BajaNomad - Timing and safety question

Timing and safety question

mark49brown - 6-19-2015 at 06:06 AM

Greetings all!
I'm new to the forum and have searched for this answer but am not getting a specific enough answer. My question is multifaceted; what is a realistic round trip drive time down the Mex 1 from the US border to Loreto BCS. Also, is it advisable for me as a non Spanish speaker to try and make the trip solo on a time budget?
I wouldn't worry about making the trip solo and being a total tourist during the day if time wasn't tight, but my question really pertains to how smart is it to push into darkness driving to get down and back by myself. And is being in a 2010 Diesel truck asking for more unwanted attention?
The trip is to pick up a travel trailer, so there would be even more attention on the return. Would love some advice, thanks!

larryC - 6-19-2015 at 06:22 AM

If the attention you are worried about is from banditos robbing you and taking your truck and trailer, that is so far fetched as to be a non issue. I would worry about that sort of thing more in the US than I would in Baja. I don't like driving at night down here because of the road conditions in much of the route to Loreto. It is a very narrow road with no shoulders and it is not uncommon for cows to wander onto the road. You will make your own decisions but daytime driving is much safer.
Larry

basautter - 6-19-2015 at 06:26 AM

I agree with larryC. Highway 1 often is narrow, has no shoulder, and sometimes has a significant dropoff. Plus there are often big trucks coming in the other direction. If you are going to drive in the dark anyway, I recommend early in the morning. I have done this, and the traffic has been very light.

El Jefe - 6-19-2015 at 06:32 AM

Four days. Two days down, two days back. You can get there in one day (16 hours) but you will have to drive in the dark. Not advisable.

Your truck is fine and not speaking spanish should not be a problem either. If you have XM radio other tunes going solo is EZ.

Don't push it. Figure out a way to have the time needed. And be sure as you can that the trailer is road ready for you to pick up. If you need parts down there that could delay you considerably.

SFandH - 6-19-2015 at 06:44 AM

Plus, driving at night makes it difficult to see those black cows standing in the road until it's too late.

Like El Jefe said, from the border it's two eight hour or so days to get to Loreto. Catavina is at the half-way point. There is a motel and camping there.

bajabuddha - 6-19-2015 at 06:45 AM

If you've never driven Hwy 1, and you're in a hurry, I'd say your best bet is to look into flying to Loreto. First rule, NEVER drive at night. Lots of crosses on the side of that road the entire length, and i'm sure most of them were in a hurry. My advice is, make the time to do it safely and enjoyably.

Time-wise, the hour-ratio is debatable on your right foot. Loreto is a two-full-day(light) drive each way.

The flight takes a couple of hours.... costs a few more bucks, but so does a casket.

SFandH - 6-19-2015 at 06:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha

If you've never driven Hwy 1, and you're in a hurry, I'd say your best bet is to look into flying to Loreto.

I don't think the trailer he's picking up in Loreto will fit in the overhead compartment. :biggrin:

[Edited on 6-19-2015 by SFandH]

bajabuddha - 6-19-2015 at 06:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha

If you've never driven Hwy 1, and you're in a hurry, I'd say your best bet is to look into flying to Loreto.

I don't think the trailer he's picking up in Loreto will fit in the overhead compartment. :biggrin:

[Edited on 6-19-2015 by SFandH]

True, my bad. :lol:

Forgot that part.

Still, taking a few extra days is the main point.

woody with a view - 6-19-2015 at 07:01 AM

sun comes up early this time of year, and stays out until dark which is almost 9pm. cross the border at 3am and you'll be on the best part of the entire highway until the sun comes up and from there it's all downhill, so to speak. unless you drive like my Granny.

that said, it's a LONG drive but you should arrive with your possessions and dignity intact!

David K - 6-19-2015 at 07:02 AM

Great answers above!

Where are you starting the drive from will depend on the drive times, of course. You said the border, but which border and what time will you be at that border?

Two days driving with normal stops that include fuel, food, military checkpoints, and there is a possibility of accidents blocking the road, construction delays, stops to take in the beauty of Baja and photos.

If you depart from Tijuana/ Otay/ Tecate and go south via Ensenada/ San Quintin, you first and important fuel stop will be EL ROSARIO (225 miles from the border). If you cross the border by 8 am, you will drive to Guerrero Negro or perhaps San Ignacio and not be in the dark. Both towns have several motels.

The important part is to not be in a hurry!

You must include the travel trailer on your Mexican auto insurance policy, otherwise the trailer will void the policy if you are towing and have an accident. Speaking Spanish is not mandatory... smiling should be, however. It may be a lot easier for you to exchange your money before crossing the border for pesos to buy gas and other things, than to figure out the correct amounts at the gas stations and other places.. but dollars are accepted everywhere in Baja... just not always at the best exchange rate.

mark49brown - 6-19-2015 at 07:03 AM

Thanks all for the quick response, I think I got what I needed. Not worried about getting car jacked, but about checkpoints and greasing palms. Not speaking spannish doesn't help there either.
Appreciate the advice, looks like I'll have to plan for at least 4 days.

SFandH - 6-19-2015 at 07:15 AM

Stop at a bank on the way down and withdraw some pesos using your ATM card for buying food and gas. Don't plan on using credit cards.

Get a tourist visa at the border crossing you use. Don't carry any weapons with you.

bajabuddha - 6-19-2015 at 07:24 AM

Very wise, Mark. Far's greasing palms, you'll encounter about a half-dozen military 'inspection' checkpoints; southbound, most if not all will wave you through. Northbound, they'll all go through your 'stuff'. Words of advice:
I always keep all doors locked, and if i'm alone I follow the 'inspector' closely, and not let others distract me away. Little things like cameras, and palm-able items can disappear quickly. When they ask to search your trailer, lock your truck first, then walk back and open the trailer. Stay with them as they search, be polite, but 'paying bribes' of any kind is not cool, although some will tell you ''oh, I give 'em a coke'' or whatever, personally, I don't. They have a job to do, and it ain't my job to 'pay' em.

Most of Hwy 1 has been widened and re-paved, so don't get lulled into a sense of complacency. Stretches can be smooth, then holy hell breaks loose and you have lots of potholes. You'll also learn about 'topes' on your way down; speed bumps that WILL slow you down.

One more bit of thought; on your way back north with your trailer, it's good to fall in behind a 'big-truck' semi, they know the road well, know when to hit it and when to slow down. Stay back a ways; if you follow closely they'll think you want to pass. Turn signals are also used to tell you "it's ok to pass me" in front of you.

Have a safe trip, and keep the black side down.

Pescador - 6-19-2015 at 07:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mark49brown

Thanks all for the quick response, I think I got what I needed. Not worried about getting car jacked, but about checkpoints and greasing palms. Not speaking spannish doesn't help there either.
Appreciate the advice, looks like I'll have to plan for at least 4 days.

If you expect to "grease Palms", as you call it, the trip may take much longer than you expect. Baja has military checkpoints and they are there to stem the drug flow. Most will not even accept sodas or other small gifts, which is as it should be, so be cordial and respectful as they are just doing their job. Your statement indicates a cultural misunderstanding from the old days when that was a more common practice.

mark49brown - 6-19-2015 at 07:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha

Very wise, Mark. Far's greasing palms, you'll encounter about a half-dozen military 'inspection' checkpoints; southbound, most if not all will wave you through. Northbound, they'll all go through your 'stuff'. Words of advice:
I always keep all doors locked, and if i'm alone I follow the 'inspector' closely, and not let others distract me away. Little things like cameras, and palm-able items can disappear quickly. When they ask to search your trailer, lock your truck first, then walk back and open the trailer. Stay with them as they search, be polite, but 'paying bribes' of any kind is not cool, although some will tell you ''oh, I give 'em a coke'' or whatever, personally, I don't. They have a job to do, and it ain't my job to 'pay' em.

Most of Hwy 1 has been widened and re-paved, so don't get lulled into a sense of complacency. Stretches can be smooth, then holy hell breaks loose and you have lots of potholes. You'll also learn about 'topes' on your way down; speed bumps that WILL slow you down.

One more bit of thought; on your way back north with your trailer, it's good to fall in behind a 'big-truck' semi, they know the road well, know when to hit it and when to slow down. Stay back a ways; if you follow closely they'll think you want to pass. Turn signals are also used to tell you "it's ok to pass me" in front of you.

Have a safe trip, and keep the black side down.

Quote: Originally posted by Pescador

Quote: Originally posted by mark49brown

Thanks Pescador and bajabuddha for steering me straight. I have lived and travelled in many 3rd world countries and I know each has its own intricacies when dealing with the local law enforcement. New to Baja though so your advice in this regard is much appreciated.

Real Simple !!

captkw - 6-19-2015 at 08:52 AM

If your in a rush,,,Forget the trip till you have the time to do it,,its not Kansas,,Tonto

BigBearRider - 6-19-2015 at 09:03 AM

I am certainly not the most experienced Baja driver here, but if I were doing this, I would consider two options:

Option (1) crossing the border in the evening and take the quota (toll road) to Ensenada. It is the only part of HWY 1 that I would drive at night without concern. It has two wide lanes in each direction and is IMHO by far the best road in Baja. It even has street lights. South of Ensenada, the roads get worse.

I would then spend the night in Ensenada. Get a good night's sleep and leave for Loreto early in the morning. Accounting for a couple of breaks, depending on how fast you drive, it is about 10-14 hours south of Ensenada. (Few people drive the speed limit. Some have made the trip from Loreto to the border in about 10 hours, but that is way too fast for me.) The warm weather may make you sleepy. Be careful.

There are places where the road is very narrow, without a shoulder, and has lots of potholes. Be freaking careful.

Be aware that there are places where gas stations are sparse, and diesel may be hard to find in places. (For example, there is no gas for about 150 kms between Mulege and Loreto. There is a stretch north of Guerrero Negro where there is no gas for even longer, IIRC). Some maps indicate where you can get diesel. So keep the tank full. Be careful.

When you are behind someone flashing the left turn signal, it usually means it is safe to pass. Or, it may mean that they are turning left... Be careful.

Understand that it is quite possible that you will get a flat somewhere along the road. There are tons of "llantera" places everywhere that will fix your flat for a few dollars, say $5.

You should never have to bribe anyone. (I have travelled through much of Mexico, all of Central America and most of South America by motorcycle, and have never, ever, paid a bribe.) Be respectful to all officials. Smile, be courteous, cooperate, and if you do not speak Spanish, be even more respectful. The military guys usually speak some English. You are likely to face more scrutiny going north, with a trailer, than going south. The questions the military usually ask are, in order: (1) where are you coming from; and (2) where are you going. I usually get waved by at that time. Every now and then, they ask me to step out of the car and do a quick look around in the car. Sometimes they ask what my profession is. There are signs ahead of every military check point. Keep your valuables in your pockets at the stops, to be safe.

You will have to get Mexican insurance (I use Bajabound), and the tourist card (see other posts on this topic).

Option (2): fly to Loreto on Horizon/Alaska. Ticket should be about $200 one way. Rent a car with a tow hitch in Loreto. Most cars do not seem to have tow hitches, so you have to make sure it does. The rental car company will likely show you where the spare tire and jack are, for the reasons discussed above.

I have not rented a Mexican car and driven it to the US, but driven to Tijuana and dropped off there. You are then close enough to the border that you can figure out the logistics for the trailer from there. There is a fee of about $500 for the drop off for a one-way rental. I did this two weeks ago with a Jeep. It may be less in a cheaper car.

Which option is best is your call.

I will stress again, as others have before, avoid driving at night. It is very dangerous. On a recent trip from Loreto to Mulege, I encountered the following on or right next to the road: (1) goats; (2) cows; (3) horses; (4) donkeys; (5) large rocks. All of these have killed people, and can kill you. You are likely to see a few dead animals on or by the side of the road (mostly dogs, but possibly also cows and horses), struck by traffic.

On a recent trip to Bahia de los Angeles, I was forced to ride my motorcycle at night because I had gotten a flat that took a while to fix. The road/bridge had washed out in a place near Bahia, leaving a drop of several feet into a rocky oblivion. I shudder to think of what would have happened if we had not stopped just in time.

Be careful. Do not drive at night. You are not a pussy for not driving at night. You are just smart.

People everywhere are nice. Food is great. Be respectful. Please do not litter. In fact, please pick up some trash and put it in a trash can.

Baja is awesome.

Be careful. Did I say that before?

[Edited on 6-19-2015 by BigBearRider]

[Edited on 6-19-2015 by BigBearRider]

[Edited on 6-19-2015 by BigBearRider]

[Edited on 6-19-2015 by BigBearRider]

[Edited on 6-19-2015 by BigBearRider]

AKgringo - 6-19-2015 at 09:23 AM

There is not much I can add to the excellent advice you have received, but you should be aware of the typical local cop shake down that might occur. If asked for your drivers license, show it to the officer, but do not hand it to him unless it is a duplicate! The shake down is that you must find and go to the police station and pay a fine before you get it back, or you can just pay right now and be on your way. They got me once in La Paz, but the second time I insisted "No mordida (bribe)" and they let me go.

I can not imagine needing that trailer so urgently that I would do a dash to Loreto and back to get it! It would be like a parent taking a kid to Disneyland and saying "Ok, pick which ride you want to go on, then we are out of here!"

Edit; If for some reason, the Federal Police want your licence, I think they do have the authority, but I wouldn't even think of offering them a bribe.

[Edited on 6-19-2015 by AKgringo]

mark49brown - 6-19-2015 at 09:53 AM

Again; fantastic advice from everyone, thanks!
I have travelled through a lot of the former USSR and they have the exact same shakedown described above! Corruption is an international language, lol. Sometimes it has been convenient to pay just to keep moving but it's heartening to know that it isn't so bad in the Baja that insisting on honesty might work if I encounter this situation.

The return trip

durrelllrobert - 6-19-2015 at 09:55 AM

As Woody stated the days are long this time of year. Last time i was in loreto I left at 0400 towing a 23 ft boat. Was over the el Rosario grade by sun rise with very few tractor traiers/ busses coming towards me. Arrived at my house in Punta Banda, which is 2 hours south of the border (with Ensenada traffic) at 1800 (14 hour drive) well before sunset. Did change drivers at GN though.

[Edited on 6-19-2015 by durrelllrobert]

[Edited on 6-21-2015 by BajaNomad]

BajaRat - 6-19-2015 at 08:13 PM

Hey Mark,
Take more time for everyone's safety. Many banks require notification of foreign travel or they put a freeze on your account to protect your assets.

Have fun :cool:

YARDSAIL - 6-19-2015 at 08:54 PM

Be advised. There is no ultra low sulfur diesel in baja. This could be a BIG problem for you. since 2007 it is required in all diesel pickups. Many people have had serious problems with the engines not running well, they will not accelerate, sometimes there are on road fixes that can be done, I'm not a diesel repair person. I have seen them have to put the truck on a flatbed to get them back accross the boarder, to a dealer that charged them $600 to $1000 to repair....you said yours is a 2010 truck, Check with a GOOD diesel mecanic (not a dealer) before you plan the trip.... Good luck

bajabuddha - 6-19-2015 at 10:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by YARDSAIL

Be advised. There is no ultra low sulfur diesel in baja. This could be a BIG problem for you. since 2007 it is required in all diesel pickups. Many people have had serious problems with the engines not running well, they will not accelerate, sometimes there are on road fixes that can be done, I'm not a diesel repair person. I have seen them have to put the truck on a flatbed to get them back accross the boarder, to a dealer that charged them $600 to $1000 to repair....you said yours is a 2010 truck, Check with a GOOD diesel mecanic (not a dealer) before you plan the trip.... Good luck

GREAT advice; you'll be planning on 2 tank-fulls going south, 3 going back. Maybe 1+ more each way. Talk to YOUR mechanic, additives may help with each fill-up; ain't like you're down there for 'the season', but better safe than sorry. Even though you'll be Californicated, start off topped to the max before you cross. Also, the Mexicano border inspectors may not let you bring extra full fuel bottles with you in the back of your truck.

Again, if you can, "call in stupid" to work or whatever.... take an extra day, be safe, and let us all know how your NEW A-VENTURE went. All the work in the world ain't worth it; Baja is. Buena Suerte (that's Messican for "good luck" btw).

And, since you said you were a little short on the linguistics, here:
"Lo Siento" .... I'm sorry
"Donde esta el baño? .... where's the peeer?
"cerveza, por favor" ...Gimme a beer (please)

........... whu-ut?? :smug:

[Edited on 6-21-2015 by bajabuddha]

wetto - 6-20-2015 at 08:04 AM

Mark,

When are you crossing over? You may post a request under the forum "shared rides and convoys" and find someone to hook up with you for this drive.
Share your ideas of travel speeds, breaks etc to get a good match.

PS I am crossing in the next few days (tues?) going to Mulege. Starting at 3am / 4am at San Diego Border. u2u me if your ready or interested in convoy.

VegasNick - 6-20-2015 at 08:21 AM

I have a Mexican friend at work and he tells me to just tell everyone you meet: "Mi cajones enfuego". So far it has worked wonders! I always get a smile and even got a few hugs from the ladies.

David K - 6-20-2015 at 08:38 AM

Quote: Originally posted by YARDSAIL

You forgot the word SUR. Only Baja California Sur may not have UBA (Ultra Bajo Azufre), but the entire state of Baja California does.

mark49brown - 6-20-2015 at 10:06 AM

All this advice is fantastic- apart from the cajones enfuego?! Lol
Not sure when I'll pull the trigger, given the advice I may wait till winter when I'm slow and just go down for a few weeks. I can't really call it in right now. I have a feeling I'll be missing too much if I rush it, although I wanted to pick the trailer up on my own. I may look into meeting someone at the border if the deal with the trailer goes through.
I'll put up a post on the caravan page to see about someone towing it for me, maybe.
Thanks again everyone, all the advice is appreciated. I'm gonna plan on towing a trailer (this one or whichever) down there this winter and take my sweet time. The diesel issue could be an interesting hurdle. Anyone have specific experience with it?

Mark

captkw - 6-20-2015 at 10:08 PM

Be Avised !! Never say "cheenga tu madra" to anyone..Baja Budda is a jerk,loser....and not a Baja guy by any means...

BajaBean - 6-21-2015 at 08:03 AM

Second that!!!!!!
Chinga to madre means F*** your mother

bajabuddha - 6-21-2015 at 08:18 AM

No kidding, SPARKY'S.

It was humor, and I think he probably got it. And Cappy, go cheenga yourself. ".... jerk, loser" from you is actually a compliment.

Edit and post script :
I went back and erased my last offensive line, and to those who were upset, I apologize.

[Edited on 6-21-2015 by bajabuddha]

Teflonman - 6-22-2015 at 04:24 PM

I just returned from a 16 day road trip to Cabo from San Diego. It took me three days to arrive in Loreto because I wanted to take my time getting there. I drove a 2000 Toyota Tacoma Pre-runner with a taneau cover. The bed of my truck was filled with all my stuff along with the space behind my seats. I passed through about 6 military checkpoints and a few police checkpoints on the way to Cabo and the same ones on the way north. All but a few stops asked me to lift the cover so they could see what was in the bed of the truck. My possession in the bed were searched only once and that was on the way north. My possession behind my seat were searched as well. I was treated with respect and professionally at every checkpoint and there was never the thought of greasing anyones palms. I did not drive at night and wouldn't recommend it due to the goats and cattle that roam free.