cabo san lucas — Blog — Jenn Chan Photography

Wild Canyon Adventures, Los Cabos / March 24, 2016 by Jenn Chan

Only 20 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas lies a small, adventure-filled oasis in the middle of the Mexican desert. While the competition must truck their clients an hour each way outside of Cabo, and chooses to never breathe a word of these logistical challenges before their clients sign on, Wild Canyon chooses not to tout their clear locational advantage. That humility and goodwill resonate throughout the grounds.

Their incredibly friendly staff greet you curb side at your resort and your adventure begins. It's a short ride to their 100 acre park along the pristine coastline most of the way and then inland past large, multi-pronged cacti, roadrunners and coyotes.

Upon arrival at the Wild Canyon welcome desk you are met with a plethora of adventure options: ATV tours, zip-line adventures, animal sanctuary, bungee jumping, camel rides and a 200 foot tandem swing suspending 400 feet in the air. For a full day fee you can partake in all the activities and save hundreds of dollars!

The full day's activities start out with a majestic camel ride through a dried out river bed. The journey winds through a sun-parched desert passage atop a mythical beast few get a chance to touch let alone ride. Keen eyes are kept sharply on the look out for roadrunners and wily coyotes. After the ride, a friendly visit with the camels is next. There are pets and kisses and feedings and bonds are made.

Next on the agenda is a walk through the animal sanctuary. First stop is a walk through the lovebird cage where, with a handful of bird seed, you are descended upon by dozens of brightly coloured birds who gently pull the seeds from your palms. From there it is an interaction with almost 100 Iguanas, pregnant mothers and dozens of babies scamper about their habitat. After that a visit with their reptile cousins the crocodile and alligator beacon from an adjacent pool. Best friends, companions and lovers with hybrid crocogator offspring swim peacefully in a still pool. The small foot bridge places you in the center of the action, close enough to make eye contact with the prehistoric beasts.

There are ATV tours and then there are Wild Canyon ATV tours. Zig zagging through sand dunes and along hillside paths it is easy to get lost in time. After hauling along several straight aways and meandering through winding, custom made ATV trails you find yourself... At the ocean! Careening along the beautiful, white sand beach and past the crystal blue water you stop on a small cliff for a well deserved water break. After a short while, and with your adrenaline starting to come back to Earth, you jump back on the powerful Honda machines and it's back into a gated-off, custom ATV course. Unlike other Cabo ATV tours Wild Canyon's take place completely on private property ensuring you won't run into 2-3 other large groups as is the case with their competition. This makes the journey safer and more exclusive. The end of the adventure is absolutely breathtaking! You finish the excursion by traversing a 500 foot long, 400 foot high suspension bridge. Don't look down!

ATV Riding Across Los Cabos Canyon Bridge

Wild Canyon boasts the best cable-based adventure options in Los Cabos. Justin Beiber can attest to the quality and quantity of the attractions having been one of many celebrity guests! You start with 8 high speed zip lines zooming past vultures circling in anticipation of your high altitude demise. Beer and water stations are scattered throughout the scenic course.

Last, but not least, is the jewel of the Wild Canyon experience! After a few cervezas at the famous Lion's Den restaurant to build up your courage you are ushered to a small, open-air gondola which transports you to the large, cable-suspended, glass bottom gondola. There are 2 options from there to further invigorate your spirit: a 200 foot long, tandem swing suspended 400 feet in the air and an intense bungee jump straight towards the white marble valley floor.

Gondola transported us to the suspended Glass-bottom Gondola

Free-falling on the Sling Swinger - never been more scared in my life!

The moment before jumping off - Bungee Bomber

Thank you Wild Canyon Adventures for your hospitality and showing us an incredibly fun & thrilling day!

Words By: Scott Allan
Photos: Jenn Chan

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica - Los Cabos / March 21, 2016 by Jenn Chan

Immediately upon arriving at the luxurious Pueblo Bonito Pacifica a sense of calm quickly envelopes you. The spacious lobby, with its distinctive spa-like fragrance and serene, round wading pool mirrored by a large round skylight, is warm and inviting. It quickly becomes clear how Pacifica earned its 5-star rating as you are greeted by their warm, effusive staff. Each room boasts fantastic ocean views, are very well appointed and fully stocked with all the essentials. The view from the extremely comfortable deck chairs is nothing short of awe inspiring. Being lucky enough to watch the sunrise from the spacious patio will leave an indelible mark on you.

Each dish sampled at any of their 3 onsite restaurants exceeded expectations. From the New York steak or tuna tartare at Siempre to the divine nigiri and delicious sushi rolls at Pescados and even a simple ceviche poolside at Aire are all done with extra care and attention and with the highest quality ingredients. Top shelf liquor is included in the all inclusive price and a nice Crown Royal Whiskey neat was a welcomed treat after a long day of sun and sand.

One of the 2 pools at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica

The grounds are meticulously maintained and Pacifica boasts one the best swim-up bars in Mexico. The hot tub was kept at the perfect temperature and the fire pits proved to be a favourite meeting place for resort’s the well heeled guests. Calm permeates the grounds, relaxation ensues.

Perfectly rolled up towels on pool loungers

The Armonia spa is the heart of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica. As soon as you walk into the smartly decorated spa lobby you feel pampered. Low, tranquil music plays, friendly staff welcome you and large glass pitchers of iced tea are on hand as you hunker down into one of the very comfortable lobby chairs. The lobby is an oasis of unique, high-end beauty and health products and browsing them while you treatment room is prepared makes the time slip quickly away.

Once you pass the threshold of the gender-specific treatment area candlelight envelopes you and your eyes slowly adjust to the warm, castle-like ambience. The changing rooms are well appointed with beautiful private showers featuring rain shower heads and all the toiletries you would need to get back to the day. Around the next corner is a large jacuzzi tub, sauna and splash pool surrounded by Greek columns and beautiful art. Here you wait and loosen up for the massage or luxurious facial you have reserved with their wonderful staff.

Each treatment room is VIP and you will feel like a very important person. The staff are true professionals and I felt as loose and fluffy as a bright white cloud in the sky as I sauntered out a few hours later. Armonia is a true 5-star spa inside of a wonderful 5-star resort which will leave you feeling like $1,000,000.

Aerial of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica at Sunset

Balcony Views of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica at Night

Thank you so much Pueblo Bonito for hosting us in Los Cabos - we had an amazing time, and got our much needed R&R during our stay!

Words: Scott Allan
Photography: Jenn Chan