BajaNomad

Heading south next week

Gonzo - 8-10-2014 at 05:07 PM

Been a couple of decades since I've south of TJ. Spent lots of time surfing in the mid 70's, 80's and early 90's. So not a complete noob (depending on who you ask). I've been lurking here for awhile and many of my ?'s have been answered. 1) haven't been through the new Mex border crossing w/car, exactly where can I get a tourist card (were heading to stay with Shari in Ascuncion) there ? 2) what's the state of the repair of the toll road? Is it passable or should I just take the free road from the get go. 3) Where to get Mexican fishing licenses? 4) Going South I'll hit the border around 6ish so technically I should be able to make it there before dark or should I take it easy and overnight in San Q ? any thoughts/info appreciated.

chuckie - 8-10-2014 at 05:24 PM

Don't do "technically" in Baja...Take your time be safe enjoy. I think Shari (sigh) can get you fishing licenses....You will love ascuncion and Shari (sigh) and Juan are great hosts....Enjoy..

BajaBlanca - 8-10-2014 at 05:58 PM

You can make it in a day but,if you have the time, stay in SQ, enjoy a meal at Jardines. Arrive rested and ready for BIG FUN in Asuncion!

dtbushpilot - 8-10-2014 at 07:51 PM

I've done it in a day but I'm a seasoned veteran. That said, I wouldn't typically do it now, it's no fun. Take 2 days, you will be glad you did.

You can get your visa at San Ysidro, park in the "items to declare" area and tell them you need a visa, they will point you in the right direction (you don't actually need to declare anything). At Tecate you can usually find a parking spot somewhere (not that easy) or park on the US side and walk across. The Immigration office is the first place you come to, get your visa and walk back across the border to your car and head south. If you cross at SJ take the toll road to the detour, not that far to Ensenada after that.

[Edited on 8-11-2014 by dtbushpilot]

redhilltown - 8-11-2014 at 12:25 AM

Crossing at Tecate is actually quite easy...if you get the green light (or not), you simply go down to the first street, turn right, next turn another right and then another right back up to the border crossing (the first street to your right is a one way after crossing..the building with the immigration office is right past the border on the right). There will be cones but usually a guard will come out and move them or direct you as to parking. The Guadalupe valley is a great drive and you won't have to worry about any problems on the toll road.

You can get fishing licenses online...DiscoverBaja has them and some local tackle shops sell them as well.

Strongly second the Jardines recommendation as to safety and arriving intact and rested!

woody with a view - 8-11-2014 at 06:34 AM

ahhh, just go for it. it's about 13 hours border to beach. if you get tired stop in G Negro. SQ isn't even 1/2 way.....

SlyOnce - 8-11-2014 at 07:35 AM

The toll road is passable, when you exit the border area stay to the far right and follow the signs to Playas. When you get down to La Mission you will be directed onto the free road bypass which comes out near Ensenada. The only bad part is the traffic and the climb up out of La Mission area, drive slow and careful

You can get MX fishing license on line.

shari - 8-11-2014 at 07:44 AM

welcome to the fray Gonzo...nice to see you posting. I sell fishing licenses and biosphere reserve permits here so no worries...safe trip...fill up with gas in Vizcaino before you head out here and stock up on booze there too. There is a great store called Industrial on the right side of the road after you have turned off the highway and are heading here...leaving Vizcaino.

Gonzo - 8-17-2014 at 11:09 AM

Leaving in the AM for BA and forgot to get insurance with my AAA. Any recommendations for good insurance in San Ysidro/border area? And thanks for all the good responses. We're leaving a day early and the taking it easy approach but I will have to deadhead it coming back on monday as my son is due in the 8th grade on tuesday morning. cheers

woody with a view - 8-17-2014 at 11:34 AM

discoverbaja.com

print out your policy.

BajaBlanca - 8-17-2014 at 01:37 PM

check your U2U please! top right corner, used for messages.