Hello everyone,
My wife and I are considering driving to Todos Santos from MI. While previously vacationing in Cabo we decided to rent a Jeep and visit Hotel
California. That was quite some time ago and given the recent photos I've seen of the area, it appears that a lot of development has taken place
there.
My question has to do with recommendations as to traveling in Mexico. In particular wondering about the ferry to La Paz, possible "must-sees" or even
overnight stops, border crossing advice and any other items of interest. Neither of us are fluent in Spanish, however we have spent a good portion of
our past vacations in various locations throughout Mexico (non-resort towns included). I'd appreciate any/all advice! Thank you!apple - 6-15-2014 at 07:38 PM
So you're driving to Todos from Michigan?
You'll have to get a temporary import permit to bring the car into the country. I've heard the toll roads between the Texas border and the ferry at
Mazatlan are pretty nice. Definitely buy your ticket in advance, as they sell out. Also, buy car insurance for Mexico in advance as well. The ferry is
something like 6-8 hours and getting a cabin is recommended, if you don't you have to spend the journey in a large shared room where sleeping is
apparently not allowed.
Todos Santos isn't super developed, but there is definitely a large contingent of gringos that distract from the otherwise sleepy Mexican town feel.
Use pesos! Get them at the ATM, don't be a dick with dollars.
Do you have any more, specific, questions?tedskandy - 6-15-2014 at 07:52 PM
Not sure I understand the "dollars" comment. Last time there we spent a lot of time with a local artist and his wife at his home (Charles Stewart)
and it was a highlight of our trip there. The Hotel California was a dive (in a good way) and worthwhile. I'm sure that there have been a number of
changes since then.
Do you have any recommendations on places to stay along the way or in Todos Santos?
Thanks for the great advice.
Tedapple - 6-15-2014 at 08:05 PM
I thought it was pretty clear, but I was just suggesting the you use the local currencybajagrouper - 6-15-2014 at 09:00 PM
Since the ferry departs Mazatlan at 3:00 p.m. and arives in La Paz at approximately 8:00 a.m. it is a little more than 6-8 hours as apple suggests....
Maybe apple is talking about the La Paz -Topolobampo ferry........also everyone sleeps whether they have their own cabin or the lounge chairs in the
salon or deck chairs......gnukid - 6-16-2014 at 01:48 AM
You can skip mainland Mexico and do just baja, skip the ferry and TIP permit. Ferry is an expensive option but I am sure enjoyable and worth it, but
you'll miss Baja.Udo - 6-16-2014 at 08:37 AM
I agree with gnukid. Skip the mainland and all the unbelievable hassles you will go through, plus the unnecessary expenses.
Hotel California has not changed.
You'll enjoy the drive down the Baja peninsula a lot more than the drive down the mainland.
As far as staying near Cabo, I recommend Mar De Cortez hotel, downtown Cabo, and steps away from Cabo Wabo cantina, one block from the marina...great
prices. http://.www.mardecortez.com
Enjoy!
[Edited on 6-16-2014 by Udo]
[Edited on 6-16-2014 by Udo]
[Edited on 6-16-2014 by Udo]tedskandy - 6-17-2014 at 08:07 AM
gnukid & Udo,
So you're suggesting driving through the US directly to the Tijuana border than south?David K - 6-17-2014 at 08:39 AM
If you use the Guaymas-Santa Rosalia ferry then you stay inside the Sonora Free Zone, so no car permit... because all of Baja California is Free Zone
(no TIP or Temp. Import Permit).
If this has changed, I appreciate a correction, as it has been a long time since I was on that ferry.
I have many photos in my 15 Day Trip (link below) of the La Paz-Cabo area sites... many are off road, however.MulegeAL - 6-17-2014 at 01:07 PM
That has not changed, still in the no TIP zone. That ferry is pretty slow too, figure 9 hrs on the water. About 5000 Pesos for the boat trip one-way
with 2 adultos and 1 car.Udo - 6-17-2014 at 02:43 PM
Yes...it will be quicker (not necessarily shorter distance) and a lot cheaper
Quote:
Originally posted by tedskandy
gnukid & Udo,
So you're suggesting driving through the US directly to the Tijuana border then south?
tiotomasbcs - 6-17-2014 at 05:12 PM
Look us up here in B CS. UDo has not be here in while. Hot, tho. Until November. Maybe rent in BA. Tio
