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pwrslider
Newbie
Posts: 16
Registered: 6-25-2009
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Driving to Cabo and back....help
What better way for a noob to interject himself into a board and ask a question that's probably been answered 1000's of times.... but here goes ( as I
put on my flame retardant suit...)
I am planning on driving from SF to Cabo and back late July to mid August...bringin kids and dog with me. ( yes..I have kid passports and will get the
health cert. for the dog.)
In recent weeks...I've been flooded with Travel Alerts from a bunch of different agencies advising not to travel to Baja due to increased cartel
shoot-outs, corrupt police and bandits on the highway looking to car-jack. I live in Oakland and am well aware of the effect of negative press...(
issues in a small area do not make the entire area a war zone...).
I've driven this route in the mid 90's and had a GREAT time...but without kids..and in a beat up ole pick up truck. This trip will be in a fairly new
GMC Denali.
Here's the question:
1. Is it still safe to make the drive?
2. Would it be wiser to go thru Tecate than TJ?
3. At what point is it safe to breathe...San Ignatious....or beyond?
We are staying at a family owned condo just outside of Cabo..
Any help would be great..especially by someone who has recently made the trip....and yes...I will be purusing the road and ride reports shortly.
I am thinking that all this press has only done one thing...and that is to reduce the amount of tourists driving down.....and I don't think violence
is an issue...but would love to hear from those that know.
thanks!
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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Safe to make the drive? You bet! Just keep it between the ditches. The kids and the dog will keep their eyes wide open for you. You're fixen to have
some fun.
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4177
Registered: 3-27-2004
Location: La Paz
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Mood: mellow
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Just made the trip last week, nothing to worry about just do it.
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
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rpleger
Super Nomad
Posts: 1087
Registered: 3-12-2005
Location: H. Mulegé, BCS
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Mood: Was good.
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Come on down, the interstate is smooth, no traffic below El Rosaro, A little hot but you and your family should have a great time in Cabo. Baja is
still great...
Richard on the Hill
*ABROAD*, adj. At war with savages and idiots. To be a Frenchman abroad is to
be miserable; to be an American abroad is to make others miserable.
-- Ambrose Bierce, _The Enlarged Devil\'s Dictionary_
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oxxo
Banned
Posts: 2347
Registered: 5-17-2006
Location: Wherever I am, I'm there
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Mood: If I was feeling any better, I'd be twins!
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We have made the round trip drive from SoCal to Cabo 12 times in the last three years. Never a problem.
| Quote: | Originally posted by pwrslider
Here's the question:
1. Is it still safe to make the drive?
2. Would it be wiser to go thru Tecate than TJ?
3. At what point is it safe to breathe...San Ignatious....or beyond? |
1. Yes it is safe, just don't drive after sundown, too many cows and goats in the road after dark.
2. We always go through Tecate because it is more convenient and quicker for us.
3. We start breathing as soon as we cross the border! Then we start singing when we get that first fish taco in Ensenada!
There is some sporadic violence in Mexico, but it is aimed primarily at Mexicans and primarily in TJ. Just slow down on the narrow road and don't
pass on a curve.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64837
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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What oxxo said!
(it can't be any worse than Oakland, downtown, at night!)
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pwrslider
Newbie
Posts: 16
Registered: 6-25-2009
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Ha...you guys are great!! Thanks for the posts!!! Guess I'll take off that flame suit now.....
As the trip gets closer...I'll let you know where I'll be along the way....to buy a cold beer or two for those nearby!
THANKS
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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We're (wife, 10 month old, and two cats) leaving tomorrow morning for Bahia Asuncion. We usually cross San Ysidro about 4:45am, get our FMTs, and are
on the road by 5:15. We pick up pesos at third toll booth, stop for breakfast at La Missiones in San Quintin, gas up in El Rosario and then again in
Vizcaino before turning off for Bahia Asuncion. We arrive just before sunset....
Go have a good time and don't worry about the naysayers. I usually relax about the first toll booth, a little more past Ensenada, and then completely
at the Vizcaino turn-off.....
I look forward to a trip report.
zac
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oxxo
Banned
Posts: 2347
Registered: 5-17-2006
Location: Wherever I am, I'm there
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Mood: If I was feeling any better, I'd be twins!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by pwrslider
We are staying at a family owned condo just outside of Cabo.. |
| Quote: |
I'll let you know where I'll be along the way....to buy a cold beer or two for those nearby! |
I live full time in a "condo just outside of Cabo." I prefer either Tecate or Pacifico. 
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BajaNuts
Super Nomad
Posts: 1085
Registered: 5-11-2008
Location: eastern WA, the DRY side
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Mood: no worry, no hurry....it's all good!
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welcome, 'slider!
Just want to emphasize, or point out specifically, something Bajaboy said.
Make sure you stop AT THE BORDER to get your FMT's. I got a green light at the border, so I drove on through, out to TJ and kept on driving.....all
the way to La Paz before anyone mentioned FMT. OOOPS! Got lucky in that I didn't get stopped anywhere or asked for papers.
Other than that, there's lots of posts about safe driving tips and all that.
HAVE FUN!
edit for spelling
[Edited on 6-29-2009 by BajaNuts]
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Curt63
Super Nomad
Posts: 1171
Registered: 3-28-2009
Location: San Diego, Ca.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Fish tacos and Tecate
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You will have quite an adventure. I just got back. A few points.
Dont drive at night
Get your visa stamped immediately after you cross into Mex. If you dont, your Mex insur is invalid and you are in trouble if any authorities start
asking a lot of questions)
I prefer Tecate border crossing especially for the return
Dont take any drugs or associate with those that do
Greet/wave to people, be humble, friendly and kind - they are a wonderful people
Bring English/Spanish dictionary, maps, AAA Travel book
Have vehicle checked out/ good tires!!!!!
Dangers - narrow road, stingrays, sunburn
Empty your memory card and take a zillion pictures
Buy some cheezy souvenirs and pick up some shells
Adventures - around every corner
Enjoy!
No worries
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bajagrouper
Senior Nomad
Posts: 964
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico
Member Is Offline
Mood: happy and retired
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Welcome aboard, You do not need a health cert. for a dog unless he is flying, all you need is a vaccination record from your vet showing all shots are
current...have fun
I hear the whales song
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pwrslider
Newbie
Posts: 16
Registered: 6-25-2009
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again..thanks to all..
Curt.....great advice..I'll heed them all!!
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mulegemichael
Super Nomad
Posts: 2310
Registered: 12-24-2007
Location: sequim,wa. and mulege
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Mood: up on step
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just made the trip north to washington from mulege last week...no problems, nada!!...just a wonderfully beautiful drive...go slow on the sharp
mountain curves and look waaaaaaay ahead for big rigs comin atcha..have a blast!
dyslexia is never having to say you\'re yrros.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Trip Info
Get yourself a SPOT and have fun!!!!!
http://www.findmespot.com/en/
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pwrslider
Newbie
Posts: 16
Registered: 6-25-2009
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One more thing....I've read other articles and posts on some other boards about the possibility of PEMEX stations being few and far between...and or
closed down. Some even recommend carrying 5-10 gal. of gas in the car....
Is this still the case..or are there enough open not to really worry about it. My GMC gets about 300 miles per tank....
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pwrslider
Newbie
Posts: 16
Registered: 6-25-2009
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I was thinking a good stopping point from the border south..would be San Ignacious...for the night. That way I can take in the sights of the drive
and not have to beat feet all the way to Mulege...?
Are most of the hotels...like La Pinta dog friendly.....or does anyone have any good recommendations for hotels?
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wondering what is next???
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Things are now a lot better, but would not recommend stopping for any reason before Santo Tomas...good place for gas, food, drinks and toilets. If you
fill in US you will not need gas until El Rosario.(213 miles) There are Pemexes everywhere....the exception is between El Rosario and Guerrero Negro.
(225 miles)
IMO you should not drive more then 250 miles a day. This will put you and your family in a great adventure mood...and time to enjoy more of Baja. Also
it will put you at each stop early afternoon and lots of choices for rooms and time to explore...this is a 4 day trip.
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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oxxo
Banned
Posts: 2347
Registered: 5-17-2006
Location: Wherever I am, I'm there
Member Is Offline
Mood: If I was feeling any better, I'd be twins!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by pwrslider
the possibility of PEMEX stations being few and far between...and or closed down. |
I make the following stops for gas, all approximately 200 miles and 4 hours apart:
Border
El Rosario
Guererro Negro
Loreto
La Paz
Cabo (about 2.5 hours)
Never a problem with fuel at these stops. You don't need to carry extra cans.
We spend the night in GN.
[Edited on 6-30-2009 by oxxo]
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wondering what is next???
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| Quote: |
We spend the night in GN.
[Edited on 6-30-2009 by oxxo] |
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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