San Jose del Cabo has a quieter side. This private day in Santiago brings you to Santa Rita Hot Springs and the Cañon de la Zorra waterfall pools, with desert views and swim-time breaks. It is a change of pace from resort life, built around a short, doable morning hike and a more scenic walk later in the day.

I really like how the timing makes sense: start with the cooler hot springs loop, then head out to the canyon when the sun is higher. I also love the human touch here—Jason (and Gen) run the day with personality, smooth logistics, and solid local know-how. One smart bonus is the clean Toyota Tundra ride that helps if you get car sick.

One thing to consider: this is not a sit-everywhere tour. You should have moderate fitness for two hikes and some uneven canyon paths, even though the distances are manageable.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private format with easy pickup from La Comer in San José del Cabo, using a Desert Sand Toyota Tundra.
• Santa Rita Hot Springs loop (about 1 mile) with natural hot tubs set among native desert plants and tall palms.
• Cañon de la Zorra hike (about 2 miles out and back) toward an oasis with swimming pools and a striking waterfall.
• Sol De Mayo waterfall stop with a reported 5-meter fall, plus sandy beach time by the main pool.
• Included snacks, bottled water, park fees, and an ice chest for comfort through the day.

A private Santiago day beyond the Cabo beach scene

This tour is based in San José del Cabo, but the real action happens about an hour north in Santiago, in the agricultural country around the Cañon de la Zorra. You’re swapping salt-air lounging for desert tones, canyon shade, and that satisfying feeling you get when you walk somewhere most people never even think to visit.

The best part is that it is not just one viewpoint and done. You start with warm-water relaxation, then you move to a canyon hike that ends at an oasis with swimming pools and a waterfall. If you like your days to feel full but not exhausting, this has a good rhythm.

You also get a guide who actually shapes the day. Jason and Gen are big on keeping things moving, but they also let you enjoy stops at a human pace—especially at the hot springs and again at the pools.

Pickup, timing, and how the ride affects your day

This is about a 6 hours 30 minutes experience, and you’ll be picked up around 5 minutes prior to the start time. The main meeting point is La Comer on Blvd. Mauricio Castro, Zona Hotelera. If you’re downtown, pickup is included, and if you’re staying farther out, you can park at the basement lot of La Comer as a safe staging spot for the day.

Your driver uses a Toyota Tundra (Desert Sand), in an air-conditioned vehicle. That matters more than you might think in this part of Mexico—after time in the sun, the cool ride back feels like part of the treat.

One practical note that is easy to miss: you may need your phone handy for authorization to enter certain resort or gated communities. It is worth keeping your device charged and ready so you don’t lose time at the start.

Santa Rita Hot Springs: a short loop with natural warm tubs

Stop one is Santa Rita Hot Springs, and the day starts early enough that it feels more comfortable outside. You’ll do a short 1-mile loop through native desert flora, where tall palm trees show up in a way that feels almost out of place—in a good movie-scene kind of way.

The trail is described as a loop, so you get movement without committing to a long out-and-back plan. That makes it a nice warm-up for the rest of the day. The real payoff comes at the end: natural hot tubs where the water is warm and the surroundings stay quiet and outdoorsy.

This is also where you can reset mentally. The whole point is not a workout—its job is recovery. Even if you hike a bit slowly (and you should), you’ll end up spending time in those natural tubs long enough for your body to feel the temperature shift.

A drawback to consider: the tour calls for moderate fitness overall, so while the hot springs walk is short, you still want sensible footwear and a steady pace.

Canyon de la Zorra hike to Sol De Mayo: the 5-meter waterfall payoff

After Santa Rita, you drive about 15 minutes to the canyon area at the Cañon de la Zorra. The hike here is about 2 miles out and back, and you’re exploring the base of the Sierra de la Laguna with views and plant life along the way.

What I like about this hiking plan is that it gives you two different kinds of satisfaction. First, you get time walking through canyon terrain where you can actually pay attention to the flora and fauna. Second, you get a real destination reward rather than just turning around at a random point.

The description is specific: only about 1/4 mile into the hike, you reach an oasis with a 5-meter waterfall and refreshing swimming pools. That means you do not have to hike the full distance to reach the main moment. You’ll still do the full out-and-back, but you’re not hiking in one long stretch without payoff.

Once you arrive, this is where the tour turns into something different than a standard nature walk. You can relax on a small sandy beach area next to the main pool, and you’re literally surrounded by the wildlife atmosphere around you. It is a strong contrast to sitting by the pool back at your hotel.

Possible consideration: canyon paths can be uneven. Even if the distance is not huge, plan on slow, careful steps and bring water. The tour includes bottled water, but you’ll still want to hydrate as you go.

Pool time, snorkeling gear, and staying comfortable between swims

At the Sol De Mayo oasis, the pools are described as being fed by a lagoon, and the vibe is part swim break, part rest stop. You’ll find a waterfall moment, then a place to cool off and hang out on the sand. This is a great setup for a mid-day reset.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and an ice chest, which signals that the operator expects you to actually use the water time, not just look. The exact conditions in the pools aren’t spelled out, so you should treat snorkeling as an option if you feel comfortable in the water there. Either way, the gear inclusion is a nice value add.

For comfort, the included snacks matter too. You get healthy snacks and fruit, plus water—small things that help you keep your energy steady when the canyon sun is higher later on. And when you’re done moving around, that air-conditioned vehicle waiting back at the drive point is a lifesaver.

If you are the type who gets hungry after a hike, you’ll appreciate that the day isn’t built on skipping food until dinner.

Food stops and local honey or ice cream on the way back

On the way back, you get a choice of stops for lunch and shopping-type breaks. The tour description mentions stopping at authentic Mexican food options, plus small tourist gift shops.

This is one of those parts that makes a private tour feel more flexible. You’re not locked into one restaurant, and you’re not forced to buy souvenirs at set prices. If you want tacos, this route is designed for that. One past experience highlighted lunch as some of the best tacos of the trip, which lines up with the idea that these are local, not just convenient.

For sweet take-home moments, the shops are where you can find local honey and homemade ice cream. It’s the kind of souvenir that tastes like the place instead of just sitting on a shelf.

Just keep in mind: lunch and alcohol are not included. Alcoholic beverages are listed as not included, and tips are not included either. If you plan to drink, decide in advance so you’re not negotiating that mid-day.

Price and value: why $260 can make sense for a private day

At $260 per person for about 6.5 hours, this is not a budget excursion. But it can be good value if you want more than a ride-and-a-view.

Here’s what you’re paying for in practical terms:

• Private tour format, so you’re not squeezed into a big bus schedule.
• Pickup and drop-off from the La Comer meeting point.
• A guide in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus park fees covered.
• Comfort extras: bottled water, healthy snacks and fruit, and an ice chest.
• Snorkeling equipment included, if you want to use it at the water stops.

Now the honest part: if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the per-person cost may feel steep compared with group tours. But the value usually shows up in two places—time and attention. You spend less time herding people and more time getting the day to work for you, especially at the hot springs and waterfall pools.

This also looks like a strong pick for families or friend groups who want a shared day in nature but still want the day-managed peace of a licensed guide. The tour asks for moderate fitness, so it is not ideal if you need fully flat, low-step mobility.

Who should book this hot springs and waterfall day?

I think this tour fits best if you want:

• a real nature outing north of San José del Cabo
• a day with two main water moments (hot springs, then waterfall pools)
• a guide-led experience where Jason and Gen bring both humor and local focus
• manageable hiking distances with breaks that actually feel like vacation, not a schedule drill

It might be less ideal if:

• you prefer extremely short walking with minimal terrain
• you want guaranteed time for a beach-style laydown with no hiking at all
• you are sensitive to car rides and don’t plan around comfort (though the clean, smooth Tundra ride helps many people who usually get motion sickness)

One reason I’d lean toward booking is the repeated theme that this is a place most people do not know exists. When your trip includes a hidden-feeling stop that still feels safe and well-run, you get that rare mix of authenticity and ease.

Should you book this tour or skip it?

If you want a memorable day that mixes natural hot springs, a canyon hike, and a waterfall oasis with swim time, I’d book it. This tour is designed around actual experiences, not just passing scenery, and the included snacks, water, guide, and park fees help you avoid surprise costs.

Skip it if your priority is only relaxing with no hiking or if moderate walking is a hard no for you. But if you can handle two hikes at a comfortable pace and you’ll enjoy water stops, this private day has the ingredients for a standout Cabo-area escape—one that feels like you left the crowds behind without giving up comfort.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 6 hours 30 minutes (approximately).

Where is the meeting point, and is pickup included?

The meeting point is La Comer, Blvd. Mauricio Castro #4650, Zona Hotelera, San José del Cabo. Pickup is included for Downtown San José del Cabo. If you’re staying outside downtown, you can park at the basement parking lot of La Comer, and the guide will pick you up there.

What hikes are included and how fit do I need to be?

You’ll do a short 1-mile loop at Santa Rita Hot Springs and a 2-mile out-and-back hike into Canyon de la Zorra at the second stop. The tour notes that you should have a moderate physical fitness level.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are healthy snacks and fruits, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, an air-conditioned vehicle, a licensed guide, an ice chest, and park fees.

What is not included?

Alcoholic beverages and tips/gratuities are not included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is private, meaning only your group participates.

What should I do if I’m staying in a gated resort?

Bring your phone and be ready to be contacted or to call for authorization to enter your resort or gated community, since access may require verification.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.