BajaNomad

Christmas visit questions

koolaukid - 12-1-2011 at 07:22 PM

Hello All,
My family and I plan to visit Baja next month from the 19th through New Years Day. We're from Hawaii and have never been to Baja although I spent a day in Tijuana about 20 years ago. Our plan is to rent a car in Tijuana and drive down to Los Cabos before doubling back to return the car and fly back from La Paz. Although the drop fee is high, I think this a good opportunity to make our own schedule, stay in interesting areas as long as we like and explore. After perusing the road trips, it seems we'll be staying in larger towns, Ensenada, Guerrero Negros, Loreto, etc., my preference is not to make reservations at any hotels. I've heard that because of the drug war scare, tourism is down in Baja but I've also heard that Christmas, up to mid January is the high season. Do you think I should tie up reservations or will we be able to find accommodations easily? We'll probably hole up somewhere Christmas Day, if not we would definitely make reservations for that day but what about the rest of the trip?

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. After reading some of the articles here I'm really looking forward to going.
Scott

DENNIS - 12-1-2011 at 08:35 PM

Welcome to BajaNomad, Kool.
Well....lessee....you seem to be planning a lot for a short two week vacation. Down and up the Penninsula...stay here and stay there.

I dunno....I think I'll let others here help you with your itinerary.
Just wanted to say hi and have a good trip.

tripledigitken - 12-1-2011 at 08:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Welcome to BajaNomad, Kool.
Well....lessee....you seem to be planning a lot for a short two week vacation. Down and up the Penninsula...stay here and stay there.

I dunno....I think I'll let others here help you with your itinerary.
Just wanted to say hi and have a good trip.


That's more days in one stretch than I had for my Baja trips over the last 30 years during my working career.

They are actually only going down to Cabo and then back to La Paz and flying home.

That's plenty of days to have a great time.


Ken

David K - 12-2-2011 at 11:27 AM

I recommend that you do the side trip into Bahia de los Angeles (it is paved)... motels, taco stands, restaurants, stores... a great museum... otherwise it is a tiny town on a beautiful island filled bay.

Take the short, mile paved side road into San Ignacio... not to be missed.

Mulege and Loreto both are special in their own way... then the miles of beautiful beaches along Bahia Concepcion will draw you.

Use my Baja Tours page to see photos of northern Baja (incl. Bahia de los Angeles) http://vivabaja.com/tours and then have a look at some of the beauty of Baja Sur from our 2009 trip page: http://vivabaja.com/709

Ask questions... Have a great time!







[Edited on 12-2-2011 by David K]

koolaukid - 12-2-2011 at 11:38 AM

Thank you all for your input and support, what a great group! However it seems my original question has been missed.

During the Christmas Break, December 20-30, do I need to make reservations for sleeping accommodations or will I be able to pull into town(s) and find accommodations easily without reservations?

Again, I'm looking to some experienced Baja hands to provide input on availability of lodging during this period. My goal is to enhance our scheduling flexibility by not making reservations but of course no one likes sleeping in the car!
Scott

MMc - 12-2-2011 at 11:44 AM

You should be able to find place to stay. Some will be better than others but with a open mind and a sincere desire for adventure,you'll do fine. Farm this site for place to stay and things to do. MMc

[Edited on 12-2-2011 by MMc]

desertcpl - 12-2-2011 at 12:05 PM

I wouldnt make reservations at all, the Hotels are way off from years past being booked, not even close,
its a customers market. you can get a better rate than the asking price, with a little haggling
making reservations really would only apply if you had been before and knew the lay out of the towns and Hotels
this way you can pick and choose which ones fit for you
most places are begging for business
so not to worry

David K - 12-2-2011 at 12:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by koolaukid
Thank you all for your input and support, what a great group! However it seems my original question has been missed.

During the Christmas Break, December 20-30, do I need to make reservations for sleeping accommodations or will I be able to pull into town(s) and find accommodations easily without reservations?

Again, I'm looking to some experienced Baja hands to provide input on availability of lodging during this period. My goal is to enhance our scheduling flexibility by not making reservations but of course no one likes sleeping in the car!
Scott


That is a tough one because it used to be a good idea to reserve... but with the economy and fear of Mexico killing tourism, it is likely you won't need reservations. There is usually always a place to stay... just ask, you may be someone's house guest?

Your first night (if you are trying to head south and then work slowly back north) will depend on when you leave San Diego... and remember, the days are shortest in December and you don't want to be driving at night... If you are on the road by 10-11 am, then Baja Cactus Motel in El Rosario (225 miles south) is an awesome place with A+++ service and ammenities and low low price ($35). You can make a reservation there using their U.S. phone number... 619-694-1082 the owner (Antonio) speaks English and is a Baja Nomad memeber 'BajaCactus'.

That way, you can relax the rest of the trip better... as long as you get out of the cities of Tijuana-Ensenada and into the beautiful countryside and know you have a room for the night after the first hectic day (getting pesos, your tourist cards, renting a car, etc.).

Bahia de los Angeles is 3-4 hours drive from El Rosario (as is Guerrero Negro if you head straight south first). You could check out Bahia de los Angeles (L.A. Bay) that afternoon... then head for San Ignacio or Mulege the next day (or day after if you stay a full day at L.A. Bay)...

Udo - 12-2-2011 at 12:26 PM

A must see while near San Ignacio: drive out to Laguna San Ignacio to watch the whales and their calves.
There are a couple of 'yurt' concessions for you to stay in. It's a life-changing experience spending the night there and listen to the whale spouts all night...unless you are a sound sleeper.

Udo - 12-2-2011 at 12:29 PM

I forgot to mention...

We will be doing the same thing, but driving down in a fixed up Toyota FJ Cruiser with "BAJARDE" plates and a yellow kayak on top.
Our only difference is that we will start at Mexicali and head down Mexico 5...however long it currently is.

BTW the kayak will have a cut-proof chain on it while on the roof and the latest of alarms on the car.

[Edited on 12-2-2011 by Udo]

koolaukid - 12-2-2011 at 12:42 PM

"619-694-1082 the owner (Antonio) speaks English and is a Baja Nomad memeber 'BajaCactus'."

Tried calling Antonio but no one that answered could speak enough English to understand what I was asking and Antonio was apparently not available.

Something tells me I need to brush up on my Spanish otherwise this may turn out to be more of an adventure than planned.
Scott

mtgoat666 - 12-2-2011 at 12:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by desertcpl
I wouldnt make reservations at all, the Hotels are way off from years past being booked, not even close,


the whole country takes xmas week off... perhaps some days hotels will be busy. probably safer to get a reservation if there is a specific place and time you want to be.

koolaukid - 12-2-2011 at 01:42 PM

"the whole country takes xmas week off... perhaps some days hotels will be busy. probably safer to get a reservation if there is a specific place and time you want to be."

Again, hoping to avoid being locked into a schedule. Anyone have experience traveling in Baja during Christmas Break during the last year or so? Were the hotels/motels/B 'n Bs booked solid? Or are tourism levels such that accommodations are easily available during that period?

I thank everyone who has chimed in so far, your comments have definitely helped. Yearning for a fish taco right now!
Scott

[Edited on 12-2-2011 by koolaukid]

sancho - 12-2-2011 at 02:05 PM

I would Wing It/No Res, except for trying the large
Cabo/Timeshare/Resort Hotels, I would think you
can stay anywhere. The idea of the County of Mex
taking off during Christams it true, but I think that
pertains to the Mainland, I don't think the Mainland
Mex vacationeers are coming th Baja in droves.
Not having an fixed plan is the way I would go, 3 days
of 7 hr. driving days will get you to La Paz,
a favorite of mine, I seem to average 45 mi per hr.
on Hwy 1, I'm sure that is slow to some

[Edited on 12-3-2011 by sancho]

rhintransit - 12-2-2011 at 02:06 PM

you should make reservations if you are planning to stay at Baja Cactus. they fill up many nights. they were full last weekend when I came through. don't bother with the phone. use email and realize you may or may not get a response, if you do it can take up to a week, but there should be a room waiting if you emailed in advance.
I live in Loreto, haven't traveled during Christmas week. I don't think you will have a problem here. on the off chance one place is full, there will be others. don't expect bargain rates, Loreto prices are high, in all quality ranges, for what you get.

mtgoat666 - 12-2-2011 at 02:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Your first night (if you are trying to head south and then work slowly back north) will depend on when you leave San Diego... and remember, the days are shortest in December and you don't want to be driving at night... If you are on the road by 10-11 am, then Baja Cactus Motel in El Rosario (225 miles south) is an awesome place with A+++ service and ammenities and low low price ($35).


much nicer place to stay in catavina, of course costs more, but it's only money and you can't take it with you!

David K - 12-2-2011 at 03:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Your first night (if you are trying to head south and then work slowly back north) will depend on when you leave San Diego... and remember, the days are shortest in December and you don't want to be driving at night... If you are on the road by 10-11 am, then Baja Cactus Motel in El Rosario (225 miles south) is an awesome place with A+++ service and ammenities and low low price ($35).


much nicer place to stay in catavina, of course costs more, but it's only money and you can't take it with you!


Cataviña is 76 miles and 1.5 hours past El Rosario... I don't recommend a newbie (or anyone) to drive south of El Rosario in the dark... ie. 4:30 then. There he will find one small nice hotel (Mision Cataviña), and a questionable quality motel (Cabanas Linda), and bunk beds a mile beyond at Rancho Santa Ynez, if anyone is there when they arrive.

In El Rosario, besides the excellent Baja Cactus... at the far end of town (2 miles away) is the nice 'Turista Motel' and the Bed & Breakfast 'Baja's Best' (across from Turista). Also, along the highway is Mama Espinoza's motel (La Cabana), and the Sinahi Motel... both far below the quality of the first three places, but will do in a pinch.

Try calling Baja Cactus again, usually there is an English speaker at the front desk, or ask for "ingles por favor". You can just wing it, and all will be okay and part of the adventure.

Also, if you are running late... there are many good motels in San Quintin/ Lazaro Card##as, about 30 miles before El Rosario... most noteable is the Jardines Motel and Restaurant near Km. 2, and a half mile west, then south from the highway on a wide dirt road.

[Edited on 12-2-2011 by David K]

Udo - 12-2-2011 at 04:44 PM

Ey, koolaukid...

The only place we have reserved are our two days at Shari's place in Bahia Asunción. That place always rocks and is full of Nomads.

David K - 12-2-2011 at 05:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Udo
Ey, koolaukid...

The only place we have reserved are our two days at Shari's place in Bahia Asunción. That place always rocks and is full of Nomads.


http://www.bahiaasuncion.com

Now reached by paved road form Hwy. 1 at Vizcaino.

DianaT - 12-2-2011 at 05:50 PM

If it is still light when you hit El Rosario, I would also suggest you continue to Cataviña --- a good 1 1/2 away. It is such a unique place and so beautiful in the evenings and mornings----there is nothing quite like it.

If by some chance, the more expensive Mission Cataviña Hotel is filled, Linda's Cabañas is an option. They are not great, but we have stayed then when we needed to do so.

And we think the more expensive Mission Cataviña is well worth the splurge and the food is quite good these days.

And I agree about San Ignacio----it is such a great town and one that reminds one of the small towns on the mainland.

Just a couple of favorites.

Oh, do have some extra food for Christmas or be sure and check around the day before. A few years back we were near San Quintin, a big town, and VERY few places were open on that day. Just cover your bases.

We always travel day by day and keep the options open as you might find one place you want to stay a few days or more----just watch the distances on the map because it takes longer to drive 200 miles in Baja than it does in the states.

HAVE A GREAT TIME



[Edited on 12-3-2011 by DianaT]

Udo - 12-2-2011 at 05:56 PM

AMÉN to that Diana!
Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT

We always travel day by day and keep the options open as you might find one place you want to stay a few days or more----just watch the distances on the map because it takes longer to drive 200 miles in Baja than it does in the states.

HAVE A GREAT TIME



[Edited on 12-3-2011 by DianaT]

koolaukid - 12-2-2011 at 07:06 PM

"just watch the distances on the map because it takes longer to drive 200 miles in Baja than it does in the states."

You guys are a wealth of information, led me in several directions I wasn't aware of. Checked into Bahia Ascuncion, found Shari's website with a bunch of photos. While there, looked into Vizcaino mentioned by David K. Also checked Bahia De Los Angeles, trying to find the road in and noticed a whole bunch of dirt roads extending south from BDLA. I'm an old dirt bike guy and have been reading about the Baja 1000 and SCORE 500 for decades. Spent another hour or so looking closeup at Google Earth. Whew, there's nothing down there but cool deserted beaches, cooler long dirt roads and isolated valleys. It looks THE place to have a big dual sport and a GPS.

I think we're going to wing it without reservations except for Christmas Day, the first day and La Paz, because we drop the car and fly north out of there. The first day will probably be modest, not knowing how long it'll take to cross the border, get tourist cards, rent a car and get out of Dodge so probably Ensenada the first day. That would allow an early arrival, that way we'll still have time to do something. In other places it seems there is a sliding scale of different establishments offering different levels of service and if one town is full we'll just try for the next. Already pushing the envelope with this trip, if we end up sleeping in the car I'm in trouble! It sounds like the key will be to start early and find a place while there is still time for an option B, whatever that may be.

Like most first trips we'll probably learn enough to really ask the right questions the next time. But until then this forum has been great. Scott

mcfez - 12-3-2011 at 08:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by koolaukid
"just watch the distances on the map because it takes longer to drive 200 miles in Baja than it does in the states."

You guys are a wealth of information, led me in several directions I wasn't aware of. Checked into Bahia Ascuncion, found Shari's website with a bunch of photos. While there, looked into Vizcaino mentioned by David K. Also checked Bahia De Los Angeles, trying to find the road in and noticed a whole bunch of dirt roads extending south from BDLA. I'm an old dirt bike guy and have been reading about the Baja 1000 and SCORE 500 for decades. Spent another hour or so looking closeup at Google Earth. Whew, there's nothing down there but cool deserted beaches, cooler long dirt roads and isolated valleys. It looks THE place to have a big dual sport and a GPS.

I think we're going to wing it without reservations except for Christmas Day, the first day and La Paz, because we drop the car and fly north out of there. The first day will probably be modest, not knowing how long it'll take to cross the border, get tourist cards, rent a car and get out of Dodge so probably Ensenada the first day. That would allow an early arrival, that way we'll still have time to do something. In other places it seems there is a sliding scale of different establishments offering different levels of service and if one town is full we'll just try for the next. Already pushing the envelope with this trip, if we end up sleeping in the car I'm in trouble! It sounds like the key will be to start early and find a place while there is still time for an option B, whatever that may be.

Like most first trips we'll probably learn enough to really ask the right questions the next time. But until then this forum has been great. Scott


You should not have issues with finding rooms to rent during this timeline. We travel during the holidays too...if we are not at our beach house in San Felipe.

BTW....a few of the older hotels such as The Old Mill (closed) would always have a room avail for late night check in. One simply would go to that room...and "checked in" the following a.m. Room 15 was for this purpose at the Mill. There will be some sort of note at the front office about this...some motels are great, hun?!

BoLA......my top 5 destinations for Baja. You certainly wont have a hotel issue there. I strongly recommend this place...but it MAY be booked. Do call them.
https://sites.google.com/site/bahianewsletterdec2011/


Daggetts is our next choice. On the beach too. Clean motel that aint the Holiday Inn....and campsites. Away from the town too.

http://www.campdaggetts.info/



[Edited on 12-4-2011 by mcfez]

wilderone - 12-3-2011 at 09:26 AM

The thing with a trip like this, is keeping to your itinerary - finding yourself at the hotel you made the reservation on the day you think you'll be there. Baja ain't like that. I would go for the gusto. After the first couple days of driving, looking at the map, getting a feel for your curiosity quotient, considering time of sundown, you'll be able to gauge when and where you'll be ending up at the end of the day. You might find you want to chill at one place for 2-3 days and make day trips from a basecamp so to speak. Loreto is a good place for that. Mulege is another; you'd enjoy San Ignacio. The hotel at Catavina is a good first day if you cross the border about 6 am. Make reservations for this day. However, some places have a minimum two night stay for Christmas Day, or New Years Day. Might cover those reservations if that applies. Most of the larger towns have many hotels from which to choose.

Thank you

koolaukid - 12-4-2011 at 11:40 AM

"Baja ain't like that."

We are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their experience with us. Very informative and insightful. My daughter and I are dark tanned Asians, probably not a lot like us traveling in Baja. If anyone of you runs across us, say "hi", I'd love the chance to return the favor with a cold cerveza.

One last question, how current is the information under the "traveler's guide" tab on the homepage?
Scott

David K - 12-4-2011 at 11:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by koolaukid
"Baja ain't like that."

We are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their experience with us. Very informative and insightful. My daughter and I are dark tanned Asians, probably not a lot like us traveling in Baja. If anyone of you runs across us, say "hi", I'd love the chance to return the favor with a cold cerveza.

One last question, how current is the information under the "traveler's guide" tab on the homepage?
Scott


Last revised: June 21, 2002
(just took a peak at the San Felipe page there... ).

See posts from edm-1 (Art) we have camped with him a few times and he has a great time in Baja... He also was with his daughter on the Mision Santa Maria trip last year...

mcfez - 12-4-2011 at 01:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by koolaukid
"Baja ain't like that."

We are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their experience with us. Very informative and insightful. My daughter and I are dark tanned Asians, probably not a lot like us traveling in Baja. If anyone of you runs across us, say "hi", I'd love the chance to return the favor with a cold cerveza.

One last question, how current is the information under the "traveler's guide" tab on the homepage?
Scott


My daughter and I are dark tanned Asians, probably not a lot like us traveling in Baja.


You might be in for a surprise :-) Asians in not a rare in Baja. You may want to state your make of car..or?

koolaukid - 12-4-2011 at 02:14 PM

"Asians in not a rare in Baja." Lol, Asians are getting to the point where they're ten for a dollar.

But in Asia, fair skin is prized, there are a number of high priced ointments and treatments sold to lighten skin color so most asians are light skinned. Where I live, everyone surfs so we're dark. In Asia, we are considered "low class" and "dirt farmers" as dark complexions are low caste.

The car won't be much help either as we're renting a compact car from Budget. I have no idea of the model or color. Here is a photo of my wife and girls from a recent trip to Peru, hope this helps, also we'll be in Ensenada the evening of 12-20 and La Paz the evening of 12-29. I'm serious about the cerveza.
Scott

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SEOPtRgzYx306o3tC5XkF9...

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by koolaukid]

BajaBlanca - 12-4-2011 at 03:12 PM

scott - you are going to have a wonderful trip ...baja is like no place on Earth...if you are bringing your daughter - perhaps have her write on bajanomad too - that way she can prepare as well..

In San Ignacio, there is a little guest house called Casa Leree owned by jane from san francisco .... it is simple and reasonable and we love staying there:

www.casaleree.com

the yurts are wonderful too, but a bit more expensive. however, the meals gary and terry make are out of this worls and do need a reservation. sleep at casa leree and eat at san ignacio springs B&B (best of both worlds)

In Loreto we recommend COCO CABANAS. Tell Steven that you are with bajanomad and get a discount - also, tell him I recommended you and ask for a further discount LOL the rooms are spotless, the pool is great fun and the location is off the beaten track ....

Have fun !!! stay far away from loose sand. and watery sand. maybe take a small shovel. and definitely take water and snacks....vacations in baja are an adventure

:yes:

WELCOME TO THE SANDBOX. take pics and let us know how it went after your trip....

mcfez - 12-4-2011 at 06:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by koolaukid
"Asians in not a rare in Baja." Lol, Asians are getting to the point where they're ten for a dollar.

But in Asia, fair skin is prized, there are a number of high priced ointments and treatments sold to lighten skin color so most asians are light skinned. Where I live, everyone surfs so we're dark. In Asia, we are considered "low class" and "dirt farmers" as dark complexions are low caste.

The car won't be much help either as we're renting a compact car from Budget. I have no idea of the model or color. Here is a photo of my wife and girls from a recent trip to Peru, hope this helps, also we'll be in Ensenada the evening of 12-20 and La Paz the evening of 12-29. I'm serious about the cerveza.
Scott

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SEOPtRgzYx306o3tC5XkF9...

[Edited on 12-4-2011 by koolaukid]


Welll..make sure that we all here at BN gets a good photo essay of your trip! Have fun.....wish I was in your suitcase.