BajaNomad - How much does it cost to make the trip? (Ballpark)

How much does it cost to make the trip? (Ballpark)

Frankyinhummer - 12-19-2013 at 04:19 PM

I was just wondering how much it'll cost to take the trip down from San Diego to cabo san lucas in 2-3 days (hopefully 2) as I don't have much vacation time. I just want a ballpark figure on gas, toll, food, etc. I don't need figures on hotels, just the travel for both ways. (Driving full size truck). I'm still in the planning stages, so I don't have a set date yet. Thanks guys!

Skipjack Joe - 12-19-2013 at 04:37 PM

What mileage do you get from your truck?

mileage X 1000 miles X $4 = travel cost in one direction

food = $100 - $200

vgabndo - 12-19-2013 at 04:42 PM

Welcome to Nomads Hummer. You might use the search function for an answer to your question. My first caution is that you'll get countless responses suggesting that you are nuts to do the drive in two days. My full sized Dodge Cummins will do that drive on two tanks. I couldn't do it for that diesel in two days, I'd be driving too fast for economy. Tolls should be under $20.00 Only you can know what you'll eat! If you figure your meals at California restaurant costs, you will probably come out better than that.

All the information you need is already on this site, it will just take a little digging. Unless you have free accommodations in Cabo San Ludicrous, I'd opt for La Paz and a shorter drive and a less tourist trap experience. That is just opinion.

David K - 12-19-2013 at 04:43 PM

Why Cabo... and 2 days to drive the 1,000 miles, in winter, is really near impossible and dangerous if your first time. There is so much to see (the rest of Baja) before getting to land's end. IMO

Gasoline is almost the same price as in California now... roadside motels range from $25-$85 per night. There are construction detours and military inspection checkpoints... it isn't a simple drive like in the U.S.. Animals sleep on the pavement for warmth, there is a 200 mile section with no gasoline pumps (El Rosario to Villa Jesus Maria). If you forget to top your tank at El Rosario (225 miles from San Diego), there are only 2-3 places where you can get gas out of jerry cans in this gap on Hwy. 1.

It is a great peninsula, but not one to rush through. If Cabo is what you seek, get on a plane. If the magnificent peninsula's wonders are what you want, then spend more time or only go part way to Cabo. :light:

bajagrouper - 12-19-2013 at 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
What mileage do you get from your truck?

mileage X 1000 miles X $4 = travel cost in one direction

food = $100 - $200

do yo mean mileage divided into 1000 miles x$4

Frankyinhummer - 12-19-2013 at 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vgabndo
Welcome to Nomads Hummer. You might use the search function for an answer to your question. My first caution is that you'll get countless responses suggesting that you are nuts to do the drive in two days. My full sized Dodge Cummins will do that drive on two tanks. I couldn't do it for that diesel in two days, I'd be driving too fast for economy. Tolls should be under $20.00 Only you can know what you'll eat! If you figure your meals at California restaurant costs, you will probably come out better than that.

All the information you need is already on this site, it will just take a little digging. Unless you have free accommodations in Cabo San Ludicrous, I'd opt for La Paz and a shorter drive and a less tourist trap experience. That is just opinion.

@ vgabndo thanks for the welcome and the heads up . I can don't mind splitting the drive in 3 days. I'm also not trying to cut corners. Just wanna know what to expect so I can plan accordingly. I hate flying and I love road trips, so the baja is definitely something I wanna do.

Frankyinhummer - 12-19-2013 at 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
What mileage do you get from your truck?

mileage X 1000 miles X $4 = travel cost in one direction

food = $100 - $200

@ skipjack - I get about 16 mpg (2011- silverado)

BajaParrothead - 12-19-2013 at 05:13 PM

Are you traveling alone or with others. That will change the food bill and may impact the hotel accommodations. Also, factor in your Mexican insurance. Go online and get a quote. My 07 Dodge Cummins ran me $255 this past trip and that was for 15 days SOB. The good 'ol days of fuel costing $2.35 are gone, now it's on par with US prices. I would echo what the others have said. Don't push it; slow it down and enjoy what the peninsula has to offer.

Just some advice...

David K - 12-19-2013 at 05:13 PM

You must have Mexican liability insurance, and possibly full coverage to go south. Click on the Baja Bound banner ad at the top of the Nomad page for a quote or online purchase.

Documents for Mexico (Baja):
In order to obtain a Tourist Card (FMM) at the border, you need a current passport. You must get your FMM as soon as you enter the country. There are Mexican Immigration offices at every border crossing (look for 'INM'). The Tijuana Immigration office and banjercito (payment teller) should be open 365 days/year and 24 hours/day. Over 7 days in Mexico is about $25/ per person for the FMM.

Gasoline is about $3.40/ gal for Magna (regular unleaded) and is 87 octane and Premium (not available everywhere) is 91 octane.

The toll highway to Ensenada 'Scenic Road' (Mex. 1-D)is popular, but the free road (Mex. 1) is fine and helps you get into the conditions south of Ensenada, sooner.

South of San Quintin to San Ignacio begins the 1973 built section of Hwy. 1 and the pavement narrows to 19 feet., no shoulders, and is often elevated on a levee above the desert... so pullouts are rare. 18 wheelers and motorhomes pulling boats pass each other with mirrors colliding... so stay clear of the middle when you see something big coming! Mexico has begun to widen sections of the 1973 highway in the past few years.

[Edited on 12-20-2013 by David K]

DSCF0034 copy.jpg - 26kB

Frankyinhummer - 12-19-2013 at 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaParrothead
Are you traveling alone or with others. That will change the food bill and may impact the hotel accommodations. Also, factor in your Mexican insurance. Go online and get a quote. My 07 Dodge Cummins ran me $255 this past trip and that was for 15 days SOB. The good 'ol days of fuel costing $2.35 are gone, now it's on par with US prices. I would echo what the others have said. Don't push it; slow it down and enjoy what the peninsula has to offer.

awesome! I totally forgot about insurance. I'll count that in. Thank you, and yes I'm trying to get at least 4 others to join.

Frankyinhummer - 12-19-2013 at 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
You must have Mexican liability insurance, and possibly full coverage to go south. Click on the Baja Bound banner ad at the top of the Nomad page for a quote or online purchase.

Documents for Mexico (Baja):
In order to obtain a Tourist Card (FMM) at the border, you need a current passport. You must get your FMM as soon as you enter the country. There are Mexican Immigration offices at every border crossing (look for 'INM'). The Tijuana Immigration office and banjercito (payment teller) should be open 365 days/year and 24 hours/day. Over 7 days in Mexico is about $25/ per person for the FMM.

Gasoline is about $3.40/ gal for Magna (regular unleaded) and is 87 octane and Premium (not available everywhere) is 91 octane.

The toll highway to Ensenada 'Scenic Road' (Mex. 1-D)is popular, but the free road (Mex. 1) is fine and helps you get into the conditions south of Ensenada, sooner.

South of San Quintin to San Ignacio begins the 1973 built section of Hwy. 1 and the pavement narrows to 19 feet., no shoulders, and is often elevated on a levee above the desert... so pullouts are rare. 18 wheelers and motorhomes pulling boats pass each other with mirrors colliding... so stay clear of the middle when you see something big coming! Mexico has begun to widen sections of the 1973 highway in the past few years.

great! Thanks for this helpful information.

willardguy - 12-19-2013 at 05:34 PM

franky, heres my two cents. hit it hard and get to los cabos as quickly and safely as you can. you have a limited time and you have the option of doing anything in los cabos that everything in between offers, as good or better! you wanna golf,you wanna fish,you want restaurants or nightlife, you want miles of beautiful deserted beaches, you want to zipline you want to offroad, you name it.
just bring an ATM card, I find its the "etc." that runs up the tab!

Frankyinhummer - 12-19-2013 at 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
franky, heres my two cents. hit it hard and get to los cabos as quickly and safely as you can. you have a limited time and you have the option of doing anything in los cabos that everything in between offers, as good or better! you wanna golf,you wanna fish,you want restaurants or nightlife, you want miles of beautiful deserted beaches, you want to zipline you want to offroad, you name it.
just bring an ATM card, I find its the "etc." that runs up the tab!

haha I guess I should double up for the "etc". Thanks for the advice brother. I have nothing in particular I'm dying to do. I'm just burned out. Had a tough year, and I wanna get away a little bit and leave all worries here in Los Angeles. I work for the movie/tv industry and we're literally filming all year, so I have to kinda force myself into vacation. :/ but I'm still in the planning stages and I want a good idea of what I should expect. Thanks again for your help.

[Edited on 12-20-2013 by Frankyinhummer]

chuckie - 12-19-2013 at 06:11 PM

About eight dollars, more or less.....

durrelllrobert - 12-19-2013 at 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frankyinhummer

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
What mileage do you get from your truck?

mileage X 1000 miles X $4 = travel cost in one direction

food = $100 - $200

@ skipjack - I get about 16 mpg (2011- silverado)

That's roughly 60 gallons = $250 each way for the fuel

dasubergeek - 12-19-2013 at 11:20 PM

Gonna chime in here that my 14 Silverado is advertised as 16/23 but there are a LOT of ugly grades that will chew your mileage rating, stopping for freaking topes and vados, stopping because someone left rocks in the road, stopping because someone left cows in the road, etc. Plan on 12-14 mpg other than the great toll road from TJ 56 miles to Saldamando where the road is in bad shape. Toll is 90 pesos (three booths, 30 pesos a booth). Don't forget 300 pesos for your tourist card which you need to stop at the border and get (keep right once you hit the end of the 5 freeway and you'll see the parking ahead of you).

Skipjack Joe - 12-20-2013 at 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by Frankyinhummer

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
What mileage do you get from your truck?

mileage X 1000 miles X $4 = travel cost in one direction

food = $100 - $200

@ skipjack - I get about 16 mpg (2011- silverado)

That's roughly 60 gallons = $250 each way for the fuel

I stand corrected.

(1000 miles / 16 mpg) X 4 DollarsPerGallon = $250.

That's a rough estimate because it's not exactly $4 and it's not exactly 1000 miles.

Food is more variable. If you buy groceries and do your own cooking it can be less than $50 for a week. If you make your own breakfast and lunch but eat out for dinner it's maybe $100. If you eat out every meal it could get still more expensive. Most entrees in baja are just under $10.

----------------------------

"DollarsPerGallon" - Eat your heart out, Iflyfish. You're not the only one that write that way. :lol:

Gulliver - 12-20-2013 at 07:33 AM

I disagree about hurrying to get to Cabo. I tell friends to make the cape loop from LaPaz to LaPaz at least once just to be horrified by the mess. Tijuana with money. And to see a few really nice little towns along Rt. 1. like El Triunfo (piano museum) and The little zoo at Miraflores. I hope it's still there.

If you want the 'Cabo Experience', then go for it but it's not what Baja is all about to me. I was nearly eaten by a condo salesman the last time I stuck my nose down there!

Mike

BajaBlanca - 12-20-2013 at 08:51 AM

And I am going to throw a wrench into all this ..... I think you should head to Bahia Asuncion if you want r&r

Precisely because you will wake up looking at the ocean, maybe hike a little to hunt for arrowheads, eat a lot of fish, shrimp, maybe lobster and all for for just pennies, meet very nice ex-pats and truly be in a paradise that will not remind you of ANYTHING back home.

Shari will take good care of you, her new room additions are beyond beautiful. You will not be disappointed. I will find her website link and post it. If you push it, you can get there in a day and have lots of days of .........dreaming in peace.

Welcome to Baja and nomad.

David K - 12-20-2013 at 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gulliver
I disagree about hurrying to get to Cabo. I tell friends to make the cape loop from LaPaz to LaPaz at least once just to be horrified by the mess. Tijuana with money. And to see a few really nice little towns along Rt. 1. like El Triunfo (piano museum) and The little zoo at Miraflores. I hope it's still there.

If you want the 'Cabo Experience', then go for it but it's not what Baja is all about to me. I was nearly eaten by a condo salesman the last time I stuck my nose down there!

Mike

Good advice, however the zoo is in Santiago. Take the paved road into Santiago and go through town on it to the other side of town (south) for the zoo. It was open last year, but didn't go in as we had a bat cave to visit (just north of Santiago): http://www.bajabound.com/bajaadventures/bajatravel/the_bat_c...

Gulliver - 12-20-2013 at 09:24 AM

Of course it's in Santiago. Early morning brain fade. Next I'll be singing the praises of Boca de la Sierra.

mcfez - 12-20-2013 at 09:52 AM

I would save that cape trip for another day....when you have 10 days to roam around. There is so much to do down there...one simple cannot experience it after a 2.5 day drive ......take a peek around...then drive back home. Wont be too much of a vacation.

There are plenty of spots in the Baja that is just as nice...but far shorter of a drive. There may not be night clubs or McD's........but http://www.bahiadelosangeles.info offers great places to stay at...eateries....and an outdoor playground that is never ending. http://www.allaboutbaja.com/sanquintin.html is another great area to get lost in. We love this place. All just a day's drive. Cheap on the gas.....and lodging btw

You could do this too:
http://www.greentortoise.com/adventures/baja-mexico-whales-b...

[Edited on 12-20-2013 by mcfez]

Russ - 12-20-2013 at 10:05 AM

2¢ --- If you have any intention to return to Baja. Take your time! Try Bahia Asuncion for a night or 2, then on to Mulege and explore Bahia Concepcion for a day or two. Maybe take a run out to Punta Chivato, The Hotelito is open. Suck up the sites in Loreto. It's a cool Baja Town. If there is time La Paz is fun. No way you're gonna get much of a relaxing vacation the first trip. But it is worth trying.
Have fun, drive with caution and come back soon. There is a danger many of us experienced...... ADDICTION .... You may never look at work the same way again.
edit: Early June or late October/November best weather. Now It's cold.

[Edited on 12-20-2013 by Russ]

David K - 12-20-2013 at 10:07 AM

Go to Bahia de los Angeles... camp/RV parks, motels, restaurants, taco stands... a small town on a great island filled bay... fishing guides, whale sharks, whales, beaches, it is Baja! 9 hours from border (with stops). Go to San Ignacio and Mulegé and Bahia Concepcion on the next travel day for a bit deeper experience. But, that is it for a 7 day trip... as it is 2 days to safely come home from Mulegé, unless you leave really early!

Great motel is Baja Cactus, next to the gas station in El Rosario. Super room, inexpensive... 5 hours from the border (225 miles) for final night northbound (or the first night southbound) so you don't have to unpack and make camp. Giant rooms with king beds, $35-$45 range (for the new rooms). Owned by a great Baja Nomad amigo, Antonio (English speaker) if you need anything, just ask for him. If he is not in town, they can contact him by phone.

Frankyinhummer - 12-20-2013 at 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
And I am going to throw a wrench into all this ..... I think you should head to Bahia Asuncion if you want r&r

Precisely because you will wake up looking at the ocean, maybe hike a little to hunt for arrowheads, eat a lot of fish, shrimp, maybe lobster and all for for just pennies, meet very nice ex-pats and truly be in a paradise that will not remind you of ANYTHING back home.

Shari will take good care of you, her new room additions are beyond beautiful. You will not be disappointed. I will find her website link and post it. If you push it, you can get there in a day and have lots of days of .........dreaming in peace.

Welcome to Baja and nomad.

all this sounds very appealing to me!

thanks a lot!

Frankyinhummer - 12-20-2013 at 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ
2¢ --- If you have any intention to return to Baja. Take your time! Try Bahia Asuncion for a night or 2, then on to Mulege and explore Bahia Concepcion for a day or two. Maybe take a run out to Punta Chivato, The Hotelito is open. Suck up the sites in Loreto. It's a cool Baja Town. If there is time La Paz is fun. No way you're gonna get much of a relaxing vacation the first trip. But it is worth trying.
Have fun, drive with caution and come back soon. There is a danger many of us experienced...... ADDICTION .... You may never look at work the same way again.
edit: Early June or late October/November best weather. Now It's cold.

[Edited on 12-20-2013 by Russ]

haha I like the way you think. I already feel the addiction, and that's why I wanna do the drive. I think baja is way too awesome to just fly to cabo. Thank a lot for the info. My plans are starting to come together now.

Frankyinhummer - 12-20-2013 at 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Go to Bahia de los Angeles... camp/RV parks, motels, restaurants, taco stands... a small town on a great island filled bay... fishing guides, whale sharks, whales, beaches, it is Baja! 9 hours from border (with stops). Go to San Ignacio and Mulegé and Bahia Concepcion on the next travel day for a bit deeper experience. But, that is it for a 7 day trip... as it is 2 days to safely come home from Mulegé, unless you leave really early!

Great motel is Baja Cactus, next to the gas station in El Rosario. Super room, inexpensive... 5 hours from the border (225 miles) for final night northbound (or the first night southbound) so you don't have to unpack and make camp. Giant rooms with king beds, $35-$45 range (for the new rooms). Owned by a great Baja Nomad amigo, Antonio (English speaker) if you need anything, just ask for him. If he is not in town, they can contact him by phone.

this is something I can definitely use to convince the wife to take the trip. Thanks a lot for this!

Frankyinhummer - 12-20-2013 at 11:58 AM

Thanks everyone for the tips, advice, and heads up. My planning is starting to come together. I'm hoping I can make it happen around May(ish) 2014, so if there's anyone wanting to come, it'd make the trip a lot better.

[Edited on 12-20-2013 by Frankyinhummer]

comitan - 12-20-2013 at 01:05 PM

Just in case you haven't got the message yet, Forget about Cabo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yes:

mtnpop - 12-20-2013 at 01:18 PM

maybe already posted but I seem to get about 10 to 15 % less mileage after I cross the border... My mind usually goes to thinking that the pump is reading just a smidge more than is actually goin in the tank... but that wouldn't happen would it guys????
Not tryin to accuse Pemix for any inaccuracies....
lots of luck and Merry Christmas....

Marc - 12-20-2013 at 07:21 PM

Whatever you figure for your budget take twice as much. I use only pesos and I buy/exchange here in San Francisco. Do not use debit or credit cards.

willardguy - 12-20-2013 at 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
Whatever you figure for your budget take twice as much. I use only pesos and I buy/exchange here in San Francisco. Do not use debit or credit cards.

whaaat? no debit or credit cards??? now thats old school

Gulliver - 12-20-2013 at 08:33 PM

I use my credit card occasionally but I find that it's not the local merchant down there who screws you over. It's the charges that the stinking card company hits you with.

So the net result is that I carry an wonderful wad of one dollar bills. I've not been refused yet. I also change quite a bit into pesos before I cross the border. But I find that it is a pain to come home with pesos. I end up spending money on stuff I don't really need as I approach the border headed North just to avoid getting hassled at my bank.

Once in a while I have it together enough to take along a cheap calculator so I can pay in dollars without getting done over too badly.

I have yet to have a problem at gas stations. But I don't just sit in the car. I get out. BE friendly. Small talk even with my pitiful language skills. I suppose there are pumps that read wrong. More likely, I suspect, for the attendant to fail to zero the pump before filling your tank. But if you are there taking an interest in what is going on, it is waaay less likely to happen.

I like these people.