Private Tour to Hot Springs and Waterfall in Santiago

About an hour north of San José del Cabo, the desert gives way to palm trees, mountain canyons, hot pools, and a waterfall. This private Santiago excursion links two very different natural stops in one morning and afternoon, with time to swim, walk, snack, and see a quieter side of Baja California Sur.

I like the small-group format, since your own party sets the pace and you can ask questions without being folded into a large bus tour. I also like the mix of Santa Rita’s warm natural pools and Sol de Mayo’s cool swimming water, plus the chance to stop for tacos, local honey, or homemade ice cream on the way back.

The main consideration is physical effort. The hikes are short, but the tour calls for a moderate fitness level, and desert heat can make even a one-mile walk feel longer. At $260 per person, this is best value for a private outing with several people, not a simple ride to one swimming hole.

Key points to know before you book

• Santa Rita comes first: Start with a one-mile loop to natural hot tubs while the morning air is still relatively cool.
• Sol de Mayo adds the best swim: A roughly two-mile out-and-back route leads into Cañon de la Zorra, with a 5-meter waterfall and pools fed by a lagoon.
• Jason and Gen guide the day: Their role includes driving, local interpretation, and keeping the outing relaxed and personal.
• Pickup is simple in central San José del Cabo: Downtown pickup is included, with a Toyota Tundra arriving about five minutes before the start.
• Food stops are optional and extra: You can stop for authentic Mexican food and small local shops, but meals and alcohol are not included.
• The tour is weather dependent: Poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Leaving San José del Cabo for Santiago

The day begins at La Comer on Boulevard Mauricio Castro, unless you are staying downtown and arrange pickup there. The tour provider uses a Desert Sand Toyota Tundra and aims to arrive about five minutes before the scheduled start, so keep your phone nearby.

That phone detail matters if you are staying inside a resort or gated community. The guide may need to call for entry authorization, and a delayed response could complicate pickup. If you are outside San José del Cabo, you can meet at the basement parking lot of La Comer, which also offers a practical place to leave your vehicle for the day.

The drive north takes about an hour. That is not wasted time. You are leaving the resort strip behind and heading toward Santiago, a small agricultural town near the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. The change in setting is one of the reasons this outing feels different from a standard Cabo beach day.

The private setup helps here. Jason is the owner and guide, and Jason and Gen have led this outing together. Their work includes more than getting you from one trailhead to the next. The available information points to a friendly, funny guiding style, along with explanations about the area and its natural features.

Santa Rita Hot Springs and the one-mile loop

Santa Rita is the gentler opening stop. The morning is usually the cooler part of the day, so the schedule sensibly begins with the hike before the sun gets stronger.

The trail forms a loop of about one mile. You will walk through native desert plant life, with tall palms around the hot springs. That combination gives the place a distinctly Baja feel: dry country, mountain air, and pockets of water supporting greenery.

At the end, natural hot tubs provide the main reward. The warm water is suited to slowing down rather than rushing through a checklist of sights. You can sit, soak, and let your body loosen before the second hike.

I like the order of these stops. Starting at a hot spring gives you a calm beginning, while the later waterfall provides a cooler change of pace. It also avoids placing the most strenuous walking first, though you still need enough mobility for an uneven outdoor trail.

The term hot springs can create the wrong expectation if you picture a developed spa. This is a natural setting, not a resort facility. The information provided does not list changing rooms, restrooms, or other built amenities, so plan to keep your needs simple and practical.

Bring a swimsuit and wear shoes suitable for a short trail. The tour includes bottled water, healthy snacks, and fruit, but you should still arrive ready for outdoor conditions. An ice chest is provided, which helps keep drinks and snacks pleasant during the day.

Cañon de la Zorra and Sol de Mayo Waterfall

After Santa Rita, the drive to the next location takes about 15 minutes. The second stop is the more active part of the day, taking you into Cañon de la Zorra at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna.

The route is described as a two-mile out-and-back hike. About a quarter mile into the walk, you reach an oasis with a 5-meter waterfall and swimming pools supplied by a lagoon. The wording suggests that the first pool area arrives fairly early, but the full route continues beyond that point.

This is where the tour’s two-part design pays off. Santa Rita offers warm water and quiet soaking. Sol de Mayo gives you a waterfall, cooler pools, a small sandy beach, and a stronger sense of being out in the open country.

You can rest beside the main pool or swim in the water. Snorkeling equipment is included, though the provided details do not specify particular snorkeling conditions or activities, so think of it as useful equipment to have rather than the central reason to book.

The waterfall is about 5 meters high, large enough to create a memorable focal point without turning the outing into a difficult canyon expedition. You will see native plants and may notice local wildlife, but the exact conditions can change with weather and water levels.

The main drawback is heat. Even a two-mile walk is more demanding when the sun is high, and the tour does not promise a fully shaded route. Take the moderate fitness warning seriously, especially if you are not used to hiking in warm desert conditions.

The pool and small beach create a natural break in the day. Still, this is not presented as a fully developed swimming park. Expect an outdoor setting rather than lockers, paved paths, or a formal changing area.

Why a private vehicle matters

The air-conditioned Toyota Tundra is a practical part of the experience, not just a comfort detail. You have two trail stops, a drive of about an hour each way to the Santiago area, and a short transfer between the hot springs and waterfall.

A clean vehicle also matters if you are prone to motion sickness. One person specifically found the ride comfortable and did not get carsick, which is useful feedback for anyone who worries about winding or uneven roads. That is not a guarantee for every passenger, but it suggests that the vehicle and driving experience are handled with care.

Because this is a private activity, only your group participates. You can spend more time at the springs, move along when you are ready, or ask Jason and Gen to explain more about the places you are seeing. The exact pacing still depends on the day, trail conditions, and your group’s fitness.

Private does not mean every possible extra is included. The $260 price covers the guide, vehicle, park fees, bottled water, snacks, fruit, ice chest, and snorkeling equipment. Alcohol, tips, and any food bought during a restaurant stop are separate.

Tacos, honey, and homemade ice cream on the return

On the way back, you may have the option to stop for local Mexican food and small shops. These stops are not the centerpiece of the tour, but they add a useful connection to Santiago and the surrounding rural communities.

The food stop is especially appealing after two walks and time in the water. One outing included lunch at a local restaurant, with tacos described as among the best of the trip. Since food is not included and the exact restaurant is not fixed in the details, treat this as an optional purchase rather than a guaranteed meal.

You may also find local honey and homemade ice cream. These are the kind of small, region-specific purchases that make a day outside the resort zone feel more personal. They are also easy souvenirs that do not require much luggage space.

The timing of these stops can affect your total day. The advertised duration is about six and a half hours, so you should not expect a long restaurant visit, extensive shopping, and unlimited swimming time. The guide will need to balance the optional stops with the drive back to San José del Cabo.

What the $260 price gets you

At $260 per person, this is not a budget day trip. Its value comes from combining private transportation, a licensed guide, park fees, two natural sites, snacks, and pickup into one outing.

For a couple, the total cost can feel significant. For a family or group dividing the cost across several people, the private arrangement may make more sense. You are paying for a dedicated vehicle and guide rather than simply buying entry to the hot springs or waterfall.

The price is easier to justify if you want to avoid arranging transportation to two separate places. It also saves you from having to work out the route, entry details, and timing on your own. If you only want a quick swim, a less expensive single-site option may suit you better.

Tips are not included, and meals and alcohol are extra. Keep those costs in mind when planning your budget. The tour does include enough snacks and fruit to take the edge off hunger, but they should not be treated as a full lunch.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this outing if you want to see more of Baja California Sur than the coast and resort area. It suits people who like short hikes, natural swimming spots, local food, and a guide who can add context along the way.

It is also a good fit for couples, families, or friends who prefer not to share a vehicle with strangers. The private format gives your party more control and makes it easier to pause for photos or spend extra time in the water.

You should be comfortable walking on outdoor trails and handling warmth. The tour specifically calls for moderate physical fitness, so it is not the right choice if you need a fully accessible route or want a no-walking excursion.

The day may also work well for people who often get uncomfortable in crowded tours. The small, private arrangement and air-conditioned vehicle offer a quieter alternative to a large group outing.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear a swimsuit under comfortable clothing if you want to use both the hot springs and waterfall pools. Bring sun protection and footwear suited to a one-mile loop and a roughly two-mile out-and-back hike.

Keep your phone handy at pickup. If you are inside a gated resort or community, the guide may need to call you so staff can authorize entry.

The tour is offered in English and includes a licensed guide. Confirmation arrives when you book. The meeting point is La Comer in San José del Cabo, and the activity ends back there.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund. Since the outing requires good weather, the operator may offer another date or a full refund if conditions force a cancellation.

Should you book the Santiago hot springs and waterfall tour?

Book it if you want a private, active day away from San José del Cabo and like the idea of pairing warm natural pools with a waterfall swim. The strongest parts are the two-stop design, the clean private vehicle, the relaxed guiding from Jason and Gen, and the chance to add tacos, honey, or homemade ice cream to the return trip.

Think twice if $260 per person feels too high for a half-day outing, if you dislike hiking in heat, or if you need developed facilities at the swimming sites. For the right group, though, this is a thoughtful way to trade the resort strip for palms, canyon walls, and fresh water in the Sierra de la Laguna foothills.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The main meeting point is La Comer, at Boulevard Mauricio Castro #4650 in the Zona Hotelera area of San José del Cabo.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is included for downtown San José del Cabo. The vehicle arrives about five minutes before the activity begins.

Where do I meet if I stay outside San José del Cabo?

You can meet at the basement parking lot of La Comer in San José del Cabo. The provided details describe it as a safe place to leave your vehicle for the day.

What vehicle is used for pickup?

Pickup is provided in a Desert Sand Toyota Tundra.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes, including the drive, hikes, swimming time, and possible stops on the return.

How difficult are the hikes?

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Santa Rita includes a one-mile loop, while the Cañon de la Zorra route is described as a two-mile out-and-back hike.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Santa Rita has natural hot tubs, and Sol de Mayo has refreshing swimming pools fed by a lagoon.

Is food included?

Healthy snacks and fruit are included. Food purchased at an optional local restaurant stop is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, although the provided details do not specify particular snorkeling conditions or a dedicated snorkeling activity.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund.