BajaNomad - new trip down the BAJA

new trip down the BAJA

Binger - 11-3-2012 at 12:27 PM

Hi everyone, what a wonderful site this is! Thank you all for your help. I first used this site back in early 2010 when my son and I traveled down the Baja to take our car from Phoenix to our home in Cabo. Now my wife and I are taking our car down from Wisconsin next month to our house in Cabo for the winter. In 2010, I went thru the border at Teacate. Coming from Phoenix, is that still the best place to go thru. We then want to travel thru wine country, Guadaloupe. Is that safe and if so any tips. We read a few things in the Gringo Gazette about stops there. Then onto Ensenda and stay overnight. Best place to stay there please. The next day I see taking our time and stopping overnight in Guerro Negro. Best place there again.Next day to Mulege. There was a real cool place next to the landing strip but don't know much about it. Damaged from hurricane just before we were there last time. Any other suggestions.Want to take about 3 days driving down the Baja. Can't wait. Love that place. I just had a friend drive down there and said it was clear sailing, other than a few areas in the road damaged from recent storms. Thanks again everyone. :spingrin:

acadist - 11-3-2012 at 01:17 PM

GN, Mallarimo (even if you stay somewhere else the restaraunt is great. Serinidad is the hotel you are thinking of in Mulege

[Edited on 11-3-2012 by acadist]

David K - 11-3-2012 at 01:19 PM

Why such a hurry (3 days)? There is just SO much Baja (all of it) north of Cabo!

The Serenidad is the hotel at Mulege by the runway... Tecate, Guadalupe, Ensenada, Guerrero Negro are the correct spellings if you want to search for more details... Use my site if historic or off road explorations are of interest to you!

[Edited on 11-3-2012 by David K]

David K - 11-3-2012 at 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by acadist
GN, Mallarimo (even if you stay somewhere else the restaraunt is great. Serinidad is the hotel you are thinking of in Mulege

[Edited on 11-3-2012 by acadist]

MALARRIMO (in Guerrero Negro) has a web site: http://www.malarrimo.com

DENNIS - 11-3-2012 at 01:24 PM

Tecate is a good place to cross if it works for you. The road through Guadalupe Valley is mostly new and it's a nice drive.

Before getting to downtown Ensenada, you'll pass on your right side the Las Rosas and Coral hotels. Either is an excellent choice. You can Google these places for particulars.

Bajatripper - 11-3-2012 at 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The Sernidad is the hotel at Mulege by the runway... Tecate, Guadalupe, Ensenada, Guerrero Negro are the correct spellings if you want to search for more details... Use my site if historic or off road explorations are of interest to you!

You're slippin', old man :lol:

David K - 11-3-2012 at 02:59 PM

Where have you been Steve?

Ensenada

bajaguy - 11-3-2012 at 03:24 PM

The Coral and Las Rosas are excellent choices. Would also like to suggest Punta Moro and Estero Beach Resort.

Be careful driving through Tecate. Stay below the speed limit, stop at all signs and don't have a dog on your lap.... :lol:

The Guadelupe valley is fun and delicious......plenty of wineries to tour/sample and some great places to eat.

EnsenadaDr - 11-3-2012 at 03:59 PM

Punta Morro and Las Rosas are luxury resort stops, as well as Hotel Coral. You are going to plunk down over $150 a night, and might as well stay in San Diego if you are looking for American style, high end, high cost accomodations. I would never recommend them for a first timer to Baja, unless they specifically said that money was not an issue. I recommend Hotel La Mision in La Fonda and also the hotel upstairs from Las Salinas restaurant. They are much cheaper and offer decent accomodations. Also, check out the new Lighthouse Restaurant in La Fonda that has excellent food and live entertainment.

DENNIS - 11-3-2012 at 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Punta Morro and Las Rosas are luxury resort stops, as well as Hotel Coral. You are going to plunk down over $150 a night,

This is how the request reads:

"Then onto Ensenda and stay overnight. Best place to stay there please."

"Best"

EnsenadaDr - 11-3-2012 at 04:25 PM

Dennis, I am surprised at you. You would never stay at any of those resorts because you are not a spendthrift and usually use common sense when spending money. So the word "best" I would take to mean best value for your money...and those resorts are completely off the list for best value for your money. Now, me, yes, I have stayed at those places, granted very few times, but when I want to just experience high end hotel accomodations in an American luxury atmosphere, I have done so (I have stayed at Hotel Coral and Las Rosas, not Punta Morro but have checked their prices and they are well over $150 American per night), Punta Morro has a wonderful "Marine Room View" and $150 MN brunch on Sundays which is excellent.

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Punta Morro and Las Rosas are luxury resort stops, as well as Hotel Coral. You are going to plunk down over $150 a night,

This is how the request reads:

"Then onto Ensenda and stay overnight. Best place to stay there please."

DENNIS - 11-3-2012 at 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Dennis, I am surprised at you. You would never stay at any of those resorts because you are not a spendthrift and usually use common sense when spending money.

Yeah....unlike our government. I've been staying in VA lodgeing while keeping some of my appointments. The lodger unit used to be in the hospital and it was spartan adaquate, meals and a bed, but the need for patient beds has grown with the current conflicts so the VA puts me, and other lodgers, in nice rooms at the Hilton Doubletree in Del Mar and the thing is, I accept this without saying a word which means I have style and class in spite of not being a spendthrift.......as you say.
Sorry about the hijack and let's return to our regular programming.......which is....uhhh.....ummmm.....I forget.

acadist - 11-3-2012 at 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper

Quote:

You're slippin', old man :lol:

I need your nomad spell checker :lol:

mulegejim - 11-3-2012 at 07:42 PM

In Mulege, I would recommend the Hotel Mulege. In town with easy walking to restaurants and other services - secure courtyard parking, etc.

bajaguy - 11-3-2012 at 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I recommend Hotel La Mision in La Fonda and also the hotel upstairs from Las Salinas restaurant. They are much cheaper and offer decent accomodations. Also, check out the new Lighthouse Restaurant in La Fonda that has excellent food and live entertainment.

They are arriving in Ensenada via Hwy 3.......La Mision and La Salina are out of their way........

Besides, in the La Mision area, PocoCielo, between La Fonda and the Lighthouse has better food, better accomodations and the staff is friendlier........... :lol:

[Edited on 11-4-2012 by bajaguy]

Good

EnsenadaDr - 11-3-2012 at 10:12 PM

I am glad to hear you are keeping your appointments in San Diego. I heard they do place people in nice facilities while waiting for their appointments. Well, if you aren't paying for it, you might as well enjoy it!!

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Dennis, I am surprised at you. You would never stay at any of those resorts because you are not a spendthrift and usually use common sense when spending money.

EnsenadaDr - 11-3-2012 at 10:15 PM

Still there has to be something a little cheaper than those resorts and comfortable..unless they want high end and high cost accommodations, I guess we will wait to hear from them for clarification.

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

[Edited on 11-4-2012 by bajaguy]

Skipjack Joe - 11-3-2012 at 10:16 PM

Just a reminder that you will need all your daylight hours in december to reach cabo in 3 days. It will be motels, restaurants, and gas stations. Not much time to do anything else.

[Edited on 11-4-2012 by Skipjack Joe]

Some people don't have a time limit..

EnsenadaDr - 11-3-2012 at 10:19 PM

Bajadock seems to have no problem with a time limit...or a budget..and seems to be savoring every inch of the way!!! Not mentioning the high end food, drinks and accommodations he is enjoying..

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Just a reminder that you will need all your daylight hours in december to reach cabo in 3 days. It will be motels, restaurants, and gas stations. Not much time to do anything else.

[Edited on 11-4-2012 by Skipjack Joe]

Skipjack Joe - 11-3-2012 at 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Binger

Want to take about 3 days driving down the Baja. Can't wait. Love that place.

Oh. I was referring to Binger.

cabo three days ???

captkw - 11-3-2012 at 10:36 PM

Yes it can be done..but...why??? damn ,,I just had to retype a hole lot of stuff again !!! Just PUFF and gone !!..If your trying to set a baja record.. go for it !! just send a low flying plane with (ya know) big speakers telling all that YOUR coming through !! 3 days is .......................... and folks wonder way I claim canada or alaska !! disregard my Last..... LOL,,I'm A going To Cabo............. :lol:

EnsenadaDr - 11-3-2012 at 10:37 PM

Yes, I know Skipjack...thanks for being so polite and so helpful. I was just thinking there are so many ways to explore Baja, leisurely and luxuriously, or getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible!!! You are right with the second scenario!!

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Quote:

Originally posted by Binger

Want to take about 3 days driving down the Baja. Can't wait. Love that place.

Oh. I was referring to Binger.

I will tell this !!

captkw - 11-3-2012 at 10:45 PM

Hola,,mucho gusto @#$%^&* ITS real apparent to me ..of knowing IF a person has been down this "road" !!! before or Knot...SEA..YA.. K&T :cool:

Skip jack.................psss

captkw - 11-3-2012 at 10:50 PM

60lbs seabass monterey......HOGS !!!!

Skipjack Joe - 11-4-2012 at 08:05 AM

Monterey Bay is a big place. Can you be more specific? :lol:

Bob H - 11-4-2012 at 09:26 AM

"the Baja"........

David K - 11-4-2012 at 09:42 AM

I remember talking to ferna (de tijuana) and he just hated the term BOLA... Bow-la! I hate it also, and prefer to use the abbreviated "L.A. Bay" if using English words...

DENNIS - 11-4-2012 at 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I remember talking to ferna (de tijuana) and he just hated the term BOLA... Bow-la! I hate it also, and prefer to use the abbreviated "L.A. Bay" if using English words...

I agree. LA Bay is how I've always referred to it.
I also refuse to call it "Bahia" although I know some who have a place there say it all the time.
I'm probably being too picky. Scooose me.

Bajaboy - 11-4-2012 at 10:00 AM

Am I reading correctly?

Day 1 to Ensenada
Day 2 to GN
Day 3 to Muluge
Day 4 to CSL

Sounds more like four days to me :?:

If the destination is CSL then three days of driving is more than enough.

David K - 11-4-2012 at 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

I agree. LA Bay is how I've always referred to it.
I also refuse to call it "Bahia" although I know some who have a place there say it all the time.
I'm probably being too picky. Scooose me.

Great that we agree on the important things in life, right Dennis? :light:

folks racing to cabo !!

captkw - 11-4-2012 at 11:22 AM

whats the number on your car so we can follow you on nspn !!.................why on this board is the folks that are going to cabo san lucas are in such a damn hurry ???? is it the timeshare mentel thing ?? really do not understand why ?? what the hell I'm I missing ? If your do not have the time in your life, make it or forget it !! last year the gal that lives down creek from me was all excited about going to alaska.. saw her later and she was there for 3 days and never got out of anchorage..go figure !!.. mex! 1 is a good road now (mostly) but only fools race on it.. and usally die !!.....3 days is scary !! and I know what I'm talking about

DENNIS - 11-4-2012 at 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Great that we agree on the important things in life, right Dennis? :light:

Never a doubt in my mind. :light:

Udo - 11-4-2012 at 11:36 AM

Ask anyone in town and the best place to stay is about 1 mile North of Ensenada at Casa Natalie.
We stayed there earlier this year. You are just about 25 steps to the water in deluxe accommodations!

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Punta Morro and Las Rosas are luxury resort stops, as well as Hotel Coral. You are going to plunk down over $150 a night,

This is how the request reads:

"Then onto Ensenda and stay overnight. Best place to stay there please."

Casa Natalie?

EnsenadaDr - 11-4-2012 at 11:55 AM

You guys must all be millionaires. That place is $250 a night, easily. And of course you can go next door to Ophelia's which has an average of $50 American an entree. Have Fun, but don't call me when you have no money left for gas. I actually did go into Casa Natalie's once. I had heard, just like you said Udo, that it was the nicest place in Ensenada. The price they are asking for it right now on Orbitz, is $395 American dollars a night. http://www.orbitz.com/hotel/Mexico/Ensenada/Hotel_Casa_Natal...
I remember I went in there for lunch, and they told me because it was a Boutique Hotel, they didn't have a good selection for lunch, that their menus were preplanned, one or two ehtrees, and they weren't that interested in serving me (shall I use the word snooty?).

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Ask anyone in town and the best place to stay is about 1 mile North of Ensenada at Casa Natalie.
We stayed there earlier this year. You are just about 25 steps to the water in deluxe accommodations!

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Punta Morro and Las Rosas are luxury resort stops, as well as Hotel Coral. You are going to plunk down over $150 a night,

This is how the request reads:

"Then onto Ensenda and stay overnight. Best place to stay there please."

BajaBlanca - 11-4-2012 at 12:30 PM

our favorite place to stay in ensenada is the hotel cortez, right on the main drag where all the commerce is

it is near stores so you can go around and walk off some of the pains from driving all day

underground safe/guarded garage

wonderful restaurant right next to the hotel - BOUGANVILLEA - is EXCELLENT. not too pricey and so convenient.

EnsenadaDr - 11-4-2012 at 03:23 PM

Here's a link for the Corona Hotel, $154 for two nights, half the price of the Marina...has anyone stayed at Posada del Rey Sol? I thought it looked good in the photos but I don't know from personal experience.

http://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/corona-hotel-and-spa.en-us.h...

EnsenadaDr - 11-4-2012 at 03:27 PM

Here's another one from the Valle del Guadalupe...looks new and pricewise is great...http://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/meson-del-vino.en-us.html?label=gog235jc-hotel-en-mx-coronaNhotelNandNspa-unspec-us-com;sid=323108324c65810f71 75a760178ce53b;dcid=1;checkin=2012-11-11;checkout=2012-11-13;srfid=c36c374c558430d57e6e7e46f4c273dbX3

Check Booking.com for all options on the drive down to Cabo...looks like some nice, decent priced hotels...

Udo - 11-4-2012 at 05:50 PM

The reason that their lunch (or breakfast, or dinner menu) are not extensive is because you are assigned a personal chef for any eating time and the food is made to order...to your liking.
Their wine selection is also OUTSTANDING!

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I remember I went in there for lunch, and they told me because it was a Boutique Hotel, they didn't have a good selection for lunch, that their menus were preplanned, one or two ehtrees, and they weren't that interested in serving me (shall I use the word snooty?).

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Punta Morro and Las Rosas are luxury resort stops, as well as Hotel Coral. You are going to plunk down over $150 a night,

This is how the request reads:

"Then onto Ensenda and stay overnight. Best place to stay there please."

EnsenadaDr - 11-4-2012 at 10:07 PM

For $350 a night, Udo, I will go the black market and buy my shrimp and fresh fish, get a few cloves of garlic, lemon and cilantro...and voila!! made to order dinner...all for under $200 pesos...I am a darn good chef!!

Binger - 11-5-2012 at 07:32 AM

Thank you everyone for your replies so far. It has been super. I guess we all share the same feelings about this place. Now let's keep it that way and also this great place. We don't need any Amercianization.

Just one things, no one has had any security issues on the roads I assume?

banditos

captkw - 11-5-2012 at 07:42 AM

once you get south a bit !! behind every third cactaus is bandito with ak 47 supplied by the ATF and thankfully are bad shots !! they dont have a lot rounds to practice with so your chanches of being hit are rather low !!! K&T

bajaguy - 11-5-2012 at 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Binger
Thank you everyone for your replies so far. It has been super. I guess we all share the same feelings about this place. Now let's keep it that way and also this great place. We don't need any Amercianization.

Speaking of Americanization, I notice that on Sundays, the parking lots are full of Mexican plated cars at the Super Wal-Mart, the Home Depot and COSTCO. I also notice that businesses such as McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Office Depot and Starbucks seem to be doing a fair amount of business......I guess "if you build it, they will come"......

Maybe WE don't need Americanization, but the Mexicans seem to embrace it.

[Edited on 11-5-2012 by bajaguy]

Skipjack Joe - 11-5-2012 at 07:55 AM

Don't leave your money or wallet exposed on the dashboard or front seat of your car. Lock the door when you leave the car. The same goes for cameras.

I've never experienced pickpocketing in baja, however.

bajaguy - 11-5-2012 at 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Binger

Just one things, no one has had any security issues on the roads I assume?

I recommend that you place all of your important stuff....wallet, passport, camera ......in a small backpack. Whenever you get out of the car at military checkpoints, gas stops or to eat......take the backpack with you......we have never had any problems. It is always better to be prepared than to be sorry.

Security issues in Mexico?

EnsenadaDr - 11-5-2012 at 08:05 AM

Yeah, really, where would you even get the idea that there is crime or security issues in Mexico of all places? I guess you have been watching the news!! I think Mexicans are thirsty for everything American, and Americans that come down here want an authentic Mexican feel south of the border...and want to get away from all things American.

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
once you get south a bit !! behind every third cactaus is bandito with ak 47 supplied by the ATF and thankfully are bad shots !! they dont have a lot rounds to practice with so your chanches of being hit are rather low !!! K&T

Binger - 11-5-2012 at 08:06 AM

Not racing, just on a schedule to be there before Christmas at our house before our family arrives. Have so much vacation time for driving. Will back track in two years when I retire. Just getting my feet wet now. Thanks again

Binger - 11-5-2012 at 08:27 AM

How soon and where is the best place to get our visas after we cross the border(Tecate, right now). Thanks, Binger(newbie)

bajaguy - 11-5-2012 at 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Binger
How soon and where is the best place to get our visas after we cross the border(Tecate, right now). Thanks, Binger(newbie)

Get your FMM's at Tecate

Bajatripper - 11-5-2012 at 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Where have you been Steve?

While I hate to admit it, I'm now a Washington resident, so I was on the move for the last three weeks or so.

I think I might have mentioned that plan to you, something about Nikki needing me up here, so I'm going to take the opportunity to bring Zully and the boys up for a few years, settle so they can learn English, and then head on back down once my daughter is done with high school. It seems like a good time to buy a house here--provided I can find a job.

But with the Republicans coming back to the White House, there should be jobs for everyone :lol:

DENNIS - 11-5-2012 at 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper
While I hate to admit it, I'm now a Washington resident,

I had no idea you were running for office.
Congratulations on your victory.....even before the elections. :lol:

Bajatripper - 11-5-2012 at 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper
While I hate to admit it, I'm now a Washington resident,

I had no idea you were running for office.
Congratulations on your victory.....even before the elections. :lol:

Thanks, Dennis. It was a well-kept secret.

David K - 11-5-2012 at 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Where have you been Steve?

Well I am glad that our time together in La Paz has opened your mind that not all Republicans are dicks (Nixon's? )... Lol. I know you were heading north just didn't know when. Please check your email as I would like you to check a Spanish translation of the book. Thank you amigo.