I'm planning to cross the border at SY and head down to Loreto. Its been about 10 years since I've drivin down.
Most likely cross the border early. Sounds like FMM's can be obtained 24hrs a day now? (Last I did it, they opened at 6)
Probably minimal stops till El Rosario. A good spot for quick lunch? tacos? I hear you gotta watch the gas station attendants?
Probably stop in Jesus Maria-GN-Vizcaino for some more food. Recommendations?
Plan to call it a night in San Ignacio. Its been a long time since spending any time in San Ignacio. Food? Hotels? Secure parking will be
necessary. Is Desert Inn a good place?
The next day we'll drive to Loreto, any taco spots we shouldn't miss along the way?
We have a list of places we want to eat at in Loreto but always happy to try a new good place!
Any info on the drive is appreciated, its always good to know and fun to read about...more material for daydreamin!sequoyah - 1-15-2014 at 02:32 PM
The problem with gas is not in El Rosario, but in Santa Rosalia. Just get in the habit of checking the pump to make sure it is zeroed out.
If you are planning to stay at Baja Cactus, make sure you get there fairly early or make a reservation. It fills up.
Great place in San Ignacio is Casa Leree. She only has two rooms, but her property is enclosed. Or you can stay at the Ignacio Springs - closer to
the highway, higher price. There are a number of other rather routine motels there. Tootsies, in town, should not be missed if you want a special
meal.
I made the trip just recently and found the best food in small cafes in the middle of nowhere. I just stopped where the trucks were. I was
frustrated and disappointed when looking for places to eat in larger towns.
I liked Orlando's in Loreto for breakfast or lunch. Great tortilla soup. And you can't go wrong at El Rey del Taco, imo. There are some other more
upscale places around the square.
Loved Los Cabanos de Loreto. My travel partner went fishing, brought home a yellowtail and the owner's father sliced it up for us so we could eat it
raw. Perfect.
There are 4 or 5 military checkpoints. Take off your sunglasses and be prepared to say where you are coming from and where you are going.
And don't be in a hurry! This is a road to travel slowly and thoughtfully. I would do it again in a heartbeat.BajaLuna - 1-15-2014 at 06:03 PM
In Jesus Maria...there is a good place to eat called Kassandra's Taqueria which is right next to the Pemex station, to the left of it.
Also in Jesus Maria... the place directly across the street from Kassandra's is a palapa restaurant, don't know the name of it, but it is really good.
In Loreto, I second the suggestion of Orlando's. I think it is the best in Loreto! Unfortunately we didn't discover this gem until our last night
there, but it will for sure be the place we head straight to on our next trip. Be aware, they have some weird hours and days they are open, at least
when we were there they did. It is across the street from the school, near the town center. We only had dinner there so I can't comment on breakfast
but dinner was excellent!
Also, Café Ole' in Loreto has a good breakfast, it is in the town square as well, but on the other side of the square from Orlando's.
Las Cabanas de Loreto or Coco's Cabanas are both great places to stay in Loreto!
have fun!BajaLuna - 1-15-2014 at 06:20 PM
although we have heard that La Picazon is hands-down the best place to eat in Loreto, we have yet to try it. And apparently you have to get there
early as they may run out of food!vandenberg - 1-15-2014 at 07:21 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaLuna
although we have heard that La Picazon is hands-down the best place to eat in Loreto, we have yet to try it. And apparently you have to get there
early as they may run out of food!
Well, you've heard wrong.
Many places better or at least as good. for many, not worth the long ride out there.BajaLuna - 1-17-2014 at 10:53 AM
La Picazon is rated #2 in Loreto, has 67 reviews and 4.5 stars and only a couple of negative comments on trip advisor. It's definitely on our list of
places to try as it was recommended to us by many people, we just didn't have the time to venture out there. For some it may not be worth the long
drive out there and for others it may be part of the adventure!
And Orlando's is rated #1, well deserving IMHO!BajaBlanca - 1-17-2014 at 12:16 PM
del borracho is a good place too - they do close down for the summer.
no one wrote of a good place to eat in el Rosario .... I know we are mostly in agreement that Mama Espinosa's is not 100% any more but what other
choices are there?DavidE - 1-17-2014 at 04:30 PM
Jesus Maria is the most southerly spot you can purchase made in USA Magna (regular gas). The dispensers at El Rosario, Baja Cactus are accurate. In
Vizcaino sorta in the middle of town (on the right side on the frontage road) is a barbecued chicken joint that visitors and locals alike seem to
prefer.
Mama Espinosa's is OK for breakfast BUT TWO DOLLARS FOR A CUP OF COFFEE IS A BIT RIPE. Coffee-up at Baja Cactus and order free purified water at the
restaurant. I ain't payin' the same price for a cup of coffee as what they want in a suit and tie hoity toity restaurant at the Belaggio.
Rice and Beans turns out to be a good place for grub. Adequate servings, and friendly service. Sta Rosalia is overwhelmed with copper mine activity.
Give it a pass.ncampion - 1-17-2014 at 04:51 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by TLBaja79
Hola Nomads
attendants?
Plan to call it a night in San Ignacio. Its been a long time since spending any time in San Ignacio. Food? Hotels? Secure parking will be
necessary.
San Ignacio is a long haul for one day from the border. It's very slow going what with all the construction, detours and generally slow traffic in
the Northern part of the state. Also the days are short now. I would shoot for Cativina or GN at the most and make it a more enjoyable drive, rather
than a stressful run to beat the sun.
I certainly agree with the recommendation for Orlando's and La Picizon has good food and good ambience, although the drinks are a bit pricey.David K - 1-17-2014 at 05:16 PM
Lunch in El Rosario at Tacos Misión (Hugo Lopez, the artist)... Great burritos and stuffed baked potatoes! If breakfast or dinner then Baja's Best
Restaurant and Bar... at the far end of town, across from the Turista Motel.
Hugo's art on display in the Baja Cactus Motel lobby:
Inside is his gallery...
Baja's Best Bed and Breakfast + Restaurant and Bar:
TLBaja79 - 1-18-2014 at 01:08 AM
Thank you
Have always struck out with food in El Rosario but gonna try one of those this time around, Tacos Mision sounds good!
La Picazon has good food, as good as all the other places in Loreto but the check is about double. I'd actually go back because of the dirt road and
the ambiance is great. We can't wait to get to La Palapa in Loreto!
Yes it sounds like San Ignacio is a stretch with the road the way it is. Not many good hotel options between El Rosario and San Ignacio. Maybe just
take an extra day and stay up San Quintin or El Rosario insteadbajaguy - 1-18-2014 at 09:14 AM
Why do you have to watch the gas station attendants, and where did you hear this from???
Quote:
Originally posted by TLBaja79
Hola Nomads
Probably minimal stops till El Rosario. A good spot for quick lunch? tacos? I hear you gotta watch the gas station attendants?
mtgoat666 - 1-18-2014 at 09:22 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by TLBaja79
Not many good hotel options between El Rosario and San Ignacio.
personally, i think you are mistaken, but to each his own, eh?David K - 1-18-2014 at 09:25 AM
In some places (not El Rosario, but Santa Rosalia used to be one), the attendant did not reset the pump to $0 before adding gas to your tank, when
that was possible.BajaDQ - 1-18-2014 at 10:04 AM
That is a well known trick that certain pump attendants have tried to pull on unsuspecting customers at the Pemex in Santa Rosalia - for years.
Also, there was a rogue attendant at another Hwy 1 Pemex that pulled off a similar trick on a customer a few years ago. The car came into the station
very low on fuel, and left with NO fuel after paying for a full tank. After assuming they had a full tank, they ran out 15 or 20 miles up the road in
the middle of nowhere. I will not mention the station here, because the innocent station owner went far out of his way to remedy the situation,
including the immediate firing of the employee and a written apology to the victim - a stand-up guy! Just watch the pump and check your gauge before
leaving!
Just one more reason why I pump my own fuel in Mexico. (If you know of this incident, please do not sully this business's reputation by
mentioning where this happened)
[Edited on 1-18-2014 by BajaDQ]LaTijereta - 1-18-2014 at 10:25 AM
Here is a quick list of places in Loreto to check-out..
El Kiosco Taco & Bar Restaurant
(Salvatierra #26, Plaza Juarez Historical Center)
We continue to offer our menu consisting on Mexican Favorite Plates with excellent service, the great season of the house, and inexpensive prices, in
one of the best locations, surrounded by gardens.
Happy Hour drinks from 5 to 7 p.m., margaritas, palomas, beers, and rums.
Open microphones for karaoke and live music, all Saturdays from 7 to 11 pm on our terraza garden;
Domingo's
Come to Domingo's and have a Great Meal and Lots of Fun !!!
Mezzaluna ll
Come try our food at our new second location. We have wood oven fired pizza (best in Loreto), homemade pasta, salads, Panzerotti and homemade
desserts. We also prepare orders to go. Open 11 a.m. to 10pm Tuesday through Sunday; located on Hidalgo and Madero (formerly Bruno's Trattoria).
Sabor!
Come and try our new additions, especially our chili rellenos have been a big hit with customers! Please come and try our unique environment and
food. If you like wine, we have also added two new Baja wines, L.A. Cetto Cabernet Sauvignon and L.A. Cetto Chardonnay.
You can visit our website http://saborloreto.com/ to see the full menu and get directions. We hope to see you soon!
La Picazon
Open every day
Mondays to Saturdays from 12 to 6 pm
Closed Sundays
Submitted by: Alejandro Igartua Cel. 613-111-8782
Augie's Bar & Bait Shop
Free appetizers Monday through Friday, happy hour 4-7
Pepegina’s Pizza
We have two restaurants in Loreto now… If you have not tried our Pizza, you are in for a delight! We have a ‘sit-in restaurant’, and we offer
take-out service and home delivery in Loreto Centro. For 4 years we have been located on Benito Juarez next to “La Casa del Carpentaria”, across the
street from Pemex.
Pepegina’s Pizza Zuky
Our newest Restaurant is in a small garden setting beside the Hotel Posada Las Flores, located on the Plaza…
Open: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day, except we are closed Sunday.
Our menu includes:
Pizzas, Stromboli, and Calzones - all cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Baguettes, Croissants, and Buffalo Wings.
Wonderful Salads.
Ice cream and some very Delicious Deserts.
Special Coffees, Natural Juices, Lemonade, Wine and Sodas.
Orlando's Mexican Cocina
We are now back at our regular hours: Thursday to Tuesday from 7:30am to 9pm CLOSED Wednesday
Vista al Mar (located on the highway to Juncalito)
Porto Bello Restaurant
(Puerto Escondido)
Escondido Porto Bello Restaurant, happy hour margaritas all day. We have available on the menu: pizzas, burgers, ceviche, sandwiches, guacamole,
salads, lobster, Lamb, etc. Open 7 days a week 12 noon to 8:30 p.m.TLBaja79 - 1-19-2014 at 09:19 AM
The gas station attendents used to have little tricks to pad their pockets. For instance, a couple times I've filled a 5 gal container with more than
20 Liters???
I'd think this is mostly a thing of the past but did read about El Rosario (must have been Santa Rosalia) in a post recently.
I'm open to hotel suggestions, but most reveiws of GN and Catavinia hotels seem a bit below par.
Thank you for the restaurant recommendations. We can't wait to get south of the border! We will def be stopping at some of those chicken bbq places,
Vizcaino one sounds good!
