BajaNomad

2 nights in Baja

CaliforniaMom - 10-29-2015 at 06:10 AM

Hi Baja Nomads, what a great on line community you have! My son and 3 friends will be traveling by motorcycle/truck convoy Feb 2017 San Diego to Panama. The 1st 2 nights will be in Baja... 3rd night sleeping on the ferry from la Paz to Mazatlan.. Would you tell me if this sounds good: 1st night in Catavina, (yes on Desert Inn or ?)And 2nd night in Mujele (clementines? Or ?) Would love to hear feedback on accommodation and on taking the ferry. thank you!

EnsenadaDr - 10-29-2015 at 06:18 AM

Might want to stop and see my son in Costa Rica, he is in Nosara Costa Rica on a yoga and surf trip for a month.

bajagrouper - 10-29-2015 at 07:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by EnsenadaDr  
Might want to stop and see my son in Costa Rica, he is in Nosara Costa Rica on a yoga and surf trip for a month.



But will he be there in Feb. 2017?????

bajabuddha - 10-29-2015 at 07:26 AM

I'd say you're close to spot on. Cataviņa is a magical place IF cost factor is not a priority; the hotel is a leeetle expensive, but not terribly so. I think you'd do better 2nd night in Loreto... that'll give you time to orient yourself to South Cape and find the ferry terminal with time to spare. Much too quick a trip through Baja, period. Next time spend a little more time, you'll be glad you did, especially Mulege and the more 'out-of-the-way' spots, and unwind a little.

Expect at least 12 pages of suggestions by February, and a little in-fighting thrown in for good measure...... que la via bien!

BigBearRider - 10-29-2015 at 09:39 AM

I did the same ride a few years ago, and then on to South America.

I did my importation papers in Tijuana. You need to be very careful to make sure that the VIN numbers and names are correct. They screwed up the papers twice, in different ways, for my friend. If it's not done right, you may have problems leaving Mexico.

We spent the night in Ensenada, then the second night in San Ignacio. The days are shorter in the winter, and we rode in the dark some. It's a bad idea. There are lots of animals and other hazards that can kill you at night. (I almost rode out into oblivion on the way to Bahia de Los Angeles when the road had washed out and I didn't see it at night)

Don't ride at night. Don't ride at night. Don't ride at night.

The third night was in La Paz. We rode at night to get there. Don't ride at night!

We had to be lined up for the ferry a couple of hours before it left, as I recall. The ferry didn't leave when we thought it would, but several hours later. Check the schedules.

If I had to do it over again, I would probably do it a bit differently.

I would still do the papers in Tijuana. Then ride down to Ensenada. Cross over to San Felipe, and spend the night in Gonzaga Bay. The 5 is a lot more quiet and a nicer ride than the first part of the 1. Then ride down to Coco's Corner, cross over to the 1, stop in San Ignacio and Santa Rosalia, and ride on to Punta Chivato or Mulege for the second night. Third day I would arrive in La Paz. Of course, it all depends on when the ferry leaves.

If I had more time, I would give the ride several additional days and visit various locations, including whale petting in Scammon's Lagoon or San Ignacio Lagoon.

motoged - 10-29-2015 at 10:26 AM

Riding down to Panama?

If done correctly, don't think you can plan where you stay at night very often. They will be lucky if they get to a destination town each day, never mind which hotel they get....

Don't ride at night....try to get a room by 4:00 pm each ride day....having a truck along can be helpful, but can also really complicate a moto ride...

Drink lots of water, have a roll of TP with you, and don't ride at night :biggrin:

BigBearRider - 10-29-2015 at 10:41 AM

When I rode south, I didn't have any reservations or plans for where I would end up for the night. It always worked out somehow...

Don't ride at night. Did someone say that already?

BajaDanD - 10-30-2015 at 05:13 PM

2017 is a long ways away things may change a whole lot by then

micah202 - 10-31-2015 at 10:15 AM

.

...going to Panama?...is it the destination that matters ,or the journey?
Baja's roads and weather and nature is not one that's conducive to making one.
why create a breakneck timeline?

...tight plans make chupacabra laugh. a lot.

DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT!

.

BigBearRider - 10-31-2015 at 05:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by soulpatch  
Banjercito online is the way to go.
TIP is mailed to you.
EZ PZ


Wow. I had not seen that before. It looks awesome.

https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/

CaliforniaMom - 10-31-2015 at 11:09 PM

Thanks to all for helpful replies. The boy wants to do the trip to Panama in 16 days, which I think is hellishly fast, and then have the bikes and the follow truck shipped back to San Diego. They want to camp about half the time and sleep in beds in modest hotels or hostels the other half. February is not set in stone... They want to go when the weather is not too hot or rainy. Hours of daylight is a good point. Any suggestions for month? I like the idea of doing the second night in Loreto, thanks BajaBuddah. If they camp the first night, where would you folks suggest for a safe area? Anything at San Ignacio? And yes, thanks for the warning on no night riding.

BigBearRider - 11-1-2015 at 01:29 AM

Quote: Originally posted by CaliforniaMom  
Thanks to all for helpful replies. The boy wants to do the trip to Panama in 16 days, which I think is hellishly fast, and then have the bikes and the follow truck shipped back to San Diego.


16 days is certainly physically possible, and far from a world record. However, it sounds like a bad idea. 16 days is an oddly specific amount of time, and suggests to me a rigid schedule. Having such a schedule may encourage very bad decisions to keep pushing to keep the schedule (like riding at night, or when the weather is bad). Such a schedule will also not allow them to see a whole lot other than the road. And there is a lot to be seen.

A lot of people would say that 16 days is a good amount of time to explore the Baja peninsula. A month to Panama is a more reasonable pace, allows for some sightseeing, and less pressure from the schedule. Two months is better.

Cliffy - 11-1-2015 at 07:54 AM

Make sure they are not planning the trip with USA hiway speeds in mind.
Even on bike they ain't gonna be close to USA speeds over the long haul.
Pushing to make a schedule will only bring trouble. Slow down and enjoy the trip.
Make sure they have a good medical evac insurance just in case. Don't go without it! I use it all over the world.
Has anyone mentioned DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT?
Just met a guy in Bishop, CA that started in Chile on a Honda 2 years ago.

SPOT

bajaguy - 11-1-2015 at 08:06 AM

Buy your son a SPOT tracking device with the evacuation package

wilderone - 11-1-2015 at 08:43 AM

"The boy wants to do the trip to Panama in 16 days"
Why not skip the Baja part if this trip is apparently a race at top speed from Pt. A to Pt. B? The La Paz ferry crossing is slow and expensive. Why not cross in Douglas, Az? But to respond to your inquiry, Catavina hotel would be a refreshing stop. Split the cost - not expensive for a $90 room. Personally, I would think driving fatigue would suck the joy out of this trip. My advice is make it a 30 day trip and enjoy it a little bit. Long time to plan. And make sure you bring all documents, and 3 copies of each. Read Tim Cahill's "Road Fever".

mtgoat666 - 11-1-2015 at 08:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
"The boy wants to do the trip to Panama in 16 days"
Why not skip the Baja part if this trip is apparently a race at top speed from Pt. A to Pt. B? The La Paz ferry crossing is slow and expensive. Why not cross in Douglas, Az? But to respond to your inquiry, Catavina hotel would be a refreshing stop. Split the cost - not expensive for a $90 room. Personally, I would think driving fatigue would suck the joy out of this trip. My advice is make it a 30 day trip and enjoy it a little bit. Long time to plan. And make sure you bring all documents, and 3 copies of each. Read Tim Cahill's "Road Fever".


catavina is the best camping spot in baja, they would be better off camping in catavina.
except it may be wasted on them, their itinerary involves arriving at sundown and leaving before sunrise each day. wtf kind of road trip is that? sounds miserable, just driving, no time for fun.

CaliforniaMom - 11-1-2015 at 09:28 AM

Thanks everyone. The 16 day timeline was established because 2 of the guys have limited vacation days. I agree that this sort of timeline would encourage bad riding decisions with weather or riding after dark. I also think it would be grueling physically. He loves a challenge, but this seems flat out dangerous to try to do it so quickly.

Let me ask you guys a different question in case he is willing to consider a change of plans. What route and destinations would be an excellent 16 day odessey for these guys, camping about half the time, just in Baja?

Bajazly - 11-1-2015 at 09:45 AM

Just staying in Baja is way to go with the time allotted. Me and some friends are headed down on the 10 of this month and won't return till after Tday and we don't really plan to go past Loreto, if we even get that far. So many cool things to see and do down there. Stop and smell the roses, life is short, enjoy it while you can.

David K - 11-1-2015 at 09:47 AM

Baja has EVERYTHING one could want for adventure! (maybe not Alpine show skiing) 16 days in Baja is what I would call a good introduction to a great lifetime series of adventures!
Books upon books have been written about having adventures in Baja... it must appeal to that inner need so many of us here on Baja Nomad have?

Here's just a small sample of Baja adventure inspired books (some of these authors are Nomads):























mtgoat666 - 11-1-2015 at 09:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by CaliforniaMom  
Thanks everyone. The 16 day timeline was established because 2 of the guys have limited vacation days. I agree that this sort of timeline would encourage bad riding decisions with weather or riding after dark. I also think it would be grueling physically. He loves a challenge, but this seems flat out dangerous to try to do it so quickly.

Let me ask you guys a different question in case he is willing to consider a change of plans. What route and destinations would be an excellent 16 day odessey for these guys, camping about half the time, just in Baja?


Depends on what they Like to do. Are they just looking to surf?
They should speak for themselves, why is mom doing all their talking?
P.s. The recommendations you get here will be from people middle age and older,... Younger folk may want to hear from people without grey hair, eh? :lol::lol:

David K - 11-1-2015 at 10:09 AM

I began traveling and camping in Baja when I was 16, without parents, but who supported my desire to begin Baja traveling on my own. It sounds to me that this mom is simply interested in researching details as a way to support here son's dreams. Good job mom! Let him fly from the nest, but show him the way to have the best chance for success in life!

BajaBlanca - 11-1-2015 at 08:08 PM

They will have a grand time

don't drive when it isn't light out

wherever they are on day 8, they simply have to turn around

the SPOT idea is really good mom, it will set your mind at ease. count on us to help them should they need help!

Plenty of camping up and down the peninsula. They must have water at all times.

How old are they? just curious.

CaliforniaMom - 11-2-2015 at 07:14 AM

David K... Wow, what a fantastic collection of Baja books! That is awesome. I love the SPOT idea. Thank you BajaBlanca, what a good heart!

micah202 - 11-2-2015 at 07:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by CaliforniaMom  

Let me ask you guys a different question in case he is willing to consider a change of plans. What route and destinations would be an excellent 16 day odessey for these guys, camping about half the time, just in Baja?


..now you're talking. All I see in the original 'break neck' plan is an invitation for disappointment......or disaster.

there is so much beautiful ruggedness in mexico,,so much to do,to see to adventure...in a 'frontier' sort of way.. I'm sure most here would agree that part of the allure of baja is the ruggedness, even the danger...and it is real. So much of it can turn into hazards for the hasty. :no:

There's many more here that know the onland beauties on baja,,,,trailbike exploring sounds great. There's also lots of good surfing. Personally, I enjoy the on-water aspects, usually take small sailboats, kayaks, kiteboards. Baja is a reasonably low cost mecca for all these and so much more.

.

Bajahowodd - 11-2-2015 at 05:35 PM

Alas, once upon a time there was ferry service from Cabo to Mazatlan, that would have allowed travelers to transit the entire peninsula. Bur increased airline traffic apparently was a death knell to that service.

In fact, if memory serves me, there may have been ferry service to Puerto Vallarta from Cabo,

AKgringo - 11-2-2015 at 05:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd  
Alas, once upon a time there was ferry service from Cabo to Mazatlan, that would have allowed travelers to transit the entire peninsula. Bur increased airline traffic apparently was a death knell to that service.

In fact, if memory serves me, there may have been ferry service to Puerto Vallarta from Cabo,


You are correct about the Cabo ferry's, but even in 1986, the Puerto Vallarta run was either out of service or discontinued. That was our planned route, but we had to back track to La Paz and take a ferry to Mazatlan.

The peso was crashing, and the ferry price was fixed, so it was dirt cheap to take my Suburban pulling a boat over to the mainland!

I think competition for developement space was a factor in it's demise.

tripledigitken - 11-2-2015 at 06:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd  
Alas, once upon a time there was ferry service from Cabo to Mazatlan, that would have allowed travelers to transit the entire peninsula. Bur increased airline traffic apparently was a death knell to that service.

In fact, if memory serves me, there may have been ferry service to Puerto Vallarta from Cabo,


You are correct about the Cabo ferry's, but even in 1986, the Puerto Vallarta run was either out of service or discontinued. That was our planned route, but we had to back track to La Paz and take a ferry to Mazatlan.

The peso was crashing, and the ferry price was fixed, so it was dirt cheap to take my Suburban pulling a boat over to the mainland!

I think competition for developement space was a factor in it's demise.



I took the ferry from Puerto Vallarta to Cabo in 1978. Was a pretty rough ride as I recall too.

wilderone - 11-2-2015 at 06:25 PM

As David said, Baja has everything an adventurer would want. If they're going to stick to Baja, suggestions for an "excellent odyssey" would incorporate their interests. Do they want smooth sand trails along the coast? Remot rocky inland canyons that go to small villages? Mex. 1 most of way and stops for whale watching, missions, beaches, fishing? Lots of bike riders on this forum.