misternaturalist - 12-4-2004 at 11:48 PM
soliciting advice...
I am contemplating an extended road-trip to Baja later this winter. Although I've travelled in Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, I've always
gone as a mochilero. I haven't until now considered driving my truck down South. I am thinking of taking my sea kayak and spending a couple of months
exploring...
Any seasoned viajeros have any advice for a novice? Is it resonable to plan on living gratis out of the back of my truck on the beaches or is
this a naively romantic notion?
I'd appreciate any input.
TMW - 12-5-2004 at 08:59 AM
Lots of people camp with no problems. Just use common sense. For example get off and away from the highway or use campgrounds. If you leave things
alone while your out kayaking they may be taken. I suggest you stay where there are other people, especially families, that could watch your stuff.
Keep valuables locked in a safe place and have a way to disable your vehicle, pull a fuse, wire, use a dead engine switch or at least use a club. Just
don't make it easy for someone to take it. Also don't forget to get Mexican insurance and read the policy. Most of all enjoy your trip.
If you stay away from gringo enclaves
jrbaja - 12-5-2004 at 09:50 AM
and get to know some of the local people, you won't have any problems.
The thieves in Baja concentrate on areas where there are a bunch of foreigners grouped together with all their crap. It's easy pickins and thieves
are lazy!
There are free beaches everywhere, (mostly because the motorhomes can't get to them) and many many areas of interest in the mountains as well.
I travel the peninsula regularly and not just for vacations. If you treat the local people with respect and as equals, you will have the time of
your life!!
It also helps to fill any extra room in that truck with school supplies and clothing for the needy people that don't benefit from tourism like most
of the beach areas.
http://groups.msn.com/TheBajasBestGuidesPhotoAlbum