misterfeathers - 10-11-2011 at 09:11 AM
Hi guys! First Post Long Time Lurker.
I will be doing my first trip to baja in two weeks and am looking for recommendations on an ideal itinerary. We enjoy small towns and ocean views
with beaches. Hoping to do some snorkeling, fishing, kiteboarding. The only must stops we have on our list are Loretto, BOLA, and La Ventana. We
will have 8 weeks to play down south. What do you all recommend for a great itinerary and things/places not to miss. Look forward to reading your
replies.
krafty - 10-11-2011 at 09:21 AM
8 weeks?? Lucky you! We loved LaPaz and Mulege-must stops. and Welcome....
mcfez - 10-11-2011 at 10:24 AM
There's a little debate here as to if there are two ways to go south towards the Cape.
One can enter thru Mexicali.......great stops are San Felipe, South San Felipe, Puertecitos, Gonzaga Bay, Punta Final...and many other destinations
that offer a great vacation get away.
Once pass Punta Final.....the road leads up to Mex 1 where BoLA is a short distance. Yes....there are two ways to reach southern Baja.
There is fantastic places to see on this route.
Here's a excellent link for travel of either way...read all two pages...lots to learn here:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=54839#pid6482...
Welcome to the BN here. I'm the guy everyone loves the most.....here at the BN.
[Edited on 10-11-2011 by mcfez]
shari - 10-11-2011 at 10:35 AM
hey there misterfeathers....glad you finally came out of the closet...nice to see some new blood!!! Drop over to the pacside for a visit...lots of
pristine beaches to explore....have a blast!
ArvadaGeorge - 10-11-2011 at 10:58 AM
The Towns My wife and i are like Mulege,Loretto. Asuncion
bajabass - 10-11-2011 at 11:59 AM
8 weeks is a great time frame. Allowing enough time to explore both sides of Baja. Time to sit down with the map and your computer, and rough draft a
loose schedule.
Leave time for extra days, because there will be several places you don't want to leave! I don't think anyone can give you an "ideal" itinerary,
except you!!
A few days in Asuncion and/or La Bocana for great calico and yellowtail fishing, and a new lobster season to feast on! For sure a few days/week in
Mulege/Concepcion enjoying whole area. Stop in La Paz and try a kayak trip out to Espiritu Santo. Cabo Pulmo/East Cape snorkling is spectacular!! A
panga from La Ventana is a quick ride to dorado and some tuna right now. Enjoy
BajaBlanca - 10-11-2011 at 05:33 PM
come to la bocana for sure ... say hello to blanca and les ... and to Rex too !! we are off the beaten track ... 651 is the population here 
see my trip report on campo rene - it is not too far from punta abreojos and it is a gem of a location - sand dollars everywhere on the beach.
Nan&D - 10-11-2011 at 06:03 PM
Kinda assume you're camping? We're partial to Asuncion, of course! The Pacific is wonderful, come and visit....But for a first time visit to Baja
there's nothing like coming over the hill and seeing Bahia Conception.... Lots of beaches there to camp on and Mulege for tacos and groceries. Then
head south...yeah
N
misterfeathers - 10-12-2011 at 10:40 PM
Yes we are camping in a vanagon. Is it worth spending time north of san quintin or just b-line it to BOLA and then take our time going south from
there?
Are there any good places to catch a caravan heading south? I heard of one leaving every Wed to San Felipe. Any other spots to rendezvous with other
travelers?
dtbushpilot - 10-12-2011 at 10:46 PM
Not necessary to stop before, or for that matter in San Quintin. The good stuff is further South....IMHO of course. If you want to spend the night in
SQ Jardines is nice if you want to get a room and there is a nice RV park next door if you would rather camp. Nice restaurant on the other side of the
motel.
BajaDanD - 10-12-2011 at 10:53 PM
Dont need no caravan just go. We like to stop in SanQuintin but most times now we drive straight through to Asuncion. Thats a long drive in one day
but doable BOLA is a little closer about 10 hours from the border. Dont drive at night unless you absolutly have to.
volcano - 10-13-2011 at 07:09 AM
we have a cabin in baja sur, and always be-line it out of baja norte for safety sake. caravanning is so slow and frustrating.......love going solo.
First nigh in Guerrero Negro or Catavina, then see
Concepcion bay, Loreto area, the village of San Bartolo, East Cape Loop.
mcfez - 10-13-2011 at 11:36 AM
There aren't too many issues of violence...once you pass Mexicali...even at that... Mexicali has very little issues. It's safe as driving thru Los
Angeles !
I have yet heard of cartel - mass murder - kidnappings coming out of the San Felipe (and southward) area.
The Sea of Cortez route is a must for the camper....and once on the Mex 1 from Mex 5....that is a must too :-)
[Edited on 10-13-2011 by mcfez]
Bajahowodd - 10-13-2011 at 03:39 PM
Since you didn't mention where you are coming from, it's difficult to make a suggestion about the first night.
However, assuming that you are traveling down Highway One, as was previously mentioned, the Jardines de Baja just South of San Quintin is a good
choice. If you don't wish to do the hotel thing, there is a very nice campground next door. And, probably the best reason for stopping there is that
they have a wonderful restaurant.
That said, you might also consider the Posada Don Diego, which is just several miles North of the Jardines. Nice campground and good restaurant, as
well.
Both are long time family operated places.
Udo - 10-13-2011 at 05:43 PM
Don't forget to buy your Baja Almanac at http://www.discoverbaja.com
The Almanac has every possible road (paved or unpaved) in Baja.
They will also handle your insurance as well as your FMM (tourist visa).