ATV Tours in Los Cabos

This is one of the most thrilling activities available in Los Cabos. But be aware that accidents can occur, so know your trip's itinerary ahead of time. Many of the companies do not have insurance, and they make you sign away your rights before going. But they do issue helmets, goggles, and handkerchiefs to protect you from the sand and dust.

When ATV trips are properly conducted, they can be safe and fun. The most-popular trip passes first through Cabo San Lucas, continues through desert cactus fields, and arrives at a big play area of large sand dunes with open expanses and specially carved trails, at the foot of El Faro Viejo,the old lighthouse. You can reach frighteningly high speeds as you descend the tall dunes. Navigating the narrow trails in the cactus fields is exciting but not for the weak-hearted or steering-impaired. Another favorite trek travels past interesting rock formations, little creeks, and the beach on its way to a small mountain village called La Candelaria.

A three-hour trip costs about $60 for a single or $80 for a double (two people sharing an ATV). Six-hour trips to La Candelaria include lunch and cost about $110 for a single and $130 for a double. Wear tennis shoes, clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and a long-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt for afternoon tours in winter.

The Corridor

Desert Park (Cabo Real, across from Meliá Cabo Real. 624/144-0127. www.desertpark.net) leads ATV tours seven times a day from 9 AM to 5 PM through the desert arroyos and canyons. The tours are more ecologically oriented than most, and guides point out geological formations and desert plants. Prices start at $50 per person.

Tours are almost always full at Baja's ATVs (Blvd. Marina, behind Tesoro Hotel. 624/143-2050), so reserve a day in advance. Try the 9 AM or 12:30 PM departure for the lighthouse tour; the 4 PM tour is the most crowded and it returns at dark along some main roads. (ATVs kick up a lot of dust, reducing night visibility considerably.) A Candelaria trip leaves at 9 AM daily.

Cabo's Moto Rent (Av. Cárdenas in front of Puerto Paraíso. 624/143-0808) offers a desert tour and a beach tour at Playa Migriño on the Pacific, along with the lighthouse and Candelaria tours. ATV rentals are available. Tio Sports (Playa Médano. 624/143-3399) has tours that take you out to the lighthouse and trips out to La Candelaria.