BajaNomad

TJ - CABO in OCT, Newish and ready for fun..

okiebaja - 8-27-2015 at 09:38 PM

Been coming to TJ/Ensenada and surrounding for last 5 years, ready for more. Been as far south as San Vicente area. Current plan, dont have anyone who like to just take trips..

Meeting family in Cabo (they are flying) in 4 days from leaving TJ

Renting car in TJ (Alamo?) huge drop off fee, but I have limited time.

Leave TJ on Wed, Hit ensenada, Gas up, Supplies Drive Down 1 to probably San Quintin or ElRosario area. Seeing whatever is there (I have a mission outside of Ensenada I like to go to)

Head out Thur to Rosarito area

Head out Fri to Bay of Concepcion area

Head out Sat to La Paz

Head out Sun to Cabo (pickup folks at airport)

Concerns: Driving a rental CAR

Does this seem doable?

Also is it reasonable to assume it will be warm enough to swim and such in Mid October?

I would like to see Volcanoes, caves, paintings, history on this first trip so any suggestions appreciated. I have watched for years you guys talk about different things, only being able to relate to borderish stuff, hoping to broaden my horizons. Open to saying hello or bringing something down if you need it. Hoping to someday buy a small plot here or there. Typical family doesnt like trip (they have never been to baja), and others dont want to drive down.

Looking for advice and suggestions!

Okie in Baja




AKgringo - 8-27-2015 at 10:04 PM

On your way to SJD airport to pick up your family, leave enough time to check out Los Barriles. You did not say what ages your family group is, or if they prefer developed resorts, or smaller villages, but that is where I hope to take my Kids and grandchildren.
The water should be plenty warm on the Cortez side in October.

[Edited on 8-28-2015 by AKgringo]

4Cata - 8-27-2015 at 10:40 PM

Waaa, no whales in October so you'll have to return. You haven't lived till you've been eye to HUGE eye with a whale who lets you stroke her baby at Scammons Lagoon. And, while you're there, get a load of the salt producing and the osprey nests. Very Cool!

BajaBlanca - 8-28-2015 at 06:12 AM

For a mission church and history: be sure to stop by SAN IGNACIO...it is the first exit after punta abreojos. Drive into the village square and park. You will see the huge mission right there. Have an ice cream at the little store on the park.

As long as it is not during her siesta time (1-4 pm),stop by Casa Leree. Jane (Juanita) has a mini museum that is very interesting. To get to her place, look for the food carts on the far corner of the park. Walk down the street to the left of the carts and on the rt you will see a light blue building. If you walk around the corner,open the gate and call out for Jane.

Meals are iffy in San Ignacio - better to plan on eating in Santa Rosalia, the next big town down highway 1. Again, there is history here too - there is a French Colonial style hotel with a beautiful view and down the main street, on the right, is a church that was designed by Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower.

Bon voyage!


Whale-ista - 8-28-2015 at 08:30 AM

A car should be fine, but something with hi clearance is better if you want to drive off the highway to see caves/paintings. Drive carefully, or instead of beating up a rental car, you might want to check with the Kuyima tour office in San Ignacio. They offer guided tours to those cave painting sites, and to see whales in season (Jan-April approx).

For details see www.kuyima.com

You don't list San Ignacio in your itinerary, but as Blanca says- San Ignacio is a beautiful mission town, with an incredible oasis, and Casa Leree is fun. The food is a challenge- not sure if Rene's is open then. They are a wonderful restaurant, but only open certain months.

You could stay at the yurts on the water (Ignacio Springs BnB, www.ignaciosprings.com)- they serve a tasty dinner some nights.

Or try La Huerta hotel- no meals, but very nice, new, just down the street from the mission in town. One of the best new hotels in Baja, with comfortable modern rooms and wonderful water (a scarcity in many other places)

From previous Nomad posts:
"mercadolahuertasanignacio@hotmail.com

The phone number is good: from USA 011 52 615 154-0016."

The oasis is a good mid-point before heading to the Cortez side, and a nice way to break up the drive.
Enjoy!

David K - 8-28-2015 at 08:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
For a mission church and history: be sure to stop by SAN IGNACIO...it is the first exit after punta abreojos. Drive into the village square and park. You will see the huge mission right there. Have an ice cream at the little store on the park.

As long as it is not during her siesta time (1-4 pm),stop by Casa Leree. Jane (Juanita) has a mini museum that is very interesting. To get to her place, look for the food carts on the far corner of the park. Walk down the street to the left of the carts and on the rt you will see a light blue building. If you walk around the corner,open the gate and call out for Jane.

Meals are iffy in San Ignacio - better to plan on eating in Santa Rosalia, the next big town down highway 1. Again, there is history here too - there is a French Colonial style hotel with a beautiful view and down the main street, on the right, is a church that was designed by Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower.

Bon voyage!






okiebaja - 8-28-2015 at 09:01 PM

I will do my best to get a picture in front of all of those places.

I will try to adjust, I appreciate all recommendations. I am also thinking of going to COCO's place, looks so interesting on the boards.

Any other advise appreciated!

David K - 8-30-2015 at 07:14 AM

Until the new road is built around it, Coco's Corner can't be missed... His speed bumps in front of his place make sure of that! We usually take a break there and hopefully Coco is home to sell us a beer, tee shirt, or sticker! He tells some good stories too!


Baja Angel and Coco in July, 2015


Baja Angel and Coco in Jan., 2005 (before Coco lost his second leg)