Hot springs and a waterfall hike feel made for a perfect Cabo day. This private tour takes you about an hour north of San Jose del Cabo to the Canon de la Zorra area, where Santa Rita Hot Springs and a 5-meter waterfall give you two very different ways to unwind. I also like that it is handled start-to-finish with a licensed guide, snacks, and a comfortable, air-conditioned ride.

One thing to think about first: the route includes walking with a moderate fitness level. You will be doing a short loop hike and then a canyon hike, and this experience also depends on decent weather, since water access and trail conditions can shift.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Private tour, just your group, so you can keep a steady pace and ask questions without crowds.
• Two nature stops, two moods: relaxing hot tubs first, then waterfall pools and wildlife in Canyon de la Zorra.
• Real guide energy: the operator’s guides (Jason and Gen show up in the feedback) are warm, funny, and focused on where you are.
• Included snacks, water, and park fees, so you can plan one clean budget for the day.
• Swimming-friendly planning, with a lagoon-fed area and snorkeling equipment included if you want to try it.

How the ride sets up your Fox Canyon day

The day starts in San Jose del Cabo, at La Comer on Blvd. Mauricio Castro. Pickup is about 5 minutes before the activity time, and you ride in a Toyota Tundra (Desert Sand). That timing detail matters. You do not want to waste your morning hunting down your van, especially when the plan is tight enough to fit two outdoor stops.

From there, you are looking at about an hour drive north to Santiago, in a small agricultural town area near the Canon de la Zorra (Fox Canyon). This is not a “jump out every 10 minutes” tour. It is built for one full experience day, with transit time used to get you out of the busy coastal strip and into quieter terrain.

A practical heads-up: if you are staying inside a resort or a gated community, you may need to show phone authorization for entry. Keep your phone handy. I have seen how quickly that turns a morning stressful, so you will be happier if you are ready before the driver calls.

You are also in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the operator includes an ice chest. That combination is simple but smart for the day’s heat, especially when you are walking and then spending time in or near water.

Santa Rita Hot Springs: a short loop that ends in hot tubs

Stop one is Santa Rita Hot Springs. The approach is mellow but not pointless. You start with a small hike, about a 1-mile loop, and you pass through native desert flora. The area includes tall palm trees, so it is not the typical barren desert vibe you might picture from Baja.

The loop is short enough that most people with moderate fitness can manage it without turning the day into a workout session. You also get enough movement to warm up for what comes next. When you reach the hot tub area, the springs feel like a reward rather than a separate activity you have to “earn.”

The star here is the natural hot tub setup. You are not in a theme-park pool. You are in a setting where the water is part of the landscape. The hot water is what helps you reset, and the desert surroundings make it feel calmer than you might expect.

A couple of practical tips to make this part easier:

• Wear comfortable footwear you can walk in if the ground is uneven. This is a short hike, but it is still outdoors.
• Bring a small towel and a change of clothes for after, even if you plan to dry off before the next stop.
• Plan for a relaxed pace. This first stop is where you can slow down and let the day feel like a retreat.

If you are coming from the Cabo hotel zone and you want something more grounded in real local nature, this is the best anchor. It gives you a different kind of Baja experience than beaches and shopping streets.

Canyon de la Zorra hike: the waterfall, the pools, and the oasis feeling

After Santa Rita, you drive about 15 minutes to the next location. This is Canyon de la Zorra, and the hiking plan is a 2-mile out-and-back. The hike is not described as extreme, but it is longer than the first stop, and it is where your moderate fitness level matters.

Here is the good part: you do not have to wait until the very end to enjoy the destination. About 1/4 mile into the hike, you reach an oasis area with a 5-meter waterfall. That means you can experience the payoff early, then keep exploring a bit more on the way back toward the full out-and-back distance.

The destination includes refreshing swimming pools fed by a lagoon. You also get the unique sensation of being close to wildlife. That word matters. This is not a manicured swim spot with artificial edges and controlled vibes. The wildlife presence is part of why the oasis feels special.

You will find a small sandy beach next to the main pool. That little detail is worth planning around. Sand makes everything slower to set up, but it also makes the area feel more like a place where people spend time, not just a photo stop.

Because snorkeling equipment is included, this is the point in the day where you might use it. The tour provides the gear, so if you want to take a careful look around the water area, you can. Just treat it as optional. The pools and waterfall are the main attraction either way.

Potential drawback at this stop: water access can depend on weather and conditions. Even with good planning, rain and changing conditions can affect how comfortable it is to swim and how easy it is to walk nearby. That is why the operator flags good weather as important.

Food and honey on the return: keep lunch flexible

On the way back, you get choices for where to stop for authentic Mexican food and small tourist gift shops. The food stop is not a set restaurant name, which actually gives you a little freedom. Depending on what is open and what the guide recommends that day, you can pick a place that fits your appetite and pace.

The standout from the feedback is tacos at a local restaurant, described as some of the best of the trip. That tracks with the tour’s style: it is designed to show you what the area eats and how locals do casual meals. This is exactly the type of stop that makes a tour feel real instead of just scenic.

The gift-shop part is also more than souvenirs for souvenirs’ sake. You can find local honey and homemade ice cream. If you have ever tried to pack honey back home, you know why this matters. It is a simple, take-home edible that can actually survive travel.

My advice: keep your lunch budget separate, since alcohol is not included and meals are not listed as included. If you want beer or cocktails, plan on paying for it yourself. And if you have a sweet tooth, build a little space after lunch for ice cream. This day is active enough that it can feel justified.

What’s included, and what you should plan to pay for

This tour is priced at $260.00 per person and runs about 6 hours 30 minutes. For a private, full-half-day nature trip, that price can be a good value, but only if you understand what is bundled.

Included:

• Healthy snacks and fruits
• Bottled water
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Licensed guide
• Ice chest
• Park fees

Those inclusions add up fast. Food and water alone can become an extra cost when you are hiking and swimming. Park fees can also be sneaky, so having them handled is a relief.

Not included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips and gratuities

So if you are the type who likes a drink with lunch, it is smart to budget for it. And if you want great service, plan to tip. The guide is doing real work throughout the day.

A note on the snorkeling gear: it is included, but the water experience is not limited to snorkeling. Even if you never put on the mask, the included snacks, water, park access, and guided route still make the value make sense.

Price and value: is $260 per person fair?

At $260 per person, this is not a bargain-basement outing. But when I look at value, I focus on what you are buying: two guided nature stops, transport from San Jose del Cabo, park fees, and practical comforts like snacks, water, air-conditioning, and an ice chest.

You also get the private format. That is key. A private tour can feel expensive until you compare it to adding up multiple public-taxi rides, separate park tickets, and the time cost of figuring out routes yourself. Here, the day is already assembled. You are not planning the order of stops or negotiating logistics for a canyon hike and hot springs on the same day.

This is also a good price point for small groups who want a flexible day. The operator offers group discounts, which could make the cost feel more reasonable if you are traveling with friends or family.

When it might feel steep: if you are purely looking for a quick roadside swim and zero walking. In that case, there are cheaper options. But if you want a guided day with both hot springs and a waterfall oasis, $260 per person can be a fair trade.

Who should book this private hot springs and waterfall tour

This tour fits best if you like a mix of relaxation and active time outdoors. The schedule is built around two distinct experiences:

• Santa Rita Hot Springs for a calmer reset
• Canyon de la Zorra for a longer hike and a swimming-focused reward

You should also consider it if you want a guide who can shape the day. The feedback highlights Jason as an exceptional host, with Gen also coming up as part of the guiding team. The tone described is friendly, respectful, and funny, and that matters because it turns an outdoor trip into a conversation.

The tour is for you if:

• You want to see areas beyond the main San Jose del Cabo strip
• You like short hikes with a payoff
• You want swimming time that feels tied to the nature setting
• You prefer private pacing over crowd chaos

You might not love it if:

• You struggle with hikes, even short ones, and need very low walking demands
• You hate uncertainty around weather, since the experience requires good conditions

Timing and practical prep for a smooth day

This is a half-day trip, about 6 hours 30 minutes. That means you should treat it like a planned block, not something to mix with long dinners and late nightlife.

What to pack based on how the day works:

• Swimsuit and quick-dry clothing for both the hot springs and the canyon pools
• A light layer for shade and cooler moments during the hike
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water-friendly sandals or shoes for mixed terrain
• Phone charged and ready for authorization if you are in a resort or gated area
• Cash or card for lunch and small gifts, since meals and alcohol are not included

Also think about motion sickness. One review mentioned not getting car sick in the clean vehicle. If you are sensitive on winding roads, it can still be worth asking your guide about your seating and keeping your eyes on the horizon during the drive.

Finally, keep your energy for the waterfall stop. That is where the day becomes most memorable visually and most fun to cool off.

Final call: should you book it?

If you want a guided half-day that combines hot springs, a canyon hike, and a waterfall oasis with pools, this is an easy yes. The included snacks, bottled water, park fees, and air-conditioned ride make the day feel organized, not pieced together. And the guide team, especially Jason and Gen, shows up in feedback as a real highlight, not just a driver.

If you hate walking or you are expecting a totally lounge-style outing with zero effort, look closely at the moderate fitness requirement and the two hike segments. But if you are up for a short hike and then a swim, you will probably leave feeling like you actually saw something real beyond the usual Cabo routine.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at La Comer, Blvd. Mauricio Castro #4650, Zona Hotelera, San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included for Downtown San Jose del Cabo, and you will be picked up in a Toyota Tundra about 5 minutes before the start time.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What are the main stops during the day?

You visit Santa Rita Hot Springs and then head to Sol De Mayo Waterfall in Canyon de la Zorra.

What should I bring for the hot springs and waterfall?

You should plan for walking and being around water. The tour includes snacks, bottled water, and park fees, but alcohol is not included, and you will likely want a swimsuit and a change of clothes.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity with only your group participating.

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’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages and tips and gratuities are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund.