BajaNomad

Suggestions?

bajadock - 9-12-2007 at 08:40 AM

Hello Denaca, welcome,
Big question, but, I'll throw one suggestion that worked for me on my first Baja adventure last september. Moon handbooks' "BAJA" by Joe Cummings.

I came, saw, bought, stayed, built and have years of exploration in Baja ahead.

Best wishes on a fun vacation.

Mango - 9-12-2007 at 08:42 AM

Unlike most of Mexico and Central America, public transportation is very limited in Baja. So plan on using a private vehicle, unless you don't want to move around much or are OK with waiting hours or days in the desert alone to hitchhike.

Then main bus terminal to look into would be in TJ, since the Mexicali terminal is really only convenient to San Felipe and the mainland.

If you want to keep things cheap, then camp. Anything around tourist areas will cost you.

My best suggestion to find places to go is get a good map of Baja, then start typing in place names on the search feature here and elsewhere. "Baja Almanac" is about the best map you can get for baja; but, it is hard to find.

A few of the users here have websites that you may find useful. David K's site comes to mind first off.

http://www.davidksbaja.com/

Bajame - 9-12-2007 at 09:30 AM

Hola!
When you get down to San Ignaico area email me @ sevaben@hotmail.com and I will take you to some great places! Welcome aboard! The Baja 1000 gets off in Nov so there will be lots going on. I will be camping most of Nov with friends. Bajame

David K - 9-12-2007 at 09:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mango
Unlike most of Mexico and Central America, public transportation is very limited in Baja. So plan on using a private vehicle, unless you don't want to move around much or are OK with waiting hours or days in the desert alone to hitchhike.

Then main bus terminal to look into would be in TJ, since the Mexicali terminal is really only convenient to San Felipe and the mainland.

If you want to keep things cheap, then camp. Anything around tourist areas will cost you.

My best suggestion to find places to go is get a good map of Baja, then start typing in place names on the search feature here and elsewhere. "Baja Almanac" is about the best map you can get for baja; but, it is hard to find.

A few of the users here have websites that you may find useful. David K's site comes to mind first off.

http://www.davidksbaja.com/


Thanks Mango... the newer URL to my site is http://vivabaja.com but the old one still works, too.

Denaca, I would suggest Bahia Asuncion for what you seek!

shari - 9-12-2007 at 09:39 AM

Welcome to this board Denaca, you came to the right place for suggestions! I totally understand your dilema...I invite you to come and visit our village where you can camp or stay here at our B&B, we'll work out a deal or trade and we will introduce you to our family and amigos (all mexican) they love to meet new people too. It is a safe, beautiful place on the ocean with lots to do and see. We look forward to meeting you and turning you on to this little paradise.

Denaca - 9-12-2007 at 01:33 PM

Thanks for the responses.

Mango,
At this time i drive a Jeep Cherokee.

Mango - 9-12-2007 at 02:22 PM

Your Jeep should be perfect for Baja. Just remember to get insurance for it and to take it slow on the paved and unpaved roads. Having traveled throughout Mexico and Central America, I am sure you have seen some interesting "roads" and hazards. Baja is no exception.

Take a good spare tire, a puncture repair kit, air compressor to fill your tires back up if you need to air them down for sand, and some basic tools.

And always.. lots of water to wait out any breakdown in the boondocks until help passes by.

How much time do you have to explore? That might be a big factor in where you can/will go.

I'm planning on getting down to Shari's place sometime this winter if my girl can get enough time off of work. There are some great people out there... just bring a good vibe and you should get one back.

If around Bahia de los Angles.... check out the Mission San Borja. If tent camping in BOLA.. I found the camping at Antonio's (just north of town, hot showers, good host w/nice guard dogs that sleep near your tent, and palapas) to be a good alternative to the RV camping that is so prevalent elsewhere...I am sure there are other good alternatives in the area.

Where will you be crossing the border/coming from? The road south of Puertocitos to Hwy 1 is a great drive.. albeit, slow.

Denaca - 9-24-2007 at 07:54 AM

Mango - I will put off a trip until spring of 2008.
I'd leave from Berkeley and likely cross at San Ysidro (preferably very early in the morning). From there, no hurry.

Hook - 9-24-2007 at 08:52 AM

Did Denaca's original post disappear from this thread? I show Bajadock as the first.

Denaca - 9-24-2007 at 11:06 AM

I guess Denaca's original post just disappeared.
It went something like:
Have traveled throughout Mexico and Central America but not Baja. Would like suggestions. Interested in the land and wildlife, smaller communities of locals, farming, ranches, etc.