BajaNomad

Driving in to Baja

haleyes - 1-13-2009 at 04:55 PM

This is my first time to drive in to Baja, going tp G. Neg. Which entry point is best coming from New Mexico?
Driving a Nissan XTerra.
Thanks

BajaGringo - 1-13-2009 at 05:27 PM

I always cross at San Ysidro, others at Otay Mesa and some swear by Tecate. How familiar are you with the area???

shari - 1-13-2009 at 05:34 PM

hey there haleyes...welcome to nomadlandia....good for you for joining the team...I hope you get the answers you need and we look forward to your posts from your trip.
oh by the way...bajagringo doesnt look anything like his avatar...

gee bgringo...I so loved the last hunky avatar...get some glasses on that guy for gosh sakes...

Bajahowodd - 1-13-2009 at 05:38 PM

That's a tough one from New Mexico. Entry at Mexicali lets you drive Mex 2 to the Tecate road South to Ensenada. However, you don't say what sort of vehicle you are driving, or whether you have exerience on dirt roads. Because, you may be able to go down through San Felipe.

TMW - 1-13-2009 at 05:50 PM

From New Mexico there are several places to cross. San Luis, south of Yuma. Mexicali is easy too both the east entry and the regular entry. It's paved to San Felipe and Puertecitos. Take these if you want an off highway rough road adventure down by Gonzaga Bay, around Coco's Corner to hwy 1. For a paved road all the way. I'd cross at Tecate and take hwy 3 down to Ensenada and hwy 1 to GN. You can cross at Mexicali reg crossing and follow the signs for TJ and get on the toll road to Tecate or take hwy 94 from I-8 at Boulevard for a nice scenic drive to 188 to Tecate.

[Edited on 1-14-2009 by TW]

David K - 1-13-2009 at 06:06 PM

South of Puertecitos is NO FUN to drive (even in a Tacoma) right now. 3 hours to cover 45 miles... week before last.

I would do the fast and free I-8 to San Diego then I-805 south to Tijuana... pull into the 'something to declare, right hand lane (solely for your visas/ tourist cards... free if 7 days or less). Need passport or Birth Cert. + ID. Then follow the signs for PLAYAS de Tijuana/ ROSARITO/ ENSENADA CUOTA/ SCENIC ROAD Mex.1-D

It will be an experience... you may want to write a book!

Top off fuel at El Rosario as next gas station is 200 miles south. Good sleeps in El Rosario (225 miles fro Tijuana) at A-1 best in Baja: Baja Cactus Motel (next to gas station) or at the far end of town TURISTA MOTEL, brand new, clean, soft beds.

[Edited on 1-14-2009 by David K]

fishbuck - 1-13-2009 at 06:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
South of Puertecitos is NO FUN to drive (even in a Tacoma) right now. 3 hours to cover 45 miles... week before last.

I would do the fast and free I-8 to San Diego then I-805 south to Tijuana... pull into the 'something to declare, right hand lane (solely for your visas/ tourist cards... free if 7 days or less). Need passport or Birth Cert. + ID. Then follow the signs for PLAYAS de Tijuana/ ROSARITO/ ENSENADA CUOTA/ SCENIC ROAD Mex.1-D

It will be an experience... you may want to write a book!

Top off fuel at El Rosario as next gas station is 200 miles south. Good sleeps in El Rosario (225 miles fro Tijuana) at A-1 best in Baja: Baja Cactus Motel (next to gas station) or at the far end of town TURISTA MOTEL, brand new, clean, soft beds.

[Edited on 1-14-2009 by David K]


I'm going with David on this one. That is the best combination of roads that you will get. And you are coving many miles so you will need the best roads.

zforbes - 1-13-2009 at 09:01 PM

Haleyes, please check your u2u.

Zoe