BajaNomad - Baja Odyssey for one

Baja Odyssey for one

1L - 12-6-2010 at 04:27 PM

Greetings to you all. I am planning a 10 day trip in Baja Mexico. I recently bought an older mazda miata (2000) and thought it would be great fun and a good adventure to drive it down highway 1 during the winter break. I have a couple of questions that I thought you all might be able to advise me on, the first is it safe for a mid 30's single woman to road trip alone in Baja? I am a returned peace corps volunteer so I feel pretty resourceful in a foreign land, but I do not speak Spanish and many folks warn me that it is not safe to travel alone in Baja. I question their advice.

I have begun to do my research with travel books and on-line resources. I would like to see the whales in in Pacific bay of Ignacio and then hit Loreto for the remainder of the week. I think on average the trip will cost about 100$ a day. Is this high or low in your estimate? Will I need a passport? I am a US citizen. Any other advice?

Cheers to life's adventures,
1L

[Edited on 12-6-2010 by 1L]

bajatravelergeorge - 12-6-2010 at 04:48 PM

Is it safe? If your a good looking gal, be careful of guys with raging hormones. Plan on at least 4 marrage proposals a day and plan on being "inspected" at every military checkpoint.

If your more normal looking, just plan on having a great time. Seeing the whales in the bay is on my bucket list.

$100 a day sounds a bit light to me. Gas isn't cheap and it costs bucks to charter a panga out to see the whales. The nicer hotel rooms are between $50 to $100 a night as well.

Hope this helps.

sanquintinsince73 - 12-6-2010 at 04:50 PM

I have a couple of questions that I thought you all might be able to advise me on, the first is it safe for a mid 30's single woman to road trip alone in Baja?

If you can home school my kids along the way, I'll go with you!!!!!!!

DENNIS - 12-6-2010 at 04:53 PM

Welcome to BajaNomad. 1L.
Is it safe? Is your car in good shape? You don't want to be breaking down in the middle of nowhere. Don't drive at night. You may hook up with others to caravan between points.
Yes...it's safe if you make it safe.

100 bucks per day will be plenty...food, room and gas.

Don't get off the beaten path...especially alone. Just try to stay near people. There are plenty of them around.

You'll need a passport to get a tourist permit and to return to the states.

Stick around. A lot more advice is on the way.

Have a good trip.

Bajahowodd - 12-6-2010 at 05:04 PM

First off, driving a Miata, you really should stay on paved roads. On that note, you might be better off doing your whale watching trip from Guerrero Negro, where a number of hotels offer escorted trips to the lagoon. For instance Cowboy Hotel and Los Caracoles do it, and their room rates are quite low. If you really feel the need to do the San Ignacio Lagoon, I would caution you against driving your Miata out there. Somewhere close to 40 miles is still dirt road and often not in good condition. There are a number of resources in San Ignacio that can hook you up with a tour. On the other hand, you can probably drive yourself to the Ejido launch near Guerrero Negro, inasmuch as that dirt road is about 1/3 the distance of that at San Ignacio.

As for concerns about safety, Assuming you have spent time abroad, you probably already know the basics about remaining safe. In Baja, the lack of Spanish is really not all that significant. There are an amazing number of English speakers, fluent or less than fluent.

Enjoy the whales. We do every year.

capt. mike - 12-6-2010 at 05:42 PM

don't go. bad time lots of problems.
get a person to travel with if you're serious. and even that is not a guarantee of safe travel.

Skeet/Loreto - 12-6-2010 at 06:22 PM

I who have 38 years experience says to you. Take someone with you!

I will not drive the los Angeles Freeway alone nor would I go into East La Angeles Alone at Night.

You will enjoy your trip more if you take someone with You.

woody with a view - 12-6-2010 at 07:24 PM

where's fishbuck? i'm sure he's up to it!

mcfez - 12-6-2010 at 08:04 PM

You'll have more fun with a partner to travel with!
Or:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=14

But I want you to really go here and check out the Green Turtle!
http://www.greentortoise.com
Be perfect for you I think. Have had friends use this service and they went back for more. Bunch of youngsters like you are doing these Green Turtle trips

Baja Beach Daze 15-Day Trip 2010
Round Trip from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego:

* Fri, Dec 17, 2010 - Sat, Jan 01, 2011

15 Days: $870 plus $177 for food/parks. Hostel nights not included

Going by yourself shouldn't be an issue....since you are Peace Corps volunteer and have had some experience with third world climate. Stay on the main roads. Get off the roads before dark comes about. You dont want to be "out there" at night, same as you don't want to be out there in Los Angeles . Stay the hell out of the larger cities.

Getting a tour guild was smart advise too. 100 bucks a day? Filling up your tank...motel...(***dont camp alone***)..chow...I think 150 is a real number to work with.

Any body here from BajaNomads try to email you...disregard them! They're just a bunch of old coyotes looking for a live one :-) I am sure some guys like Dennis or sanquintinsince73 will try this :-)

[Edited on 12-7-2010 by mcfez]

bajatravelergeorge - 12-6-2010 at 08:05 PM

Dear 1L

Life is full of risks. The first time I traveled below Ensenada, I was scared. But someone had told me about Bahia De Los Angeles and how beautiful it was and how they traveled down there whenever they could. Whenever they had a problem, the Mexican people went out of their way to help. This information gave me enough courage to overcome my fear and give it a shot at traveling down there.

Needless to say, I caught Baja Fever and have now traveled most of the pennensula and now own a home there. If I had listened to the naysayers, I'd never would have gone and my life would be totally different. Baja may not end up being for you, but you'll never know unless you try it.

bonanza bucko - 12-6-2010 at 08:12 PM

Some pretty good advice above...even though most is goofy. Here are the things that need to be said:

1. Don't drive at night...EVER
2. Be sure your car is ready...completely problem free
3. Be sure you have good tires...and a spare
4. Think about taking a friend
5. Expect Mexicans to be super friendly and helpful..and really like that if you have a problem. For the most part...that is if they are not in gas stations or in police cars...the best, friendliest and most honest people on earth.

DENNIS - 12-6-2010 at 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
Any body here from BajaNomads try to email you...disregard them! They're just a bunch of old coyotes looking for a live one :-) I am sure some guys like Dennis or sanquintinsince73 will try this :-)

You're going to scare her to death. :lol:

sanquintinsince73 - 12-6-2010 at 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
You'll have more fun with a partner to travel with!
Or:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=14

But I want you to really go here and check out the Green Turtle!
http://www.greentortoise.com
Be perfect for you I think. Have had friends use this service and they went back for more. Bunch of youngsters like you are doing these Green Turtle trips

Baja Beach Daze 15-Day Trip 2010
Round Trip from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego:

* Fri, Dec 17, 2010 - Sat, Jan 01, 2011

15 Days: $870 plus $177 for food/parks. Hostel nights not included

Going by yourself shouldn't be an issue....since you are Peace Corps volunteer and have had some experience with third world climate. Stay on the main roads. Get off the roads before dark comes about. You dont want to be "out there" at night, same as you don't want to be out there in Los Angeles . Stay the hell out of the larger cities.

Getting a tour guild was smart advise too. 100 bucks a day? Filling up your tank...motel...(***dont camp alone***)..chow...I think 150 is a real number to work with.

Any body here from BajaNomads try to email you...disregard them! They're just a bunch of old coyotes looking for a live one :-) I am sure some guys like Dennis or sanquintinsince73 will try this :-)

[Edited on 12-7-2010 by mcfez]

Bro, once she accepted my cordial and platonic offer, I was gonna have you tag along also.....you know, kinda like a chaperon.

BajaBlanca - 12-6-2010 at 09:14 PM

there is a forum here for finding a traveler to accompany you. please try to find someone to come with you .... Just safer in general (you get sick), better since you can split room rate.

that being said - we met a really neat woman who at present is hitchihiking/bus/train/walking all the way down Mexico - started los angeles to baja and ferried to mainland and is now in Oaxaca on her way to Peru. she is having such a great time and i can give you access to her blog if you want.

mcfez - 12-6-2010 at 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

You're going to scare her to death. :lol:

Notice I didnt include my name

David K - 12-6-2010 at 10:31 PM

Do a search for posts by 'Paulina' and 'Debra' and 'Baja Bucko' and 'M'... there are planty more, but these are ones who have traveled to Baja alone or with their young children, for years without problems and have GREAT stories of fun and adventure.

The Miata wouldn't be my first choice... there is basically one paved road the length of Baja... but they are paving more side roads and many others are graded dirt which is fine for 2WD... But, the washboard surface could rattle parts of the car if it is not it tip top shape. A pickup or SUV would be a better choice...

Have fun!

1st night, a fantastic motel is Baja Cactus in El Rosario, next door to the gas station (where you must top your tank as there is a LONG stretch before anoth true gas station ... about 200 miles). Excellent rooms only about $30 for a single. El Rosario is 225 miles (5-6 hours) from the border.

The next town with full services is, Guerrero Negro 222 miles south...

Ask any questions...

motoged - 12-6-2010 at 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
....since you are Peace Corps volunteer and have had some experience with third world climate.....[Edited on 12-7-2010 by mcfez]

In her initial question, this line made me wonder :?:

If she has traveled abroad, she should know to always have your passport :light:

And why advertise what she is driving and that she is single....not the information a savvy traveler offers over a public forum. I rarely suspect a troll, but this time I did.

I hope I am wrong and just my usual cynical self :lol:

stevelaubly - 12-6-2010 at 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
there is a forum here for finding a traveler to accompany you. please try to find someone to come with you .... Just safer in general (you get sick), better since you can split room rate.

that being said - we met a really neat woman who at present is hitchihiking/bus/train/walking all the way down Mexico - started los angeles to baja and ferried to mainland and is now in Oaxaca on her way to Peru. she is having such a great time and i can give you access to her blog if you want.

Very interested...What is her blog?
THX

sanquintinsince73 - 12-6-2010 at 11:17 PM

Damn, I think McFez tipped her off about me. Well, let me go unpack.

mcfez - 12-6-2010 at 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sanquintinsince73

Quote:

Bro, once she accepted my cordial and platonic offer, I was gonna have you tag along also.....you know, kinda like a chaperon.

That's a low blow. Ouch! :lol:

BajaBlanca - 12-7-2010 at 12:19 PM

Superxicana Travel Adventures - this is the web address for the blog that superchicana is writing .... she doesn't post often but is open to questions about her trip. She is of Mexican descent, raised in los angeles, first time traveling around Mexico. And. On her own. She did say that sometimes she refuses rides, she has to feel comfortable to hitch a ride. I did urge her to do the copper canyon train trip and she loved it

www.superxicanatraveladventures.com

1L - 12-7-2010 at 05:38 PM

I have taken this trip to baja back in 1995 by motorcycle. I remember an amazing trip and look forward to experiencing time in Baja once again. At the time a passport was not needed to cross the border and I do not currently have a passport. I remain curious about travel across the boarder for short periods of time and whether the passport is really required. I have since learned it is. I state that I am driving a Miata so that the reader can let me know more about the roads. I appreciate the advice about washboard roads, dirt roads etc. I also appreciate the support from David K.

DENNIS - 12-7-2010 at 05:44 PM

A passport is required to re-enter the US.

mcfez - 12-7-2010 at 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
A passport is required to re-enter the US.

Yeah. A while ago you could BS them and get back over...with ease.

Now it's hassle.

Passports on line are covenant to get.

wilderone - 12-9-2010 at 09:20 AM

Yes, it is safe to travel in Baja by yourself. $100/day will be adequate if you take some groceries along, so you're not spending $5-10 every meal at a restaurant. Although, don't pass up fresh fish tacos here and there at around 75 cents each. A Miata doesn't have much clearance so driving on the dirt roads off Mex. 1 to explore will limit your adventure. The road to Scammons Lagoon is in fine shape and you can drive there yourself. If you choose not to, there are lots of tour buses operating out of Guerrero Negro. You asked about a passport - needed to return to US, and also to get your Mexican tourist visa - required for your length of stay and for traveling into Baja CA Sur. Get that at the border. Depending on your interests, spending time in the smaller towns to break up the drive and experience some Baja charm would be in order. E.g., a night in San Ignacio, Mulege. You can arrange for a whale trip at San Ignacio instead of driving yourself. You'll have fun. The first 100 miles isn't so much fun - just poking along through road construction, towns with lots of traffic, stop signs and topes.

DENNIS - 12-9-2010 at 09:52 AM

OK...Here ya go....some good advice from Elvis. All you have to do is change one word..."walk." When The King sings "walk"....you sing "drive."

http://tinyurl.com/2dgwxpj

BajaBlanca - 12-9-2010 at 10:01 AM

If you do go to san ignacio - and it is well worth the stop - stay with Juanita (Jane) at casa Leree (www.casaleree.com). Her rooms are so peaceful - only 2 of them and they face into an amazing garden. What is more, she has a great selection of baja books for sale, she sells arts and crafts made by all the local artisans in her area, she has photographs of families in over 10 albums marking the history of san ignacio .... her inn was the first INN ever in San Ignacio.
San Ignacio has a mission church that is awesome. And the ice cream on the square is great in summer !

1L

mcfez - 12-10-2010 at 06:58 AM

Your welcomed for all this advice