Reviewed · CABO DESERT TOURS

Cactus Combo Combine two of your favorite desert tours

★ 3.5 · 13 reviews 2 hours (approx.) From $99 Operated by Best Adventures In Cabo · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

A two-activity desert outing gives you a choice between motorized rides and animal experiences, with Cabo’s beaches and mountain trails as the backdrop. You can pair an ATV or UTV ride with another activity, then trade the engine’s rumble for a camel or horse ride if that suits your group.

I like the chance to choose two different ways to explore rather than spend the whole outing doing one thing. I also like that guides such as Gilbert, Tony Flores, Javier, Chacal, and Kafaya are named for their personal approach, from patient coaching to scenic trail stops. The main caution is cost: the $99 price does not include the listed park and combo entrance fees, and optional insurance or vehicle upgrades may add more.

Key points

  • Pick two activities: Options described include ATV, UTV, camel, and horseback riding. Confirm your exact pair when booking.
  • Budget beyond $99: The listed $25 park fee and $20 combo entrance fee may bring the total to $144 per person before any optional charges.
  • Plan for about two hours: The outing is roughly two hours overall, while each motorized activity has been described as lasting about 40 to 60 minutes.
  • Expect a guided ride: A bilingual guide leads the group, which can have up to 18 people.
  • Phones stay out of the ride: Cellphone use while riding is restricted, and photography is not included.
  • Know the vehicle you’re choosing: Single ATVs are described as semi-automatic; two-person ATVs are described as fully automatic at no extra cost.

Two rides make for a varied Cabo outing

Cactus Combo Combine two of your favorite desert tours - Two rides make for a varied Cabo outing

The appeal of this combo is variety. Instead of booking only a motorized ride or only a camel or horseback outing, you can combine two activities and see more of the desert setting in different ways. The tour description places the rides among beaches, mountains, and desert trails, so the scenery is part of the experience, not just the route between activities.

The available pairings described include ATV, UTV, camel, and horseback riding. The exact choices, vehicles, and order are not spelled out in detail, so confirm what you want before you pay. If your group has mixed interests, that small check matters: one person may want the speed and control of a motorized ride, while another may prefer the animal experience.

The outing is listed at about two hours. A rider has described doing an hour on an ATV and an hour in a UTV, while another account puts each motorized activity at roughly 40 to 60 minutes. Treat those figures as a guide, not a fixed timetable. Check-in, pickup, and the selected activities can affect how the time is divided.

More desert outings near Cabo San Lucas:

ATV and UTV trails: choose the right ride

Cactus Combo Combine two of your favorite desert tours - ATV and UTV trails: choose the right ride

The ATV and UTV options are the most direct choice if you want a hands-on ride through the desert. The ATV is a single-rider motorcycle-style vehicle; a UTV, also called a side-by-side, seats two. A parent and 17-year-old, for example, rode together in a side-by-side, with the teenager driving.

The company describes single ATVs as semi-automatic and two-person ATVs as fully automatic, with no charge for that two-person automatic setup. Luxury models may be offered for an extra cost. Because there have been complaints about unexpected vehicle upgrades, ask which model is included in your price, whether it suits your driving experience, and what an upgrade costs before you agree to anything at check-in.

Guides can adjust the pace. Riders have described guides checking that everyone felt comfortable with the speed, as well as stretches that moved faster and stretches that slowed down. That is useful if you are new to riding or traveling with someone who needs a little time to get comfortable. Still, this is a motorized outing over varied terrain, not a gentle scenic drive. Listen to your guide and be clear about your comfort level.

The beach and trail views are a real draw. Some outings have included riding near the ocean at sunset, with guides stopping at scenic points. But sunset timing is not promised, and you should not book on the assumption that your tour will reach the coast at golden hour. Ask about departure time if the light and views are a priority.

Camel or horseback riding brings a different pace

Cactus Combo Combine two of your favorite desert tours - Camel or horseback riding brings a different pace

The animal rides offer a calmer contrast to the ATV or UTV portion. A camel ride by the sea has been part of a combo, and an ATV guide has also introduced riders to the camels and allowed them to feed them carrots. These details make the animal option appealing if you want more than a fast ride through the trails.

The length of the animal ride may feel brief if it is your favorite part. One camel rider wished that segment lasted longer, so if you are booking mainly for the camel experience, ask how much time is allotted to it. Horseback riding is also an option, but the information provided does not specify how long that portion lasts or whether every horse is suitable for every rider.

Weight and comfort are worth discussing in advance. The tour information says the activity is not recommended for people over 150 kilos, or 330 pounds. A separate account describes weight checks for horseback riding, and the company says it evaluates heavier riders and assigns an appropriate animal. If you have a concern, speak with the operator before booking rather than waiting until you arrive.

If animal welfare is important to your decision, ask the operator directly about the current condition and care of the camels and horses. The tour information does not set out detailed animal-care standards, so it is sensible to raise the question before choosing that part of the combo.

The real price includes more than the advertised fare

Cactus Combo Combine two of your favorite desert tours - The real price includes more than the advertised fare

At $99 per person, the tour includes safety equipment, a bilingual guide, water, and round-trip transportation. Those are useful inclusions, especially when pickup saves you from arranging your own transport to the activity site. The price is more attractive if you plan to do two activities and value the convenience of having gear and a guide included.

But the $99 is not the full cost shown in the terms. The listed charges include a $25 park entrance fee per person and a separate $20 entrance fee for the combined desert tours. If both apply, the listed total reaches $144 per person before optional insurance, vehicle upgrades, or photos. Confirm that both fees apply to your particular booking and ask how they are paid.

Collision insurance is offered per vehicle at check-in and described as optional. Its price is not stated. A complaint has also described a large credit-card hold in connection with insurance, while the company says the insurance is optional. Ask about the cost, deposit or hold, and coverage before you arrive. Do not assume the word optional means every other charge is included.

Photography and cellphone photos are not included. Phones are restricted while riding, for safety reasons, and staff photos may be available to purchase. If having pictures is important to you, ask whether photos will be taken during your departure time, how much they cost, and how you receive them. One outing that ran late reportedly missed the sunset and had no usable photos, so timing is worth checking.

Pickup, check-in, and group size

Cactus Combo Combine two of your favorite desert tours - Pickup, check-in, and group size

Pickup is offered, but the exact arrangements are made after booking. Confirm your pickup time and location with the operator, and leave room in your day for the transfer and check-in. The activity is listed at about two hours, but that figure should not be treated as a promise that you will be back at your hotel exactly two hours after pickup.

The maximum group size is 18. That is small enough for a guide to give instructions and keep an eye on the group, though the actual feel can vary depending on the mix of riders and selected activities. The guide is bilingual, and English is offered for the tour.

Several guides have been named for positive, practical reasons. Gilbert was described as managing changes in speed; Tony Flores was credited with careful trail guidance and photo stops; Javier was praised for keeping a group entertained; and Chacal was described as patient with first-time ATV riders. Kafaya was also singled out for a calm, fun approach. You cannot request or count on a particular guide based on those names, but the accounts suggest that the guide can make a real difference, especially for beginners.

A few checks make the day smoother

Cactus Combo Combine two of your favorite desert tours - A few checks make the day smoother

Before booking, settle the details that can change the price or the experience. Confirm the two activities, the vehicle model, whether your ride is single or shared, the entrance fees, and the cost of optional insurance. If you prefer an automatic vehicle, be precise about whether you mean a two-person side-by-side or a single ATV, since the vehicle descriptions differ.

Ask what you should bring and what must stay behind. Phones are not allowed for use while riding, and the tour does not include photography. Safety equipment and water are included, but the available information does not specify other personal gear or storage arrangements.

Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at their side. The activity is described as suitable for most people, but the 330-pound weight guidance applies as a stated limit for who the tour is recommended for. If anyone in your group has a concern about riding, animal participation, or physical comfort, clarify it with the operator before paying.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling or changing the booking less than 24 hours before the experience does not qualify for a refund, and the cutoff follows local time. That matters if your plans are uncertain or you are booking around weather or other Cabo activities.

Is the Cactus Combo worth booking?

Cactus Combo Combine two of your favorite desert tours - Is the Cactus Combo worth booking?

I would consider this combo if you want a lively outdoor outing and are genuinely interested in trying two activities. It makes the most sense for couples, families with older teens, and groups that want a mix of motorized riding and animal experiences. The guided pace and option to choose a side-by-side can also help when some people are less confident on an ATV.

I would pause if you expect $99 to cover everything, want guaranteed sunset photos, or are uncomfortable with extra charges being settled at check-in. Work out the total first, and confirm the vehicle and activity pair in writing if possible. If you are comfortable with those conditions, the combination of desert trails, mountain scenery, and a possible ride by the sea can make for a memorable couple of hours.

FAQ

Cactus Combo Combine two of your favorite desert tours - FAQ

How long is the Cactus Combo?

The experience is approximately two hours. The exact time spent on each activity can vary.

What activities can I combine?

Options described include ATV riding, UTV riding, camel riding, and horseback riding. Confirm the two activities available for your booking.

What is included in the $99 price?

Safety equipment, a bilingual tour guide, water, and round-trip transportation are included.

What extra entrance fees are listed?

The tour information lists a $25 park entrance fee per person and a $20 entrance fee for the combined desert tours. Confirm whether both apply to your booking.

Is collision insurance included?

No. Optional collision insurance is offered per vehicle at check-in. The price is not stated in the tour information.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the arrangements are made after booking.

Can children participate?

Most people can participate. Anyone under 16 must travel accompanied by an adult at their side.

Is there a weight recommendation?

The activity is not recommended for people over 150 kilos, or 330 pounds. The company says heavier riders may be evaluated and assigned an appropriate animal for animal rides.

Can I use my phone or take my own photos during the ride?

Cellphone use while riding is restricted, and photography is not included. Ask whether staff photos are available to purchase.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund.

More like this

Cabo Desert Tours, compared.

The full Cabo Desert Tours list →
Cabo Migrino Beach and Desert ATV Tour plus Tequila Tasting
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,367 reviews· from $75

Cabo Migrino Beach and Desert ATV Tour plus Tequila Tasting

Read our review →
Beach and Desert UTV Tour in Cabo
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 1,127 reviews· from $110

Beach and Desert UTV Tour in Cabo

Read our review →
Cabo Desert Off-Road & Beach Horseback Combo and Tequila Tasting
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 751 reviews· from $100

Cabo Desert Off-Road & Beach Horseback Combo and Tequila Tasting

Read our review →
Los Cabos Beach & Desert Tour in Automatic ATV + Tequila Tasting
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 575 reviews· from $75

Los Cabos Beach & Desert Tour in Automatic ATV + Tequila Tasting

Read our review →
Migriño Beach and Desert ATV Tour in Cabo
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 487 reviews· from $50

Migriño Beach and Desert ATV Tour in Cabo

Read our review →
Cabo’s Best ATV Tour – Desert, Beach Ride & Tequila Tasting
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 448 reviews· from $69

Cabo’s Best ATV Tour – Desert, Beach Ride & Tequila Tasting

Read our review →
Migriño & Desert off-road Tour UTV Adventure
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 285 reviews· from $110

Migriño & Desert off-road Tour UTV Adventure

Read our review →
Horseback Riding Beach and Desert in Cabo
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 154 reviews· from $85

Horseback Riding Beach and Desert in Cabo

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Out and about in Los Cabos

Choose the bay, the desert or the long road north.