Exploring Baja’s Outback
Los Cabos is known for its fantastic water activities, but there’s plenty to do on land, too
By Beto Haro
The 1,000-mile Baja Peninsula stretches from the U.S.–México border to Land’s End, the point where the Sea of Cortés marries with the Pacific Ocean. It’s a two-state peninsula that is home to some of the country’s most interesting cities—Cabo! La Paz! Loreto!—and most sensational beaches. But there’s a lot more to Baja to be explored, including an untrammeled desert-like outback, hidden waterfalls, and epic dunes.
This issue of Los Cabos Magazine includes a directory to all the best activities in the region (see page 54), but here we focus on fun ways to explore Baja’s dryer side.
Take a Hike

We love long walks on the beach as much as the next person, but if you’re interested in diversifying your strolls, you’re in luck. The Los Cabos region is home to many hiking options, with dirt trails, coastal paths, and desert-like mountain terrain to explore. The historic San José del Cabo estuary is a favorite of bird-watchers. The protected wildlife sanctuary allows for an easy stroll or bike ride during which you are treated to sightings of frigate birds, red-tailed hawks, white herons, and more. The Fox Canyon (Cañón de la Zorra) waterfall is a favorite hike for many; it’s located near the colonial-style town of Santiago. For the ultimate Cabo selfie, consider the satellite tower hike that begins near the entrance to the Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort on the Pacific Ocean side of Cabo San Lucas. It’s a popular trail for locals and photographers, and as soon as you get to the top, you’ll see why: These are some of best views around!
A Bird’s-Eye View

There’s so much more to Los Cabos than first meets the eye—and that’s saying a lot. In addition to long stretches of sandy beaches and the iconic arch at Land’s End, there are expansive dunes (as featured in the Brad Pitt film Troy) and more. Cabo Sky Tours (www.skytourscabo.com) offers the definitive scenic tours of Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the tourist corridor via its powered hang glider. Owner Ernesto Magaña is a veteran pilot who knows the region like the back of his hand. Opt for smooth sailing or, if you’re feeling a little more daring, request a “montaña rusa,” a roller coaster-like flight that includes extreme twists and turns. The website lists different tour options, and you can choose to soar above the arch, dip your toes in the water, or try whale watching from a new perspective.
Go Wild

The Wild Canyon (www.wildcan yon.com.mx) adventure park in El Tule Canyon is home to several of Los Cabos’ most exciting land-based activities. The Monster Ziplines are the longest in the region, and they’ll have you soaring 300 feet above the canyons for the length of about eight football fields. A newer addition to the park is the Los Cabos Canyon Bridge, the longest pedestrian and ATV hanging bridge in the entire world. It measures nearly 1,100 feet long and hovers about 170 feet above ground at its lowest point. Crossing it by foot or ATV provides stellar views of the canyon, especially during wetter months when it’s lush with green trees and other vegetation. The park is also home to several high-adrenaline activities like bungee jumping, off-road ATVs and UTVs, and a giant swing 300 feet from the ground.
Hump Day
Every day is hump day at Camel Quest (www.wildcanyon.com.mx), where you can enjoy a ride on the so-called ships of the desert. Part of the Wild Canyon eco-park, the Camel Quest tour guides you through the El Tule Canyon on friendly, playful camels. This is an especially great activity for families: Many of the camels were trained specifically to be ridden by children. The fun-packed tour features several surprises and challenges, as well as opportunities to learn cool facts about camels. Bonus: The roughly four-hour tour includes a tasting of exotic beverages.
The Ancient Brought to Life

The brand-new Wirikuta show from Wild Canyon (www.wildcanyon.com .mx) is a fiery, vibrant experience that brings to life the ancestral dances of the Huichol, or Wixarrica, people. The ancient Mexican dances and rituals are blended with contemporary choreography, colorful attire, 3D mapping, and breathtaking acrobatics. The performances are moving, and yet another way to explore another side of Baja—and México. Enjoy the show along with a Huichol Village experience, luxury alfresco dining, and open bar. Y