BajaNomad - From SF Bay to Finisterra and back

From SF Bay to Finisterra and back – Advice?

MarkR. - 6-21-2009 at 02:12 PM

Nomad newbies here and we’re planning a trip down for two weeks in July and hoping to get some insights, suggestions, and answers to some specific questions. We’ve seen people here asking for input but then not giving enough information about their background, their plans, what they’re looking for, what actives they enjoy, so I’m going to risk giving too much information – sorry in advance for how verbose this might get…

Ok, first a little about us: I hadn’t really ever been to Mexico (other than a few stops on cruises - so had never really been to Mexico) until 5 years ago – and haven’t got further south than Guadalupe Valley -- but my wife (LisaR.) has been going to Mexico since she was a kid. And mostly only as far south as Ensenada but 8 or 9 years ago she and girlfriend drove down as far as Bahia Concepcion.

For the five years we’ve been together, Lisa as been talking about driving further down Baja. And last month when we were trying to figure out what to do for this summer’s vacation, again Lisa said lets drive on down into Baja. Now we had just stopped in Cabo/ Mazatlan/Porta Vallarta on a cruise in April so our appetites were wet for Mexico. And I had just read “The Log from the Sea of Cortez” so when Lisa said lets go this year I was ready to say lets do it.

As we’re only going to have two weeks we decided that this would be a “survey” trip: drive all the way down and back; not staying anywhere very long and find the places we’ll want to come back to in the future. We’re not “resort people” but not really “camp on the beach for two weeks of fishing people” either, so we’re planning on inexpensive hotels – we’re bringing camp gear but more as a precaution. What we’ll be looking for are great beaches, good easy snorkeling, easy kayaking, great vistas, history, and our favorite Mexican activates: eating/shopping/drinking!

I’m a little concerned about the heat (hey, I’m from Alaska, I left twenty years ago but my blood is still awfully thick), I’ve got family in Bakersfield, CA have spent plenty of time in that summer heat so I think I’ll be able to hang – but three years ago we went to Playa del Carmen for our honeymoon in July and heat there about killed me – I’m hoping the “dry” Baja heat will be a little easier to take.

Ok, what we have planned to far:

- Leave Bay Area Friday afternoon and spend the night somewhere south of LA.
- Cross border in the morning, stopping to get tourist cards, and Saturday night in Ensenada
- On to El Rosario Sunday - La Bufadora , Santo Tomas on the way. Maybe Baja Cactus Sunday night
- Monday morning, Mission and museum in El Rosario de Abajo then on to Bahia de Los Angeles – thinking maybe Costa del Sol – stay two nights.
- Wednesday morning leave BoLA (we’re figuring with a heavy heart) head to Mulege or Bahia Concepcion for two nights
- Head down to La Paz Friday stay two nights
- Sunday do the “Cabo Loop” - stop in Todos Santos, passing by Cabo San Lucas, stay the night in San Jose del Cabo

And that’s about all we’re sure about. We need to be back in San Diego by the Saturday.

Now for some questions:

1) Last time Lisa was in Ensenada she just drove up Ave. Lopez Mateos and found a cheap room with no problem – is that still likely on a Saturday afternoon mid-July?

2) BoLA: Will we have any problems renting Kayaks? We’re thinking of Costa del Sol but not set on it – just looking for inexpensive, A/C, walking distance to tacos & beer, and bay view – what do you all think?

3) Mulege/Bahia Concepcion: This is our biggest question. Lisa was absolutely taken with the Bahia Concepcion when she saw it last. She has been going on about the color of the water for years. We would love to stay on the bay itself, but options seem pretty limited, unless we camp (we’d rather not). We had planned on Hotel San Buenaventura, but after that whole turtle thing, we’re wondering if that is a good idea… Are there any other options that we haven’t heard about? (Bob and Susan, Playa Frambes sounds amazing, but it is out of our price range). What do you guys know about Campo Los Naranjos? Casa Granada and Serenidad (glad to hear the fire didn’t close it down!), do they overlook the bay itself, or more the estuary? Any ideas would be appreciated…

4) La Paz: We’re thinking Hotel Perla. Will we have a problem getting a room there on a Friday night if we don’t have reservations (we’re reluctant to make reservations, because we like the option of flexibility in our plans—for example, what if we JUST CAN’T LEAVE BoLA after 2 nights?) Anybody have a great second choice, or other suggestions for us?

5) And just any top MUST SEES, MUST DO any one wants to share for anywhere along the route.

Ok, I’ll leave this here for now – and again, sorry about the verbosity – I’m sure we’ll be back with more questions. We’re really (really, really) looking forward to this trip and want to get the absolute most out of it.

Thanks in advance for your expert advice!

Mark y Lisa R.

Cypress - 6-21-2009 at 02:34 PM

MarkR. Just take your time and enjoy the journey. Throw that schedule away. :lol:

Expert? Not by any stretch of he imagination but have been there a time or two. :biggrin:

bajajudy - 6-21-2009 at 02:37 PM

You must like to drive :cool:

However, I see nothing wrong with any of your plans. I would not stay in La Perla in La Paz but there is nothing wrong with the place.
After all that driving, I would suggest that you rest at La Playita, er, La Marina hotel in Pueblo de La Playa while in San Jose. It is just across the arroyo from town and right on the ocean. There is a protected area for swimming in the SOC(as long as it is not sat or sun, you will have the place to yourself most of the day) or a pool at the hotel. There is, also, Yuca Inn in town which is under $30 a night. I believe that you could walk into either of these places and get a room. They both know where we are, so ask for directions and stop in to see me.

LisaR. - 6-21-2009 at 02:42 PM

Thanks, bajajudy!

We have never been to La Paz, so we were basing La Perla on guide books. Where would you stay, instead?

(BTW, Mark bought some Baja books from you a few weeks ago!)

--Lisa

comitan - 6-21-2009 at 02:44 PM

Yes throw the schedule away, its a Big, mistake, just take it day by day, there are plenty of places to stay wherever you go. You'/ll enjoy your trip much better.

Bajahowodd - 6-21-2009 at 02:47 PM

The situation right now is that it is unlikely you will not find accomodations just about anywhere. There are a handfull of places that still fill up. But they are the exception. The plan to drive from BOLA to Mulege or Loreto is a long day driving. Since you have two weeks, you might wish to consider stopping at Guerrero Negro or San Ignacio. Serenidad, from all that has been posted is open and looking for business. I am in league with you on the price situation. Problem with Bob and Susan's place is that they are best for larger groups. A couple traveling together doesn't need all that space, nor the price that comes with it. Interesting to encounter your post because I had thought about writing to them with a suggestion that they add a couple of smaller accomodations at a more affordable rate for couples.

bajajudy - 6-21-2009 at 02:47 PM

Lorimar is a clean, cheap place. On Nicholas Bravo just behind Appleby's 2 blocks. That is a one way street toward the malecon, so you will have to do a circle to get there.
Please stop in if you get to San Jose. We are on the road to La Playa(look for signs to Puerto Los Cabos)

LisaR. - 6-21-2009 at 03:06 PM

I'm glad that we shouldn't have trouble finding rooms (I mean, I'm sorry for the economy and tourist industry, but you know what I mean...)

Bajahowodd, I know it is a long drive from BOLA to Mulegé, but I have stopped in GN before, and outside of whale season, there isn't much to see. We're planning on stopping in San Ignacio on the way back. I stayed there for a night 8 years ago, and it was a cute town (the missions is gorgeous!). I know that 2 weeks sounds like a long time, but we really want to maximize out time in the best places...and Mulegé is one of those! I promise not to drive at night, though!

As far as the schedule...it is more of a rough plan than anything that we feel compelled to follow. If we absolutely love it somewhere, then we just won't leave. The problem is, we are likely to just love it many places, and we do have to be home in time for Mark to be back at work on the Monday following.

Bajajudy, we will try to look you up if we make it down that far!

Thanks,
Lisa

dtbushpilot - 6-21-2009 at 03:42 PM

After BOLA you might give Asuncion (my choice) or Campo Rene on the Pacific side a try before heading on to Mulege. Bahia Conception, La Paz and Cabo will be hot in July. I find that my "low blood alcohol" condition flares up in the summer but fortunately there is no shortage of blood thinner in Baja. Throw out the schedule, take your time and have fun. Be sure to take lots of pictures to share with your new Nomad friends....dt

LisaR. - 6-21-2009 at 04:10 PM

Thanks, dt. I like the "blood thinner" plan. I'm a great believer in "anytime it's too hot, it's beer-thirty." :lol:

I grew up in So. California, plus spent a decade in Sacramento, so I'm not nearly as worried about the heat as Mark. I may have to do all the driving and administer a ballena muy fria to him every half-hour.

That's a good thought about heading over to the Pacific side after BOLA. We'll have to look into it. We've read alot about Ascuncion here on the forum and it sounds great!

Bob and Susan - 6-21-2009 at 05:56 PM

Really sorry you can’t afford our place for your vacation
but thanks for considering us…
We do have a 3-day rental minimum.

We provide a FULL breakfast…you’ll be FULL!!!
The showers are clean and BIG…no flip flops required.
The bedding is ALWAYS clean and smells like it.
Lots of room inside.

We have 5 kayaks that we let guests use…no rental fees
We have a 15-foot “bay-boat” guests can also use…no fee

Its hobie season…water is warm…
Susan is taking and teaching people sailing…no fee

The pool water is really clean…we swim in it…
others in Baja may NOT be…think about that…

We can do a load of wash for 50 pesos…washed and folded…that’s $3.70usa
Beer (Pacifico) is 10 pesos that’s 75 cents (usa) each for guests.

It really boils down to what you’re looking for in a vacation.
Swimming
Kayaking
Boating
Lay by the pool and read
Eat
Drink

I think a flight from LAX to Loreto for $409 each (today) is a lot of money…

But…
people do it ALL the time, they travel in groups of 2 or more and come from all over the USA and Canada
Then…
they rent a car $$$

The Serenidad has a special for $49 a night…
it’s good deal for the “old lady”
But its on the river and you pay for breakfast

The Orchard advertises $39 a night for the rental casita there.

Our units don’t compare with these places.
It’s like apples and oranges.

If you aren’t hauling a trailer behind the car
the drive from ensenada to mulege is an easy 12 hours :light:

Mulege to El Rosario is 7 hours :light:

Oh yea … we have air conditioning NOW!!!
Sorry no smoking …maybe a cigar (outside)…if it smells good :lol:

Bajahowodd - 6-21-2009 at 11:50 PM

No question that a schedule is not what you want when traveling Baja. I'm facing the same thing later this week. I know full well, that once I leave Guerrero Negro ( or for that matter Asuncion), I'm in for a blast of heat. A slight respite as you hit Insurgentes and Constitucion, but quickly back into the furnace. Bob & Susan. Nice ad. Seriously, if I was traveling with a group, you would be my first choice in the Mulege area. Perhaps someday. And yes. Congrats on what a wonderful job you guys have done.

David K - 6-22-2009 at 07:47 AM

Have an idea or a plan of places you want to see... but be very flexible so if you find a spot that you just got to stay longer at, you can.

Many Nomads are into fishing, and Bahia Asuncion is a fisheman's paradise... Bahia de los Angeles is another... However, you are in luck, because if you don't need to go out on a boat and fish to be happy, there are many other sites and points of interest to see and do in Baja.

Bahia Asuncion has Shari and Juan who will show you the sites and provide hospitality and comfy accomodations, and L.A. Bay has many places to stay. The Costa del Sol is not on the water, but the Villa Bahia is, north of town. Check out the options... See Mia's web site http://bahiadelosangeles.info to see the motels and other services there.

Have a fun time and relax... See the missions! When you leave Bahia de los Angele, consider detouring through Mision San Borja! It is about 20 miles shorter... but not paved. It is a good 2WD dirt road through beautiful boojum country. Bedman took some nice photos of the mission when we all went there in 2002, is L.A. Bay area pics are also included: http://vivabaja.com/bedman2

wilderone - 6-22-2009 at 09:00 AM

Depending on your vehicle, you may want to consider going to Mission San Borja after BOLA - the back way. You need a little clearance in some places, but doable. You could easily spend a couple nights there. There are nice camping spots with BBQ grills, the mission, hiking, the warm springs, visiting with the family, pictograph tour, birding.

MarkR. - 6-22-2009 at 03:05 PM

David K/wilderone - yes we'll definitely plan on Mission San Borja on the way out of BOLA - thanks! We'll be driving a 2W Hyundai Tucson so we should ok, right?

Now is a drive from BOLA, via San Borja, and on to Shari’s in Asuncion doable in a day? Everyone’s saying we need to see Asuncion so we’re think’en we need to fit it in. But unfortunately probably only a night

but we’ll see.

Thanks everyone for all the great help! Nomads are some of the coolest folks around.

wilderone - 6-22-2009 at 03:52 PM

A Tucson will be fine. I did it in a Kia Sportage. Yes, you could probably do it in a looong day - but why would you want to do that? Spend the night at San Borja and enjoy it. It's a welcome oasis after your back-country drive, and the pictograph site is pretty special if you're into that sort of thing. The drive from San Borja to Rosarito/Hwy. 1 takes at least an hour. You might want to stop off at Laguna Manuela before hitting Asuncion. Very nice coastal hike to secluded coves and sea lions. You could finish in Guerrero Negro at a hotel and some excellent food there, then on to Asuncion in the AM.

Skipjack Joe - 6-22-2009 at 04:52 PM

As a few others have brought up the heat in July will be unbelievable. You'll find yourself wanting to either be in an AC room, or car, or submerged in water. The cortez in late july and august is not like the LA area. Moving about in daytime hours can be draining. I'm not sure going to San Borja is such a good idea except for the drive itself (or at least start off early in the morning, or reach it in evening hours). The Pacific side may not have the beauty of the cortez but at least the temps will be in the low 80's.

Bring lots of liquids and plan to move from one AC motel to another once south of Santa Rosalia.

Oh yes. And get all your papers at the Discovery club before leaving to save time. And spend your first night as close to the border as possible so as to get a start as early as possible.

[Edited on 6-22-2009 by Skipjack Joe]

Bajahowodd - 6-22-2009 at 04:58 PM

Ditto on that. Very hot on the Cortez side. And with what appears to be a tropical storm/ Hurricane wannabe Andres, humidity could just add to the fun. That being said, I have a great personal affinity for the stretch of Highway one from Santa Rosalia to Tripui. Some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world.

LisaR. - 6-22-2009 at 05:19 PM

Uhhh... What papers? And what is the Discovery club?

We were planning on stopping at the border for tourist cards, are we missing something? Or are you just messin' with the newbies? I've been driving down to Baja since the '80's...Is there something I should have known all this time? :?:

rhintransit - 6-22-2009 at 05:31 PM

dry heat? I have a home in Phoenix, that's dry heat.
I have a palapa on the beach south of Loreto, that's wet heat. July could be really hot and humid, particularly on the Sea of Cortez side.
not to discourage you, come on down, you'll have a great time, but you will want air conditioning in the evenings and cold showers. I'd probably forget about camping unless you do like roughing it in heat and humidity.

David K - 6-22-2009 at 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LisaR.
Uhhh... What papers? And what is the Discovery club?

We were planning on stopping at the border for tourist cards, are we missing something? Or are you just messin' with the newbies? I've been driving down to Baja since the '80's...Is there something I should have known all this time? :?:

Lisa, while I am a member of DISCOVER BAJA TRAVEL CLUB as are many other Nomads, it is not mandatory... It is good for discounts and annual auto insurance policies, and a nice on-line newsletter (which anyone can read)... IF you stopped there first, you can get a pre-paid tourist card (as Skipjack said), BUT you still have to stop at the border to get it validated... So, very little advantage to getting one at Discover Baja, if that is the only reason to stop at their NEW location in San Diego, off Governor Drive.

As for San Borja and then on to Asuncion in the same day... yah, it could be done... but it wouldn't be wise to plan on that, because it would mean leaving EARLY from L.A. Bay and not spending enough time at San Borja perhaps. Do you want to see Montevideo, as well...??? It is 7 miles off the San Borja road, 2 miles after turning off the L.A. Bay highway. See photos from when I first took Baja Angel in there after we left L.A. Bay: http://vivabaja.com/105

[Edited on 6-23-2009 by David K]

LisaR. - 6-22-2009 at 08:10 PM

David K-- Thank you for clearing up the Discover Club business! I was a little concerned for a minute there...

Also, thanks for the info on San Borja and Montevideo. We would LOVE to see Montevideo as well, but it may not be possible this trip. We are trying to do so much, already. I can't pass up San Borja, though. I'm a teacher and I used to teach 4th grade (CA History), so I'm a minor mission junkie. Not a MAJOR mission junkie like you, though. I have really enjoyed/been impressed by all your information on the forum. In spite of your good advice (and the advice of other Nomads), we will probably go ahead and get up early and press on to Asuncion that night. We have heard so many great things about it, and we communicated with Shari, who was so warm and welcoming that we decided to stay two nights there.

Now, can I pick your brain (everyone's) a little more on BOLA? I agree that Mia's website is great! It's what convinced us to take the detour to BOLA in the first place. Our first thought had been to stay at Villa Bahia--it looks really, really nice. It is aways out of town though, and we would really like to be able to walk out for tacos and beer or margaritas in the evening, and not have to worry about finding our way back after dark. In other words, we would like to stay in town and just leave the car parked while we are there. Anyone have any thoughts on Guillermo's, Casa Diaz, or Villa Vitta? I have read mixed reviews on Casa Diaz and Villa Vitta, and haven't been able to find much info at all on Guillermo's. Their website just shows information on fishing tournaments, and does not tell anything about the hotel or prices.

Thank you, Nomads, for all of your help and suggestions!

Skipjack Joe - 6-22-2009 at 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LisaR.
Uhhh... What papers? And what is the Discovery club?

http://www.discoverbaja.com/

1. tourist card
2. mexican insurance
3. fishing license

You may want to call them to make sure you have all your bases covered. They're very helpful and friendly and don't pressure to join.

619.275.4225

gnukid - 6-22-2009 at 09:28 PM

Bay of LA can be (very) warm til Oct and many people find this difficult. Not me. If you schedule boating activities all day you can enjoy the water, explore and stay cool. The fishing and sea life is excellent. Being on shore in 100 degrees is fun pero el mar, es mas sabroso!

LisaR. - 6-22-2009 at 09:36 PM

Beautiful pictures, gnukid! Wow, I can't wait! Only 18 more days until we leave... I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!

gnukid - 6-22-2009 at 09:45 PM

I think your plan sounds perfect, you'll need a bathing suit and you can get a big hat when you get there. That's it. Oh yeah, practice saying, y en el mar es mas sabroso.

The Bay

[Edited on 6-23-2009 by gnukid]

Skipjack Joe - 6-22-2009 at 10:27 PM

Lisa,

BOLA is stunningly beautiful.

Perhaps a panguero will take you to see the whale sharks. What a memory that would be!

LisaR. - 6-22-2009 at 10:48 PM

We are really hoping that there will be whale sharks in the bay when we get there. That was a big draw for deciding to go there.

Do you happen to know if there are any around now? I know that this is the beginning of their "season."

Bob and Susan - 6-23-2009 at 06:09 AM

before you go "see" the sharks you REALLY should go rent this movie :lol:

David K - 6-23-2009 at 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LisaR.
David K-- Thank you for clearing up the Discover Club business! I was a little concerned for a minute there...

Also, thanks for the info on San Borja and Montevideo. We would LOVE to see Montevideo as well, but it may not be possible this trip. We are trying to do so much, already. I can't pass up San Borja, though. I'm a teacher and I used to teach 4th grade (CA History), so I'm a minor mission junkie. Not a MAJOR mission junkie like you, though. I have really enjoyed/been impressed by all your information on the forum. In spite of your good advice (and the advice of other Nomads), we will probably go ahead and get up early and press on to Asuncion that night. We have heard so many great things about it, and we communicated with Shari, who was so warm and welcoming that we decided to stay two nights there.

Now, can I pick your brain (everyone's) a little more on BOLA? I agree that Mia's website is great! It's what convinced us to take the detour to BOLA in the first place. Our first thought had been to stay at Villa Bahia--it looks really, really nice. It is aways out of town though, and we would really like to be able to walk out for tacos and beer or margaritas in the evening, and not have to worry about finding our way back after dark. In other words, we would like to stay in town and just leave the car parked while we are there. Anyone have any thoughts on Guillermo's, Casa Diaz, or Villa Vitta? I have read mixed reviews on Casa Diaz and Villa Vitta, and haven't been able to find much info at all on Guillermo's. Their website just shows information on fishing tournaments, and does not tell anything about the hotel or prices.

Thank you, Nomads, for all of your help and suggestions!

The motels in town are Casa Diaz (the original place since the 1940's) very simple rooms. Stayed there in 1967!

Guillermo's on the beach, nice bar and restaurant... Herman Hill lives in Guillermo's compound.

Costa del Sol (avoid the new rooms, stay in the original ones). Great food served here as well. Stayed in a new room 6 mos. ago, bed hard as a door, shower issues.

Las Hamacas... stayed there after the Baja 1000 in 2006... basic rooms with almost no water pressure in the shower.

Villa Vita: It has been several years since there were some scary stuff reported about this place, so I offer no opinion now. It would be my last choice, however.

[Edited on 6-23-2009 by David K]

1106 165r.JPG - 38kB

Paulina - 6-23-2009 at 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LisaR.
We are really hoping that there will be whale sharks in the bay when we get there. That was a big draw for deciding to go there.

Do you happen to know if there are any around now? I know that this is the beginning of their "season."

Lisa,

I got an email about two weeks ago from a local friend who said that there were four whale sharks in the bay at that time. I've heard since then that they are still there.

There are many pangueros that will take you out to see them. Memo Smith, Joel Prieto, are the first two that come to mind, they pretty much all do it.

While we were there last summer the majority of the whale sharks were in the south end of the bay, although there were days when they were also swimming right out in front of town.

A few summers ago we were hanging out at La Gringa when one swam very close to shore, so close that an old friend and I were able to swim right up to it.

A few photos...

Our buddy John (d.e.p.) caught a ride for his first whale shark encounter ever.

Our experience has been the best time to see them is between 8 - 10 am when the water is still glassy, before the winds pick up. Then again after 5pm if the winds are cooperating.

Be sure to take snorkling gear. The first time you see one in person, eye ball to eye ball is amazing!

I've got tons more photos. U2U me if you'd like to see them. If you haven't seen the photos on Mia's website, check them out.

P<*)))>{

tripledigitken - 6-23-2009 at 11:07 AM

Paulina,

Very nice sharp photos! You need to post more, your photos are some I allways enjoy!

I especially like the one of the shark with the hitchhikers on it's back.

Ken

Skipjack Joe - 6-23-2009 at 12:17 PM

Thanks Paulina.

Aren't those remoras amazing?

Doesn't anyone ever get smacked by those tails accidentally? I've always wondered about that.

Swimming out to a giant like that must be remarkable. I'm so envious.

Paulina - 6-23-2009 at 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Thanks Paulina.

Aren't those remoras amazing?

Doesn't anyone ever get smacked by those tails accidentally? I've always wondered about that.

Swimming out to a giant like that must be remarkable. I'm so envious.

I've never been smacked by a tail...yet.

Never say never. I've probably jinx'd myself now.

The only problem I've had is whale rash. I get it on my forearms and knees from their rough skin. I was hoping it would go away before having to return stateside as I figured it would be a bit tricky to explain it to a Doctor.

P<*)))>{

woody with a view - 6-23-2009 at 04:35 PM

just as a note:

2 saturdays ago we hit tj about 5.30 am. the migra office by the turnstiles was open and we wanted to pay for 6 month fmt's. he sent us to the bank which was lit up. the guy inside said he was closed until 8am. when i asked why he was there so early if he was closed he got mad and started hollering in spanish faster than either of us could comprehend. we walked back to migra and told the guy the story and asked for 7 day free fmt's. after 4-5 phone calls he finally woke the right guy who told him verbatim how to fill it out without the "paid" stamp. total time wasted trying to comply with the law? 25 minutes, and the stupid beauraucracy (sp?) still didn't get my money. a total waste of time for all-but we were legal.

be prepared for similar if you get there early.....

whatta country.....

Bajahowodd - 6-23-2009 at 04:44 PM

And they are the professionals!

BTW- if DK checks back in, I was actually curious about his reviews of accomodations at BOLA. I came away from the post with absolutely no idea where the best place to stay there is. Not trying to criticize. Just looking for guidance.

David K - 6-23-2009 at 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
just as a note:

2 saturdays ago we hit tj about 5.30 am. the migra office by the turnstiles was open and we wanted to pay for 6 month fmt's. he sent us to the bank which was lit up. the guy inside said he was closed until 8am. when i asked why he was there so early if he was closed he got mad and started hollering in spanish faster than either of us could comprehend. we walked back to migra and told the guy the story and asked for 7 day free fmt's. after 4-5 phone calls he finally woke the right guy who told him verbatim how to fill it out without the "paid" stamp. total time wasted trying to comply with the law? 25 minutes, and the stupid beauraucracy (sp?) still didn't get my money. a total waste of time for all-but we were legal.

be prepared for similar if you get there early.....

whatta country.....

An A for effort Woody...

There is a Bank and a bank teller window at secondary... The teller window is open 24/7 and is ONLY for taking the FM-T fee, no dollar/ peso exchange. Naturally, this is Mexico and they may not play by the same rules from day to day.

David K - 6-23-2009 at 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
And they are the professionals!

BTW- if DK checks back in, I was actually curious about his reviews of accomodations at BOLA. I came away from the post with absolutely no idea where the best place to stay there is. Not trying to criticize. Just looking for guidance.

I didn't try and say where 'The Best' place was (in town)because that is an OPINION... If you want my advice... I would check Costa del Sol and stay only if one of the original rooms is available. I would check Guillermo's because it is on the beach... I haven't stayed there, but looked in a room once... nothing negative seen.

Here is what I posted before from my findings, with some added comments:

The motels in town are Casa Diaz (the original place since the 1940's) very simple rooms. Stayed there in 1967! Haven't checked the rooms since. Popular with off roader and fisherman.

Guillermo's on the beach, nice bar and restaurant... Herman Hill lives in Guillermo's compound.

Costa del Sol (avoid the new rooms, stay in the original ones). Great food served here as well. Stayed in a new room 6 mos. ago, bed hard as a door, shower issues...

Las Hamacas... stayed there after the Baja 1000 in 2006... basic rooms with almost no water pressure in the shower. Would stay here again if other places were unavailable.

Villa Vita: It has been several years since there were some scary stuff reported about this place, so I offer no opinion now. It would be my last choice, however.

LisaR. - 7-9-2009 at 01:15 PM

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! We leave tomorrow! (Obviously, I'm very excited!)

:bounce:

I want to thank all of you wonderful people who offered information, advice, and suggestions. We have gotten so much great information both in response to this thread, and by reading all of the other stuff on the forum. Baja Nomad is truly an excellent resource! Thank you all!

We will be sure to post a trip report when we get back (I already set up a photobucket account for pics), or maybe even partial ones along the way if we find ourselves at an internet cafe.

Thanks again!

--Lisa and Mark R.

Lands End

Osprey - 7-9-2009 at 02:48 PM

When you reach your goal you will not be disappointed. We were at the Finnesterra yesterday and almost had the place to ourselves.

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