BajaNomad

First time baja Dec 2009 trip Qs

newtobaja - 11-3-2009 at 01:09 AM

hi,

Planning my first baja trip in dec 2009. I have been reading this forum for a couple of weeks now and enjoying the trip reports. I have also read the LP guide book to get a feel. I will be asking a bit on questions in the weeks to come but here are some to make sure I am in the right ball park

We are in SF Bay area. Planning 2 weeks trip in Dec, driving all the way down to Cabo. We have 3 kids under age of 10.

- roughly thinking of taking 3 -4 days to drive down to Cabo, 3-4 days to drive up and spending about 6-7 days in cabo/la paz area. Does that sound reasonable? Kind of worried doing all that driving with the kids. I expect the 3-4 days driving to be around max 8 hours a day with potential stops along the way.

- Worried about the petrol/gas situation. Is there any way I can know which gas stations are available along the way so I know where I can fill up? I was specially looking at the ITMB Baja Map that has gas station marked. Is that reliable?

- Suggestion for guidebooks and maps? Moon book is most recent. LP, rough guide, Frommers are other choices.

- Would it be worth getting a cell phone in case of a problem? I have an extra cell phone. Thinking of getting a SIM while down there for emergency. Any suggestion where/what SIm to get ?

- haven't booked hotels in Cabo/La Paz area yet. Going from Dec 18 - Jan 1 time frame. How far in advance need I book?

- any car suggestions? I've read the usual driving warnings for baja. Don't plan to be going off road in this trip. Will stick to the main road except maybe to Cabo Pulmo. Is there a AAA equivalent in baja that I should get in case of emergency?

thanks

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by newtobaja]

grmpb - 11-3-2009 at 06:16 AM

as far as gas in northern baja no problem. just make sure you fill up in el rosario. the next gas is in jesus maria about 225 miles south. if you mess up there are always people selling gas out of barrels at catavina and the turn off to bay of l.a.. in southern baja haven't heard of any problems but i haven't been south of loreto in years.

Diver - 11-3-2009 at 07:06 AM

grmp is right.
As long as you remember to fill in El Rosario on the way south and Jesus Maria on the way north, you will be fine. Each town south of Loreto has multiple stations; Cuidad Constitution, La Paz, Cabo ...
You problem will be driving with the kids - as you know -"kid's time".
There are not always convenient places to pull off the road when you need them, and pulling off alone in lonely places is not always advised, so plan ahead. Bathrooms are often hard to find for long distances.
I'd consider planning the trip in kid days and maybe adding a day on the way up and back to play.

Here are a few options;
1. San Quintin
2. San Ignacio (SI bed and breakfast)
3. Loreto after spending a few hours on the Conception beaches
4. La Paz

1. Catavinia (Desert Inn)
2. Mulege (Playa Frambes or Serenidad)
(hang on the Conception beaches for the day then head to Loreto for dinner)
3. Loreto
4. La Paz

Cyanide41 - 11-3-2009 at 07:56 AM

Welcome newtobaja. Your US cell phone should work in Baja. It conects to a Mexican carrier, and of course you get charged heavily, but if you are just using it incase of emergency, then you probably won't use it at all. I don't even think they can charge you for making a 066 (911) call. Also, to make a phone call from your cell phone on a Mexican network, you need to drop all the international codes unless you are calling back to the US.

bajaguy - 11-3-2009 at 08:02 AM

Get the new edition of the Baja Almanac.......you won't be sorry!!!

http://www.baja-almanac.com/

norcalbajabetty - 11-3-2009 at 09:46 AM

I would plan at least 4 days drive time each way. We took our kids down to Mulege and took 3 solid days to get there. You do not want to be driving at night, if you can avoid it.

Plan lots of activities for the kids to engage them in the car. Especially important is for them to have comfortable places to sleep in the car. This was the hardest part for my kids, as "mean old mom" made them stay buckled. If their seats do not recline, definately invest in some travelers neck pillows.

Can you stay longer? After that drive, you will not want to leave so quickly, trust me.

Good luck!

Martyman - 11-3-2009 at 11:08 AM

If you are into camping...I would do that at least part of the time. When you are out in baja nature, adventure will find you. Try and stretch your trip to three weeks. Bring fishing poles for the kids.

Casey67 - 11-3-2009 at 12:09 PM

I would book your hotel in Cabo very soon. The place fills right up with Canadians, Americans, and Mexicans for the Christmas holiday and most room prices in your time-frame are nearly double what they are for a Dec 1st - 15th stay.

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 02:01 PM

newtobaja- You didn't mention what type of vehicle you will be driving, and what sort of mileage it gets. I mention that because when we head South, we haven't stopped for gas in El Rosario for several years. Granted, there is a long stretch without a Pemex station from El Rosario to Jesus Maria which amounts to just slightly over 200 miles. However, San Quintin has many Pemex stations, the Southern-most of which by the Los Pinos facility is new, modern and has excellent restroom facilities(think electronic activated fixtures). It is barely 20 miles from El Rosario. I mention this, in particular because of the kids.

As for the lodging matter, you also did not mention the level of amentities you are seeking. Casey is correct about the area being very popular at that time of year, so do not wait to book rooms.

I assume that you itinerary includes a day each way to and from the Bay area and the border. I assume that you will likely stay on the US side your first night. If so, you could easily make it to Catavina the next day. Alot depends on your kid's tolerance for travel. It's a matter of weighing the length of travel days versus days at your destination. We have "mixed it up". We've taken four overnights to get to Cabo from Orange County, staying in San Quintin, Guerrero Negro, Loreto and La Paz. We have also made it back from Cabo to home with a single overnight in San Ignacio. Granted, that's brutal. But you have many options.

DianaT - 11-3-2009 at 02:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cyanide41
Welcome newtobaja. Your US cell phone should work in Baja. It conects to a Mexican carrier, and of course you get charged heavily, but if you are just using it incase of emergency, then you probably won't use it at all. I don't even think they can charge you for making a 066 (911) call. Also, to make a phone call from your cell phone on a Mexican network, you need to drop all the international codes unless you are calling back to the US.


Does you US cell phone work everywhere on the main highway? If so, I would like to know which carrier that is because my Mexican TelCel phone does not work everywhere.

newtobaja, if you break down, and I hope you don't, someone will stop to help. Have a great trip.

vgabndo - 11-3-2009 at 03:26 PM

I have ATT cell in the US for $5.00 a month when traveling I've added ATT Mexico. There is some roaming cost, but I had a signal anywhere a Mexican had a signal. Another way to put that is that no one has much of a signal on the highway between towns. (My experience)

I pretty much love the Baja desert, and it can become mind-numbing and ordeal-like without enough time to drive it comfortably. Got a DVD player for the kids? How about Spanish language DVDs for all to study as you drive?

How about enjoying La Paz as a destination with two extra days in the bank for safe travel. Its a nicer place, it should be less expensive, it should be more relaxing than Cabo San Ludicrous. If you are intent on getting your Wabo serviced, there is only one Cabo, IMHO there are better places to take kids.

This just occurred to me, and I wonder if others think this may be true. All my first trips were with the intention of spending the least amount of time traveling. Get to San Nicolas and park. I still drive brutal hours. I'll bet that if "newtobaja"opts for the hardest driving their circumstances allow that a year from now their biggest memory of their first trip to Baja will be the drive.

For years I called it "Adventure Travel with a White Line" it is good for me to keep that in mind.

newtobaja - 11-4-2009 at 01:59 PM

Wow - 4 days to get to mulege. LP said drive from TJ to LP can be done in 2 days so I thought 3-4 days would be good for us with the kids. We will try not to spend too much time in northern baja as we can always come back to it in the summer or later.

Between kid's schools 2 weeks is all we get. Again LP mentioned it should be enough. Looks like I may need to scale down the plan a little

thanks
Quote:
Originally posted by norcalbajabetty
I would plan at least 4 days drive time each way. We took our kids down to Mulege and took 3 solid days to get there. You do not want to be driving at night, if you can avoid it.

Plan lots of activities for the kids to engage them in the car. Especially important is for them to have comfortable places to sleep in the car. This was the hardest part for my kids, as "mean old mom" made them stay buckled. If their seats do not recline, definately invest in some travelers neck pillows.

Can you stay longer? After that drive, you will not want to leave so quickly, trust me.

Good luck!

newtobaja - 11-4-2009 at 02:01 PM

I am into camping unfortunately wife isn't. Hopefully next trip would involve more off-the-main-trail areas.
I am hoping it would be cheaper to buy fishing poles in baja rather than here ?

thanks
Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
If you are into camping...I would do that at least part of the time. When you are out in baja nature, adventure will find you. Try and stretch your trip to three weeks. Bring fishing poles for the kids.

newtobaja - 11-4-2009 at 02:10 PM

thanks for the response. yes we are counting in our trip down to SD.
Plan to spend the first night at San Ysidro and then cross the border in the mornign and get done with the money/travel card formalities.

I am hoping to go as far as possible during the first day. Gettign to catavina would be good on the first day. We are driving a Odyssey minivan. Gives around 20-22 mpg. I plan to fill up at every major town and not wait. Thanks for the tip on the restrooms in Los Pinos.
I also plan to carry a filled up gas canister just in case. Since its my first trip, I am probably being over-prepared.

I will try to book the rooms in the next 2 weeks. Didn't want to book for the trip down since I don't know how long I will drive so I was hoping to stop at around 4pm at whatever major city and get a room.

thanks
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
newtobaja- You didn't mention what type of vehicle you will be driving, and what sort of mileage it gets. I mention that because when we head South, we haven't stopped for gas in El Rosario for several years. Granted, there is a long stretch without a Pemex station from El Rosario to Jesus Maria which amounts to just slightly over 200 miles. However, San Quintin has many Pemex stations, the Southern-most of which by the Los Pinos facility is new, modern and has excellent restroom facilities(think electronic activated fixtures). It is barely 20 miles from El Rosario. I mention this, in particular because of the kids.

As for the lodging matter, you also did not mention the level of amentities you are seeking. Casey is correct about the area being very popular at that time of year, so do not wait to book rooms.

I assume that you itinerary includes a day each way to and from the Bay area and the border. I assume that you will likely stay on the US side your first night. If so, you could easily make it to Catavina the next day. Alot depends on your kid's tolerance for travel. It's a matter of weighing the length of travel days versus days at your destination. We have "mixed it up". We've taken four overnights to get to Cabo from Orange County, staying in San Quintin, Guerrero Negro, Loreto and La Paz. We have also made it back from Cabo to home with a single overnight in San Ignacio. Granted, that's brutal. But you have many options.

newtobaja - 11-4-2009 at 02:17 PM

I guess I don't particular care about Cabo specifically. I was trying to take advantage of the weather which should be warmer the further south we go.
Also all the tourism focus seems to be also in the Cabo area.
I worry about the long drive part as well. I will look into focusing on La Paz. Is it possible to do a day trip to Cabo from LaPaz? Check out what the fuss is all about.

thanks
Quote:
Originally posted by vgabndo
I have ATT cell in the US for $5.00 a month when traveling I've added ATT Mexico. There is some roaming cost, but I had a signal anywhere a Mexican had a signal. Another way to put that is that no one has much of a signal on the highway between towns. (My experience)

I pretty much love the Baja desert, and it can become mind-numbing and ordeal-like without enough time to drive it comfortably. Got a DVD player for the kids? How about Spanish language DVDs for all to study as you drive?

How about enjoying La Paz as a destination with two extra days in the bank for safe travel. Its a nicer place, it should be less expensive, it should be more relaxing than Cabo San Ludicrous. If you are intent on getting your Wabo serviced, there is only one Cabo, IMHO there are better places to take kids.

This just occurred to me, and I wonder if others think this may be true. All my first trips were with the intention of spending the least amount of time traveling. Get to San Nicolas and park. I still drive brutal hours. I'll bet that if "newtobaja"opts for the hardest driving their circumstances allow that a year from now their biggest memory of their first trip to Baja will be the drive.

For years I called it "Adventure Travel with a White Line" it is good for me to keep that in mind.

mulegemichael - 11-4-2009 at 02:33 PM

DO NOT buy your fishing gear in baja...all fishing equipment is horribly inflated down here...buy your stuff at a walmart in the states; 8 ft. rod, fairly skookum reel spooled with 15 lb line...spoons and rapalas for terminal gear...you'll have fun..

Heather - 11-4-2009 at 02:58 PM

You can definitely get to Cabo in 3 days from San Diego. If you leave from San Diego early, we like to stay in San Ignacio at the Yurts (kids will love them)! Then you can probably get to Ciudad Constitution or La Paz second night.

I would choose Cabo over La Paz, although I'm in the minority. More to do in Cabo. La Paz always seems kind of boring to me. It could be because my in-laws are there so we spend a lot of time at their house. Both cities have a "malecon" where you can take the kids walking around. Cabo has more boats and tours to do, and of course the arch is a must see. I think the water might be a little cool for swimming, although, if your kids are like mine, they'll be in it!

Balandra is a nice beach for the little ones in La Paz. My kids call it, "the beach with no waves". We like Playa Chileno in Cabo, although there are waves there.
The drive from La Paz to Cabo is about 2 hours, so you could actually stay a couple of nights in both places.
What is your budget hotel-wise? Cabo will be more expensive, but you may get some good internet deals. There are a couple of hotels in town, too, so what are you looking for? Hope all goes well, we should be down in the area for New Years...my kids are 6 and 9. If you want to do a real Mexican NY eve party, let me know!

Bajahowodd - 11-4-2009 at 03:07 PM

newto- Just my own thoughts on this, but if I had never been to Cabo, and made the effort to go as far as La Paz, I would certainly at least take a day trip to see what the hoopla is about. You can get there from La Paz in less than 2 hours. However, the preferred way is through Todos Santos and it's also worth browsing around there for a bit. Thing about Cabo- nothing like it was 25 years ago. way built up. But, as you are bringing kids, there are a number of touristy activities the kids might like. Biggest one, although pricey(hotels often have discount coupons) is the Dolphinarium where you swim in the tank with them. Also, a glass bottom boat ride out to the arch and back can be fun. Personally, I've kayaked to and through the arch several times. I think if it was me, I would seriously look into spending a couple of days in Cabo, if only for the fact that you will have already traveled so far.

I love la Paz. However, since Todos Santos and Cabo are so much different, I think it's worth the effort.

And if you are willing to stay at a place away from the beach, there are several decent hotels for less than $100 per night Christmas week.

[Edited on 11-4-2009 by Bajahowodd]

newtobaja - 11-5-2009 at 01:39 PM

Thanks Bajahowodd & Heather.

I think I will make at least a 2 day trip down to Cabo. Thanks for the kid friendly acivitities/hotels suggestions. That is real helpful. Keep it coming.
My worry is that the kids will only remember the drive and not the fun. I do want to go back a second time :)

Budget wise - cheaper the better :) though my wife has stds. My wife is just not into camping. I am going to see if I can persuade her for at least one night beach camping to get the Baja experience. In the US we stay in hotels that range from $70-$100. Your Residence Inn types. Not sure what the cost will be in Baja. I do realise that cabo would be expensive but I think we will only stay in that area for ~2 nights so it shouldn't be too bad. Quirky inns/hotels are fun as long as they are clean. I haven't gone thru the hotel list yet but your suggestions would be helpful esp those that the kids will like. Also looking for vacation rentals in the LP area. It would be great to stay with a mexican family for a couple of days to get more of a local experience.

thanks

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
newto- Just my own thoughts on this, but if I had never been to Cabo, and made the effort to go as far as La Paz, I would certainly at least take a day trip to see what the hoopla is about. You can get there from La Paz in less than 2 hours. However, the preferred way is through Todos Santos and it's also worth browsing around there for a bit. Thing about Cabo- nothing like it was 25 years ago. way built up. But, as you are bringing kids, there are a number of touristy activities the kids might like. Biggest one, although pricey(hotels often have discount coupons) is the Dolphinarium where you swim in the tank with them. Also, a glass bottom boat ride out to the arch and back can be fun. Personally, I've kayaked to and through the arch several times. I think if it was me, I would seriously look into spending a couple of days in Cabo, if only for the fact that you will have already traveled so far.

I love la Paz. However, since Todos Santos and Cabo are so much different, I think it's worth the effort.

And if you are willing to stay at a place away from the beach, there are several decent hotels for less than $100 per night Christmas week.

[Edited on 11-4-2009 by Bajahowodd]


[Edited on 11-5-2009 by newtobaja]

newtobaja - 11-5-2009 at 01:41 PM

Got it. I guess we should buy the snorkeling masks etc here at Costco/Walmart as well before heading south then?


Quote:
Originally posted by mulegemichael
DO NOT buy your fishing gear in baja...all fishing equipment is horribly inflated down here...buy your stuff at a walmart in the states; 8 ft. rod, fairly skookum reel spooled with 15 lb line...spoons and rapalas for terminal gear...you'll have fun..

Bajahowodd - 11-5-2009 at 02:11 PM

Re: Cabo. You should check out a site like sidestep.com. Just for grins, I ran it for three nights the week after Christmas and came up with a bunch of hotels under $100 a night. From just my cursory check, I would recommend looking into Bahia hotel. It was listed for $89 a night and it is literally one block from Medano Beach which is the best, safest beach, the heart of all the action.

That said, I understand that you want to have everyone remember where you were, and not the drive. With that in mind, you had previously mentioned going from San Ysidro to Catavina your first night in Mexico. The good news is that the Desert Inn has a swimming pool for the kids. It is the only actual hotel in the area. However, from Catavina to Guerrero Negro is 146 miles. I don't know how you drive. Nor do I know the tolerance of your kids for sitting in the van. Point is that if you make it to Guerrero Negro first night, you can easily get to Loreto the next day. It's 260 miles. From Loreto, it's 223 to La Paz. Just saying that you could have an extra day down in the La Paz, Cabo area.

castaway$ - 11-5-2009 at 05:14 PM

Be prepared EVERYTHING IN CABO IS GROSSLY EXPENSIVE, that said there are some really cool beaches all along between La Paz and Cabo and it's a great inexpensive way to spend a day with kids. There are also a bunch of outdoor tourist shops in Cabo that kids really seem to like.
As far as the question how far can you drive in a day, you need to remember the daylight hours are real short this time of year and you don't want to drive after dark. We find a comfortable distance the first day is BOLA, but we are towing a boat, if you aren't towing you should be able to make Catavina, Guerro Negro or possibly San Ignacio depepnding on how fast you feel comfortable driving. The road is very narrow and it takes some getting used to, we just move towards the center when there are no other vehicles around then slow down and move back to our side when there are.
Second day you should be able to make Constitution or possibly La Paz, again it depends on your comfort zone with respect to your driving skills and how fast you drive.
Like some of the others I would highly recommend spending a little time at the Bay of Conception the second day which will really throw your timing off as far as covering any ground headed south so if you do you may want to count on staying in Loreto or you may get to Constitution, but again the daylight hours are very short.
Whatever you do and wherever you end up relax and enjoy, if you don't make it some place no worries you'll be hooked and you'll go back just like all the rest of us Nomads, you can't help it.

norcalbajabetty - 11-6-2009 at 01:07 PM

Sorry I wasn't thinking...my four day trip includes one day in California, US...duh.

I also think there are nicer places to visit than Cabo. I prefer being off the beaten path, hanging with the locals.

Bajahowodd - 11-6-2009 at 01:12 PM

betty- are you posting on the wrong thread here? This was about a two week trip. Obviously, someone with four days would have to be smoking something funny to even consider Cabo and back to Norcal on a four day trip.

SeaShell - 11-6-2009 at 01:41 PM

My 2 cents worth. It just takes longer to drive the miles than in the U.S. so plan for that. Slower roads, going through towns etc., so you can't cover the same amount of miles in the same time as you would at home. With that said the scenery is ever changing and beautiful.
I was just facinated with all the different types and shapes of cactus and could have spent weeks photographing them and I am not even a serious photographer.
Maybe get some disposable camera's for the kids and let them take pictures and make cactus photo albums when they get home to share with their classrooms along with their memories of the trip. :light:

norcalbajabetty - 11-6-2009 at 03:41 PM

Bajahowodd,
I was actually referring to my earlier post, where I said it took for days for us to get to Mulege with the kids...not a four day trip through Baja.
Again sorry for the confusion. To clarify...for my family traveling with two small children it took 3 full days driving from the Tecate border to Mulege. This was with minimal potty and taco stops. :)

mtgoat666 - 11-6-2009 at 04:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by newtobaja
Wow - 4 days to get to mulege. LP said drive from TJ to LP can be done in 2 days so I thought 3-4 days would be good for us with the kids. We will try not to spend too much time in northern baja as we can always come back to it in the summer or later.

Between kid's schools 2 weeks is all we get. Again LP mentioned it should be enough. Looks like I may need to scale down the plan a little


Sounds like too much driving with the kids couped up.
The drive down the penninsula is pretty, but kids may not appreciate the drive and may be bored stiff after first 500 miles of desert, and will be doubly bored on drive back north.

I suggest you fly to Cabo, spend time on beach and water, then do a driving tour in rental car up along sea of cortez.

Relax, have fun

Lee - 11-6-2009 at 04:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by newtobaja
My worry is that the kids will only remember the drive and not the fun. I do want to go back a second time :)


Factor in 2 additional days for driving. I've always done the drive in 4 days with a night in San Quintin or Rosarito, and then a night in Guerrero Negro, Loreto, then Todos Santos. On the 4th day, Loreto to La Paz/Cabo is an easy drive arriving early-afternoon.

The stupidest thing I can think of is driving from San Ysidro to Cabo in a hurry. It's a trecherous road to seasoned drivers and newbies need to be especially careful.

This is an adventure of a lifetime from first time down to last -- so, make frequent stops, and stop in the Playa Santispac area and enjoy the water.

The kids won't have as much fun if the Driver is stressed.

Bajahowodd - 11-6-2009 at 05:30 PM

There are several sections of mountain driving that have hairpin turns. One must obey the posted sinage to be safe. On the other hand, there are long stretches of straight, flat highway, that I must confess, I have hit 100mph on from time to time. It's a mixed bag. From Ensenada through San Quintin, it's a crapshoot regarding slow moving trucks and busses. Once your pass through El Rosario, despite the fact that the traffic will have disappeared, you will encounter the first of several mountianous, serpetine sections of the road. In between these section, you will encounter a road, that while only two lanes is basically flat and straight. Very unlikely that there will be anyone in authority along this stretch. So unless you feel obligated to comply with the ridiculous speed limits....

wilderone - 11-7-2009 at 04:42 PM

I think that's too much time in the car driving, with children. You don't mention what you like to do other than intend to do some fishing, and the kids would like a swimming pool at the hotels. I think you should spend some time in Bahia de los Angeles. You can fish, snorkle, hike, little museum, take a boat out to an island and explore, swim. Then the back way to Mision San Borja. Spend a couple days here if the room is available. Great cultural experience. Onward, stopping for pictographs, hiking, grocery shopping, a few hours at a beach, etc. Lots to do so you're really enjoying the drive. I think you'll get more out of your trip if you don't go so far, but rather, see the sights en route. Like most trips, you'll most likely change your itinerary after a few days.

805gregg - 11-8-2009 at 07:32 PM

Make sure you bring warm clothes, I spent a christmas about mid Baja, Bahia Conception to Lugui, and I was glad to have down jackets. If you want to be warm, try the mainland. I spent Thanksgiving in Z-town and it was 86 air 80 water perfect.

cpinkviv - 11-10-2009 at 01:42 PM

We have traveled with our kids the length of Baja in our truck and camper. Our kids have been as young as 3 which was challenging. My husband doesn't drive longer than 6 hours/day if we can help it. We take plenty to keep them busy and have snacks to keep them full. As we move through different areas we stay longer depending on what is going on in the areas and the weather (wind!). Be ready to change seats with the kids if they get restless and start picking at each other. The tiny markets along the way are great places to stop and the kids can pick a snack and you can change seats.

It's your first trip and 2 weeks is probably okay but it will feel like alot of driving. We get through Northern Baja as fast as we can and then enjoy ourselves. Don't miss some of the most beautiful beaches on the Sea of Cortez side below Mulege. The missions you can get to are wonderful and can be educational. Keep an eye out for what is going on in the towns as far as local celebrations. You may find getting to Cabo is not nearly as important as staying in Loreto (or wherever) and watching the Feast of the Guadalupe (or whatever). In other words, keep it flexible with the local culture and weather guiding you.

We pull our kids out of school an extra week as we consider the education they get on the road just as good as the one in the classroom, if not better. I ask their teachers well ahead for the work which also keeps them busy on the road. It's well worth the extra week but then again we are camping and not paying for a hotel so it is affordable.

Your wife may decide after this trip that having your own bed and being able to cook eat your own food when you want may be a better idea. Maybe next year - you will become one of us! Having Christmas on a secluded beach with a driftwood tree and a potluck with the rest of the campers in the afternoon was the best Christmas ever.

As you have probably read- don't drive at night! Also, there are many places where there is no shoulder so don't plan on stopping just anywhere.

Be flexible and have fun!

bajaguy - 11-10-2009 at 01:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by norcalbajabetty
Sorry I wasn't thinking...my four day trip includes one day in California, US...duh.

I also think there are nicer places to visit than Cabo. I prefer being off the beaten path, hanging with the locals.





Try Punta Banda, Estero Beach and LaJoya camp....beach, warm weather and plenty of "local color"

Fred - 11-10-2009 at 04:42 PM

Good point Terry. But, my van is not there...........so "local color"?????????????????????????

newtobaja - 11-11-2009 at 02:28 PM

thanks cpinkviv.
Quote:
Originally posted by cpinkviv
We have traveled with our kids the length of Baja in our truck and camper. Our kids have been as young as 3 which was challenging. My husband doesn't drive longer than 6 hours/day if we can help it. We take plenty to keep them busy and have snacks to keep them full. As we move through different areas we stay longer depending on what is going on in the areas and the weather (wind!). Be ready to change seats with the kids if they get restless and start picking at each other. The tiny markets along the way are great places to stop and the kids can pick a snack and you can change seats.

It's your first trip and 2 weeks is probably okay but it will feel like alot of driving. We get through Northern Baja as fast as we can and then enjoy ourselves. Don't miss some of the most beautiful beaches on the Sea of Cortez side below Mulege. The missions you can get to are wonderful and can be educational. Keep an eye out for what is going on in the towns as far as local celebrations. You may find getting to Cabo is not nearly as important as staying in Loreto (or wherever) and watching the Feast of the Guadalupe (or whatever). In other words, keep it flexible with the local culture and weather guiding you.

We pull our kids out of school an extra week as we consider the education they get on the road just as good as the one in the classroom, if not better. I ask their teachers well ahead for the work which also keeps them busy on the road. It's well worth the extra week but then again we are camping and not paying for a hotel so it is affordable.

Your wife may decide after this trip that having your own bed and being able to cook eat your own food when you want may be a better idea. Maybe next year - you will become one of us! Having Christmas on a secluded beach with a driftwood tree and a potluck with the rest of the campers in the afternoon was the best Christmas ever.

As you have probably read- don't drive at night! Also, there are many places where there is no shoulder so don't plan on stopping just anywhere.

Be flexible and have fun!

newtobaja - 11-11-2009 at 02:32 PM

So looking at the thread, looks like I need to work out a reasonable driving timeline since that will make/break this trip. If it takes too long for me to get to LP, then perhaps I am being too ambitious here. Let me post that in a couple of days for your comments

thanks

bajaguy - 11-11-2009 at 02:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fred
Good point Terry. But, my van is not there...........so "local color"?????????????????????????





Dennis; Bruce; Baja Mama...............

Bajahowodd - 11-11-2009 at 02:45 PM

Don't get overly cautious because of some of the posts. You can easily get to La Paz with three overnights, while driving only about 6 hours a day.

For example, starting at the border, you can get to San Quintin(184 miles) or El Rosario(221). Then Guerrero Negro is 222 miles from El Rosario. Next, Loreto is 260 miles. Then 223 miles to La Paz. None of those legs should take over six hours, maybe lots less. What you do have to decide is whether you are more interested in being in La Paz (and even the Cape area) or in stopping along the way. Lot's to see along the way. Just what your priority is.

David K - 11-11-2009 at 03:38 PM

I would suggest to NOT "try" and get anywhere... as in getting to Cataviņa the first day... Also La Paz and Cabo are NOT the supreme destinations in Baja... They are both cities. Now if you want to spend time in a hotel and have full services... I would head to Vegas... cheaper and less stress!

However, if your goal is to "discover Baja"... then 2 weeks will be fine for a quick exposure...

Some ideas of where to go on the way south and/or the return home:

El Rosario (5-6 hours/ 220 mi. from the border) is the 'last town' heading south, in Baja Norte with 2 nice motels that are cheap (Baja Cactus and Tourista) and lots of good eating (Mama Espinoza's, Tacos Mision, Baja's Best, many taco stands too)... It is also where you must top your gas tank, as it is the last Pemex station for 200 miles. Gas is sold from cans in Cataviņa and the L.A. Bay jcn.



Driving through the border, getting your tourist cards, through Ensenada, through the ag zone of Camalu to San Quintin will take MUCH longer than any other section of highway in Baja!

Enjoy the Cataviņa desert scenery the next day, hike the short climb to the painted cave, 2 miles north of Cataviņa!






140 miles from El Rosario is the 43 mile paved side trip to Bahia de los Angeles... Your first view of the Sea of Cortez... This is a sight you will always remember...



Bahia de L.A. is a great place for the kids, too... Beaches, museum, taco stands, motels, camp grounds (on the north bound La Gringa paved road from town)... La Gringa has sand and gravel beaches... full of sea life... See links to L.A. Bay sites for photos of this and other areas of Baja (below). You will get there before sundown to settle in.

Remember it gets dark fast and early in December... and once you cross into Baja Sur, you lose an hour with the time zone change.

L.A Bay to Guerrero Negro is 125 miles and just south is the side road to the gray whale watching area... You did order a Baja Almanac, right?

Guerrero Negro to San Ignacio is 90 more miles... the town and mission is just a couple paved miles off the highway to be in a true desert oasis!




Campgrounds and motels here... The Yurts are fun at Ignacio Springs... be prepared for some evening critters, however! Here's our Yurt inside and out:




The highway reaches the Cortez at Santa Rosalia and Mulege is 85 miles from San Ignacio... another oasis on a river next to the Sea of Cortez... Campgrounds, motels...



A few miles south is beautiful Bahia Concepcion... When your family sees this, you may not want to go any further south!






Many campsites or luxury accomodations at Playa Frambes Lighthouse Resort.

If you do want to go on, then Loreto is 85 miles south of Mulege and this is the place where Spain statred the California chain of missions...




San Javier is a must see, just 22 miles inland, and half of that is now paved.





Just so much to see and do in Baja... and we are only 2/3 of the way down the peninsula at this point!





[Edited on 11-11-2009 by David K]

bajabass - 11-11-2009 at 04:16 PM

After a photo tour like that, I would leave tomorrow!

Bajahowodd - 11-11-2009 at 05:11 PM

The honorary mayor of El Rosario has posted a great itinerary with great photos. I just wish to reiterate that you have to decide what your priorities are and whether La Paz, and the Cape area is your goal. Outside of whale season, San Ignacio doesn't strike me as kid friendly. And again, it's a matter of if you are camping or not, if you decide to spend time at Concepcion. Whatever you determine, you have to admit that the folks on this board have given you way more info than you can possibly use.

David K - 11-12-2009 at 10:12 AM

I am so honored... but I must decline the position howodd, I don't have an FM-3 work visa! So, I remain a traveling turista with camera and notepad and share things about Baja that are to help others have a great experience there!