BajaNomad

Driving to Cabo and back....help

pwrslider - 6-29-2009 at 03:19 PM

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!

Cypress - 6-29-2009 at 03:27 PM

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.:biggrin:

comitan - 6-29-2009 at 03:31 PM

Just made the trip last week, nothing to worry about just do it.

rpleger - 6-29-2009 at 03:36 PM

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...

oxxo - 6-29-2009 at 03:38 PM

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.

David K - 6-29-2009 at 03:40 PM

What oxxo said!

(it can't be any worse than Oakland, downtown, at night!)

pwrslider - 6-29-2009 at 03:45 PM

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

Bajaboy - 6-29-2009 at 03:46 PM

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

oxxo - 6-29-2009 at 04:00 PM

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. :bounce:

BajaNuts - 6-29-2009 at 04:10 PM

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]

Curt63 - 6-29-2009 at 04:38 PM

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!

bajagrouper - 6-29-2009 at 04:38 PM

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

pwrslider - 6-29-2009 at 05:01 PM

again..thanks to all..

Curt.....great advice..I'll heed them all!!

mulegemichael - 6-29-2009 at 07:10 PM

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!

Trip Info

bajaguy - 6-29-2009 at 07:14 PM

Get yourself a SPOT and have fun!!!!!

http://www.findmespot.com/en/

pwrslider - 6-30-2009 at 01:04 PM

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....

pwrslider - 6-30-2009 at 01:58 PM

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?

Al G - 6-30-2009 at 02:13 PM

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.

oxxo - 6-30-2009 at 02:43 PM

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]

Al G - 6-30-2009 at 02:59 PM

Quote:


We spend the night in GN.

[Edited on 6-30-2009 by oxxo]


:(:(:(:(:(:(

pwrslider - 7-1-2009 at 07:33 PM

In trying to map out my travel...after crossing at TJ....do I want to follow Highway 1....or 1D to get to Ensenada?

Curt63 - 7-1-2009 at 07:45 PM

You want 1D, the toll road. The signs will say Ensenada Cuota.

The free road, Mex 1, will be labled as Ensenada Libre.

I've been using the Tecate crossing (very easy) lately, so I'm not the person to describe the current Tijuana conditions

You'll be fine either way.

Good luck

pwrslider - 7-1-2009 at 07:47 PM

Maybe I need to clarify...looking at google maps....it looks like 1D turns off to the right to Via Rapida...and goes to the coast line...and there is a second 1D that splits off before the coast and connects to La Joya then becomes 1 and 2 ..then 1 again...

yikes...any help would be great...or directions on where to get a good map. I have a Garmin NUVI in the car....but don't always trust that either..

thanks

pwrslider - 7-1-2009 at 07:49 PM

Curt...thanks! I'll be coming down 5..staying in old town SD for the night.. How far is it to Tecate from that area? Sounds like thats a better crossing area, but on google the road looks smaller and farther...

BajaNuts - 7-1-2009 at 07:53 PM

DON"T TRUST GOOGLE MAPS!

Did you hear about the young family who thought they could take a shortcut in Oregon across the mountains in winter? They followed a google map up an old logging road, got stuck in the snow, stayed there for something like 2 weeks, hubby/dad tried to walk out for help, died in the snow, Mom and baby lived.

The Google map they had showed it as a passable road, not a washed out logging road!

Lots of good maps available online for Baja, probably has been a post here already for a good one. I'll see what I can find or maybe DavidK will chime in.


edited to include-
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003467382_k...

and the family had 2 children......

[Edited on 7-2-2009 by BajaNuts]

David K - 7-1-2009 at 07:58 PM

Forget most maps... The highway (toll road) is signed as the SCENIC ROAD for Playas de Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada as soon as you cross the border... It is Hwy. 1-D (Cuota/ toll). The forst part goes right along the border fence then climbs a steep hill and drops down to the four lane highway coming from downtown Tijuana.

LOOK at these photos of the road signs you want: http://www.rosaritobeachhotel.com/directions_to_rosarito.php

Near Ensenada, another choice is made, and I recommend the coastal route, signed 'Tourist Zone' as well as signs for San Quintin.

Once south of Ensenada you have no more options until south of La Paz, where the quickest way to Cabo is via Todos Santos (Hwy. 19, is about 20 miles from La Paz) and not Hwy. 1.

[Edited on 7-2-2009 by David K]

BajaNuts - 7-1-2009 at 08:00 PM

can you say...

"CHIME" :tumble:

redhilltown - 7-2-2009 at 02:33 PM

I definitely second David K's thoughts on getting thru Ensenada...stick to the water.

I also second stopping at Santo Tomas...the Palomar there is a nice restaurant if you're ready to eat.

I also prefer Tecate (especially on the return) but getting your tourist card there is a bit of a hassle. You get the paperwork, fill it out, take it down the street to a bank, stand in line, pay them and then walk back up the street to have the official give you the stamp of approval...and the parking can suck (if this has changed I hope a nomad can let you know). TJ is much easier, tons of parking and within 10 minutes you are on the toll road and the first breaths of relaxation can begin.

Be prepared for some heat after Catavina and have fun!

k-rico - 7-2-2009 at 03:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by pwrslider
Maybe I need to clarify...looking at google maps....it looks like 1D turns off to the right to Via Rapida...and goes to the coast line...and there is a second 1D that splits off before the coast and connects to La Joya then becomes 1 and 2 ..then 1 again...

yikes...any help would be great...or directions on where to get a good map. I have a Garmin NUVI in the car....but don't always trust that either..

thanks


Getting off to a good start:

If you are crossing south at San Ysidro, right after you go through the Mexican gates get in the middle lane. Do not get in the far right or left lanes. After you pass a turn off to the right, maybe 100 feet after the crossing, and as you're crossing the "river" (a huge concrete ditch) get in the right lane so you can turn right at the "Playas" exit. It's a pain because you'll be merging right into a lane full of cars merging left. Don't expect people to let you in.

Welcome to TJ.

Careful, this all happens pretty quick and everybody is using the TJ safe driving trick - go faster than everybody else.

Take the exit, go west to the toll road and you're on your way.

It's important you do not get in the far right lane when you cross the border into Mex. You will be forced to take the first right turn, which you don't want. You could stop and try to get in the correct lane but.......

If you cross in the far left lane and it's busy, it will be tough to get to the right when you need to.

Stay in the middle and get ready to make the right hand "playas" merge then exit. TJ is tough to drive in if you don't know where you're going.

[Edited on 7-2-2009 by k-rico]

David K - 7-2-2009 at 04:22 PM

Again... it is all here to SEE: http://www.rosaritobeachhotel.com/directions_to_rosarito.php

vandy - 7-2-2009 at 05:35 PM

[Edited on 7-4-2009 by vandy]

vandy - 7-2-2009 at 05:38 PM

I just came up from Cabo and the road is fine. Spending a few days at Punta Baja before heading north through Tecate.

When heading south, I find it easier to park on the US side in Tecate, walk across and get FMTs, then drive on through.

Have fun. Do not do this drive this time of year without good AC. Temps 100+ down there now.

pwrslider - 7-3-2009 at 07:49 PM

Thanks for all the tips..

DavidK you rock...that web site can't say it any clearer!!

pwrslider - 7-6-2009 at 12:15 PM

One more thing...

Was wondering if anyone has any ideas where I could find a decent "shell" beach? I won't be doing alot of 4 wheelin..so, somewhere close to a road.....

We'll be goin all the way down to Cabo via 1...and taking our time. The prelim...possible...and always adjustable plan is to spend a night in GN..then one or 2 in Loreto...then on to Cabo.

I'll have my 2 kids with me..and they love to look for shells. I remember going shelling with my parents...somewhere near..or at an off-shore island...near La Paz...but would prefer no boat rides...LOL!