BajaNomad

Tell me something about La Paz

JZ - 5-28-2016 at 07:48 PM

We are doing a couple week boat trip from San Carlos on the mainland to La Paz.

What are the must see bays around La Paz?

Will rent a car when we get there and maybe drive around a couple days. What would be a good day trip?

BajaBlanca - 5-28-2016 at 08:37 PM




For a day trip, I recommend going to Los Barriles via El Triunfo. We just did this trip this month - here is the trip report:



http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=83015#pid1033...









[Edited on 5-29-2016 by BajaBlanca]

BajaBlanca - 5-29-2016 at 06:26 AM

thanks David - corrections made!

David K - 5-29-2016 at 08:41 AM

JZ, the photo and sightseeing opportunities in La Paz and the cape region are many. Click on the link to my 2012 trip report (in my signature links below my posts here) for a sampling. We spent a week with Baja Nomad 'Baja Tripper' and his wife, who showed us many great places and I got to show him one, too. We met Blanca and Les on that trip too.

motoged - 5-29-2016 at 11:45 AM

El Triunfo has a firebrick oven bakery/pizza place that is THE BEST...make it a destination...

rts551 - 5-29-2016 at 04:14 PM

Unfortunately, La Paz made the ranking of dangerous cities in Mexico based on Homicides. They are the only BCS city to make the list coming in at #22 for the year 2015. Aculpoco ranked #1.

Best to be aware of your surroundings is all.


http://www.bcsnoticias.mx/colegio-la-frontera-ubica-la-paz-l...

AKgringo - 5-29-2016 at 09:01 PM

I am not a boater, but I drove to San Evaristo, north of La Paz. It is a quiet village, on a beautiful bay, which had several boats anchored and spending time there.

Services are limited, if available at all, but I would at least pay a visit there.

Los Bariles is one of my favorite beach towns, but I have never been there later than mid May, so it might be hot and humid, A trip over to Todos Santos, or El Pescadero may be cooler.

JZ - 5-30-2016 at 09:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
I am not a boater, but I drove to San Evaristo, north of La Paz. It is a quiet village, on a beautiful bay, which had several boats anchored and spending time there.

Services are limited, if available at all, but I would at least pay a visit there.

Los Bariles is one of my favorite beach towns, but I have never been there later than mid May, so it might be hot and humid, A trip over to Todos Santos, or El Pescadero may be cooler.


We are going to anchor one night at Isla San Franscisco on the way down from Loreto. Will plan to check out San Evaristo.

Yeah, it's gonna be hot. I like it hot though. We'll be in the water often.

willardguy - 5-30-2016 at 10:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
I am not a boater, but I drove to San Evaristo, north of La Paz. It is a quiet village, on a beautiful bay, which had several boats anchored and spending time there.

Services are limited, if available at all, but I would at least pay a visit there.

Los Bariles is one of my favorite beach towns, but I have never been there later than mid May, so it might be hot and humid, A trip over to Todos Santos, or El Pescadero may be cooler.


We are going to anchor one night at Isla San Franscisco on the way down from Loreto. Will plan to check out San Evaristo.

Yeah, it's gonna be hot. I like it hot though. We'll be in the water often.


sounds like fun, what kind of boat?

JZ - 5-30-2016 at 11:02 PM

32 foot sport cruiser with twin volvos.

Runs about 50mph.





[Edited on 5-31-2016 by JZ]

[Edited on 6-4-2016 by BajaNomad]

janai229 - 6-1-2016 at 07:53 PM

For the past 5+ years, I have stayed in La Paz for 2 week intervals while attending language school there. It is one of my absolute favorite Mexican cities. While I think a trip to El Triunfo would be fun and interesting, I would personally stay away from Los Barilles. Los Barilles is a town that has a huge American influence. Very touristy. The beauty of La Paz is that there are very few tourists, comparatively, and it is packed with culture. Walking the malecon in the evening is an experience in itself. There are amazing restaurants (Tio Benchos, Nim, Las Tres Virgenes to name a few) and great fish markets. If you walk on the side streets, you will see fantastic murals by a local artist who seems to add more and more every time I go. The statues on the malecon are incredible. The people in La Paz are incredibly nice and helpful. There is paddle boarding in the bay, gorgeous beaches north of the city (just a quick bus ride away) and various museums. Every time I arrive there and sip a drink on the malecon, I am filled with peace. I usually travel alone and as a female, have never felt threatened or scared. I walk alone at night and not always on major streets. That being said, I am not out past 10PM when alone which is a good rule in any mexican city. The crime is Mexican against Mexicans. Of course, you can always get caught in the middle.....as you can in any American city. Go and Enjoy !!!! It's paradise.

JZ

captkw - 6-1-2016 at 08:46 PM

Hola, Whats your range ? Isle san fran is GREAT. I used to spend time out their on the nice white beach (west) You might also ck Bahia De Los Muertos.. I'm going To U2U my biz line if you need any boating info,Tips and tricks !! Btw are those KAD's or gas Volvo's ( that I love) :cool: Small tip.. a good handheld for all crew for shore leave..

[Edited on 6-2-2016 by captkw]

[Edited on 6-2-2016 by captkw]

bill erhardt - 6-2-2016 at 05:50 AM

If you go on the outside of Isla San Jose on the way to San Francisco, at Punta Colorado on the northeast corner are some nice coves with striking rock formations that provide good protection from south or west winds. This is the closest anchorage to Las Animas (about seven miles) which is a good place to have lines out when the sun comes up. You may find billfish, yellowtail, yellowfin, wahoo or big bottom dwellers in you put some bait down.

f860717.jpg - 197kB DSC00699.JPG - 72kB

JZ - 6-2-2016 at 06:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by captkw  
Hola, Whats your range ? Isle san fran is GREAT. I used to spend time out their on the nice white beach (west) You might also ck Bahia De Los Muertos.. I'm going To U2U my biz line if you need any boating info,Tips and tricks !! Btw are those KAD's or gas Volvo's ( that I love) :cool: Small tip.. a good handheld for all crew for shore leave..


[Edited on 6-2-2016 by captkw]


I've made it about 170 miles before on a single tank. San Felipe to Bahia de Los Angles Try to keep it to 100 miles only. Gonna fuel up at Puerto Escondido for the run to La Paz even if we have to have them bring the gas down to us.

Yeah, we travel with two handhelds plus the main vhf. I also bring a satphone with us.

BajaBlanca - 6-2-2016 at 09:41 AM

JZ

Here is another trip report from 2014 which is mostly La Paz - you could spend the whole month there and not see/do/eat all there is!

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=73372&pag...

Bajahowodd - 6-2-2016 at 04:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by janai229  
For the past 5+ years, I have stayed in La Paz for 2 week intervals while attending language school there. It is one of my absolute favorite Mexican cities. While I think a trip to El Triunfo would be fun and interesting, I would personally stay away from Los Barilles. Los Barilles is a town that has a huge American influence. Very touristy. The beauty of La Paz is that there are very few tourists, comparatively, and it is packed with culture. Walking the malecon in the evening is an experience in itself. There are amazing restaurants (Tio Benchos, Nim, Las Tres Virgenes to name a few) and great fish markets. If you walk on the side streets, you will see fantastic murals by a local artist who seems to add more and more every time I go. The statues on the malecon are incredible. The people in La Paz are incredibly nice and helpful. There is paddle boarding in the bay, gorgeous beaches north of the city (just a quick bus ride away) and various museums. Every time I arrive there and sip a drink on the malecon, I am filled with peace. I usually travel alone and as a female, have never felt threatened or scared. I walk alone at night and not always on major streets. That being said, I am not out past 10PM when alone which is a good rule in any mexican city. The crime is Mexican against Mexicans. Of course, you can always get caught in the middle.....as you can in any American city. Go and Enjoy !!!! It's paradise.


Absolutely agree, and would add Jonathan Roldan's Tailhunter restaurant as a recommendation. Three stories high and right on the malecon. Not to mention that they have Negro Modelo on Draft.

weebray - 6-3-2016 at 06:45 AM

I concur with Janai, the best of La Paz is right in the heart of town. Notwithstanding the stuff you read about all the violence. It would take more time than anyone here would be interested in spending to detail all the places to visit here. U2U us if input from a local interests you.

David K - 6-3-2016 at 07:01 AM

Be careful on the side streets... La Paz drivers do not bother with stopping at stop signs!

JZ - 6-3-2016 at 08:31 AM

One of the better videos I found. We plan to hit most of these places North of La Paz.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMeQJ_qChF0

honda tom - 6-3-2016 at 10:22 AM

55+or- miles south of Loreto.... Timbabichi. Anchor boat and walk up a couple hundred yards to casa grande. take a few bucks for the "tour guide" he'll give you the history of the home and the family that lived there. its a long way by car... boats the best way to see it.

south about 15 miles i walked up to a large building that was used as a fish camp. similar style of casa grande .... but larger. it was vacant in October, you could see it easily from a mile out or so. very cool. (on the map i would guess los Dolores or los burros)

I'm jealous! this is the best time and the best place to boat. I hydrolocked my motor on isla Coronado (loreto) last year and haven't gotten around to dropping in the new 1. NICE boat by the way.:cool:

Driving in La Paz

AKgringo - 6-3-2016 at 11:23 AM

Street signs in La Paz are often missing, or obscured! Counting blocks can be confusing (was that a street, or alley?).

A GPS will let you know which street or intersection you are approaching, but it doesn't care which way the traffic is supposed to flow!

I have been targeted twice at the western city limits by a cop looking for a payoff! (just west of Walmart)

JZ - 6-3-2016 at 12:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by honda tom  
55+or- miles south of Loreto.... Timbabichi. Anchor boat and walk up a couple hundred yards to casa grande. take a few bucks for the "tour guide" he'll give you the history of the home and the family that lived there. its a long way by car... boats the best way to see it.

south about 15 miles i walked up to a large building that was used as a fish camp. similar style of casa grande .... but larger. it was vacant in October, you could see it easily from a mile out or so. very cool. (on the map i would guess los Dolores or los burros)

I'm jealous! this is the best time and the best place to boat. I hydrolocked my motor on isla Coronado (loreto) last year and haven't gotten around to dropping in the new 1. NICE boat by the way.:cool:


I'll check it out. I've been looking at the charts and Google Earth a ton. Left my guide book on the boat in San Carlos, so will have to wait until I get down there to read it.

Should be fun. Going with my 12 and 14 yo boys, one of their friends, plus Mexican captain and first mate.

Wife is flying in with our daughter once we get down there. Gonna video the crap out of it. Have 3 different GoPros ready to go.



honda tom

captkw - 6-3-2016 at 01:28 PM

Yo, good advice on the camp.. BUT, what do you mean when you say Hydrolocked ?? like you didn't replace the riser's and water leaked back in through a exhaust valve...????

Sad,SAd,SAD !!

captkw - 6-3-2016 at 01:44 PM

I just reread this whole thread and saw the part about a mex capt and first mate (Term used loosely) and Lost all hopes,thoughts,good thoughts about what I had assumed was a fellow boaters journey on the sea of cortez.. What a total let down for me... next time take a cruise ship !!:no:

JZ - 6-3-2016 at 02:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by captkw  
I just reread this whole thread and saw the part about a mex capt and first mate (Term used loosely) and Lost all hopes,thoughts,good thoughts about what I had assumed was a fellow boaters journey on the sea of cortez.. What a total let down for me... next time take a cruise ship !!:no:


No, you were trying to make a buck off me with your PMs. Sorry you got so disappointed and pis-sey when you realized I already had help. No sale or money for you partner.

He's my friend btw, been hanging out for almost 15 years. He keeps my family safe. Mostly watches my oldest son drive the boat.

Maybe you can scam someone else on here for some $'s. Just don't turn on them if they turn you down. Not a good look for you.


[Edited on 6-3-2016 by JZ]

Bob and Susan - 6-3-2016 at 02:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by captkw  
I just reread this whole thread and saw the part about a mex capt and first mate (Term used loosely) and Lost all hopes,thoughts,good thoughts about what I had assumed was a fellow boaters journey on the sea of cortez.. What a total let down for me... next time take a cruise ship !!:no:


geezz...jz is a "real boater" not a dreamer...his system works...his mex capt and first mate are "real" too and know what to do

some people know how to have fun on the water...jz is one

mtgoat666 - 6-3-2016 at 03:11 PM

Why do you need a crew for a small power boat boat like that?

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by captkw  
I just reread this whole thread and saw the part about a mex capt and first mate (Term used loosely) and Lost all hopes,thoughts,good thoughts about what I had assumed was a fellow boaters journey on the sea of cortez.. What a total let down for me... next time take a cruise ship !!:no:


No, you were trying to make a buck off me with your PMs. Sorry you got so disappointed and pis-sey when you realized I already had help. No sale or money for you partner.

He's my friend btw, been hanging out for almost 15 years. He keeps my family safe. Mostly watches my oldest son drive the boat.

Maybe you can scam someone else on here for some $'s. Just don't turn on them if they turn you down. Not a good look for you.


[Edited on 6-3-2016 by JZ]

Bob and Susan - 6-3-2016 at 03:25 PM

jz...I don't remember if you have this...
you do have all the toys

your wife can track you and the boys on the internet...
in almost real time

you don't need a cell signal either...it uses SATs

it's 150usa for the part and $150usa a year for service

I got one for my boat and its great

spot.jpg - 122kB

JZ - 6-3-2016 at 03:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Why do you need a crew for a small power boat boat like that?



I want to relax and have fun. Drink Pacificos, take pictures, and hang out with the kids. There are a million little things to do and worry about. I could write you a list 10 pages long. I'm the only adult going. It wouldn't be good for the dingy engine to go out when you are exploring an island miles away from your boat and 40 miles from any other human being.

Plus they are damn good chiefs.




[Edited on 6-3-2016 by JZ]

JZ - 6-3-2016 at 03:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
jz...I don't remember if you have this...
you do have all the toys

your wife can track you and the boys on the internet...
in almost real time

you don't need a cell signal either...it uses SATs

it's 150usa for the part and $150usa a year for service

I got one for my boat and its great


I've got an EPRIB, but the battery is dead. I was thinking about picking one of those up. You have convinced me. What's your model?

I was thinking about staying at Punta Chivato before heading down to Loreto, but there don't seem to be any options. So we might be hitting up your place.

Bob and Susan - 6-3-2016 at 04:12 PM

spot gen3

they sell them online or at bass pro shops

all the same price...everywhere

got mine on ebay for the free shipping then picked it up on a "run for the border"

susan tracked me online all the way down and was waiting when I arrived...

its great!!! well worth the money

JZ

captkw - 6-3-2016 at 10:33 PM

Yo, Have Great,Safe,Fun trip.........I don't understand you at Al !! I don't run other folks boats for them, and I just assumed you were a boater...Sorry for my mistake... your have a great time no matter what..Peace and good sunsets...

LOL, BOB and suasn

captkw - 6-4-2016 at 01:47 PM

Hey BOB, as always you don't have a Clue !! he is a boat buyer...NOTHING more .. Its SO simple if you read his posts ... you should see what he u2u'd me...stupided crap I have ever read in my life !!

chippy - 6-4-2016 at 03:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by captkw  
Hey BOB, as always you don't have a Clue !! he is a boat buyer...NOTHING more .. Its SO simple if you read his posts ... you should see what he u2u'd me...stupided crap I have ever read in my life !!



stupided is as stupided does! carry on capt. klowny:lol:

honda tom - 6-5-2016 at 06:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by captkw  
Yo, good advice on the camp.. BUT, what do you mean when you say Hydrolocked ?? like you didn't replace the riser's and water leaked back in through a exhaust valve...????


yes. 1 of the(water stop butterfly?) burned off, and over the exhaust hump the water came. motors on the stand... waiting to get the longblock. I also beach the boat a lot, was told that can cause it also (if stoppers aren't well maintained)

Hola Tom

captkw - 6-5-2016 at 08:01 PM

The "Shutter valve" is most likely failed due to a over heat condirtion in the exhaust.. when EGT get high, risers and the shutters go south,, as in no longing working..I would go thru complete cooling system before starting... " Tight Lines" and Safe journeys.....:cool: BTW ask your mech about "Cam" break in.. On a fresh start,, you will need to run it around 2K for 15/20 mins... very important...

[Edited on 6-6-2016 by captkw]

charliemanson - 6-7-2016 at 12:52 PM

wow, just read this thread.

RTS551, WTF! La Paz is extreemly safe. You need to read something other than tha US travel advisories. Been to Sacremento, LA , Portland, Seattle, St louis, DC....
You are an idiot on the couch! I walk the Malecon every night and there are happy families, dogs, kids on bikes, stores and bars full. Don't DIS a place because something you read while on the couch!

I need another diversion other than this angery place....Clueless gringos for the most part. Good info from a few and thanks you few.

Rts551, you need to ride your bike with your family down Mex 1!when it is truck hour!...Jeeesh and please don't come to La Paz. Maybe vacation in Modesto. You are an ignorant idiot.

Jack Swords - 6-7-2016 at 01:27 PM

Charlie...you might look at RTS551 registration date. It is back in 2003. You can also look at his past postings. There are many, many experienced people posting on this board and their knowledge is valuable. As with anything else, you are free to follow their advice or not. What hampers this board is when someone demeans a fellow poster and that results in a reduction in information that helps us all. I suspect if you spent more time on this board you would welcome current information by those experienced travelers who contribute valued information. Then, also, you would know whose postings to ignore. It is of no benefit to anyone to belittle contributors.

Lots of sand in La Paz

AKgringo - 6-7-2016 at 03:43 PM

I am thankful for the great sandy beaches around La Paz, so that I can stick my head in them and not have to witness any of this;

http://www.la-paz-bcs.com/la-paz-news/gun-battle-and-handgre...

I have spent more time around La Paz than any other part of Baja. I like it and have no fear of enjoying the Malecon, or any of the restaurants or places of interest, but to deny that there is a criminal element, or that violence is possible....well, go visit the beach!

Sandlefoot - 6-7-2016 at 06:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Street signs in La Paz are often missing, or obscured! Counting blocks can be confusing (was that a street, or alley?).

A GPS will let you know which street or intersection you are approaching, but it doesn't care which way the traffic is supposed to flow!

I have been targeted twice at the western city limits by a cop looking for a payoff! (just west of Walmart)



They have new street signs on the main part of town. They are small, green and mounted on the corner buildings and can be hard to read if there is nothing growing in the way. They have arrows on them that show the direction of traffic flow. Once you get used to them they do help a lot!!

Happy Trails

Romano - 6-8-2016 at 03:24 PM

With so many people everywhere calling themselves Captain, I get confused.

KW, are you a captain, or is that simply an honorific. To be an actual capt., you would have to hold a Coast Guard license, could we see yours?

Sorry, but I have been on boats, mine and belonging to others, for 40+ years. I am not a captain, though I have gone great distances, offshore and near, and have the white hair to prove it. So this is a bit of a pet peeve of mine. It takes a lot of work and log time to qualify and I see those who have not done that calling themselves captain is just not right.

Looking forward to your info.

chippy - 6-8-2016 at 05:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Romano  
With so many people everywhere calling themselves Captain, I get confused.

KW, are you a captain, or is that simply an honorific. To be an actual capt., you would have to hold a Coast Guard license, could we see yours?













Not true. You could be a Captain in the fire dpt, military, airlines ect.:light: