BajaNomad - ok plan to Asuncion?

ok plan to Asuncion?

Bassaholic - 7-12-2014 at 09:50 AM

Hola Baja fans, been checking this site out for a while, decided it was time to register and well here is my first post...on Sun Aug 3rd, my 15 yr old son and myself plan on departing to Bahia Asuncion from SoCial. We plan on beach camping. I have a 99 jeep Cherokee I have been building up for a year. I have ARB lockers front and back, on board compressor for airing up after driving off road and on and on with the upgrades. We live 1 1/2 hrs from boarder and plan on making it to San Quintin the first day and then on to Asuncion the next day. I've heard bad things about San Quinti n and was going to stay at Baja Cactus in El Rosario but read a few bad reviews about road noise from trucks on Hwy. Leaning toward Jardine's ? in San Quintin now. Anyway sounds like a pretty basic trip yes? I use to surf Baja north of Ensanada a lot in my 20s but now I'm almost 50 so...its been a while. Bringing a kayak, mask n snorkel, fishing gear. Plan on spending some nights boon docking and other nights in town at Shari's campground. Is camping alone unsafe in this area? Everyone I talk to (that doesn't go to Baja) thinks I am loco for attempting such a thing. I have 20 gal of water storage on board and a couple jerry cans of gas, shade, I think I have it covered. Just looking for encouragement, or warnings, or advice. I welcome all replies. Thanks

willardguy - 7-12-2014 at 10:01 AM

love that year XJ! have fun! :bounce:

boe4fun - 7-12-2014 at 10:44 AM

Hola Bassaholic, If you cross at San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, or Tecate (recommended), San Quintin is about 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours drive time. I would stay at the La Mission Hotel south of SQ. It's on the paved road that comes off Mex 1. at the Los Pinos Ranch. Or, if you want cheaper rooms the Cielito Lindo is on that same road. If you buy dinner at the Cielito Lindo they may let you camp there for free (they used to do this, but I'm not sure anymore). Last time I was there Jardines campground - Los Olivos - was closed. Bahia Asuncion is about another 7 hours drive time from there. Camping is secure at Campo Sirena, and you can make a run up to San Rogue to camp on the beach up there, or rent Shari and Juan's beach casita. If your son surfs, take along a board (or two) as you can surf at Jurjos beach about 5 miles south of BA. You can surf fish from shore (without needing a Mexican fishing license), or you can go out on one of the panga operators in town (Juan Arce, Manuel, or Verduzcos - there may be others). If you surf fish you can use sandcrabs, squid, or Gulp Bloody Sand Worms by Berkley. The whole area down there is real mellow - you'll both have a great time, and the people who think you're loco don't know what their missing!!!

MMc - 7-12-2014 at 11:35 AM

Get a fishing license if you plan to fish off the yak. Talk to Sheri about any local regulations. Bring a boogie board, if you have one. There is plenty to do both north and south + or - 50 miles. I left San Dimas at 4:00am picked up FMM at SY and was just south of where you are going in time to catch some surf earlier this year. Stay S.Q. or E. R. figure it out as you go. Stop at La Lobera on the way down or back, worth seeing. It sounds like you want to wander and get beach time, you can't go wrong in that area. La Bocana and Estro Coyte are also worth checking out, depending on you time. There is a Hotel in Santa Rosillita that was nice clean room not far from the beach within a days drive.

La Mission Hotel for you and your son would be best if you plan to stop in S Q on the water you can drive on the beach, good place for him to practice driving. Tons of sand dollars lots more for him to do. Top off the tank as you get back the highway.

I like to use big white grubs foo surf fishing as well as the other bait listed. You will have a blast!! Don't forget to pick up a couple of skyrockets and M80s too.
Tell your friends to stay home if they don't feel comfortable going, they will miss out on the fun.

shari - 7-12-2014 at 11:42 AM

One of the kazillian great things about this area of central baja on the pacside is that it is pretty safe to camp anywhere because there is an active patrol called vigilancia who cruise all the beach roads 24/7 so the bad guys dont bother coming here...for the most part. You can camp at San Roque, the surf beach Los Choros, San Hipolito area etc etc. The locals are super friendly and your son will make friends...we can hook you up.

look forward to meeting you...see ya soon

Oh yeah, I have both fishing licenses and biosphere reserve bracelt/permits to sell here.

vgabndo - 7-12-2014 at 12:03 PM

I plan to be back at Campo Sirena by then. I look forward to meeting you. Have a great trip.

bajagrouper - 7-12-2014 at 12:11 PM

Welcome to the board........

David K - 7-12-2014 at 01:07 PM

The San Quintin hotel is called Mision Santa Maria. It has a paved driveway from km.11 on Hwy.1. There's a Pemex and Los Pinos tomato packing plant at the junction (in case I got the km marker wrong). Road noise at Baja Cactus is not an issue specially if you get one of the back rooms.

Marc - 7-12-2014 at 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The San Quintin hotel is called Mision Santa Maria. It has a paved driveway from km.11 on Hwy.1. There's a Pemex and Los Pinos tomato packing plant at the junction (in case I got the km marker wrong). Road noise at Baja Cactus is not an issue specially if you get one of the back rooms.

Is that the old La Pinta?

BajaBlanca - 7-12-2014 at 02:33 PM

Welcome and have a wonderful time!

David K - 7-12-2014 at 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc

Quote:

Is that the old La Pinta?

YES!

bajacalifornian - 7-12-2014 at 02:46 PM

Drive to Cabo San Quintin for first camp. It'll become a favorite. You'll find it.

Then on to Shari's.

Welcome . . .

windgrrl - 7-12-2014 at 02:48 PM

Just a small correction. Although Los Olivos RV Park is near Jardine's, it is not part of Jardine's operations. It is owned by a Canadian who does local mission work. The contact information is here:
http://www.losolivosrvpark.com/?page_id=

When we have stayed there in November or March, the tenting sites look fine. There is one bathroom for the campground. If the business is open at this time of year, they may close the gates around 4 p.m.

Posada Don Diego is another option in Vicente Guerrero, but maybe not far enough south for you. The restaurant is good. Amenities are basic. There was a night watchman the night we stayed there.
http://www.ontheroadin.com/baja/bajarvparks/posadadondiego.h...

Have a wonderful trip.

Bajaboy - 7-12-2014 at 03:09 PM

Plenty of great spots to camp but off the beaten path here in Bahia Asuncion...it really depends on the wind. You might want to camp at Shari's first and explore for a good site. Let me know and I can suggest some areas to look.

We normally stay at La Villa de San Quintin http://www.hotellavilla.biz/sanquintin/
One nice thing is that you can make your reservations on line and they will honor them even if you arrive late. Rooms are clean with plenty of food close by. Also there is a really nice city park just around the corner.

Have fun!

Zac

woody with a view - 7-13-2014 at 07:09 AM

you won't need the extra cans for gas. water is good to drink so don't worry about that either.

liknbaja127 - 7-13-2014 at 07:20 AM

In San Quintin I have stayed at both, Jardine's is by far the right choice!
very clean, Great owners, And the restaurant is fantastic! Short dirt road
always graded. Take a right off hwy 1 just past Federal police, look for big
sign. You may want to call for reservations. Also make sure to check out
Juan's and Shari's places they are great. Have a great trip!!

MMc - 7-13-2014 at 08:19 AM

Jardines is a nicer place to stay.
For a 15 boy that just came off a long drive and is starting a baja trip, The Mission offers more to do. Way more. There is a fun beach or going over to the bay to mess around just steps out the backdoor.
If we were pulling in at dark Jardines, at 5:00 with 3 hours of light The Mission.

[Edited on 7-13-2014 by MMc]

Neal Johns - 7-13-2014 at 02:13 PM

You are all set for camping in remote Baja, your vehicle is overkill - but nice to have. No problems in rural Baja, ranchers are friendly.
Get gas every time you can. Gas our of cans is OK, Catavina, etc.

Baja Cactus Motel is very good if you ask for back rooms. Antonio (the owner) speaks perfect English and has befriended many Nomads.

BajaRat - 7-14-2014 at 03:27 PM

What a great setup you have and your plan sounds awesome. Always get gas and Ice on your way out of town into the wild blue Wild Coast of the Viscaino Peninsula.
Plenty of fish, fun, food and friendly people were your going.
Have fun, play safe n yes Shari and Juan are a great resource in Bahia Asuncion for the area in question.
Take pics n post em here so we can all be jealous :cool:

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by boe4fun
Hola Bassaholic, If you cross at San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, or Tecate (recommended), San Quintin is about 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours drive time. I would stay at the La Mission Hotel south of SQ. It's on the paved road that comes off Mex 1. at the Los Pinos Ranch. Or, if you want cheaper rooms the Cielito Lindo is on that same road. If you buy dinner at the Cielito Lindo they may let you camp there for free (they used to do this, but I'm not sure anymore). Last time I was there Jardines campground - Los Olivos - was closed. Bahia Asuncion is about another 7 hours drive time from there. Camping is secure at Campo Sirena, and you can make a run up to San Rogue to camp on the beach up there, or rent Shari and Juan's beach casita. If your son surfs, take along a board (or two) as you can surf at Jurjos beach about 5 miles south of BA. You can surf fish from shore (without needing a Mexican fishing license), or you can go out on one of the panga operators in town (Juan Arce, Manuel, or Verduzcos - there may be others). If you surf fish you can use sandcrabs, squid, or Gulp Bloody Sand Worms by Berkley. The whole area down there is real mellow - you'll both have a great time, and the people who think you're loco don't know what their missing!!!

Thanks for the great tips. We will get fishing licences. I do plan on the gulp sand worms and digging sand crabs for corbina. Bringing alot of plastics for calicos, and irons for bass and yellows. I really want to catch a big white sea bass.

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMc
Get a fishing license if you plan to fish off the yak. Talk to Sheri about any local regulations. Bring a boogie board, if you have one. There is plenty to do both north and south + or - 50 miles. I left San Dimas at 4:00am picked up FMM at SY and was just south of where you are going in time to catch some surf earlier this year. Stay S.Q. or E. R. figure it out as you go. Stop at La Lobera on the way down or back, worth seeing. It sounds like you want to wander and get beach time, you can't go wrong in that area. La Bocana and Estro Coyte are also worth checking out, depending on you time. There is a Hotel in Santa Rosillita that was nice clean room not far from the beach within a days drive.

La Mission Hotel for you and your son would be best if you plan to stop in S Q on the water you can drive on the beach, good place for him to practice driving. Tons of sand dollars lots more for him to do. Top off the tank as you get back the highway.

I like to use big white grubs foo surf fishing as well as the other bait listed. You will have a blast!! Don't forget to pick up a couple of skyrockets and M80s too.
Tell your friends to stay home if they don't feel comfortable going, they will miss out on the fun.

More great tips, thanks. Where do we get the M80s and sky rockets? La mission sounds like a good call. Maybe hit Jardine's if I come back down with the wife.
Thanks

shari - 7-14-2014 at 05:50 PM

I now have fishing licenses and biosphere reserve permit "bracelets" here at our place...easy peasy. The shore fishing is cranking up and some nice halibut to be had!

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
One of the kazillian great things about this area of central baja on the pacside is that it is pretty safe to camp anywhere because there is an active patrol called vigilancia who cruise all the beach roads 24/7 so the bad guys dont bother coming here...for the most part. You can camp at San Roque, the surf beach Los Choros, San Hipolito area etc etc. The locals are super friendly and your son will make friends...we can hook you up.

look forward to meeting you...see ya soon

Oh yeah, I have both fishing licenses and biosphere reserve bracelt/permits to sell here.

I can't wait Shari. How much is a panga rental for a few hours in the morning?

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 05:55 PM

Thanks for all of your warm welcomes.

shari - 7-14-2014 at 06:01 PM

fishing trips are $200...you will need magnum exraps, mackeral style and heavy line if you want to catch yellowtail!

Our annual Surf Tournament is on Aug.9-10 which is a super fun family event at Choros surf beach...your son would love it! so maybe consider those dates here

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 06:01 PM

Is "La mission Inn" and "Mission Santa Maria" the same place in S.Q.?
Are these places considered "secure"? Do I need to unload everything from my roof rack and bring it in at night? I've heard the crime rate in S.Q. is high do to a meth problem?

[Edited on 7-15-2014 by Bassaholic]

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
you won't need the extra cans for gas. water is good to drink so don't worry about that either.

My map shows the last place to get gas is the Viscaino turn off on Hwy 1. That would be 50 miles from B.A.? with lots of exploring and bad milage, I don't think the 10 gals of gas is a bad idea unless they put in a Pemex at B.A.

Are you saying I have no chance of getting ill if I drink the local water? That is contrary to everything I've read. Could anyone else comment on this? Would like more opinions

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMc
Jardines is a nicer place to stay.
For a 15 boy that just came off a long drive and is starting a baja trip, The Mission offers more to do. Way more. There is a fun beach or going over to the bay to mess around just steps out the backdoor.
If we were pulling in at dark Jardines, at 5:00 with 3 hours of light The Mission.

[Edited on 7-13-2014 by MMc]

Sounds like a good plan, Tnx

[Edited on 7-15-2014 by Bassaholic]

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaRat
What a great setup you have and your plan sounds awesome. Always get gas and Ice on your way out of town into the wild blue Wild Coast of the Viscaino Peninsula.
Plenty of fish, fun, food and friendly people were your going.
Have fun, play safe n yes Shari and Juan are a great resource in Bahia Asuncion for the area in question.
Take pics n post em here so we can all be jealous :cool:

Thanks Rat, I cant freakin wait

BajaRat - 7-14-2014 at 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bassaholic

Quote:

Thanks Rat, I cant freakin wait

You and your Fam are gonna love this, We've been traveling the Holy Land we call Baja for a bit now and this part of the peninsula makes for an epic adventure !
Pics Pics Pics Please :yes:

[Edited on 7-15-2014 by BajaRat]

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 06:33 PM

Do you guys and gals recomend we get our tourist visas right at the boarder at San Ysidro? Should I get insurance thru Baja Bound? If I'm coming back on a Sunday, which border crossing should I use?
Sorry for so many questions.

BajaRat - 7-14-2014 at 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bassaholic
Do you guys and gals recomend we get our tourist visas right at the boarder at San Ysidro? Should I get insurance thru Baja Bound? If I'm coming back on a Sunday, which border crossing should I use?
Sorry for so many questions.

Get insurance and a tourist visa, don't take a chance without them.
Ask the crowd but I think both can be done on line. We get our visas at the Port of Entry. One cool thing that happened last time crossing at San Luis Sonora, the bank was closed and Mexican Immigration let us pay on the new computer system, receipts, visa everything no problemo.
And like they said, bring stuff to play in the surf ! :cool:

Oh, and get in the "something to declare lane" it usually puts you in a position to park at the crossing into Mexico with customs so you can get your paperwork done.

[Edited on 7-15-2014 by BajaRat]

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
fishing trips are $200...you will need magnum exraps, mackeral style and heavy line if you want to catch yellowtail!

Our annual Surf Tournament is on Aug.9-10 which is a super fun family event at Choros surf beach...your son would love it! so maybe consider those dates here

Is trolling Rapalas the only thing offered? Can I fish with Irons, either surface or YoYo? Maybe fish for some big Calicos too. I'm bringin a bunch of swimbaits. Either way Shari, we're gonna get 'em. I'm thinkin Fri the 8th on the panga rental.

Bassaholic - 7-14-2014 at 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaRat

Quote:

I heard you have to pay at a bank and have them stamp it. There's supposed to be a bank across the street from Imigracion office? Im talking TJ crossing.

BajaRat - 7-14-2014 at 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bassaholic

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
you won't need the extra cans for gas. water is good to drink so don't worry about that either.

Most of us drink agua purificado in town, I"m going on a limb here but I think Woodys means gas and filtered water are avail in BA, Tortugas and the like.
Now Woody............ I think he does drink the local water :lol:

liknbaja127 - 7-14-2014 at 07:19 PM

Just go through T.J. it is very easy, they do it all right in front of you. no more bank B.S. You can also exchange gringo dollars for pesos. Right as you walk in.
One stop shop! pesos are great for your fuel! As you come in to the border, you make a hard right, after that go straight, don't turn left! through the opening, park on the left. Have a great time
:bounce:

BajaRat - 7-14-2014 at 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bassaholic

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaRat

Quote:

I heard you have to pay at a bank and have them stamp it. There's supposed to be a bank across the street from Imigracion office? Im talking TJ crossing.

Its all right there next to migra office, but prearrange your vehicle ins.

shari - 7-14-2014 at 07:37 PM

Asuncion has nearly everything you need...unless you NEED asparagus! hahaha and the new Pemex is scheduled to open this weekend.

now about those calicos...perhaps some like this would tickle your fancy?

sure you can throw irons...just sayin that rapalas get the job done.

And PLEASE dont bring boxes of bottled water. I can lend you a 5 gallon jug for purified water or just come over and fill up your personal water bottles...every village has purified water so a 2.5 gallon jug would be a good thing to have.

[Edited on 7-15-2014 by shari]

BajaRat - 7-14-2014 at 07:43 PM

Bassaholic,
There is one more logistical issue and that's navigating the TJ "freeway system" to head south bound. Me, I would shoot for the toll road on the coast to Ensenada which will divert to the La Mission road to Ensenada around the toll road landslide, long story.
If your closer a better bet is the Tecate crossing. Its a winding run through the Baja Norte wine country to Ensenada.... notta drag but eye opening to some of what Baja has to offer.

BajaRat - 7-14-2014 at 07:48 PM

Oh my ! Now those pics are just cruel Shari ! :tumble:

MMc - 7-14-2014 at 08:36 PM

For the M80's and skyrockets ask in Ensenada SQ I sure has a place too. I go through TJ it's quick and easy.

I would top off at the turnoff and plan on buying from drums if the pemix isn't open.

Plan on bringing a 5gal jug and refilling Gatorade or Poweraid bottles.we have used the same bottles for a long time. We put a mark or the lids so you can keep your own.

Coming home turn on AM600 they give a crossing drive time at the 1/4 hour, when they say 2 hours it means it's at lease 2hours+. You can pick up the station in Ensenada.

I avoid Tacate as much as possible I would rather sit at SY or Otay then drive way out of my way, I like watching the give and take of SY. Having said that I have had a Sertri pass for 8+ years.

You'll have a great time, I know it's hard not to over plan, but it will work out.