The best decision you can make when planning your camel ride in Los Cabos is to turn this adventure into a complete exploration of the Todos Santos region. Being in the Tierra Sagrada area, a natural sanctuary where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean, you are just a step away from one of the most interesting and artistic Magic Towns in Mexico.
If you are already going to drive along the scenic highway of Baja California Sur, do not limit your experience to the adventure alone. Take advantage of it and get to know the contrast that the peninsula gives you. The camel ride offers you adrenaline, nature, unique ocean views, and direct contact with the desert ecosystem. On the other hand, Todos Santos gives you a pause: that time of relaxation among cobblestone streets, contemporary art galleries, 19th century architecture, and a gastronomy that has captured the world’s attention.
In this guide, we help you understand what to do in Todos Santos before or after your ride through the dunes, how to organize your transfer times, and which are the best places to eat lunch or dinner by the sea, making sure your day is unforgettable.
The natural connection: From the desert to the historic streets
The geography of Baja California Sur is a spectacle of contrasts. The drive from the Cabo San Lucas hotel zone to the ranch at Tierra Sagrada takes you into a landscape dominated by giant cardon cacti, copper-toned mountains, and the blue of the Pacific. Feeling the breeze while riding through the dunes on the back of a camel is a visual and relaxing experience that connects you with the territory.
About 20 minutes from the dunes, the landscape transforms and you arrive in Todos Santos, a town that developed among palm trees and organic orchards thanks to its underground freshwater source. It is surrounded by brick mansions that today are home to luxury boutique hotels, art galleries, and design studios.
Combining both experiences on the same day creates a perfect balance. You have physical activity and outdoor exploration on one side, and rest, culture, and gastronomy on the other.
What to do if your camel ride is in the morning
Morning schedules (9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.) are excellent if you like to start the day early and avoid the hottest hours in the desert. The morning light is perfect for taking clear and sharp photos of the camels and the ocean. Once your ride is over, you will have the whole afternoon free to discover the town without any rush.
1. Walk through the Art District
When you arrive in Todos Santos after your tour, if you are driving, we suggest parking near the main square and walking along Calle Legaspi and Calle Benito Juárez, where there are dozens of art galleries displaying everything from bronze sculpture to hyperrealist painting and Huichol art. Unlike the commercial areas of Los Cabos, the artists are usually in their studios and enjoy talking with people who stop by about their creative processes.
2. A relaxed meal with your feet in the sand
After exploring downtown on foot, we recommend heading toward the coast to discover Al-Mar, an exceptional culinary space.
This restaurant belongs to Grupo Guaycura and has something unique: its tables are set directly on the virgin sand of the beach. It is a relaxed and bohemian setting, and the space invites you to take off your shoes and feel the sand while enjoying a craft mixology cocktail. The menu is broad, but we suggest trying the fresh catch-of-the-day ceviche or their famous Tacos Gobernador with local machaca.
3. An afternoon of shopping and coffee
After lunch, you can return to the historic center to buy an original souvenir from Todos Santos (such as local ceramics or handwoven textiles) and sit down in one of the town’s cafés. If you are looking for something calm, with a view of the oasis, head to La Terraza, have a coffee or enjoy a cocktail, and watch the golden hour from the comfort of the lounge inside the mansion of Hotel Guaycura. That would round off the day, and you will be ready for your trip back to your hotel in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo.
What to do if your camel ride is in the afternoon
If you are not someone who likes to wake up early, you can book the camel ride at 4:00 p.m. This schedule is special because the temperature starts to drop and the excursion ends with a bonfire. For this plan, we recommend reversing the route: arrive in Todos Santos first and leave the desert for the end.
1. Explore the town and visit a Beach Club
The drive from Cabo San Lucas or San José to Todos Santos takes between one and two hours. We recommend exploring the town first, visiting the Mission of Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the design shops. If the heat rises and you want to cool off before going to the camel ranch, you can get a Day Pass at El Faro Beach Club. You will be able to swim in the pool overlooking the sea, rest on a sunbed, and get ready for the afternoon activity.
2. The perfect dinner high above Todos Santos
To close the day in the best way, you can take a few more moments before heading back to your hotel. You can go for a stroll and enjoy dinner at El Mirador by Guaycura.
This restaurant is built on the edge of a cliff with a scenic view of the Pacific Ocean. Its culinary proposal is a fusion of Mexican ingredients and Mediterranean techniques.
If you prefer something a little more casual but with equally beautiful views, you can review all the options for restaurants in Todos Santos by Grupo Guaycura, where you will find terraces and spaces for every taste.
Logistical tips to coordinate your day
So that your experience is stress-free and you can enjoy it to the fullest, here are a few points to keep in mind:
Time management: The road transfer from Cabo San Lucas to the Tierra Sagrada facilities takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic when leaving the city. The trip from Tierra Sagrada to downtown Todos Santos takes an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Plan your timing considering the total duration of the camel experience, which is about 3 hours.
Layered clothing: The weather changes, so we recommend wearing light clothing for the camel ride, bringing biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. But if you plan to stay for dinner at El Mirador or Al-Mar, the breeze gets cooler during the afternoon and evening, so it is important to carry a light sweater or a windbreaker in your bag.
Advance reservations: If you plan to have lunch or dinner at the recommended Guaycura restaurants, we suggest making a reservation a couple of days in advance, especially during high season (November through April).
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