BajaNomad

Crossing border at Tecate

ledge - 7-26-2010 at 12:31 PM

I was thinking of crossing the border at Tecate on a Sunday afternoon rather than Tijuana. I figure it might be shorter, less stressful, and "safer." I read a post recently saying that the road from Ensenada had lots of construction and was slow going. Does anyone know what the conditions are like right now? Also, if I were to take Blvd. 2000 to Tecate instead, where is the turnoff from Hwy. 1? Thanks

Timo1 - 7-26-2010 at 12:41 PM

Hang in there ledge
You'll get plenty of help
We cross ONLY at Tecate now

bajaguy - 7-26-2010 at 12:44 PM

Ledge

Check your u2u message

DENNIS - 7-26-2010 at 12:49 PM

Exit HWY-1 at Puerto Nuevo. Go north on free road to Blvd. 2000.
Go up 2000 and you'll see the first of two Tecate exits. That's the free road and it's not bad. It will be even better on Sunday without the work traffic.
If you want the toll road over to Tecate, pass the first Tecate exit and go another 6 or 8 miles to the next Tecate turn-off. That's the toll road and it costs 86 Ps for 16 miles of fine road. That's my choice.

DENNIS - 7-26-2010 at 01:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ledge
I read a post recently saying that the road from Ensenada had lots of construction and was slow going. Does anyone know what the conditions are like right now?



Forgot this part....still a mess. Don't do it. 2000 is the right choice.

David K - 7-26-2010 at 02:55 PM

My report (if that was the one you read) was last Tuesday... so it probably hasn't changed much. The 14 miles of construction zone just south of Tecate has about 7 miles of detours.

rts551 - 7-26-2010 at 05:31 PM

Ledge

Don't try the Tecate/Ensenada road. David is an expert in baja roads. and if he says 7 miles of detours are going to ruin your day.... well take the alternative

monoloco - 7-26-2010 at 05:48 PM

It only adds about an extra 20-30 minutes to the drive to Ensenada.

David K - 7-26-2010 at 05:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Ledge

Don't try the Tecate/Ensenada road. David is an expert in baja roads. and if he says 7 miles of detours are going to ruin your day.... well take the alternative


I never, ever said such a thing... truth is difficult for you, isn't it?

I did give the information in my trip report and being that there is an excellent alternative with no dirt detours or slow moving dump trucks to be stuck behind, it is up to the reader to decide on 14 miles of construction OR use the Blvd. 2000 and free Hwy.s Mex. 2 and Mex. 1.

ledge - 7-26-2010 at 06:12 PM

OK OK I'll take Blvd 2000!!! Thanks for all of the advice.

rts551 - 7-26-2010 at 06:18 PM

PSA David
"Widening the highway south from Tecate...

They are annoying enough to consider another route... specially for motorhomes and trailers!

There are 4 dirt detours between Tecate and Valle de las Palmas at Km. 26. They total 6.7 miles in length (last Tuesday).

Instead of Hwy. 3:

Otay to Blvd. 2000 is the way to go south.

Popotla to Tecate via Blvd. 2000 and Hwy. 2 is the way to go north.


The rest of Hwy. 3, south to Ensenada is great... All new from just north of Guadalupe to Hwy. 1."
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Ledge

Don't try the Tecate/Ensenada road. David is an expert in baja roads. and if he says 7 miles of detours are going to ruin your day.... well take the alternative


I never, ever said such a thing... truth is difficult for you, isn't it?

I did give the information in my trip report and being that there is an excellent alternative with no dirt detours or slow moving dump trucks to be stuck behind, it is up to the reader to decide on 14 miles of construction OR use the Blvd. 2000 and free Hwy.s Mex. 2 and Mex. 1.

Didn't take long

bajaguy - 7-26-2010 at 06:23 PM

For this post to go down the dumper.........

rts551 - 7-26-2010 at 06:24 PM

Ledge, I am not encouraging more traffic, but two weeks ago I was pulling a trailer through that area and it was not bad at all. Maybe it is worse now. If you go stop at Marlin's in Testerazo for breakfast of lunch. you will no be disappointed.

Quote:
Originally posted by ledge
OK OK I'll take Blvd 2000!!! Thanks for all of the advice.

mojo_norte - 7-26-2010 at 06:26 PM

I vote Ensenada-Tecate The construction is no big deal IMO. There's one army check point. The US immigration personnel are much more sane at Tecate- definitely less stress.