BajaNomad

Ajijic and Loreto

briantroy - 6-6-2014 at 01:03 AM

Hey Guys,

Just came back from a trip to Ajijic, next to Lake Chapala and 30 miles south of Guadalajara. I plan on taking some time off next year and wanted to scout the area and make sure it was what I expected. I love it, and plan on staying and writing next spring. It's a gringo enclave but much more Mexican that I expected. Perfect climate and very friendly.

Anyway, I will have a few weeks off in November and I am thinking about hitting Loreto. I have a cargo van I have converted into a camper with a deep cycle battery, inverter, solar charger, propane fridge and stove, a 10 foot inflatable dinghy with a 15 HP outboard and a Suzuki Ozark quad. Does Loreto sound like a good spot? I travel to Mex often, but rarely past Ensenada. Looking for pristine beaches and a campground with flush toilets and showers (Darn women!). Thanks!

P.S. Sorry, but I forgot to mention that the whole deal revolves around the closest place to San Diego for her to get quality scuba diving.

[Edited on 6-6-2014 by briantroy]

rhintransit - 6-6-2014 at 07:04 AM

excellent quality scuba diving, check.

campground with flush toilet, two in town. nothing on a beach if that is what you were thinking.

pristine beaches. depends on your definition of pristine. some of the islands are pretty nice, but almost all have human traffic and their detritus.

micah202 - 6-6-2014 at 08:19 AM

.
....if you like 'pristine' beaches,,,and a more remote location,,you might take a look at BahiaSanNicholas,,,not too far north of Loreto
...methinks there's a campground ,,but great remote-camping on the beach if you can get-over the flush-toilet issue ;D

durrelllrobert - 6-6-2014 at 08:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by briantroy
Hey Guys,

Just came back from a trip to Ajijic, next to Lake Chapala and 30 miles south of Guadalajara. I plan on taking some time off next year and wanted to scout the area and make sure it was what I expected. I love it, and plan on staying and writing next spring. It's a gringo enclave but much more Mexican that I expected. Perfect climate and very friendly.

Anyway, I will have a few weeks off in November and I am thinking about hitting Loreto. I have a cargo van I have converted into a camper with a deep cycle battery, inverter, solar charger, propane fridge and stove, a 10 foot inflatable dinghy with a 15 HP outboard and a Suzuki Ozark quad. Does Loreto sound like a good spot? I travel to Mex often, but rarely past Ensenada. Looking for pristine beaches and a campground with flush toilets and showers (Darn women!). Thanks!

P.S. Sorry, but I forgot to mention that the whole deal revolves around the closest place to San Diego for her to get quality scuba diving.

[Edited on 6-6-2014 by briantroy]

If by pristine you don't mean remote, you might be interested in La Jolla Beach camp here in Punta Banda. It has everything your wife desires plus good halibut fishing from your inflatable and good diving in some caves between there and Isla Todos Santos. Info and camping rates here:
spa.lajollabeachcamp.com

[Edited on 6-6-2014 by durrelllrobert]

Bajahowodd - 6-6-2014 at 05:01 PM

Obviously there are no pristine beaches anywhere near Ajijic. What can be said, is that given their high elevation, the climate is more temperate than the coast. Loreto, on the other hand, is brutally hot in summer.

That said, you will not find anywhere near the high concentration of gringos you encountered in Ajijic. Not saying there are not many, but just nowhere nearly as many.

briantroy - 6-6-2014 at 08:33 PM

Thanks for the input. I assume the area is also good for trail riding on a quad? Anyone know the names of the campgrounds in towm or how to check on availability? Thanks guys!

dasubergeek - 6-7-2014 at 09:59 AM

Regarding Ajijic... if you're looking for a day trip, head up to Arandas and go tequila tasting, then have birria tatemada on the main drag.

jayme - 6-7-2014 at 10:56 AM

Riviera del Mar, and Loreto Shores in town. There was a proposed new spot next to Dessert Inn on the Malicon. We were in town in April, and were told the new place would be charging aprox. 100 pesos per night, no electricity. Hope this helps

Mula - 6-7-2014 at 11:22 AM

In San Nicolas at the Palapa that Terry Bastida rents on the beach - there are 2 flush toilets and 2 shower rooms. Only cold water, tho'.

bajabuddha - 6-7-2014 at 11:31 AM

Last I stayed in Riviera Del Mar in Loreto, there were only 3 or 4 RV spaces left; all others have been sold/leased and houses built. The park has a pool and bar, great facilities, a little pricey but nice. Easy walk to the beach, but all beachfront property is now a wall of houses/condos. However, many of them are for rent if you want to do the house-thing (very pricey).

Riviera Del Mar is in town, somewhat crowded camping, and lots of roosters and dawgs surrounding the park. It has good facilities including Wi-Fi, restaurant on premises. Walking distance (5-6 blocks) from the Mission and shopping, 1/2 mile from beach and malecon.

November is a GREAT time to be in Loreto. I know the toilet issue is insurmountable, but there are a few beaches/camping w/o toilets to the south near Ligui. Don't know your financial situation, but i'd consider the condo-gig for the lady-folk for a week. You have your own rooms and kitchen, etc.

Happy trails. :D

briantroy - 6-8-2014 at 02:11 AM

I guess "pristine" is subjective. I should say "litter free" instead of pristine. How about Mulege? How is the diving there? Seems like a better place to camp. I am not married to any place, just looking for a good balance. Still considering the condo option, so any contacts provided are great. Thanks!

I met up with a man named Jon Riksford and was hoping to speak with him. He hangs in the Loreto area and I thought he might have some ideas.

Thanks!


[Edited on 6-8-2014 by briantroy]

Howard - 6-8-2014 at 07:12 AM

Bajabuddha accidently described Loreto Shores, not Rivera del Mar talking about the pool, houses etc.

Before building my casita I much preferred to stay at Rivera rather than Loreto Shores for the reasons that he talked about Loreto Shores. You can walk into town from Rivera but Loreto Shores is a bit of hike.

rhintransit - 6-8-2014 at 07:21 AM

Mulege (I think you mean Conception Bay area) beaches are lovely. zero flush toilets, and the pit ones are, well, pits. you'd need to be self contained. Loreto area is still better for scuba.

bajabuddha - 6-8-2014 at 09:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Bajabuddha accidently described Loreto Shores, not Rivera del Mar talking about the pool, houses etc.

Before building my casita I much preferred to stay at Rivera rather than Loreto Shores for the reasons that he talked about Loreto Shores. You can walk into town from Rivera but Loreto Shores is a bit of hike.


Dang, Partimers Disease strikes again. Must've had a fit of sobriety, figgered i'd get 'em mixed up. Thanks for the correction.
bb.:no:

Martyman - 6-11-2014 at 04:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
.
....if you like 'pristine' beaches,,,and a more remote location,,you might take a look at BahiaSanNicholas,,,not too far north of Loreto
...methinks there's a campground ,,but great remote-camping on the beach if you can get-over the flush-toilet issue ;D


Shhhh...it's a secret.

briantroy - 6-11-2014 at 05:01 PM

I was at Bahia Concepcion as a kid, my folks still talk about it and I still remember it. No, I was asking about Mulege. I found a nice campground online and it looks to be about 120 miles closer to the border. Any input on the area? Is Bahia San Nicholas nearby?