BajaNomad

Clueless Traveler.. lots of qs..

lonelypilgrim - 2-6-2011 at 12:41 PM

My husband and I are very easy going, but have done little traveling outside the US (except for a few trips to "resorts")

We are planning a vacation June 26-July1 (or 2nd, or 3rd, not positive yet) and my husband is quite interested in visiting bahia concepcion.

as I said, we're total gringos and newbs and every other "Green" word out there, so any/all advice is highly appreciated!

We are considering flying into Loreto or Santa Rosalia and then renting a car and driving to Bahia concepcion area for camping.

so Qs:

what kind of car would you rent? small n cheap, or something more "truck/4x4/van" like? speaking of vans, do they rent camper vans (VWs)?

when camping: assuming there are no camper vans, do we just set up a tent/bedding (that we either buy in mexico or bring on plane with us) and leave it there for the duration of our trip.. is it safe to leave stuff in tent, or will it get pilfered while we're off swimming/eating etc?

Safety: is the area pretty safe if we use common sense?

Beaches: Are there any nude beaches? (not talking sexual, just freedom to swim nude)

food/water? I hear it's pretty rustic, so not a lot of restaurants to buy food at, if we're tent camping, how do we prepare food to eat?

Do the beaches have restroom facilities (basic is fine.. outhouses, whatever)?

We don't speak spanish, will that be a problem in this area? with driving in mexico?

sorry if these Qs seem obvious, I checked the FAQ section, but it was simply answers on how to use the message board, not answers to frequently asked baja questions.

thanks in advance for any help!

captkw - 2-6-2011 at 12:50 PM

hope you like stinking hot weather,cause that's what you will find, at that time of year... me, i'd go to alaska or maybe the serria's,,, but that,s me

lonelypilgrim - 2-6-2011 at 12:57 PM

we do like stinkin' hot weather! :biggrin: thankfully. My husband is a teacher and we have to take all of our vacations in the summer.. we don't have the luxury that some others have to take off in feb or whatever. So, we make do. Like I said, we're easy going. We went to cancun in mid-July and to Jamaica in late June and had GREAT trips..

A vacation is what you make of it, no? Would the weather in Baja really be that much different than what we experienced in Cancun?

TMW - 2-6-2011 at 01:30 PM

It will be hot especially for camping but what the heck give it a try. With the way the weather has been it may turn cool then. The Pacific side is cooler, much cooler at night. If you get too hot camping get a hotel in Mulege or Lereto. A 4x4 would let you go places with a little more piece of mind especially in the sand. Speaking spanish is not necessary but it helps a lot. Get an english to spanish dictionary something to help you pronounce the words and put together a simple sentence and practice it in the hotels, resturants, gas station, markets etc. A little goes a long way. There are plenty of markets to buy food at etc, mostly small ones. There are lots of things to see in the Loreto, Mulege, Santa Rosalia area. Thanking people and smiling a lot goes a very long way.

"Would the weather in Baja really be that much different than what we experienced in Cancun?"

Howard - 2-6-2011 at 01:30 PM

IMO Bahia Conception is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Mexico. I, as many fellow Nomads would love to help you plan your trip but I did have a chuckle at your expense.

May I assume that you were in one of those nice resort hotels when it was Death Valley hot? If you were, just think of trying to do what you did and wanted to do but had nowhere to escape to except your tent and car.

If at all possible put off this trip until the middle of October or so. The bay is spectacular and I highly recommend you do it but in either Spring or Fall.

Mike99km - 2-6-2011 at 01:33 PM

It will be hot and humid in July the no see-ums will be thick. If you don't like it, move to the Pacific side. I have rented a truck in Lorado on a fly down trip not 4x4 but worked.
We will pack a ice chest with a 1 burner stove, pots, coffee pot. and tent. Use a strap around it for the plane, they will open it if it is taped.The sleeping pads, small blue tarp and all go with the personal stuff.
Make sure you know how to use all your gear before you get on the plane.
We shop for food and h2o when we get off the plane. Get propane, stakes,and rope (for the tarp) at the hardware store.
Lock up all important stuff in the car always. Ask somebody to watch your camp when you leave. There will not be many folks around that time of year.
There are restaurants in the area that are great!
Language will not be a problem.
There are plenty of folks on this board that have places in that area think about renting one.

Pescador - 2-6-2011 at 01:45 PM

June is a delightful month down here and it may start getting hot on the first of July, but not all years. I seldom turn on A/C before the end of July. Unless you fly in from Guaymas, Mexico, you are forced to fly into Loreto. but that works pretty well and yes they have all kinds of rental cars, which you may want to have lined up beforehand in order to get a decent price. The water starts to get warm in June and is beautiful that time of the year
so snorkeling and swimming should be great. When you go swimming or exploring, make sure things that you want and need are locked in your car and you should have no problems. Coyote is probably the nicest spot with some possibility of shade, while Santispac has very little shade. Ensenada has some small palapas built with thatch and woven bamboo sides called petate that makes a nice getaway from the sun. You will find stores in Loreto and Mulege that should have all of your basic needs. Ice is available in both towns. Santispac has a restaurant on the beach and there is a small restaurant at Burro also.

goldhuntress - 2-6-2011 at 01:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mike99km
It will be hot and humid in July the no see-ums will be thick. If you don't like it, move to the Pacific side.


Good advice. Be flexible. Have plans A, B, and C in advance so you don't waste time trying to figure it out.

woody with a view - 2-6-2011 at 01:48 PM

yeah, need more info..... all of the usual camping areas along the bay will be mostly empty due to the heat, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. spend a day driving around and don't pick the first "perfect" place you pass. there are more. keep in mind you will be noticed from the road by every passing vehicle so your stuff needs someone onsite if you leave it. pay the local family on the beach $5 day "por tu vigilancia" on top of the $5 they want to camp. just point to your eye when you say it and then at your stuff. they will guard it like pit bulls. maybe ask if they need something from the store when you return......

rhintransit - 2-6-2011 at 02:09 PM

it will be hot. or not. some years yes, some no. I really like June and July myself but wouldn't take the chance of camping in the heat. think long and hard about that. I've had visitors from the USA used to camping, 'easy going' too who were terribly disappointed in the actual conditions here. outhouses and showers are rare. exposure to weather and insects can be severe. don't bother buying/hauling tents, camp/cooking stuff, etc (rent it here?...nope), put the money towards hotel rooms and enjoy your first taste of Baja.
no camper type vans from rental car places in Loreto. most companies will say they won't cover you, insurance wise, if you leave the pavement with their vehicle. that would be a judgement call on your part. but, first trip, a small cheaper rental would probably be fine. most beaches on Conception Bay that the first time tourist would go to are not far off the highway.
no formal swimsuit optional beaches. nudity offends the locals. but if you find a deserted place and can get back to some coverup if needed, swimming nude shouldn't be a problem.
food won't be a problem, unless you camp, then you get to cook...over a campstove or such. and wash dishes (no fresh water on the beaches), and bring all food/drinks, oh, yes, that luxury: ice, etc etc etc. another reason not to camp.
need more? bugs. possible pilfering. do not leave a campsite unattended. do not leave anything attractive visible in a car anywhere. nothing sacred about a trunk either if a thief wants in. (same precautions as camping anywhere, not a Baja scare tactic)
Spanish isn't necessary. rudimentary attempts are it are appreciated.
fly into Santa Rosalia? hum. you're thinking maybe from Guaymas perhaps? rudimentary airstrip. no transport to town unless somehow you prearrange it. I don't think there are rental cars in Sta Rosalia. if flying to this middle area of BCS and renting a car, Loreto is it.
rethink the 'lodging' part of it and you'll have a great time...

woody with a view - 2-6-2011 at 02:21 PM

just go. swim nekkid in isolated places, but don't let Skeet see!:lol:

danaeb - 2-6-2011 at 02:37 PM

Last July, toward the end of the month was suprisingly beautiful, so just go. The water will be delightful, the evenings will be balmy, and yeah, it might be hot and humid, but so what? That's Baja. Bahia Concepcion is one of the most beautiful bays on a peninsula of beautiful bays.

The full moon is July 14th...

vandenberg - 2-6-2011 at 03:38 PM

I'm with rhintransit. Invest in a hotel/motel/home rental. Peace of mind and many available at reasonable prices in either Loreto or Mulege. The places you mentioned are easily reachable in an easy days drive from either location. Having a kitchenette can save you buckoo bucks if money is a concern. Wishing you a good time.
BTW, I live here and in general June and July are delightful.

BigOly - 2-6-2011 at 03:44 PM

I also love hot and humid weather. Don't worry about swimming in whatever, clothes or not, just pick a secluded spot and be respectful. In July there will be pleanty of room most anywhere in Baja. Safety?,,,,,,,,use common sense. When we travel to remote places like South Africa we will talk to some of the locals. Often when they ask you where you are from and you reply the U.S. they say "aren't you afraid to live there? Everyone has guns and driveby and shoot you for no reason". Don't go through life like walking on eggshells. Most any car will do. Something good on gas may give you a little more freedome to check out other areas. Keep the tank 1/2 full or better. DON'T OVERPACK!!!!!!!!!!! It is easier to wash clothes than haul more stuff around than you need. Stop, look, listen and send some photos.

lonelypilgrim - 2-6-2011 at 04:39 PM

thanks for all the responses, are there any towns with lodging between loreto and mulege, or do we need to pick one or the other if we want to stay in a hotel? I've seen good reviews for a few places in mulege, so may follow up with that unless anyone has a "Must stay" place between the airport and mulege.. would prefer to stay closer to the south end of bahia concepcion but I realize that it's pretty secluded other than campsites.

heard good things about clementine in mulege as far as a rental goes.. but other suggestions would be welcomed too!

Bajahowodd - 2-6-2011 at 04:55 PM

Was watching this thread develop. Lots of good advice. So now, my two centavos. By and large, Mulege is closer to Concepcion than Loreto. But, as you expressed a preference for the Southern area of the bahia, it kinda makes it a wash timewise.

That said, the weather is a crapshoot this time of year. Historically, the least amenable weather is August and September. However, we stayed at Serenidad just around the same time two years ago and the weather was brutal. It had just rained and the humidity was oppressive. We appreciated the air conditioner in our room. But, their restaurant was only bearable when one of the many fans was blowing right at us.

I can appreciate the problem with vacation timing in that mi esposa has been a teacher for over 20 years. The "break" times such as around Xmas and spring break always find the highest rates for airlines and hotels. Because of that, we found ourselves in Baja in June, July and August, year after year. We experienced a number of tropical storms and hurricanes in that time. But, like I mentioned, it's sort of a crapshoot. It may be beautiful. It often is.

Lastly, you will find a much greater selection of accommodations in Loreto in that it is a much larger town than Mulege. However, Loreto prices are generally higher than in Mulege for lodging.

Either place, it will be so close to Concepcion that you can still spend virtually all day at the beach.

bajaguy - 2-6-2011 at 05:10 PM

Why don't you look for a short term rental of a house or casita????

mcfez - 2-6-2011 at 09:24 PM

I would rent a house in Loreto....then use that as a home base.
http://www.rentalsloreto.com/index.php?passit=14#

In the above link...there are several joints that looks swell for 90 a day.

It is too hot for camping. You will not enjoy it unless you are hardcore campers. Most campsites are somewhat primitive.

Go in October to Baja!

I doubt we will see your heads hanging from the TJ bridge. Use common sense when traveling Baja, just as you would traveling in Los Angeles. I drag all my kids there routinely.

"Don't speak Spanish".....last thing to worry about!

Now if you want a real nice vacation....look into Bay of Los Angeles. Islands, good folks, campsites to motels, all gear avail for outdoor sports, and there are even "butt naked beaches" to go to.

http://www.bahiadelosangeles.info/
http://www.villabahia.com/

BE WARNED ABOUT MALES SWIMMING NAKED: the trigger fish will go after that "worm" thinking it's bait. Ouch! Ask Russ here, he'll tell ya from first hand experience.

[Edited on 2-7-2011 by mcfez]

David K - 2-6-2011 at 10:26 PM

I wonder if everyone giving advice has even been to Baja in July? No see-ums? Where... Maybe in San Blas on the mainland... oh yah!?

Pilgrim, I invite you to look at our trip web page from JULY (2009) in Baja Sur... many places described above in photos... We combined camping and lodging... San Ignacio, Mulege (Bahia Concepcion), Loreto... beaches, missions, and more!: http://vivabaja.com/709

In JULY, 2007, we also went to Bahia Concepcion but went to the Pacific side of Baja Sur to Bahia Asuncion and Punta Abreojos, too: http://vivabaja.com/707

Bugs were NEVER a problem when we camped in July on Bahia Concepcion (or anywhere else).

More stuff to check out in my links, below...



San Ignacio



El Coyote, Bahia Concepcion



San Javier (founded in 1699)



La Perla, Bahia Concepcion



Magdalena ruins near Mulege

[Edited on 2-7-2011 by David K]

Skipjack Joe - 2-7-2011 at 12:15 AM

If you have truly camped in Cancun in July rather than stayed at a resort then Concepcion will be tolerable. Otherwise you will be surprised by the heat. The bay is encircled by land so the light breeze that comes from the sea of cortez is absent.

Your timeline is on the edge of very hot to oppressively hot. And the change occurs within a few days. Most of your vacation, if not all, will occur before it gets unbearable.

Bring bug spray and appy it to arms and legs an hour or so before sunset. The no seeums don't like the heat either and come out when the sun is less intense.

You have been lots of good advice on this thread.

mcfez - 2-7-2011 at 06:55 AM

Yes...I have in July! And it's not worth the sweat. There's a lot of folks out here that simply are not accustomed to the heat of Baja....you have been going there hundreds of time DavidK in the last 53 (?) years. Hell.....I bet your skin looks reptilian by now :-)

rhintransit - 2-7-2011 at 07:10 AM

many of the people who are replying LIVE here, so we know of what we speak. of course, I weenie out in the late summer...in late August or September, I go back to Phoenix where it's a comfortable dry heat of 110-115 or so. and no bugs. much better than the miserable sweat pouring from your skin humidity down here. and bugs.

wilderone - 2-7-2011 at 09:49 AM

"No see-ums? Where... "
Coyote Bay is awful in summer at night. Stinks too.
Stay in a hotel in Mulege (or some other accommodation - maybe there's a B&B) - go to Conception Bay during the day - find your private beach - go north to Punta Chivato. Walk way down the beach there for some privacy. If you're diehard campers you should know that you can't fly with stove fuel which would be your biggest impediment to cooking, even if you flew in with all your other camping gear. You'll see more of Baja with a base in Mulege - maybe the last 3 nights in Loreto? Drive south to Juncalito and into the hills to see the mission. You just need a regular car - get a cheap compact. Bring some foods to supplement your meals on your daily excursions - nuts, dried fruit, cheese, powdered drink mixes, granola bars. Camping on the shores of the Sea of Cortez in summer has one advantage in that you can always go for a dip and cool off, and the days are long. Always take plenty of water with you when you go off for the day. Not knowing Spanish probably won't be a concern where you're headed, but learn the basics: gracias, por favor, buenas tardes, otra mas (for that second Pacifico!!). Might cost you a little more overall, but you'll get more out of your trip. Just put it on a credit card and enjoy!!!

If you really want to camp and you figure out the stove fuel problem, then bring a tent with lots of mesh for air flow and to keep mosquitos out. Find a campsite with a palapa. You can leave your tent up with all your stuff for the day, but be sure somebody is charged with watching it - might be difficult if you're gone all day. If you only have 6 days consider all options.

shari - 2-7-2011 at 10:37 AM

make sure your rent-a-car has air conditioning...you'll need it. I would go with the suggestion to rent an air conditioned room on the conception side in mulege somewhere, do your beach stuff early in the morning or early evening.

If you do find the heat unbearable, you can always nip over to the pacific side and visit us over here in Asuncion to chill out...or blanca in la bocana or campo rene near Abreojos...lots of reasonable places to stay on this side and paved roads in.

[Edited on 2-7-2011 by shari]

Marc - 2-7-2011 at 08:25 PM

I find that anything above100º is to hot to even set up a campsite.
I have only been down during July once and it was really hot then. I find that August and September the hottest. Find a campsite with shade like a palapa as shown in posts above. You do not need a4X4.

SEPT 2010 105º

[Edited on 2-8-2011 by Marc]