BajaNomad

Tourist Cards

Barefootmum - 6-14-2011 at 10:13 PM

Hi,

I'm off to the Mulegé area soon and I have three questions:

1) Tourist Cards. Last time I did the drive down I think I messed up because I obtained the tourist cards from the tourist office in Ensenada and then had to find a bank to pay before going back to the tourist office to have them stamped; it all took rather a long time! Can I simply do everything at the Tijuana border crossing? I'd just like to pay etc. all in one place rather than driving from place to place and waiting in lines at each location!

2) Overnights. I'm planning on allowing two and a half days to do the drive because the children and I enjoy taking it slowly as the drive is part of our vacation too. Where do you suggest staying? I was thinking of the Cactus Motel in El Rosario or the Desert Inn in Catavina on the first night (depending on what time we leave LA that morning), but how about our second night? Any suggestions? I stayed in Santa Rosalia last time.

3) Nature Guide. I want to take a good guide to the nature (marine and land) of Baja this time, so any recommendations for a good nature book(s) would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

funkynassau - 6-15-2011 at 05:42 AM

I've asked about the tourist card too and folks here told me you get it at the office at the border in Tijuana and pay for it there too, around $22. Cant help with your other questions, sorry.

questions

John M - 6-15-2011 at 06:18 AM

At the Tijuana port of entry you'd want to be in the rightmost lane, I believe it is shown on the overhead signs as the lane you want to be in if you have something to declare. As you cross into Mexico in this lane there is, immediately, a parking area for maybe 30 vehicles. The immigration office and bank are just to your right, about 100 feet apart.

Baja Cactus is a fine choice, and likely a bit less expensive than the hotel at Catavina, both good choices, about an hour and a half apart.

A couple of books to consider are:

The Baja Highway, a Geology and Biology Field Guide for the Baja Traveler by John Minch & Thomas Leslie

A Field Guide to the common and interesting plants of Baja California by Jeanette Coyle & Norman C. Roberts

Some edition, as this popular book has been redone many times: The Magnificent Peninsula, the comprehensive guidebook to Mexico's Baja California by Jack Williams - this is a pretty good road log too.

John M

mulegejim - 6-15-2011 at 06:35 AM

The information about the tourist card given above is good. Baja Cactus would be a my spot the first night - you may want to consider Guerro Negro for the next night and there are many posters who I am sure will respond with their favorite motels there. The reason I suggest GW is that it has, in my opinion, a better choice of motels plus if you go to Santa Rosalia you may just as well drive the extra hour to Mulege. Jim

David K - 6-15-2011 at 08:27 AM

I would say San Ignacio (an oasis) for the second night... Far far more interesting and beautiful than Guerrero Negro (a salt mine). Baja Cactus in El Rosario is 1/2 the price and twice the motel as the one in Cataviña... 76 miles from it.

Martyman - 6-15-2011 at 08:32 AM

I would stay at the Hotel Santa Maria in San Quintin the first night. Only an hour north of Baja Cactus and IT IS ON THE BEACH! Unless you relish the sound of those lovely jake brakes in El Rosario. No Problem getting to San Ignacio the next night.

[Edited on 6-15-2011 by Martyman]

Barefootmum - 6-15-2011 at 09:38 AM

Great, thanks everyone!

So I'll get our tourist cards at Tijuana and I've just ordered The Magnificent Peninsula book, which means that all I have to do now (apart from checking my tires and engine!) is decide on the overnights! I thought of staying at Baja Cactus because I remember enjoying the food at Mama Espinosa's so much on my way back last time, plus I have a bag of children's clothes to drop off there anyway, but the old La Pinta (that is the Hotel Santa Maria right?) in San Quintin sounds good - maybe on the way back up? I stopped overnight in Santa Rosalia last time I did the drive because we were going further south than Mulegé, but San Ignacio makes sense and besides, I need to visit the mission there again!

Any favourite accommodation suggestions in San Ignacio?

Any restaurant recommendations (that'll be open in July) in Baja Conception?

This forum keeps me going all winter long and I love reading about everyone's Baja adventures!

Thanks!

shari - 6-15-2011 at 10:07 AM

Hola Barefootmum...love your name by the way...and a hearty welcome to this forum. Are you new to the board or have been lurking awhile?

accomodation suggestions are sooo relative and depend on several things like tastes, budget, if you have kids or travel alone etc. It is so difficult to suggest places when we dont know much about you...your tastes, likes and dislikes etc. It is always helpful for us if you give us a little introduction and tell us a bit about yourself...where you are from, what your interests are, do you like to swim, are the quiet type or a party person etc. so we may better answer your questions.

For example Ignacio Springs is fantastic and a nice place to swim in the river..but Casa Leree is also amazing, great for a single woman but more rustic and is downtown...it will be very hot there now so something with air conditioning is important. Baja Cactus is great for the price and you can get a massage!!!

Check your U2U message box up under the sign in area.

BajaBlanca - 6-15-2011 at 11:06 AM

welcome to Baja Nomad and your trip will be fantastic ... I second the San Igancio idea for a place to stay overnight - Casa Leree is the first guest house for San Ignacio area and it has a museum that is a delight for adults, but especially for kids ... it has photos and artifacts and bones of animals (kids love that kind of stuff) as well as a wealth of Baja Books and even some local artist handicraft .... it is a block away form the main square which has some delicious ice-cream (cheap cheap CHEAP) and Juanita (Jane from US) is a treasure trove of history and stories ..

Have fun and take an hour or 2 to stop by Bay of Concepcion which is one of the nicest beaches perhaps in the world in terms of beauty .... spectacular doesn't even begin to describe it ...
there is also the mission church which is enormous and interesting...and all of the above from museum to church is FREE. Here is the link to Juanita's:

www.casaleree.com

Barefootmum - 6-15-2011 at 07:34 PM

...Casa Leree sounds great - I'm sorted!

We've been to Bay of Concepcion before and I quite honestly think it's one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, in fact it is one of the reasons we've decided to stay in that area this time.

I've been reading the board for about 18 months and traveling vicariously through all of your trips, although reading sometimes gives me itchy feet and I begin craving a Baja trip! BTW - I've just updated my profile, however it seems as if we are on the same page anyway!

Glad you like the name!

J.P. - 6-16-2011 at 08:52 AM

I didnt see any mention that Mexico will only accept Pesos for fees like Tourist Cards and such.
Enjoy Bay of Conception

wilderone - 6-17-2011 at 07:48 AM

If you get the tourist card at TJ border, there is a currency exchange place between the migra office and the bank. Also, just about any southern california reference book on birds, shells, marine life, cactus, reptiles will suffice and easier to find. There is a good Audubon guide to deserts and another on southwestern states that have a bit of each: butterflies, insects, mammals, plants, snakes, lizards, night sky, geology for a broad overview. Of course there are specific books on Baja CA if you want to track them down. How old are your kids? They'll have a grand time - bon voyage.

woody with a view - 6-17-2011 at 08:36 AM

when you get to san ignacio get youself and the kids a popsicle and sit under the big tree and be taken back in time while you enjoy the site of that old church. don't forget to drop a 20-50 peso note into the donation box inside the church.

bajajurel - 6-17-2011 at 08:37 PM

If you are lazy and only make it to San Quintin stay here -
http://www.hotel-jardinesbaja.com/index.html

bajaguy - 6-17-2011 at 09:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by J.P.
I didnt see any mention that Mexico will only accept Pesos for fees like Tourist Cards and such.
Enjoy Bay of Conception





Yes, they will only accept Pesos for the FMM (Tourist Card). There should be individuals at the IMM office/Bank/ border crossing that are hawking insurance and will convert your dollars to pesos.....think it's $22USD

Ken Cooke - 6-18-2011 at 08:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
I would say San Ignacio (an oasis) for the second night... Far far more interesting and beautiful than Guerrero Negro (a salt mine). Baja Cactus in El Rosario is 1/2 the price and twice the motel as the one in Cataviña... 76 miles from it.


In April, the price to stay in the (former La Pinta) motel in Cataviña was approximately $85 US - Baja Cactus costs $35 US. Use the difference to buy a tank of gas and still have $$ left over, IMO.

The other motel in Cataviña holds no comparison to the Baja Cactus.

Bajahowodd - 6-18-2011 at 05:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajajurel
If you are lazy and only make it to San Quintin stay here -
http://www.hotel-jardinesbaja.com/index.html


Interesting to see all the personal faves of the Nomads.

I will jump in and ....

The recommendation of the Jardines de Baja is excellent. Fact is that they have an absolutely fabulous restaurant run by the family next door. Unless you plan on being there on a Monday. Rates at Jardines de Baja are not really much more than the Baja Cactus. And despite your memories of eating at Mama's, Theres been considerable debate on this forum about the experience there.

Either way, Jardines or Baja Cactus, they are maybe 30 minutes apart.

As for your stay farther down, while what Woody said about sitting under the expansive trees on the zocalo in San Ignacio is really a sweet experience, it it was me, traveling with kids, I'd opt for Guerrero Negro, simply because, with the exception of perhaps Ignacio Springs and Casa Leree, Guerrero Negro has more acceptible lodging choices as well as more dining options.

Don't know your kids. If you and they are truly adventurous, the restaurant in front of the Hotel Coboy, Asadero Cowboy is a great place for taco lovers. For the less adventurous, the restaurant at Malarrimo is top notch.

I'd stay at GN, and then stop for a cone at the zocalo in San Ignacio.

El Rosario

bajaguy - 6-20-2011 at 09:15 PM

Southbound from the Baja Cactus is Baja's Best, on your right side.....a B&B and a great cafe. Stop in for breakfast or lunch.

In GN, suggest the Cowboy....and the little taco sit down stand in front has great food.......try the stuffed baked potato!!!!

[Edited on 6-21-2011 by bajaguy]

Barefootmum - 6-20-2011 at 09:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Quote:
Originally posted by bajajurel
If you are lazy and only make it to San Quintin stay here -
http://www.hotel-jardinesbaja.com/index.html


Interesting to see all the personal faves of the Nomads.

I will jump in and ....

The recommendation of the Jardines de Baja is excellent. Fact is that they have an absolutely fabulous restaurant run by the family next door. Unless you plan on being there on a Monday. Rates at Jardines de Baja are not really much more than the Baja Cactus. And despite your memories of eating at Mama's, Theres been considerable debate on this forum about the experience there.

Either way, Jardines or Baja Cactus, they are maybe 30 minutes apart.

As for your stay farther down, while what Woody said about sitting under the expansive trees on the zocalo in San Ignacio is really a sweet experience, it it was me, traveling with kids, I'd opt for Guerrero Negro, simply because, with the exception of perhaps Ignacio Springs and Casa Leree, Guerrero Negro has more acceptible lodging choices as well as more dining options.

Don't know your kids. If you and they are truly adventurous, the restaurant in front of the Hotel Coboy, Asadero Cowboy is a great place for taco lovers. For the less adventurous, the restaurant at Malarrimo is top notch.

I'd stay at GN, and then stop for a cone at the zocalo in San Ignacio.



Jardines de Baja does look great and I like the sound of their restaurant, plus we'd be there on a Saturday night which would work with it's opening hours. Of course I was hoping to get further down than San Quintin on my first day, but a part of what I love about our drives down to Baja is not knowing where we'll end up sleeping each night!

Our kids are 11, 13, 15 and 20 and they are adventurous! The eldest took himself to Kenya when he'd just turned 17, then off to Peru when he was 19. His trips were done on a complete shoestring budget and he found street-kid charities to volunteer with in each location. Food wise I'm the adventurous one.

My memory of San Ignacio in the summer is that it's sweltering and so Casa Leree may not work because of it's lack of AC, although we will stop and visit San Ignacio again because I love the town.

I've never actually driven into Guerrero Negro but maybe this will be the trip. I was always a little put off by the various guide books 'salt and fog' descriptions, but we just need a bed and I always like seeing somewhere new, if only to rule it out!

I always get my Pesos in the US before I leave, but will have some emergency dollars tucked away as well.

Maybe I hit Mama Espinosa's on a good day last time!

The kids have been collecting their gently used clothes and spare school pencils etc. for a few months and we were going to leave them at Mama's for distribution unless anyone has a better idea.

One last question: We snorkel, kayak and dive but haven't dived off Conception - how is the dive shop in Mulege?

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

LaTijereta - 6-21-2011 at 06:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barefootmum

One last question: We snorkel, kayak and dive but haven't dived off Conception - how is the dive shop in Mulege?

Thanks for all of the suggestions.


I would recomend a stop over in Loreto, to snorkel over around Coranado Island. You can negociate a panga ride over to the island right down at the marina, and be over there on the beach in under an hour. You will see much more sealife around the island, than up in Conception bay. You can
Dorado Dive shop is also just up the street on Juarez from the marina, if you need any equipment rentals.

Check-out search "Isla Coronados, Loreto, BCS" on Goggle Earth for a better view...

DiscoverBaja - 6-23-2011 at 02:00 PM

If you don't want to deal with all of the hassel at the border we issue Tourist Permits in our office to our members. You still have to get them validated at the immigration office as soon as you cross in, but you don't have to deal with going back and forth from line to line. You'll only have to do one line and only one person has to get out and them all stamped.

Membership is $39.00 a yr. and the Tourist Permits are $32.00 each. If you're only buying Tourist Permits and not going to be using our other useful services we can drop the price of membership to $29.00.
We can mail them out to you or have them ready for pick-up. :yes:

David K - 6-23-2011 at 04:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DiscoverBaja
If you don't want to deal with all of the hassel at the border we issue Tourist Permits in our office to our members. You still have to get them validated at the immigration office as soon as you cross in, but you don't have to deal with going back and forth from line to line. You'll only have to do one line and only one person has to get out and them all stamped.

Membership is $39.00 a yr. and the Tourist Permits are $32.00 each. If you're only buying Tourist Permits and not going to be using our other useful services we can drop the price of membership to $29.00.
We can mail them out to you or have them ready for pick-up. :yes:


Very cool :cool:

Paulina - 6-23-2011 at 07:04 PM

You may already know this, but be sure to make your clothing donations blend in with the rest of your clothing/luggage as they will be taken from you at the border if discovered.

How much time do you have to be in baja?

Have fun!

P>*)))>{

Barefootmum - 6-23-2011 at 11:02 PM

Quote:
If you're only buying Tourist Permits and not going to be using our other useful services we can drop the price of membership to $29.00.
We can mail them out to you or have them ready for pick-up. :yes:


What a great service, but sadly I don't have time to turn this around for this trip - next time!

Barefootmum - 6-23-2011 at 11:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
You may already know this, but be sure to make your clothing donations blend in with the rest of your clothing/luggage as they will be taken from you at the border if discovered.

How much time do you have to be in baja?

Have fun!

P>*)))>{


I had no idea our donations would be taken from us if discovered, but no one will know because they just look like my childrens' clothes!

I'm thinking of staying for about 3 weeks in Baja on this trip, but if my pesos hold out it might be longer. The dog-sitter likes living at our house and I don't have any work booked until August, plus I'm tired of rushing around!

Barefootmum - 6-23-2011 at 11:17 PM

Quote:
Quote:
You will see much more sealife around the island, than up in Conception bay.


I explored all around Loreto on my last trip to Baja and took a boat out to Coranado Island for a day - you're right, the islands are amazing, the water is the most fantastic colour, the snorkeling is great and the sealions en route are wonderful swimming companions!

Kayaking and snorkeling will probably keep me happy on this trip, I just wondered if anyone had a Conception Bay dive site they wanted to share. :D

David K - 6-24-2011 at 12:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barefootmum
Quote:
If you're only buying Tourist Permits and not going to be using our other useful services we can drop the price of membership to $29.00.
We can mail them out to you or have them ready for pick-up. :yes:


What a great service, but sadly I don't have time to turn this around for this trip - next time!


If you are driving through San Diego, they are between the 5 and 805 freeways and open 6 days a week.