BajaNomad - Best Route for first timer

Best Route for first timer

cabocarl - 5-2-2012 at 01:36 PM

OK - leaving in 2 weeks and can't wait. Driving from Phoenix to Cabo. I get a lot of different recomendations on route. we are driving a jeep cheeroke (2x4) with me, my wife and dog. I am between 2 routes - Mexicali to san Felipe to Hwy 1 and south or Tecate to route one via either Hwy 3 or Hwy 2 to Hwy 1 and south

will be looking for dog friendly hotels along the way, but probably not make reservations, as we don't know how far we will go each day.

any recomendations on our best route? Looking for "best" roads with least road work and least dirt. And of course gas and hotels.

thank you

Osprey - 5-2-2012 at 02:00 PM

When I lived in Las Vegas I always went Mexicali to Hwy 1 because it saved 279 miles and I found the old dirt road an adventure in itself. You would save the same miles and you would be fine in the Jeep. I drove a 2 wheel pu, Jeep, others and never had a problem I couldn't fix (one overnighter in Puertacitos but breakdowns are more fun than flying right by that part of Baja).

rts551 - 5-2-2012 at 02:09 PM

We enjoy the Mexicali route best. But you are restricted to staying in San Felipe or Bahia Gonzaga. And then you still have some dirt road to go on.

Because of that, the majority of the time we go through Tecate and spend the night in San Quintin or El Rosario.

In a car you may travel faster than us because we drive a full size pick-up and many times a flat bed trailer.

bufeo - 5-2-2012 at 02:18 PM

My recommendation would be: Mexicali-San Felipe-Puertecitos-Bahia San Luis Gonzaga-Hwy 1.

Allen R

rts551 - 5-2-2012 at 02:27 PM

Least dirt (more traffic) would be Tecate route.. Dog friendly hotels Jardines or Hotel Santa Maria in San Quintin. Baja Cactus (for a fee) in El Rosario. Don't know south of San Ignacio.

rts551 - 5-2-2012 at 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bufeo
My recommendation would be: Mexicali-San Felipe-Puertecitos-Bahia San Luis Gonzaga-Hwy 1.

Allen R

I like that route best (less traffic, pretty and cuts off miles) but he stated least dirt and wants hotels

Skipjack Joe - 5-2-2012 at 02:34 PM

The Mexicali road is shorter but you have to drive slower. The Tecate road is all 45+ mph.

The following 2 recent posts will give you an excellent understanding of the 50 or so miles of dirt road you will need to traverse if coming from Mexicali.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=59793#pid7195...

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=59794#pid7197...

You stated the following. I therefore think the Tecate road is the way to go:

"any recomendations on our best route? Looking for "best" roads with least road work and least dirt. And of course gas and hotels"

[Edited on 5-2-2012 by Skipjack Joe]

David K - 5-2-2012 at 02:38 PM

The San Felipe-Gonzaga run is more scenic, is fewer towns/ less traffic (besides being shorter).

The negatives are:
*The pavement between San Felipe and Puertecitos (52 miles) is not high speed (many short-steep dips/ vados).
*The newer section south of Puertecitos is modern, high speed highway until the pavement ends in 30 miles (watch for rocks on the road, however).
*The next 50 miles to Hwy. 1 at Laguna Chapala are graded dirt/ washboard perhaps... and to save tires and improve ride, many drop their tire pressure to 20 psi. Have an electric pump to refill, or use the tire shop at Chapala at the Hwy. 1 jcn. and offer a tip. Fully inflated tires can get rock holes.
*South of San Felipe and until Guerrero Negro, services are limited, few towns. Hotels/ motels: at Alfonsina's on Gonzaga Bay... you should go there to see the beach and have a beer or shrimp or other lunch/dinner, at least also exist at Bahia de los Angeles, another gem, 42 miles on a paved side road. Otherwise not until Guerrero Negro.

Suggest staying a night at San Felipe so you are rested for the long drive to the next big town, Guerrero Negro for a hotel...

South of Guerrero Negro are many big towns with all services: San Ignacio, Santa Roaslia, Mulege, Loreto, Ciudad Constitucion, La Paz, Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas.

A drive into San Ignacio, just a mile off Hwy. 1 on paved road, shouldn't be missed... Oasis, Mission, beauty surrounded by desert!

[Edited on 5-2-2012 by David K]

bufeo - 5-2-2012 at 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

Originally posted by bufeo
My recommendation would be: Mexicali-San Felipe-Puertecitos-Bahia San Luis Gonzaga-Hwy 1.

Allen R

I like that route best (less traffic, pretty and cuts off miles) but he stated least dirt and wants hotels

I thought about that, but he will have accommodations in San Felipe and Gonzaga, and I think it would be a shame to miss that coastline drive just to avoid some dirt. You're probably right though, not everyone enjoys the least travelled road.

Allen R

DianaT - 5-2-2012 at 02:58 PM

Sounds like your goal is to get to Cabo and enjoy that part of Baja---- Tecate to Ensenada would be the fastest and easiest way to go and then the only dirt you will have to drive is where you come across road constructions zones.

In San Quintin --- hotel --- Jardines is beautiful but often booked as they have only a few "dog" rooms and they charge for a second dog. Hotel Santa Maria is a good choice.

San Ignacio---- the Desert Inn is dog friendly.

Have a great time

cabocarl - 5-2-2012 at 03:25 PM

Thanks to everyone - I think I am leaning more toward Tecate to Hwy 1. Using this route, should I take Hwy 2 or 3 to pick up Hwy 1

thanks again

rhintransit - 5-2-2012 at 03:28 PM

I have a house in Phoenix, always do the Tecate route. have been tempted to go through San Felipe but have never done it. the better of the two for a newbie would be the road most traveled. proven, no washboard, dirt, etc.

BajaBlanca - 5-2-2012 at 03:30 PM

Cabo Carl have yourselves a great first trip !! sure wish you had room to bring a ping pong table down for the kids here but that would be a challenge on your vehicle

:yes:

DianaT - 5-2-2012 at 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cabocarl
Thanks to everyone - I think I am leaning more toward Tecate to Hwy 1. Using this route, should I take Hwy 2 or 3 to pick up Hwy 1

thanks again

Hwy 3 and it joins Hwy 1 just north of Ensenada.

Debra - 5-2-2012 at 03:48 PM

This guy says he is taking his first trip and to Cabo. I think sending him alone the back way may cause his wife (and dog) to beat the cr*p out of him way before he hits the pavement on hwy 1. Come on guys, us old timers may love the off road adventure, but, lets not scare him on his first trip K? LOL!

Hwy. 5 visual...

David K - 5-2-2012 at 03:50 PM

Mexicali to San Felipe is 4 lanes and 2 lanes wide, mostly newer style with shoulders (bike lanes) like this:

South of San Felipe are many miles of beautiful/ empty beaches... should ever tire of the 24 disco that is Cabo:

South to Puertecitos, is the old-style highway still...

Puertecitos village is a mile off the highway:

The new highway passes by the cove of Puertecitos (hot springs are on the shore on the other side of the point you see... the tide controls the temperature in several pools of sulfur water mixed with sea water).

Soon you will see the 'Enchanted Islands' (this photo from before pavement)...

On new highway, nearing Isla El Huerfanito (The Little Orphan):

Isla El Muerto (the dead man):

Hwy. 5 construction, July 2011:

Your first view of Bahia San Luis Gonzaga:

The Gonzaga Pemex is part of Alfonsina's, at the turnoff to the resort.

Alfonsina's motel/ restaurant/bar is on the sand...

This was taken from the island, connects to the sand spit at Alfonsina's at low tide... Bahia San Luis Gonzaga:

Just south of Alfonsina's road is the road to Playa Grande, with palapas on the Big Beach:

South of Gonzaga to Coco's Corner 22 miles:

The road between Coco's Corner and Hwy. 1 (13 miles):

At Hwy. 1/ Laguna Chapala, signs:

Debra - 5-2-2012 at 04:06 PM

Thanks David, I hadn't seen the new road yet. Looks great. Gonzaga to Mex 1 though?

David K - 5-2-2012 at 04:13 PM

35 miles.. graded... rough for passenger cars.. see BryanMckenzie's post with video... He drove it last week in a VW Passat (or ?)... and didn't like it much. We in 'good' Baja vehicles consider it a piece of cake!

Cabocarl

DianaT - 5-2-2012 at 04:16 PM

Check you U2U --- look up in the right hand corner and it will show you have a message in big blue letters.

David K - 5-2-2012 at 04:21 PM

I can do a photo journey down Hwy. 1 from Ensenada, but it would show towns, traffic, farm equipment, tractor trailers... sure all pavement, but 100+ miles longer drive and getting through Ensenada nightmare... Really, is driving slow for 50 dirt miles in a JEEP Cherokee that bad?

BEST

Skipjack Joe - 5-2-2012 at 06:01 PM

Quote:

Looking for "best" roads with least road work and least dirt. And of course gas and hotels.

David,

The man has defined best for us.

1. Hwy1 has less dirt road.
2. Hwy1 has more gas stations.
3. Hwy 1 has more hotels.

David K - 5-2-2012 at 06:07 PM

Yes... and others before me provided the options...

I just put up photos of the route on the Gulf side, so he can see what he is missing by going the 'best' (longer/ more traffic) route.

You know let him decide based on all the information possible. I believe I stated the limited hotel conditions between San Felipe and Guerrero Negro well.

Bajahowodd - 5-2-2012 at 06:21 PM

The photo travelogue through Gonzaga is nice. But I have to with those who mentioned that this was Carl's first drive down to Cabo. For all we know, the family might just get freaked-out by the long, empty stretches on Mex One, not to mention the hills, narrow stretches and hairpin curves.

Methinks that if Mex One turns out to be fun for them , they can consider the route through San Felipe on the way back, or on another trip.

rts551 - 5-2-2012 at 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cabocarl
Thanks to everyone - I think I am leaning more toward Tecate to Hwy 1. Using this route, should I take Hwy 2 or 3 to pick up Hwy 1

thanks again

Carl

Take interstate 8 to 94 at Boulevard. Cross at Tecate (easy). follow signs to Ensenada on hwy3. Take the tourist/marina/bar route through Ensenada and head south.

Phoenix to San quintin is a good day so stay at Hotel Santa Maria in the south part of San Quintin. Its on the water, lovely rooms, dogs are no problem and have a great restaurant (550 pesos or little over $40 for the night). next day further south.

Easiest way from our part of the country. Don't worry about the gulf route at this point, some of the people talking about it don't travel that much anyway and certainly not from Arizona.

Have a great trip!

redhilltown - 5-2-2012 at 10:45 PM

I'm going with crossing at Tecate and a nice pleasant drive through the wine country down to Ensenada. As a first timer it is a great way to see a border town (Tecate) yet not deal with ridiculous amounts of traffic and people right off the bat and then a pleasant drive to Ensenada. You might want to consult maps or other threads on here as to NOT take the route marked Highway One as you enter Ensenada but instead veer to the right and follow the coast which takes you through the beach part of town and near the cruise lines....I always turn left at the military base and then come up to make a right hand turn back onto Hwy 1 (which I dont think is hwy 1 but a major street)...I apologize as to the specifics but I bet David K has a map of this!!!!!!! Maybe as you come back up and have some time and are ready for adventure you could go back up through Gonzaga and San Felipe...it is stunningly beautiful. Have fun!

David K - 5-3-2012 at 07:54 AM

Actually, the route along the harbor/ tourist zone is signed as the route to San Quintin now (I remember years ago they directed you the inland way).

I bet Pompano has some photos going through Ensenada, he is great at stuff like that... Others have posted maps of Ensenada, I have not.

Just know your goal is to go south/ parallel to the coast... and you eventually get through Ensenada! A left turn at the Pemex (on the left)past the navy base is the usual way (passing the hospital) then a right at the big street (another Pemex on the left there)... this is Hwy. 1 southbound.

mcpuitar - 5-3-2012 at 05:18 PM

CaboCarl, I like Bajahowodd's idea of going south on one route and coming back on the other just for a change of scenery. Then a preference can be established for future trips.

From Tucson I prefer the Gulf route through San Felipe, Puertecitos, Gonzaga, and Coco's Corner. For me it is a much more relaxing and scenic drive and I especially like avoiding the truck traffic and congestion. We camp along the way so the limited hotel accommodations are not an issue. I can see how a family needing shopping, restaurant, and hotel options might prefer the Pacific side. The wine country is nice too. Flip a coin and have fun!

cabocarl - 5-6-2012 at 08:06 AM

Thank you to everyone. We have decided to cross at Tecate and take the wine country route to HWY 1 and go south.

Quesitons -

this time of year - do we need motel reservations, or can we just stop and find a hotel when we want to?

Is Hotel Santa Mariain San Quintin on Hwy 1? ie - easy to find?

thanks again everyone

Carl

rts551 - 5-6-2012 at 08:21 AM

About 2 miles off the HWY on paved roads. On the San Quintin Bay.
Reservations: 616 165 9008 or email: hotelmisionsantamaria@hotmail.com

Directions: Hotel Mision Santa Maria, at Los Pinos Pemex station (by the Los Pinos Ranch, south of San Quintin and actually in Lazaro Card##es) , turn West and follow the signs.

Skipjack Joe - 5-6-2012 at 09:36 AM

You should make a reservation if you plan to stop at Baja Cactus. That's because it's such a good deal and has been heavily promoted here.

David K - 5-6-2012 at 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cabocarl
Thank you to everyone. We have decided to cross at Tecate and take the wine country route to HWY 1 and go south.

Quesitons -

this time of year - do we need motel reservations, or can we just stop and find a hotel when we want to?

Is Hotel Santa Mariain San Quintin on Hwy 1? ie - easy to find?

thanks again everyone

Carl

It is about the only paved road to the right south of San Quintin, Km. 11 (I believe)... and as stated there is a Pemex Gas Station on the corner, and a tomato processing plant (looks like a mall) on the other corner, where the paved road to the hotel joins Hwy. 1.

The hotel is not on the inside bay of San Quintin, but on the Pacific coast on an open bay/ beach, called Bahia Santa Maria (explains the hotel's name).

The Baja Cactus Motel is by Km. 57, next to the Pemex station in El Rosario.

mtgoat666 - 5-6-2012 at 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
... sure all pavement, but 100+ miles longer drive and getting through Ensenada nightmare...

dk: ensenada is not a "nightmare." your fears are quite odd and perplexing...

rts551 - 5-6-2012 at 12:37 PM

Since my directions apparently confused some people here is the website and their MAP. and there are other paved roads off of HWY 1 like the one going to the town of Santa Maria, so don't take it.

http://www.hotelmisionsantamaria.com/en/Mapa%20Santa%20Maria...

[Edited on 5-6-2012 by rts551]

THOUGHTS ON ENSENADA

BajaBlanca - 5-6-2012 at 12:38 PM

I would actually recommend staying in Ensenada for a day ... walking the main street is great fun and there are some really neat stores going up there now ... we usually stay at the EL CORTEZ HOTEL which is about $68 and sometimes less,because

1. parking is underground and guarded all night
2. it is precisely across the street from some really neat stores
3. it has an absolutely fabulous restaurant - specialty for us is the fillet mignon. melt in your mouth delcious. I am sure there are other equally good meals, but we are always so impressed with the sauce on this particular dish that we never waver.

I wrote a thread a while back about one of the stores in particular. it is called SWEET MEMORIES or DULCES RECUERDOS ... she has the most unique gift packaging for the typical sweets she sells .... which come from all over Mexico ... we saw them all whikle we did our mega trip throughout the mainland.

there is another store to the right of her somewhere which sells arts and crafts from mainland and Baja Mexico ... I just love supporting these ma and pa shops and helping out the artista, artisans who are supplying them as well. Wish I could remember the name of the store ....let me search a little....

[Edited on 5-6-2012 by BajaBlanca]

rts551 - 5-6-2012 at 12:38 PM

And the $575 on their website is Pesos...so as not to confuse people again.

DianaT - 5-6-2012 at 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
And the $575 on their website is Pesos...so as not to confuse people again.

Sure glad you cleared it all up. :lol:

And we have not needed reservations out there yet----short easy drive and worth it to be on the beach which is a great place to exercise your dog---at least with our dogs, tired dogs make better riding companions.

Blanca, I don't think the Hotel Cortez is dog friendly??? And his dog will be with him. But good information for dogless people. :yes:

BajaBlanca - 5-6-2012 at 12:48 PM

GOOD POINT ... and Diana, we have set aside a room here at the house to be dog friendly since we no longer have the COPA CABANA to cater to dog owners ...

DianaT - 5-6-2012 at 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
GOOD POINT ... and Diana, we have set aside a room here at the house to be dog friendly since we no longer have the COPA CABANA to cater to dog owners ...

Also good information and a good idea! :biggrin:

Cabocarl,
If you decide to take a side trip out to see a rural fishing village, check out Blanca's place.

durrelllrobert - 5-6-2012 at 04:07 PM

If you want a nice dog friendly motel that's on the water in Valle de San Quintin check out the Old Mill that has excelent rooms for $42. To get there pass through the village of San Quintin (not much there) and Lazar Card##as (not much there either) and go a few miles more until you see the sign for "Molino Veijo (The Old Mill)" on right side of road. Turn right down the dirt road and go about 3 miles. There is a great restaurant next door.
If you miss that turn, the next intersection has a sign "Jardines Baja which is only about 1/2 mile down a dirt road. Another great hotel and wonderful restaurant (but more $), not on water and maybe not dog friendly.

CortezBlue - 5-6-2012 at 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cabocarl
OK - leaving in 2 weeks and can't wait. Driving from Phoenix to Cabo. I get a lot of different recomendations on route. we are driving a jeep cheeroke (2x4) with me, my wife and dog. I am between 2 routes - Mexicali to san Felipe to Hwy 1 and south or Tecate to route one via either Hwy 3 or Hwy 2 to Hwy 1 and south

will be looking for dog friendly hotels along the way, but probably not make reservations, as we don't know how far we will go each day.

any recomendations on our best route? Looking for "best" roads with least road work and least dirt. And of course gas and hotels.

thank you

Well you will get all kinds of suggestions from this group

1st timer, maybe you should do this

Phx to san Luis , (take Araby rd. just outside of Yuma, SR 195)
After you cross about 50 yds after the gate turn right.
This is the toll rd that will take you to San felipe. However, I think you should take it to Tecate and then make your way south to Cabo etc.

This will give you a good feel for driving in Mexico.

On the way back you can then decide if you want to go north through coco's corner and up through San Felipe

I live in Fenix as well, U2U me if you have any questions

chuckie - 5-6-2012 at 05:00 PM

I dunno why people want to go to Cabo? It aint Baja, and Laguna beach is cheaper....Just my thoughts..........

Santa Cruz without the roller coaster

thebajarunner - 5-6-2012 at 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckie
I dunno why people want to go to Cabo? It aint Baja, and Laguna beach is cheaper....Just my thoughts..........

Cabo mystifies me as well.....

BajaBlanca - 5-6-2012 at 06:17 PM

and as much as I love our remote fishing village

I love Cabo as well

there is a feel there that is unique to Cabo

and folks, if everyone liked the exact same thing, life would be horrible.

:biggrin:

chuckie - 5-6-2012 at 07:01 PM

I dont EVEN like Oreos!

David K - 5-6-2012 at 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
... sure all pavement, but 100+ miles longer drive and getting through Ensenada nightmare...

dk: ensenada is not a "nightmare." your fears are quite odd and perplexing...

Not my fears... you are away for several days and come back just to drop into the middle of a thread?

For a newbie it sure can be... If 50 dirt miles was too extreme for him, then getting across the city of Ensenada could be a nightmare for a nervous person first time driving in Mexico.

DianaT - 5-6-2012 at 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

For a newbie it sure can be... If 50 dirt miles was too extreme for him, then getting across the city of Ensenada could be a nightmare for a nervous person first time driving in Mexico.

Nervous?? Is that why he doesn't want to drive the dirt road? Must have missed that.

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by DianaT]

nervous person?

mtgoat666 - 5-7-2012 at 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
... sure all pavement, but 100+ miles longer drive and getting through Ensenada nightmare...

dk: ensenada is not a "nightmare." your fears are quite odd and perplexing...

how did you determine that the OP is a nervous person?

cabocarl - 5-7-2012 at 07:05 AM

Actually I drive in Mexcio often. We have a home in Cabo and rent cars. Drive all around, even out of the "tourst" areas. Driven to Todos Santos and La Paz. I am comfortable driving in Mexcio - HOWEVER - I do have a wife that is more than a little concerned about the whole trip - cossing the border, driving on dirt roads (does not bother her in Cabo area), finding hotels and gas, etc... I just hope I am not driving back with the dog while she flies.

BTW - we love Cabo - to each his or her own.

Right now our goal is to cross at Tecate and get to San Quintin the first night, maybe get to Santa Rosaila the second night (any other recomendations?) and Cabo night 3

If all goes well, I would like to try the San Felipe route on the way home - depends on the wife.

And yes our dog loves to swim and it sure tires him out.

rts551 - 5-7-2012 at 07:19 AM

Great plan there Carl. Some will say that Mulege is prettier than Santa Rosalia and not that much further.

Glad the dirt road is not to extreme..... :biggrin:

DianaT - 5-7-2012 at 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cabocarl
Actually I drive in Mexcio often. We have a home in Cabo and rent cars. Drive all around, even out of the "tourst" areas. Driven to Todos Santos and La Paz. I am comfortable driving in Mexcio - HOWEVER - I do have a wife that is more than a little concerned about the whole trip - cossing the border, driving on dirt roads (does not bother her in Cabo area), finding hotels and gas, etc... I just hope I am not driving back with the dog while she flies.

BTW - we love Cabo - to each his or her own.

Right now our goal is to cross at Tecate and get to San Quintin the first night, maybe get to Santa Rosaila the second night (any other recomendations?) and Cabo night 3

If all goes well, I would like to try the San Felipe route on the way home - depends on the wife.

And yes our dog loves to swim and it sure tires him out.

For a while, Santa Rosalia was having a shortage of Hotel rooms because of the mine. Not sure what is happening now--- someone like Pescador would know.

Just a couple of suggestions

Stop in Cataviña at the Mission Hotel and just walk around and see what a nice place it is in the middle of a beautiful desert---

While it will be hot, it really is worth the time to drive the short distance off the highway to see San Ignacio---the plaza area is small and does not take long to see. Also, as it is not that far north of Santa Rosalia, you might consider staying there if you like it. The Desert Inn on the way in to town is dog friendly and they have a quite good restaurant. There is also the unique Yurts on the way into town---Ignacio Springs. Their new website is not fully functional, but does have their e-mail and you can find them on facebook.

And if you have an FM3, some of the hotels will give you a 10% discount.

desertcpl - 5-7-2012 at 08:31 AM

whats so bad about Ensenada

Skipjack Joe - 5-7-2012 at 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
whats so bad about Ensenada

a. the 100 stop signs/lights as you drive from one end to the other.

b. it doesn't feel like Mexico (mcdonalds, burger king, KFC). It's lost its identity.

Speaking of identity ....

Skipjack Joe - 5-7-2012 at 08:50 AM

You should follow Diane's advice and at least stop at San Ignacio. There's no other place like it.

Pull up into that main square and kick back under those huge shade trees. Have an ice cream. And only start to think about driving on after the shadows lengthen and your body heat has dropped 20 degrees.

It's a lazy place. Indulge yourself. Move only to reposition yourself now and then for more comfort.

Your wife will thank you.

DianaT - 5-7-2012 at 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
You should follow Diane's advice and at least stop at San Ignacio. There's no other place like it.

Pull up into that main square and kick back under those huge shade trees. Have an ice cream. And only start to think about driving on after the shadows lengthen and your body heat has dropped 20 degrees.

It's a lazy place. Indulge yourself. Move only to reposition yourself now and then for more comfort.

Your wife will thank you.

Yes that is the way to enjoy San Ignacio----LOVE your description and just couldn't resist --- John and a good friend after eating locally made Date Bread

We have a little bit about San Ignacio on our website, but check out this San Ignacio Web Site

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by DianaT]

Musts

Skipjack Joe - 5-7-2012 at 10:26 AM

Excellent Diane. A picture is worth a thousand words.

ok, yours - 2000.

Debra - 5-7-2012 at 10:59 AM

love, love LOVE San Ignacio!

Rice and Beans is another good place to stay. Dog friendly, very nice rooms, great food and best shower water pressure in Baja! Ricardo and staff can help you with what ever you need. (Mike Humfreville once bought a car there at 3am. what a funny story that was) Yes he burned up another one which stayed for 2 1/2 yrs. ) That man left more rigs in Baja than anyone I've ever heard of! God love him. There are probably 5 or 10 people on this site alone that could tell Mike destroying rig stories.

Woops, almost forght the purpose for my post. Watch out for the un-even steps up and down everywhere.

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by Debra]

BajaBlanca - 5-7-2012 at 01:57 PM

we love san ignacio too - but my favorite place to stay there is CASA LEREE. if you are at the church, looking towards the park, it is on the far left corner, go left down that side street, you will see the bldg on the corner. turn right and that is the front gate. open and enter and look for owner JUANITA. there are only a couple rooms and they are very simple and look onto a lush garden with spring water trickling through all day long. Sit down and put your feet in it ....guaranteed to ease the heat up.....she has a free museum with hundreds of photos dating way back in time, artifacts, a bookstore and fun stuff to look at. Originally from san francisco, Jane has been renting out these rooms in the very first guesthouse in San Ignacio for years.

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by BajaBlanca]

BajaBlanca - 5-7-2012 at 02:01 PM

http://www.casaleree.com

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by BajaBlanca]

rts551 - 5-7-2012 at 02:22 PM

Blanca. Does she take dogs?

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
we love san ignacio too - but my favorite place to stay there is CASA LEREE. if you are at the church, looking towards the park, it is on the far left corner, go left down that side street, you will see the bldg on the corner. turn right and that is the front gate. open and enter and look for owner JUANITA. there are only a couple rooms and they are very simple and look onto a lush garden with spring water trickling through all day long. Sit down and put your feet in it ....guaranteed to ease the heat up.....she has a free museum with hundreds of photos dating way back in time, artifacts, a bookstore and fun stuff to look at. Originally from san francisco, Jane has been renting out these rooms in the very first guesthouse in San Ignacio for years.

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by BajaBlanca]

DianaT - 5-7-2012 at 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
Blanca. Does she take dogs?

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Way back when, Juanita told us that she accepted dogs, but our dogs are very active spaniels and when one of my dogs met one of her dogs on the plaza, they didn't seem to like each other much.

So we stay elsewhere, but always stop by to visit----so Carl if you go to San Ignacio, even if you don't stay, do visit Juanita and Casa Leree. It is a truly special place.

Igor--thanks. :yes:

When I read your description I wished I had written that for my picture. Worst part about kicking back there is needing to slap yourself in the face to get going again.

BTW- The link to a San Ignacio Website that I put in the post with the picture is the website that was created by Juanita's daughter.

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by DianaT]

Skipjack Joe - 5-7-2012 at 02:33 PM

From the link:

......A small stream runs through the garden, the old irrigation channel or acequia of the mission. Dogs are welcome. No TV, no A/C. Payment may be made in U. S. Dollars or pesos. No personal checks, travelers checks or VISA.....

rts551 - 5-7-2012 at 02:56 PM

A rest in San Ignacio will probably be needed to calm Carl's nerves!

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Originally posted by DianaT

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Nervous?? Is that why he doesn't want to drive the dirt road? Must have missed that.

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by DianaT]

Bajahowodd - 5-7-2012 at 04:08 PM

Rice & Beans as a flop? Only if you are OK with the most spartan of accommodations. We have stayed there a couple of times over the years, but it is not really a place I could recommend. Restaurant is OK. But, then, Not any really great dining in San Ignacio.

But a most beautiful central square.

As for Santa Rosalia, The El Morro, just up the hill South of town is probably the best overall deal in the area.

Now. For those who wish to complain about Cabo, perhaps you ought to check out the Cancun area. Although the most successful of Mexican resorts, it is hugely overgrown, all the way down what is called Riviera Maya. Traffic is awful. US type chain restaurants abound.

Whenever we hit Yucatan, we stay on Isla Mujeres, or over in Merida or Progresso.

gallesram - 5-7-2012 at 04:24 PM

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Originally posted by cabocarl
Right now our goal is to cross at Tecate and get to San Quintin the first night, maybe get to Santa Rosaila the second night (any other recomendations?) and Cabo night 3

Carl, this is totally do-able. Your choice of staying at the Mission Inn in San Quintin is a good choice; big comfortable hotel right on the beach with a decent restaurant.

I usually stop in Catavina at the Mission Inn for breakfast (large hotel on the right). Definitely stop in San Ignacio for a late lunch (Rice & Beans has a great terrace and decent food; you'll see the signs). Be sure to also see the square that Diana posted a picture of; it is one of the treasures in Baja and the drive in to town off the highway is a gorgeous vista you'll always remember. That setting looks fake. If I leave San Quintin at 6:00 a.m., I'm in Catavina by 9:00 am for breakfast and San Ignacio by around 1:30 pm for lunch.

I'd probably pass Santa Rosalia and go another 45 minutes to Mulege. Much less busy, more charming and lots of lodging choices. Also puts you closer to the beaches of the Bahia de Concepcion the next day; you'll want to stop along one of those for sure.

Skipjack Joe - 5-7-2012 at 10:20 PM

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Carl,

Don't expect to pass Concepcion Bay on your first trip without stopping. It's irresistable. The hwy follows it's banks for miles. Look at the water and you'll think you're in Tahiti or Bora Bora. There are few places like that in baja and certainly none next to the hwy. Almost every guide to baja will have a beach from this bay on it's cover. Once you're in that water it's all over. Bring fins and snorkel. Plan on Cabo in day 4.

Search for some of pompano's scenics to get an idea what it's like.

David K - 5-8-2012 at 08:11 AM

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Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

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One such book:

cabocarl - 5-11-2012 at 11:07 AM

Is San Quintin to Mulege in one day doable, assuming I stop for lunch and rest? My garmin map said under 500 miles, but it said 13 hours. I certainly what to get there before dinner (and darkness). I just saw a post where the poster said he just did it in his best time, but don't know what that was.

What are the best pet friendly hotels in Mulege?

thanks again

Carl

David K - 5-11-2012 at 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cabocarl
Is San Quintin to Mulege in one day doable, assuming I stop for lunch and rest? My garmin map said under 500 miles, but it said 13 hours. I certainly what to get there before dinner (and darkness). I just saw a post where the poster said he just did it in his best time, but don't know what that was.

What are the best pet friendly hotels in Mulege?

thanks again

Carl

It is closer to 9 hours, unless you are towing or in a motorhome... The Baja Highway is not an easy drive like an 8 lane Interstate... It is only 19 ft. wide with little to no shoulders and often on an elevated levee roadbed... so pulling off or avoiding a head-on isn't so easy.

There are several military run checkpoints searching for guins, ammo and illegal drugs... this can take time if they are busy... If they are not busy, then they take more time searching through your car.

Baja is no place to be in a hurry... learn to relax and do things by 'Mexican time'...

There are numerous points of interest along the way to break up the long drive... cave art, cactus gardens, interesting geology, old Spanish missions, abandoned gold and copper mines, sand dunes and beaches... You name it, Baja's got it!

San Quintin to Bahia de los Angeles (41 mile paved side trip) for the first night, otherwise to Guerrero Negro.

If the beauty of L.A. Bay doesn't make you want to spend at least one full day there, then Mulege would be the next night... or from Guerrero Negro to Mulege.

rts551 - 5-11-2012 at 07:16 PM

Carl, it is a full day San Quintin to Mulege. if ou average 50-55 mph like most drivers, then you are looking at a 10 hour day (depending on breakfast, lunch, breaks, etc). You could do as a lot of folks have recommended and stay in San Ignacio. Or get a early start and...... Just don't drive after sundown.