BajaNomad

Been lerking now a couple questions

Fishfreek - 5-28-2014 at 06:21 PM

The job I am working is about to end and before I start looking for another I would like to tour Baja for the first time. I am gathering books and maps and reading every post I can to gather info.
I plan to camp to keep expenses as low as possible. I have a 99 Astro van that I plan to drive because I love the extra room it has compared to a truck. My schedule will be VERY open I have no idea right now how long I will stay.

With camping every night at a payed site how much $ should I allow to live on for a month? (food, gas, fishing, NO ALCOHOL )

Is my van suitable for the trip or should I consider buying a truck (4x4) for the trip?

How long can I stay without any special paperwork? Just by crossing the border.

I am soooo sure I will have other questions as things get closer. And I know most of them have been asked before so I will do my best not repeat.

Thank you

mulegemichael - 5-28-2014 at 06:27 PM

hey amigo, go back through all the "camping, traveling baja, first time" stuff that's on this site....it's all there for ya...all your questions will be answered...good luck!

Ateo - 5-28-2014 at 06:28 PM

Vehicle question: All depends on where you wanna go.

Do you wanna stay in one place?

I'd plan on spending $500 - $1000 for a month, although it can be done on a whole lot less if you're not buying gas and staying put.

You can stay 72 hours within the border area without getting a tourist card.

Just get a tourist card.

You will probably spend more $$$ driving from Florida to Baja than the whole Baja trip.

I like those Astro Vans. My buddy Donald Takayama had one. They are common in Baja too, so getting it worked on will be easy.

What are you interested in? Fishing?

monoloco - 5-28-2014 at 06:28 PM

Plan on being self contained, the best spots are free.

mannings - 5-28-2014 at 06:32 PM

OT: what part of central FLORIDA u in?

Fishfreek - 5-28-2014 at 06:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo

What are you interested in? Fishing?



Yes primarily fishing but really looking to get away for awhile.




[Edited on 5-29-2014 by Fishfreek]

Fishfreek - 5-28-2014 at 06:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mannings
OT: what part of central FLORIDA u in?




I live on the east coast near Kennedy Space Center

Fishfreek - 5-28-2014 at 06:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
Plan on being self contained, the best spots are free.



I am pretty much self contained if I bring the van. Where can I find a list of the FREE spots?

Ateo - 5-28-2014 at 06:43 PM

Well then either side of Baja will work for you, depending on the weather you like.

Plenty of spots to get away for a while, and usually no camping fee.

Have fun.

monoloco - 5-28-2014 at 06:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fishfreek
Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
Plan on being self contained, the best spots are free.



I am pretty much self contained if I bring the van. Where can I find a list of the FREE spots?
The great thing about the peninsula is that there are miles of deserted beaches where you can camp. Way too many great spots to list, but some of my favorite places are the Viscaino Peninsula, Agua Verde, San Evaristo, Punta Abreojos, El Tomatal, El Conejo, the beaches east of La Paz, El Sargento, Los Frailes, and Boca del Alamo.

woody with a view - 5-28-2014 at 07:12 PM

stay out of cabo and if you get squeezed for $5/day you are golden.....

Alan - 5-28-2014 at 07:17 PM

First trip to Baja? Then see Baja! Plan on running to the tip. Driving an Astrovan? No problem, there are enough paved roads to give you an idea of what's available and where you might like to go on future trips. This peninsula is too varied to simply say ... go here. See it all then decide what most interests you. See something you like? Stay there for a day or two but keep pushing south or you'll never know what is around the next corner.

redhilltown - 5-28-2014 at 11:10 PM

When I think of all the places I have gotten to (and gotten out of) I would not even think of NOT having a 4X4...easy to get to places have easy to see trash and easy not to catch fish...not all and I don't want to sound pessimistic but humans bring with them...um...well...you know...stuff. I prefer more Baja and less stuff. If fishing and isolated beaches is important (and money is ok) then for me it is an easy answer to bring a 4x4 truck with a shell. I can see regretting bringing the van but I can't see regretting the access to the most wonderful places on the peninsula.

bajajudy - 5-28-2014 at 11:42 PM

Buy a shovel

WELCOME

BajaBlanca - 5-29-2014 at 10:51 AM

4x4 will be an asset.

There are tons of free places to camp but to get your feet wet, and since you live in .florida heat is not an issue:

Bahia de Los Angeles would be a first get to destination. Shortened to Bay of LA or BoLA, there are people who can give you their take on where to go.

I believe you REALLY should head to Bahia Asuncion and pay for camping there. You will get to know an amazing community that has a little of everything.

On your way south, if you have a 4x4, plenty of beaches to hang out on as you head to our community (LA BOCANA) (free camping) to say hi to us (Blanca and Les) as you go to Punta Abreojos (free camping). From here we can give you lots of ideas.....Campo Rene, Bahia Concepcion .....and so on.

Somewhere there is a list of what all to bring ( about 10 pages long) but realistically, use common sense. You are in a desert, you need to always have water. There is sand, you need to learn how to get unstuck: letting air out of tires and shovel. Sunscreen. Hat. Mosquito repellant. Just to mention a few.

[Edited on 5-29-2014 by BajaBlanca]

motoged - 5-29-2014 at 12:25 PM

The vast majority of Baja locals manage all the roads with 2-wheel drive vehicles.....4X4 upgrade for your trip is unnecessary.....unless you have lotsa $$$ burning a hole in your pocket:lol:

Have a good time exploring Baja....make it your own trip and consider some of our collective brilliance in your planning.....:light::cool:

apple - 5-29-2014 at 12:31 PM

I've said this a dozen times before but:
I found this book to be an amazing resource for our camping/road trip into the Baja: www.amzn.com/0974947180
Has lots of great info about roads, attractions, gas, food, campsites and more.

redhilltown - 5-29-2014 at 11:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
The vast majority of Baja locals manage all the roads with 2-wheel drive vehicles.....4X4 upgrade for your trip is unnecessary.....unless you have lotsa $$$ burning a hole in your pocket:lol:

Have a good time exploring Baja....make it your own trip and consider some of our collective brilliance in your planning.....:light::cool:


That's because they are locals and know what they are doing!!!!!!!! The hole burning would be extra gas money and possibly repairs...vs the cost of getting stuck and the cost of getting out of the middle of nowhere. Just depends on where you want to go and what isolation means to you. Not a chance in hell a two wheel drive would get me to the most memorable places I've been to in Baja. If proven resorts and known campgrounds are fine, then the van is the right call. But...

David K - 5-29-2014 at 11:27 PM

Sure a 2WD can go many places... but our new Nomad wants to camp, and see Baja... To camp away from the crowds ("good roads bring all kinds of people") that means 4WD... ("bad roads bring good people") and not just 4WD, but a good air pump for the tires, because even 4WD can get stuck in sand, and lowering the air pressure is how we all get over sand or unstuck. It is over those sand dunes or up that sand wash were you can camp were there are no people! 4WD is security or insurance so you don't get stuck in the desert or going beyond the crowded tourist spots.

wilderone - 5-30-2014 at 08:42 AM

You can camp free almost the entire time, unless you particularly want to stay in the place that has a fee. Camping fees run $5-$7.50 or so. You can stay 6 months on your tourist visa.
Free places: San Fernando mission (a mile past the mission); El Marmol; to the left of Mex. 1, 2 mi. before Punta Prieta; en route to Mission San Borja; El Tomatal; Los Pinos at Bahia de Los Angeles; the stretch of beach outside of Bahia Asuncion (turn right on Curvina St., see a track to the beach in 4.1 mi); en route to la Bocana from Bahia Asuncion; across the street from Campo Rene on the beach near Punta Abreojos; in Sierra Gigante - turn right at Palo Chino - all open there and for miles around.
$7.00 at Los Olivos, San Quintin; $7 I think now at Rancho Sta. Inez; $8.00 with a palapa at El Requeson, Bahia Conception. You'll get the hang of it.

motoged - 5-30-2014 at 10:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by redhilltown
Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
The vast majority of Baja locals manage all the roads with 2-wheel drive vehicles.....4X4 upgrade for your trip is unnecessary.....unless you have lotsa $$$ burning a hole in your pocket:lol:

Have a good time exploring Baja....make it your own trip and consider some of our collective brilliance in your planning.....:light::cool:


That's because they are locals and know what they are doing!!!!!!!! The hole burning would be extra gas money and possibly repairs...vs the cost of getting stuck and the cost of getting out of the middle of nowhere. Just depends on where you want to go and what isolation means to you. Not a chance in hell a two wheel drive would get me to the most memorable places I've been to in Baja. If proven resorts and known campgrounds are fine, then the van is the right call. But...


RHT,
I have been to a lot of way outback parts of Baja by moto and 2-wheel drive pick-up.....without any problems that required 4 wd. I now have a 4wd and had it down in Baja for a month a few months ago.....never need 4 wd once (but it is nice to have).

A lot of folks get into bad situations because they have 4wd....and the "ad mentality" that it can go anywhere.

This poster was asking for travel advice more than what kind of vehicle he should buy for a month in Baja. Caution on bad roads is the smart thing....too many 4wd's in ditches along highways up here due to folks thinking they could ignore common sense.

My point is that he can have a great outback trip w/ 2wd if he uses/possesses common sense.

P.S. I refuse to stay at "resorts" and prefer places in Baja with few folks around.

And a Spark Plug Wrench ...

durrelllrobert - 5-30-2014 at 11:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged

My point is that he can have a great outback trip w/ 2wd if he uses/possesses common sense.



I was stuck in the sand with my 2wd at a remote location once. Couldn't get out by rocking but I did have a spark plug wrench in my tool box so I just removed the plugs (to eliminate compression) and use the starter motor to inch my way out. Only works with a standard transmission though.

[Edited on 5-30-2014 by durrelllrobert]

BajaRun - 5-30-2014 at 01:44 PM

I have been to all the hard to get to spots in Baja in a 2wd vehicle...but it has a Ls2 and 37" tires with 22" of wheel travel ;). When I want to camp in the hard to get to spots and carry all my gear I prefer my 4x4. Can it be done in a 2wd? Yes it can, but in a Astro Van I recommend staying closer to the pavement or hardpack :)

Edited to add: My 37" tires have beadlock wheels so I can air down to <5 psi if I want too...

[Edited on 5-30-2014 by BajaRun]

redhilltown - 5-31-2014 at 11:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Quote:
Originally posted by redhilltown
Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
The vast majority of Baja locals manage all the roads with 2-wheel drive vehicles.....4X4 upgrade for your trip is unnecessary.....unless you have lotsa $$$ burning a hole in your pocket:lol:

Have a good time exploring Baja....make it your own trip and consider some of our collective brilliance in your planning.....:light::cool:


That's because they are locals and know what they are doing!!!!!!!! The hole burning would be extra gas money and possibly repairs...vs the cost of getting stuck and the cost of getting out of the middle of nowhere. Just depends on where you want to go and what isolation means to you. Not a chance in hell a two wheel drive would get me to the most memorable places I've been to in Baja. If proven resorts and known campgrounds are fine, then the van is the right call. But...


RHT,
I have been to a lot of way outback parts of Baja by moto and 2-wheel drive pick-up.....without any problems that required 4 wd. I now have a 4wd and had it down in Baja for a month a few months ago.....never need 4 wd once (but it is nice to have).

A lot of folks get into bad situations because they have 4wd....and the "ad mentality" that it can go anywhere.

This poster was asking for travel advice more than what kind of vehicle he should buy for a month in Baja. Caution on bad roads is the smart thing....too many 4wd's in ditches along highways up here due to folks thinking they could ignore common sense.

My point is that he can have a great outback trip w/ 2wd if he uses/possesses common sense.

P.S. I refuse to stay at "resorts" and prefer places in Baja with few folks around.


I get where yer comin from Moto...I really do. I cannot speak for idiots who think 4X4 means they can go anywhere...that is their problem and not the vehicle's...but that may be a valid point in that if you don't know the roads and the limitations of your vehicle, better not to attempt it. But if you DO know what you are doing, and you have the right rig, 4X4 is the only way to go to really get away from it all and be safer and have more peace of mind. He mentioned in his post he had the option of more than just the van...I was not going above or beyond what he inquired about. Good clearance, some power, and a good driver is probably just about as good as 4X... but for that extra 10%...I want the option! And no, I'm not going to mention the spots I am referring to :tumble::tumble::tumble: