Los Cabos: Camel Ride Safari with Lunch and Tequila Tasting

Camels meet the Pacific in Baja. This short Los Cabos outing combines a camel ride beside the ocean, a desert nature walk, a taco lunch, and a tequila lesson in one tidy package. I like the small groups of up to 15 and the chance to feed and pet the camels, not simply sit on one for a quick photo.

I also like the mix of scenery and food. You get sea air and dramatic Pacific waves, then native cacti and wildlife, followed by a buffet-style Mexican meal and flavored water. The main drawback is value: at $140 per person, plus a $25 park fee paid in cash, this is a $165 experience before optional photos. The ride may also feel too controlled for anyone hoping for a long, adventurous trek.

Key things to know before you book

• The camel ride follows the Pacific shore: Expect ocean views, fresh air, and wave breaks rather than a long ride through empty desert.
• You can feed and pet the camels: The guide explains their anatomy, habits, training, and care.
• A desert hike adds local nature: Look for cholla, Mexican giant cactus, yucca, roadrunners, and other Baja plants and animals.
• Lunch is simple and satisfying: A Mexican burrito or taco-style buffet comes with traditional flavored water and bottled water.
• Tequila comes with a lesson: You learn how it is made, where its story comes from, and how to taste it properly.
• Budget for the park fee: The $25 entry charge is not included and must be paid in cash at the site.

From your hotel lobby to the Baja desert

The experience begins with hotel pickup in either Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo. You are asked to wait at the main lobby entrance five minutes before your scheduled pickup, which is a small but useful detail in a resort area where hotel grounds can be spread out.

Transportation, certified guides, safety gear, the camel ride, nature walk, food, water, and tequila tasting are included in the $140 price. The extra $25 park fee is paid on arrival in cash. That brings the basic cost to $165 per person, so I would keep the total in mind when comparing this with other half-day activities in Los Cabos.

The drive takes you from the resort zone toward the desert setting where the activity takes place. The route itself is not described as a sightseeing portion, so I would treat the transportation as practical rather than part of the attraction. English and Spanish guiding is available, and the group is limited to 15 people. That size should give you a better chance to hear the guide and ask questions than a large coach excursion.

Bring comfortable clothing, sturdy or comfortable shoes, and cash. Cameras are not allowed, which is important because professional photographs are available for purchase. If pictures matter to you, the official photo option may be the only way to take home images from the camel portion.

Meeting the camels before the ride

The camel session starts with an introduction to the animals. Rather than rushing straight into the saddle, you learn about their history, anatomy, personalities, care, and training. You also get to pet and feed them.

That makes this more of an animal encounter than a simple ride. I like this part because it gives the camel a role beyond being a moving platform. Families and first-time riders may appreciate the chance to get comfortable with the animals before setting off.

The ride itself lasts about two hours according to the activity schedule, while the full experience runs about 2.5 hours. That timing suggests the camel portion takes up most of the outing, with the hike, meal, tasting, transfers, and introductions fitted around it. The description also presents the hike, lunch, and tequila session as part of the same visit, so expect a compact schedule rather than long, leisurely stops.

The camels travel beside the Pacific, with crystalline water and heavy wave breaks providing the backdrop. This is not the soft, calm-water scenery you might associate with every beach in Los Cabos. The Pacific side can look wilder, and the sound of the surf gives the ride much of its appeal.

One important point is the riding style. The camel ride is described as a managed route, and one account characterizes the camel as traveling in tandem and making one circle near the beach. If you want a free-roaming expedition, that may disappoint you. If you want a structured animal experience with ocean scenery, it is easier to see the value.

The ride may suit people who prefer a gentle pace. It is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, or people with back problems. Camel movement can be awkward for anyone with back or mobility concerns, so take those restrictions seriously rather than treating them as fine print.

A desert walk among cholla and giant cactus

After the camel activity, you take a guided walk through an ecological reserve. This is where the outing shifts from animal encounter to Baja nature lesson.

The guide points out native plants and explains how the area’s vegetation fits the dry environment. Specific examples include cholla, the Mexican giant cactus, and yucca. You may also learn about local wildlife such as roadrunners and other animals found in the area.

I like this part because it gives the setting some context. Without a guide, desert plants can look like a collection of spines and gray-green shrubs. With names and explanations, you start to notice the differences between cactus types and the signs of life around them.

The walk also breaks up the riding. Sitting on a camel for a long stretch can be tiring, especially if you are not used to the motion. A short nature hike lets you move your legs and see the reserve from ground level.

The supplied information does not give the hike’s exact length or difficulty. You should therefore expect a guided nature walk, not a serious wilderness hike. Comfortable shoes are still wise, since desert paths can be uneven and plant life may sit close to the route.

This is also a good reason to avoid flimsy sandals. You will be in a dry natural area with thorny plants, and the activity specifically recommends comfortable footwear and clothing.

Lunch with Mexican flavors

Food comes after the ride and nature walk. The meal is described as a buffet taco lunch in the highlights and as a Mexican burrito in the detailed program. In practical terms, you should expect a casual Mexican meal rather than a restaurant-style dining stop.

Traditional flavored water and bottled water are included. The flavored water adds a local touch and gives you something refreshing after time in the sun. The meal should also help make the experience feel like more than a paid photo stop.

One direct account praised the buffet and found it delicious. That is useful because food quality can make a major difference on a short excursion. Still, you should keep the format in mind. This is a simple, included meal designed to serve a group, not a carefully paced tasting menu.

If your main goal is an excellent lunch, you can likely find more choice elsewhere in Los Cabos. If you want food folded into an active half-day outing, the included meal is convenient and adds value.

Tequila tasting with a proper explanation

The final portion is a guided tequila tasting. You learn about the drink’s history, production process, and the proper way to enjoy it.

I appreciate that the tasting includes instruction rather than just a line of small samples. Understanding how tequila is produced gives you a better framework for comparing what you taste. The session also adds a clear Mexican cultural element to an outing that could otherwise feel like a novelty animal ride.

You should remember that tequila is part of the scheduled experience, not an optional add-on described separately. If you do not drink alcohol, the camel ride, hike, and lunch still make up the main body of the visit, but the tasting will be less useful to you.

The activity details do not specify the number of pours or the tequila brands. I would not book this expecting a long spirits seminar. Think of it as a brief introduction that rounds out the day.

Is $140 a fair price?

The listed price is $140 per person, but the required park charge adds another $25 in cash. Your starting total is therefore $165, not $140.

That price includes hotel pickup and return, a certified guide, safety gear, a camel ride, a guided nature walk, lunch, flavored water, bottled water, and tequila tasting. For someone who wants several activities in one outing, the package is reasonably complete.

The value depends on how much you want from the camel ride. I can see the price making sense for a first-time camel experience, especially if you value hotel transport and a guide who explains the animals. The ocean setting, meal, and tasting also save you from arranging several separate stops.

The value is weaker if you want a long, independent ride. The beach route is organized, and the camels may travel in tandem around a set circuit. One critical account called the activity overpriced and not much fun, particularly for someone expecting more freedom. That criticism is worth taking seriously.

Professional photos cost extra, and cameras are not permitted. If you usually take your own pictures, include possible photo costs in your mental budget. The cash-only park fee is another reason to prepare before leaving your hotel.

Timing, pickup, and the best departure choice

The activity lasts 2.5 hours, and availability depends on the date and starting time. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

A late departure may be appealing. One booking specifically recommended the 4 p.m. time for sunset views and the chance to see whales. Whales are never guaranteed by the provided information, so treat that as a possible bonus, not a promise. The late light could still make the Pacific setting more attractive.

If you choose a late start, remember that the schedule includes the ride, hike, meal, and tasting. You may not spend the entire camel portion at sunset. The exact light conditions will depend on the date and the starting time available.

For the smoothest pickup, wait at the main hotel lobby entrance five minutes early. Have cash ready for the $25 park entry charge, and do not pack a camera if the rule is enforced as stated.

Who will enjoy this Baja outing?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a guided, easy-to-organize introduction to camels and Baja nature. It works especially well for first-time visitors who want ocean scenery, a meal, and a tequila lesson without booking separate activities.

Families with children older than four may find the animal introduction appealing, though the ride’s motion and the desert setting will not suit every child. Couples may like a later departure for the Pacific views, and small groups should benefit from the 15-person limit.

I would be cautious if you have back problems, are pregnant, or are bringing a child under five. The activity excludes those groups, and camel riding is not a good place to test your physical limits.

I would also skip it if your priority is an adventurous, open-ended ride. The route is organized, and the camels may follow a set beach circuit. If you mainly want to explore Cabo San Lucas downtown, one direct account found that a city outing offered better value.

The strongest parts are the animal contact, the Pacific setting, and the way the nature walk and tequila lesson add variety. The weakest part is the price compared with the likely limits of the ride.

Should you book the Los Cabos camel safari?

Book it if you like a polished half-day package with hotel pickup, a controlled camel ride, desert plants, Mexican food, and tequila instruction. The 4.6 rating from 25 bookings and the strong praise for the camels and buffet suggest that the core experience works well for many people.

Skip it if $165 feels high for a structured ride, or if you want freedom, serious hiking, or a long beach adventure. For the best chance at memorable light, check whether a late afternoon departure is available, bring cash for the park fee, wear proper shoes, and decide in advance if professional photos are worth the extra cost.

FAQ

How much does the Los Cabos camel safari cost?

The experience costs $140 per person. A separate $25 park entry fee is payable on site in cash, bringing the basic total to $165 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours. The camel ride is listed as lasting about two hours within that schedule.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from hotels in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. You should wait at your hotel’s main lobby entrance five minutes before pickup.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

What food is included?

The experience includes a Mexican burrito or taco-style buffet lunch, traditional flavored water, and bottled water.

Is the park entry fee included?

No. The $25 park entry fee must be paid at the location upon arrival, and it must be paid in cash.

Can children take part?

Children under five are not permitted. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Can I bring a camera?

No. Cameras are not allowed. Professional photographs are available for purchase.