BajaNomad

New to board and planning road trip.

sequoyah - 11-13-2013 at 05:15 PM

Hello everyone!

I have been browsing this board since moving to Mexico a couple of weeks ago.

I am currently in Ensenada and will be driving to La Paz in a couple of weeks.

My current itinerary looks like this:

Day 1

Ensenada to La Bufadora

La Bufadora to El Rosario

BajaCactus Motel
El Rosario

Mama Espinoza Restaurant

Day 2

El Rosario to Guerrero Negro

Malarrimo Motel & Restaurant

Day 3 & 4

Guerrero Negro to San Ignacio
148 km
1 hour, 45 minutes

San Ignacio B & B

Tootsie's Bar and Grill

Day 5 – 8

San Ignacio to Santa Rosalia to Mulege to Loreto

Las Cabanas de Loreto

Day 8

Loreto to La Paz

Any and all suggestions and recommendations would be much appreciated.

I am driving a Prius, so off road is out of the question, but I am very interested in where to stop on the road and interesting things to do and see!

DENNIS - 11-13-2013 at 05:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sequoyah
My current itinerary looks like this:

Day 1

Ensenada to La Bufadora

La Bufadora to El Rosario




There are about two miles of badass road work you could avoid if you save this detour for another time. You won't be missing much.

Welcome to BajaNomad, by the way. Have a good trip.

Thanks Dennis.

sequoyah - 11-13-2013 at 05:30 PM

Good to know.

I'm in no hurry at all, but will perhaps look for another place to stop.

Any suggestions?

Bajahowodd - 11-13-2013 at 05:55 PM

There's another recent thread that has many opinions about Baja Cactus. Just my two cents is the last time I went to La Paz. I stopped at Hotel Jardines in San Quintin and then went on through to Santa Rosalia to El Morro. Made it from San Quintin to Santa Rosalia by 4pm. So getting to San Ignacio is a snap. I just never stay in Guerrero Negro unless I'm whale watching.

bajafreaks - 11-13-2013 at 05:56 PM

If you haven't stayed there before you will LOVE Las Cabanas we stayed there for a week a few years ago and the place was wonderful.
Have a great trip.

David K - 11-13-2013 at 06:01 PM

Missions! San Ignacio, Mulege, Loreto are on paved or Prius friendly roads. San Javier if its highway is repaired is worth the side trip.

Phil S - 11-14-2013 at 06:43 AM

El Moro. Two years ago, we attempted to stay there. Checked in, looked at the room, was o.k. for an old motel that we had stayed in over the years. BUT. Went to office for ice to calm my nerves drink, & said, ice machine broken. No idea when would be fixed. "try restaurant". Did. sour grapes bartender, looked in an ice chest & said "no". Not enough for bar folks"???? I was there with small plastic cup in hand, and he says NO?????? I went back to the office and gave them the key & said, changed mind. Got my money back & headed on south. Don't think the foods much good anymore either. The service there certainly isn't. Was overwhelmed with the construction at Santa Rosalia. Holy catfish. New money in town. We are so happy for the locals. Was about time, huh?????

nbacc - 11-14-2013 at 07:55 AM

Just expect the unexpected..............this happens in Mexico nancy

sequoyah - 11-14-2013 at 09:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
There's another recent thread that has many opinions about Baja Cactus. Just my two cents is the last time I went to La Paz. I stopped at Hotel Jardines in San Quintin and then went on through to Santa Rosalia to El Morro. Made it from San Quintin to Santa Rosalia by 4pm. So getting to San Ignacio is a snap. I just never stay in Guerrero Negro unless I'm whale watching.


I've read a lot of mixed reviews on Baja Cactus, but want to check it out for myself. I'm interested in the history of the place and also want to check out the restaurant. Will report back.

I wish the whales were going to be around. I'm stopping in Guerrero Negro mostly to meet the people who do the whale tours. My mother will be coming later in the season and I want a sense of where to take her.

DianaT - 11-14-2013 at 09:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by sequoyah
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
There's another recent thread that has many opinions about Baja Cactus. Just my two cents is the last time I went to La Paz. I stopped at Hotel Jardines in San Quintin and then went on through to Santa Rosalia to El Morro. Made it from San Quintin to Santa Rosalia by 4pm. So getting to San Ignacio is a snap. I just never stay in Guerrero Negro unless I'm whale watching.


I've read a lot of mixed reviews on Baja Cactus, but want to check it out for myself. I'm interested in the history of the place and also want to check out the restaurant. Will report back.

I wish the whales were going to be around. I'm stopping in Guerrero Negro mostly to meet the people who do the whale tours. My mother will be coming later in the season and I want a sense of where to take her.


For whale watching, you might also check out the companies in San Ignacio and Gary and Terry can set you up and even make all the arrangements for you, if you desire. I don't think you would want to drive your Prius out to the lagoon, but a few companies have vans and it is a beautiful drive out there. Besides, GN offers little to the tourist and San Ignacio is so quaint and beautiful. It is fun to just hang out in the plaza and if available, buy and eat some local made date bread, visit Casa Leree, and enjoy the lagoon.

ENJOY

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by DianaT]

sequoyah - 11-14-2013 at 09:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajafreaks
If you haven't stayed there before you will LOVE Las Cabanas we stayed there for a week a few years ago and the place was wonderful.
Have a great trip.


Thanks bajafreak.

It looks wonderful and has been easy to book. I read on here that there are some flooding and sewage problems in Loreto right now, but it is apparently on the other side of town.

sequoyah - 11-14-2013 at 09:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Missions! San Ignacio, Mulege, Loreto are on paved or Prius friendly roads. San Javier if its highway is repaired is worth the side trip.


Missions are a great idea. Is there a single site that lists them? I know many are just ruins, but I'm having trouble getting information on how accessible they are.

sequoyah - 11-14-2013 at 09:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Phil S
El Moro. Two years ago, we attempted to stay there. Checked in, looked at the room, was o.k. for an old motel that we had stayed in over the years. BUT. Went to office for ice to calm my nerves drink, & said, ice machine broken. No idea when would be fixed. "try restaurant". Did. sour grapes bartender, looked in an ice chest & said "no". Not enough for bar folks"???? I was there with small plastic cup in hand, and he says NO?????? I went back to the office and gave them the key & said, changed mind. Got my money back & headed on south. Don't think the foods much good anymore either. The service there certainly isn't. Was overwhelmed with the construction at Santa Rosalia. Holy catfish. New money in town. We are so happy for the locals. Was about time, huh?????


Where is El Moro? The only one I can find is outside Mazatlan.

sequoyah - 11-14-2013 at 10:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by nbacc
Just expect the unexpected..............this happens in Mexico nancy


That's part of the reason I am excited about the trip, nbacc!

sequoyah - 11-14-2013 at 10:04 AM

Thanks DianaT.

I am now thinking of staying at Casa Leree instead of the San Ignacio B & B. I think it would be fun to stay in town. Could go out to the B & B to talk to them about whale trips later in the season.

segiaya/newbie

captkw - 11-14-2013 at 10:06 AM

Take Dianas advice..Gurro negro sucks imo and san iqnacio is awesome...just don't take your prius to the lagoon...many rides are avable and its a really nice village with a cool (open) mission and socalo..with a fresh water lake/pond/lagoon and many places to camp or hotel/yurt !!!! welcome...K&T:cool:.......PS...while in Baja...Forget any so called plans you made at home...They go out the window FAST while time goes slow!!! (thank god)

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by captkw]

DianaT - 11-14-2013 at 10:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by sequoyah
Thanks DianaT.

I am now thinking of staying at Casa Leree instead of the San Ignacio B & B. I think it would be fun to stay in town. Could go out to the B & B to talk to them about whale trips later in the season.


Juanita at Casa Leree can also help you in the whale watching department. She knows every one in town. And if you like some history, you will LOVE her library and collection of photos.

sequoyah - 11-14-2013 at 10:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
Take Dianas advice..Gurro negro sucks imo and san iqnacio is awesome...just don't take your prius to the lagoon...many rides are avable and its a really nice village with a cool (open) mission and socalo..with a fresh water lake/pond/lagoon and many places to camp or hotel/yurt !!!! welcome...K&T:cool:.......PS...while in Baja...Forget any so called plans you made at home...They go out the window FAST while time goes slow!!! (thank god)

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by captkw]


I plan to go to San Ignacio the next day, but didn't want to go all the way from El Rosario to San Ignacio in one hop. Didn't plan to spend anytime in Guerrero Negro except to eat and sleep.

Any other suggestions?

Plans? Who needs stinking plans, lol?

Real challenge for my compulsive self, but good for me.

Thanks for the welcome captkw!

Good source for whale tours in San Ignacio

tripledigitken - 11-14-2013 at 10:31 AM

They are located right adjacent to the plaza opposite the Mission.


DianaT - 11-14-2013 at 10:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
They are located right adjacent to the plaza opposite the Mission.





I very much agree, but the office might not be open yet. And their website, Kuyima does not say if the office is open.

It is a very professional eco-friendly operation and they will take you out to the lagoon.

BajaBlanca - 11-14-2013 at 11:07 AM

Both the ignacio springs inn and casa leree are excellent ! Your plan. To hit G Negro as a stepping stone is very well thought out.

You will have a blast!

sequoyah - 11-14-2013 at 11:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Both the ignacio springs inn and casa leree are excellent ! Your plan. To hit G Negro as a stepping stone is very well thought out.

You will have a blast!


Thanks BajaBlanca!

I have been looking for another place to stop and I can't find a single thing, so I think I will stick with current plan for now.

It is really great to be on this site. The advice I am getting is invaluable!

sequoyah - 11-14-2013 at 11:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Missions! San Ignacio, Mulege, Loreto are on paved or Prius friendly roads. San Javier if its highway is repaired is worth the side trip.


Just did some research and found out road to San Javier is now paved AND the yearly festival is December 3rd, the day we plan to arrive in the Loreto area! What luck.

DianaT - 11-14-2013 at 12:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sequoyah
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Missions! San Ignacio, Mulege, Loreto are on paved or Prius friendly roads. San Javier if its highway is repaired is worth the side trip.


Just did some research and found out road to San Javier is now paved AND the yearly festival is December 3rd, the day we plan to arrive in the Loreto area! What luck.


You might want to ask on this forum, or search for the latest information from people in Loreto or recent visitors. The paved road was badly washed out and blocked in a storm this year. I hear the road is passable now, but as to its condition, you need current information.

sequoyah

captkw - 11-14-2013 at 12:38 PM

Hola,,,,you know what they say !!! " If you want to make God laugh,,,,Make plans!!"" and IMO the internet isn't/dosnt reflect reality of being in Baja.....have safe,fun,great trip !! PS...be avised that G.N. can be foggy !!! like on the deck and cant drive faster than 10 kph.....K&T

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by captkw]

rdrrm8e - 11-14-2013 at 12:41 PM

Jardines I give 10 thumbs up.

Room is $30.00

Full on dinner with 2 beers was $13.00

Gorgeous place!

If Santa Rosalillita fits your skedoolee stop in and see Mara and Rafael and stay in one of their 4 rooms and ask Mara to cook for you. Neat place

If you like to fish you can ask a pangero to take you out very close for YT, calicos, bonita, barracuda, etc. Also mucho lobster.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48563#pid5591...

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48564#pid5589...

David K - 11-14-2013 at 01:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sequoyah
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Missions! San Ignacio, Mulege, Loreto are on paved or Prius friendly roads. San Javier if its highway is repaired is worth the side trip.


Missions are a great idea. Is there a single site that lists them? I know many are just ruins, but I'm having trouble getting information on how accessible they are.


YES... it is in my Nomad signature (below): http://vivabaja.com/bajamissions

sequoyah - 11-14-2013 at 04:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by sequoyah
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Missions! San Ignacio, Mulege, Loreto are on paved or Prius friendly roads. San Javier if its highway is repaired is worth the side trip.


Missions are a great idea. Is there a single site that lists them? I know many are just ruins, but I'm having trouble getting information on how accessible they are.


YES... it is in my Nomad signature (below): http://vivabaja.com/bajamissions


Excellent! I noticed your links after I replied to you and am in the process of checking them out.

Thanks DavidK.

Bajahowodd - 11-14-2013 at 05:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Quote:
Originally posted by sequoyah
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
There's another recent thread that has many opinions about Baja Cactus. Just my two cents is the last time I went to La Paz. I stopped at Hotel Jardines in San Quintin and then went on through to Santa Rosalia to El Morro. Made it from San Quintin to Santa Rosalia by 4pm. So getting to San Ignacio is a snap. I just never stay in Guerrero Negro unless I'm whale watching.


I've read a lot of mixed reviews on Baja Cactus, but want to check it out for myself. I'm interested in the history of the place and also want to check out the restaurant. Will report back.

I wish the whales were going to be around. I'm stopping in Guerrero Negro mostly to meet the people who do the whale tours. My mother will be coming later in the season and I want a sense of where to take her.


For whale watching, you might also check out the companies in San Ignacio and Gary and Terry can set you up and even make all the arrangements for you, if you desire. I don't think you would want to drive your Prius out to the lagoon, but a few companies have vans and it is a beautiful drive out there. Besides, GN offers little to the tourist and San Ignacio is so quaint and beautiful. It is fun to just hang out in the plaza and if available, buy and eat some local made date bread, visit Casa Leree, and enjoy the lagoon.

ENJOY

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by DianaT]


We have done San Ihnacio Lagoon a couplr of times. Two observations: Yhe additional travel beyond GN lengthens the trip considerably. Second, we have has a number of our best encounters in Laguna de Liebre.

The folks at Hotel Caracoles do excellent whale tours.

Bajahowodd - 11-14-2013 at 06:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Phil S
El Moro. Two years ago, we attempted to stay there. Checked in, looked at the room, was o.k. for an old motel that we had stayed in over the years. BUT. Went to office for ice to calm my nerves drink, & said, ice machine broken. No idea when would be fixed. "try restaurant". Did. sour grapes bartender, looked in an ice chest & said "no". Not enough for bar folks"???? I was there with small plastic cup in hand, and he says NO?????? I went back to the office and gave them the key & said, changed mind. Got my money back & headed on south. Don't think the foods much good anymore either. The service there certainly isn't. Was overwhelmed with the construction at Santa Rosalia. Holy catfish. New money in town. We are so happy for the locals. Was about time, huh?????
\\

They shut the restaurant last year. Instead they offer the full menu from Restaurant El Muelle, the best place in town, for delivery.

TLBaja79 - 11-14-2013 at 08:15 PM

El Morro Hotel is just south of Santa Rosalia on the 1. Its right on the water and I've always liked staying there on the drive down. Get there late and wake up early to a nice Sea of Cortez sunrise!
Here is a link to tripadvisor for El Morro. Last time I stayed there was about 2008 or so and it was same as I've always known. Good enough for an older Baja hotel. Seems a safe spot to park in that you rig is right in front of your room and they close the gate at night to the lot.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g609125-d1198493-Rev...

Pompano - 11-15-2013 at 07:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sequoyah
Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
Take Dianas advice..Gurro negro sucks imo and san iqnacio is awesome...just don't take your prius to the lagoon...many rides are avable and its a really nice village with a cool (open) mission and socalo..with a fresh water lake/pond/lagoon and many places to camp or hotel/yurt !!!! welcome...K&T:cool:.......PS...while in Baja...Forget any so called plans you made at home...They go out the window FAST while time goes slow!!! (thank god)

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by captkw]


I plan to go to San Ignacio the next day, but didn't want to go all the way from El Rosario to San Ignacio in one hop. Didn't plan to spend anytime in Guerrero Negro except to eat and sleep.

Any other suggestions?

Plans? Who needs stinking plans, lol?

Real challenge for my compulsive self, but good for me.

Thanks for the welcome captkw!


SAN IGNACIO.... Sequoyah, one of my all-time favorite rest stops on the Baja Road. I'm never in such a rush that I don't pull in for a refreshing stop. You can't go wrong if you follow all the advice about visiting there. Just sitting in the shade of the huge old India trees in the plaza is a pleasure nobody should miss.



Here's a trip report from 3-4 years ago...it has not changed much since. Please write your trip report after enjoying your journey.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=43174#pid4781...

Happy Trails to you.[/I]

rufflife - 11-16-2013 at 06:06 AM

If the office for Kuyima is not open, here is their website: http://www.kuyima.com/whales/

The road crews are currently working on paving the road out to the lagoon. It is not nearly the great terror it once was. By the time the whale watching season begins, they should be even further along with the project. The first 25 miles are currently paved, with more miles prepped for paving.

Marc - 11-16-2013 at 08:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by sequoyah
Quote:
Originally posted by Phil S
El Moro. Two years ago, we attempted to stay there. Checked in, looked at the room, was o.k. for an old motel that we had stayed in over the years. BUT. Went to office for ice to calm my nerves drink, & said, ice machine broken. No idea when would be fixed. "try restaurant". Did. sour grapes bartender, looked in an ice chest & said "no". Not enough for bar folks"???? I was there with small plastic cup in hand, and he says NO?????? I went back to the office and gave them the key & said, changed mind. Got my money back & headed on south. Don't think the foods much good anymore either. The service there certainly isn't. Was overwhelmed with the construction at Santa Rosalia. Holy catfish. New money in town. We are so happy for the locals. Was about time, huh?????


Where is El Moro? The only one I can find is outside Mazatlan.

Just south of Sta Rosalia. Go up the hill leaving town and look left. It's sitting on the cliffs over the water. It's kinda run down nowadays, ....but any port in the storm....

DianaT - 11-16-2013 at 08:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
....

SAN IGNACIO.... Sequoyah, one of my all-time favorite rest stops on the Baja Road. I'm never in such a rush that I don't pull in for a refreshing stop. You can't go wrong if you follow all the advice about visiting there. Just sitting in the shade of the huge old India trees in the plaza is a pleasure nobody should miss.

....

Happy Trails to you.[/I]


Ah yes, it is not only a refreshing stop, it is a very relaxing stop, especially after eating some of the homemade date bread.



sequoyah , Looking forward to your impressions of the town, and yes do write a trip report.

And Pompano, good to see you hanging out around here again. :-)

sequoyah - 11-16-2013 at 09:20 AM

Pompano and DianaT -

San Ignacio calls to me and I have decided to stay at Casa Leree in order to fully enjoy being in the town.

I was even able to send an email in Spanish that she apparently understood and get one in return that I understood!

One of the things I am looking forward to on this trip is the opportunity to really immerse myself in the language. My ability is meager at this point, but I hope that it will improve greatly.

Thanks to everyone for all their help.

San Ignacio, founded on January 20, 1728

David K - 11-17-2013 at 10:54 AM

The beautiful cut-stone mission church was completed in 1786...

Some photos I took of the mission church in 2007: