BajaNomad

Help me plan a quick trip south...

SlyOnce - 12-4-2015 at 09:44 AM

Hi, I live in Playas de TJ with my MX novia. I'm thinking of a 10 day trip south leaving Dec 26 and returning Jan. 3. I can take 4 days off and get 10 due to the way the holidays fall.

We drove over Labor Day to Bahia Asuncion so we know the route up to there. My novia can't drive my truck so all the driving falls on me and (although we made it to Bahia Asuncion in one day) we don't want to drive that far again in one day again. Coming home we drove BA to San Quintin, then San Quintin to Playas. That was about right. She also used the laptop to watch movies on the drive home and that really helped pass the time.

So I'm thinking drive the first day to Catavina, what's the campground there? What is the cost? We'll have one of those tents that sets up in the back of the pickup.

Drive the 2nd day to either Santa Roaslia or Mulege and stay in a hotel, where is a good, cheap, nice place to stay? What's the cost?

I'd like to camp the 3rd day in Bahia Conception, my truck is 2 wheel drive, where is a good campground? This is a really short driving day, is there a good side trip to see a mission?

Then on to Loreto where is a good place to stay for a couple of days and check out the area? We'd be there like the 29th and 30th.

The next part gets complicated because I'd like to see La Paz, how long is it driving from Loreto? Again where is a good place to stay there?

On the way home we'd like to stay at places we did not see on the way down (for example if we stayed in Mulege on the way down we'd stay in Santa Rosalia on the way back. Could you give me some suggestions for the route home keeping the total driving in any one day to about 8 hours?

The purpose of the trip is to make a quick visit to the south to see if we want to retire in any of those areas (or learn more) or if staying in the Ensenada - Playas area is really the best for us (can't beat the climate and the easy access to San Diego).

I love boating, sailing and fishing, but I'm planning on leaving my gear home on this quick trip.

Your inputs are very welcome, thank you.




David K - 12-4-2015 at 11:25 AM

Loaded questions for sure... so many things you can do... Just wing it without set plans. 2WD will go to almost everywhere. Stay off beach sand and rocky hill climbs. A portable air pump, tire plug kit is great to have so if you do get into sand or need to climb a hill, deflating the tires stops the spin, or floats you over sand. Refill with the pump once out, or after fixing a flat.

Click on my link below to the 2012 Baja trip report for ideas... Missions, Beaches, Camping and Motels.

David K - 12-4-2015 at 11:30 AM

PS... there is a trailer park in Cataviņa, on the right before the hotel... but it may not be in business. Most people go 1 miles south and take the paved branch road left 3/4 mile to Rancho Santa Ynez. They have a huge field on the left for camping. Also, a bunk room with shower is available. Not sure if the restaurant there is open anymore. Managed by Oscar and Matilda.

Cliffy - 12-4-2015 at 11:56 AM

RSY is a good place to stop with your own camping set up. We did when last there. As mentioned its a big open area and they will come around to collect a small fee (maybe in the morning, don't remember how much but it was small) if you don't find them there when you arrive. Its off the hiway, fairly quiet and somewhat secure. Nice folks.

Use the search function here at Nomads and you'll find lots of info. I did the last time I went down. Don't miss Sabor restaurant just south of Loreto as you cross the big bridge its on the left near the big electrical transmission towers and lines.

Bajahowodd - 12-4-2015 at 06:17 PM

Figure on about 4 hours from Loreto to La Paz, but be sure to drive very slowly though Ciudad Constitucion.

A great family owned hotel in Loreto is Hacienda Suites. But, it is not close to the water.