Los Angeles to Los Barilles

Spent last Christmas and New Years in San Felipe

Want to spend this year in Los Barriles.

Leaving from Los Angeles. Plan to make the trip in 2.5 days, traveling only from late dawn to very early dusk.

What do I need to know?

Is there a list of locations (with distance) for the Pemex stations?

Anyone have a recommendation for a portable GPS system which includes Mexico maps?

I'm driving an FJ Cruiser (4WD), pulling a 19ft Airstream. What areas (if any) should I expect any problems?

Plan to stop in San Ignacio overnight. Anyone know if the accommodations in San Ignacio (Rice and Beans?) allows a [well-behaved] dog in the room (willing to do a pet deposit, if needed)

Saw the news about nine more murders in Tijuana over the weekend. How far south do I need to be to stop worrying?

Does anyone offer / sell a detailed listing of points-of-interest for this trip (mostly Pemex, lodging, restaurants) or maybe suggestions from the forum members?

Open to any and all suggestions, although I may only listen to the helpful ones



Thanks in advance for the help!

gb3

Quote:

Originally posted by socalrat Spent last Christmas and New Years in San Felipe Want to spend this year in Los Barriles. Leaving from Los Angeles. Plan to make the trip in 2.5 days, traveling only from late dawn to very early dusk. What do I need to know? Is there a list of locations (with distance) for the Pemex stations? Anyone have a recommendation for a portable GPS system which includes Mexico maps? I'm driving an FJ Cruiser (4WD), pulling a 19ft Airstream. What areas (if any) should I expect any problems? Plan to stop in San Ignacio overnight. Anyone know if the accommodations in San Ignacio (Rice and Beans?) allows a [well-behaved] dog in the room (willing to do a pet deposit, if needed) Saw the news about nine more murders in Tijuana over the weekend. How far south do I need to be to stop worrying? Does anyone offer / sell a detailed listing of points-of-interest for this trip (mostly Pemex, lodging, restaurants) or maybe suggestions from the forum members? Open to any and all suggestions, although I may only listen to the helpful ones Thanks in advance for the help! gb3

GPS

"Thinking out of San Ignacio in the pre-dawn will get me to Los Barriles by late dusk. Sound right?"

And miss their breakfast ????
That's the only problem with that scenario !!
Maybe they'll prepare you a basket to go ??

And yes, BajaCactus takes dogs but asks you to keep them off the beds.
They even take reservations by email.

Yes, a pet can stay in your room at Baja Cactus if it stays off the bed! Any problems from the staff, ask for 'Antonio'... he is always reachable on Nextel, even when he's in Tijuana... Tell him you are a Baja Nomad (he is as well) and David K (and others) said a pet in the room that behaves and stays on the floor would be fine.

I thought you had kids, that's why I thought you wanted a motel room instead of staying in the trailer, on the way down... The desert is still great in Baja Norte... worth seeing.

Rancho Santa Ynez (Ines) was once a great place to park your RV for the night or stay in their comfy bunk house... Word is that is no more... not even serving food at the cantina...? It is one mile south of Cataviña, and one mile in on a paved driveway... A historic checkpoint in the old Baja dirt road days and the original Baja 500 and 1000 races before the highway, and a few times since.

Gasoline out of the cans is fine... they get their gas from the same Pemex you will use... they add about a dollar per gallon for the service of having it where there is no station anymore (in front of the closed up Pemex stations built when the highway was completed). I have used them several times in my new Tacomas... no problems.

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver "Thinking out of San Ignacio in the pre-dawn will get me to Los Barriles by late dusk. Sound right?" And miss their breakfast ???? That's the only problem with that scenario !! Maybe they'll prepare you a basket to go ?? And yes, BajaCactus takes dogs but asks you to keep them off the beds. They even take reservations by email.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Yes, a pet can stay in your room at Baja Cactus if it stays off the bed! Any problems from the staff, ask for 'Antonio'... he is always reachable on Nextel, even when he's in Tijuana... Tell him you are a Baja Nomad (he is as well) and David K (and others) said a pet in the room that behaves and stays on the floor would be fine.

somewhere around here? bahia conception.

Socalrat

Planning and travel itineraries are a good thing. All replies posted thus far are right on the money (IMHO). The only thing I might add is keep in mind that your trip plan is a guideline, not a mandate. Often times the best of plans go flying out the window and land on the thorns of a roadside cactus. After all, it is Baja. There are too many variables that can alter or completely change your itinerary, things you might never of planned for. Broken lug as a result of a flat tire, engine trouble, NO gas, NO electricity to pump the gas, road delays, closed restaurants or hotels (that were open the previous day). It’s all good, you’ll be on your way soon.

My recommendations are simple.

1. Note the distances and estimated travel times between towns/stops on your map.

2. Review the distance/time to the next town/stop before you leave current town/stop. Check your watch.

3. Top off your fuel tank at EVERY opportunity . Carry 5 gal emergency fuel. If you don’t use it, you might make a life long friend helping someone else stranded along the way.

4. If you do not know Spanish, a simple question to ask the gas station attendant is
“tu sabes si hay gasoline en (next town)? Estas seguro?
Do you know if there is gas in (next town) ? Are you sure?
They will most likely say ‘si’ whether they really know or not, but it can ease any worry (for awhile, anyway).

5. Make friends with all other travelers you meet. It’s the best source to find out what might await you on down the road.

6. There are always good food stops within walking distance of most every fuel stop.

7. Early starts usually make for a less stressful day.

8. Remember, your itinerary is a guideline and not a mandate. Don’t push yourself.

If you try to bite off more than what you can chew, you might get bit back…..hard.

Have a great trip. Can’t wait to see your trip report and pictures.

p.s. Watch out for those darn bicyclists hiding on the blind curves.



.

During Baja Grande last week, I spoke with the gentleman selling gasoline from Gerry Cans across the street from the Desert Inn in Cataviña. The cans looked well-used, but served their purpose well. I doubt the gasoline is contaminated, unless these metal cans contain rust in the bottom. The nozzle for the cans should contain a screen to keep rust from entering your gas tank. You could also use a rag as a precaution.

The elderly man is outdoors at the row of speedbumps as you enter Cataviña on your left (east side) of the street -- DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY. This is 72 miles from El Rosario. I believe with an extra 10 gallons of gasoline (CASH ONLY), you will be all set/ready to roll until you make it to Jesus Maria (Jesus Mary). Avoid Guerrero Negro because, last week, there was only 1 Pemex station open in town, and a looong line of patrons - which would delay your arrival to your next stop. Jesus Maria is fast, the Tamale Shop next door to the Pemex is also fast, and you can gas up again in San Ignacio as well.

There is a small Restaurante just south of the Pemex there where you can eat home made Tamales - which are good, filling, and safe. I ate 5 tamales (chicken), and I wished I had more. Excellent fast food which will cover you until you reach San Ignacio or Santa Rosalita. Have fun...Baja awaits!

[Edited on 12-4-2008 by Ken Cooke]

If you get hungry in Cataviña, the only place for REAL FOOD is at the Desert Inn. You'll see cheap people stumble across the street to the restaurant that reads 'RESTAURANT' on the left side of the street across from the Desert Inn in search of some way to save a buck, but the restrooms there are sick, you have to wash your hands out of a pool of polluted water about waist high, and the beans are made w/lard & the food covered in butter. Not exactly low in cholesterol.

You'll pay about $12 per person for your meal at the Desert Inn, but walk away feeling that Baja feeling in your tummy. Go to the other place, and you'll be reminding your wife where you stopped...(phew!)

here's the tamale spot, AKA Carmelita's. 75 feet south of the pemex in jesus maria. seen here with my back to the pemex and the hiway on the right.GREAT chicken tamales. grab 10 (they aren't huge) and 2 cokes to go and you'll be set for the rest of the day.

edit: foto

[Edited on 12-4-2008 by woody in ob]

The restaurant is closed. I would avoid it due to the fact that the water is turned off on the property during the day.

The motel you speak of had no hot water in the motel rooms. This might be a concern for restaurant workers trying to wash their hands before preparing your food, also.

The motel was rife with c-ckroaches. Unintended guests to return home w/you?

The motel staff was short-tempered, perhaps due to the poor services available. Lack of water during the day, cold showers, toilets that didn't work due to lack of water, inability to wash hands, etc.

If you stay in El Rosario instead, you can spend THE EXACTLY SAME AMOUNT OF $$$ (approx. $27.50) and stay in relative LUXURY at Baja Cactus Motel. Trust me, you'll be so happy you did.

I recall that we were there at the same time Diane. Jill and I were taking our blue Jeep Cherokee down to Buena Vista.......dt



[Edited on 12-4-2008 by dtbushpilot]

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot I recall that we were there at the same time Diane. Jill and I were taking our blue Jeep Cherokee down to Buena Vista.......dt [Edited on 12-4-2008 by dtbushpilot]

Okay then...I'll start saving old mayonnaise jars now.



gb3

It is getting too dark to drive before 5 pm (soon).

El Rosario to Cataviña is 76 miles and is a slow drive with the construction and curves... so at least 2 hours towing...

That (to me) means if you get to El Rosario at 3 pm or later, STOP and stay at Baja Cactus after you top your tanks (last Pemex for 200 miles).

The price Ken quoted must be for payment in Pesos? Those rooms are a bargain at $40... But under $30 are a steal!

I have driven that road many times, towing a 27ft. travel trailer.
I would stage close to the border prior to crossing, I use Potrero near Tecate but have used the K.O.A. in Chula Vista. Get an early start and try to make it to Cativina the first day, El Rosario is not far enough for the first day. Rancho Santa Ines is a great place to stay, if you can sleep a night in the trailer. Day two on to Loreto. Day three on to Los Barriles, easy day, stop in La Paz, load up on supplies at one of the Big Super Markets then on to L.B.
As far as shops being closed and being disapointed

1) He obviously does not want to stay in the trailer, from reading his questions and replies... so, Santa Ynez camping is out (plus it was reported no caretakers there at night). The Desert Inn is $$$ and the other place is a dump with no hot water or any water at times (per last week report). The next motel is at the Eagle Monument or L.A. Bay...

So, let the guy get some rest at Baja Cactus then he can make San Ignacio (316 miles) or even Mulege (399 miles) easily the next day.

San Ignacio to La Paz is 387 miles/ Mulege to La Paz is 303 miles... Los Barriles is what, 68 miles from La Paz?

Besides, the Baja Cactus showers are the best in Mexico! Unlimited hot, pressure boostedwater and room to party!

[Edited on 12-5-2008 by David K]

David,
1) He said he wants to make it in three days to L.B.
If he doesn't want to stay at St Ines he can pay for a room, of his choosing in Cativina.
2)I know you want to give Antonio the biz, and is a great place to stay, but it is not far enough South to achive his objective.
3) How many times have you driven this road towing a trailer this far South....................................

Yes Uno Mas... I know...

We have given him all the options and opinions, so he is totally aware... That's the best we can do... The rest is up to him to discover and figure out.

I only hope that he and his lady discover the beauty of Baja isn't all in the Cape region... So many zoom through some fantastic areas just to GET THERE (Cabo or East cape)!

At least we succeeded in changing a 2 day suicide plan to a 3 day rush trip.

Fallback plan

We love it there (Bahia Concepcion, at El Requeson)!