with that familiar horseback rhythm, then you’re treated to changing terrain—mountains, desert trails, and long stretches where you can enjoy the open feel of the beach near Playa Migrino.
The time commitment is short enough that it works even if you’re not planning your whole day around horses. At around 2 hours, you get a full outdoor experience without the “I just lost my afternoon” problem. And because the company runs with a small cap of 20 travelers, it tends to feel more personal than the huge, cattle-car style tours.
I also appreciate the “set your expectations” approach. The tour is designed so you don’t have to be either a brand-new rider or a pro. The key is that you’ll get a safety talk first, then your ride can match your comfort level.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas
The Safety Talk That Makes New Riders Relax

Before anyone mounts up, you’ll get a safety speech. It’s not just formality. The whole tone is built around making sure you understand what’s expected so you can focus on the scenery—waves, breezes, and those wide-open views.
Here’s the part that matters for you: the tour is structured for different riding comfort. If you’re nervous, you’ll likely enjoy a relaxing walk and trot experience. If you’re comfortable and can control the horse at all paces, the ride can include more challenging segments. Either way, the goal is that you aren’t guessing what to do once you’re on the saddle.
If you’re the type who gets anxious when you can’t see what’s coming next, this format helps. You know there’s a plan. You also know the guide team is paying attention to your comfort, not just loading you up and sending you off.
Playa Migrino: Where the Pacific Makes Everything Feel Bigger

The ride’s star stop is Playa Migrino. This is where you trade “dusty trail” for “ocean air,” and the vibe shifts fast. One moment you’re thinking about your balance; the next you’re looking out at the huge waves of the Pacific Ocean and feeling the breeze on your face.
This is the kind of setting where a horse ride actually makes sense. You’re not just moving through space—you’re moving through a view. The shoreline angles and the open beach feeling mean you get those picture moments without needing a big hike first.
Practical note: because you’re riding in a coastal area, conditions can change with wind and weather. The tour is weather-dependent, so if conditions aren’t good, they’ll adjust by offering a different date or a refund.
How the Ride Works: Walk-Trot Comfort vs. More Challenging Sections
The tour description is clear about the two riding experiences you might get. That matters because a lot of horse tours only market one “level,” even though riders are wildly different.
If you’re newer or feel anxious, you’ll likely enjoy a more relaxing walk-trot pace while you admire the waves and views. If you’ve got steady control, you may fit into the second category—comfortable at all paces—which can bring you through more challenging mountains and desert trails.
So how should you think about it?
- If you want calm and scenery, go in expecting a gentler rhythm.
- If you want a more active ride, be honest with how comfortable you truly are. The guide can help you settle into the pace that matches you.
And yes, a well-trained horse experience can make a huge difference. In one account of this trip, the rider felt reassured throughout and even left wanting to come back and try again for a better feel of the reins.
Tequila Tasting: Included in the Plan, Optional but Worth It

After the ride, you’ll have a tequila tasting. It’s optional, but the tour itself positions it as highly recommended. Since it’s included, it’s one of those “why not?” moments—especially if you’re already in Cabo San Lucas and you want a quick, structured tasting without having to research a separate place.
The tasting also makes timing easier. You’ve got your outdoors time, then you transition into something more seated and social. It’s a good pairing: horseback riding burns off energy; tequila tasting gives you a moment to slow down, compare notes, and enjoy a local tradition.
A small caution: because lunch isn’t listed as included, you’ll want to consider how your meal timing lines up with the tasting. If you tend to get hungry quickly, plan a snack or a proper meal outside the tour.
Transport, Helmets, and the Small-Group Advantage
You’ll get an air-conditioned vehicle for the tour. That sounds basic, but in Los Cabos heat and sun, it’s a real quality-of-life factor. It also means you’re less stressed about sorting transportation to and from the meeting point area.
You’ll also get helmets. Even if you ride often, it’s good to see this included up front.
The max group size is 20 travelers, and that’s meaningful. Smaller groups usually mean fewer bottlenecks at mounting time, clearer instructions, and less waiting around. It’s not just comfort—it’s smoother timing so the ride feels like a complete experience rather than a long pre-game.
Pickup in Cabo and San José: Make It Easy on Yourself

Pickup is offered for hotels across Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, you’ll need to contact the operator directly with the exact address and location details so they can program a pickup point closest to you.
This is one of those details that can make or break your morning. If you’re in an Airbnb area with multiple access roads, you don’t want to rely on a vague neighborhood description. Send the exact address and any helpful landmark so you don’t lose time.
If you prefer certainty, it also helps to note the meeting point address: Cactus Tours, Carretera Federal 19 KM 100 Migriño, 23597 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. Even with pickup, knowing where the tour base is keeps you calm.
Price and What You Actually Need to Budget
The tour includes several core items: air-conditioned vehicle, helmets, and the tequila tasting.
But you should budget for two items that are explicitly not included:
- Park entrance fee: $25 USD per person
- Lunch
So what’s the value here?
You’re paying for a guided horseback experience through varied terrain plus a structured activity after the ride. With the helmet and transport included, you avoid common add-ons that pop up on “basic” tours. The park fee is a separate reality of using the area, not a surprise charge buried later.
To judge value the right way, consider this: you’re getting a 2-hour guided ride plus tequila time, and you’re doing it with a small group. If you like active, outdoorsy experiences and you want a Cabo activity that isn’t just sitting in a boat, it’s a strong fit.
Photos and That Extra Moment After the Ride
One account of this experience mentioned photographers taking lovely pictures. That suggests there may be photo opportunities during the ride or afterward.
I’d treat it as a chance, not a guarantee you should plan around. If photos matter to you, ask at check-in whether the team will be taking pictures and how you access them. At minimum, if you care about capturing the beach-and-desert contrast, this is the kind of setting that photographs well once the ride gets going.
Weather Matters More Than You Think
This is an outdoor, on-the-ground experience, so weather isn’t a footnote. The tour requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
That means your best move is to keep your schedule flexible. If you’re booking during a narrow window, consider having a backup day or two.
Who Should Book This Ride?
This tour fits best if you want:
- An active 2-hour outdoor experience
- Pacific views near Playa Migrino
- A horse ride with support for different skill levels
- An included activity after riding through a tequila tasting option
It’s also a good pick if you don’t want to commit to a full-day excursion. You get movement, scenery, and a local tradition without the long travel fatigue.
And if you’re anxious about riding, you may find comfort in the format. There’s a safety speech at the start, and the experience is designed so the pace can be relaxing when needed.
Should You Book This Horse and Tequila Adventure?
If you want Cabo’s scenery in a format that feels hands-on—ocean air, changing terrain, and a guided ride—this is a smart book. The mix of beach views and desert trails gives you variety, and the included tequila tasting rounds out the day.
Don’t book it blindly if you’re trying to minimize extra costs. Between the $25 USD park entrance fee and lunch not being included, you’ll want to budget and plan your meals.
If you’re on the fence, here’s the quick call:
- Book if you’re excited to ride and you like the idea of finishing with a tequila tasting.
- Skip if your schedule is locked solid and you can’t handle weather changes, or if you only want a “no extra fees” experience.
Either way, it’s the kind of tour that leaves you with memories you can describe fast: Pacific waves, desert trails, and a horse ride that feels like it was paced for real people.
FAQ
How long is the horseback riding and beach adventure?
The experience lasts about 2 hours.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at Cactus Tours, Carretera Federal 19 KM 100 Migriño, 23597 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.
Is pickup available?
Yes. Pickup is offered in all hotels in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, you need to contact the operator directly with the exact address so they can set a pickup point.
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English.
Do I get a helmet?
Yes. Helmets are included.
Is the tequila tasting included and is it optional?
Yes. A tequila tasting is included, and it’s described as optional but highly recommended.
Is the park entrance fee included in the price?
No. The park entrance fee is $25 USD per person and is not included.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
What happens if weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.



























