BajaNomad

We are going - any advice appreciated

Baja_Itzcoatl - 6-16-2016 at 01:14 PM

Hello… I plan to drive to Cabo from L.A. at the end of this month. I know it’s going to be HOT but I don’t care if it’s HOT because I’ve been wanting to do this for 10 years now. I’ve been postponing it every year so nothing is going to stop me, I’m going. I have 12 days to do the round trip, I plan to get to Cabo as quickly and safely as possible, just to say I did it. Spending 2 nights in Cabo and then drive back up leisurely to stop at the places I missed on the way down. My goal is just to say I did it. My problem is this... I’m going with 2 beautiful women. The story from February’s carjacking because of the women in the vehicle has me thinking. We are still going, I didn’t mention that incident to them, and luckily in their research they haven’t heard of that story only positive ones. What do you recommend? Should I fatten them up? Dress them in Muslim garb? I’m open for suggestions. I don’t want to raise suspicions since one of the reasons it’s taken me this long is because EVERYONE is afraid to drive down with me! I don’t have a caravan going, so should I just wait until I see one driving and tag along? Is this something people do, or will I be “the weird guy following us”. I was planning on renting a car in TJ and driving the rental down. Is that something people do? Or is a Mexican plated car riskier than a California vehicle? I’ve been reading/lurking this forum so I know the drill… you’re going to send me to search previous threads. NO! Respond here please, because I know then some of you are going to highjack it and start arguing with each other, it’s inevitable and ok. But, this is a real trip so any helpful advice for the three of us is appreciated. :spingrin:



Fatboy - 6-16-2016 at 01:37 PM

Have FUN!

2 women? Hmmm....

sounds like you need a 4th person to balance it out...I am available :D

elgatoloco - 6-16-2016 at 01:37 PM

Don't drive at night. Take your own car. Be ready to roll with the punches. Let us know how it went.

sancho - 6-16-2016 at 01:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Baja_Itzcoatl  
because I know then some of you are going to highjack it and start arguing with each other, it’s inevitable and ok












Arguing? Just don't mention climate change and you're OK.
First time down is the best, wide eyed, it will provide
memories. That checkpoint incident was a abboration, don't
let it deter you. There are many good looking women at
the Cape, but many here perfer the smaller towns, Mulege
Loreto and spend some tome in La Paz. I met a couple in Mulege
in a rental Mex VW, so I assume it can be done, but maybe
not too common to drive the length of the Peninsula in a rental.
You will get many replies, but the first drive is an adventure,
maybe not as it was 30 yrs. ago, but pure fun

chuckie - 6-16-2016 at 02:01 PM

Don't drive at night....Only drink COLD beer..enjoy ....

toronja - 6-16-2016 at 02:04 PM

You are overthinking this. That story was the exception, not the rule. God only knows we have plenty of problems with violent crime at home in the US. I'm an early thirties female and feel plenty safe in Baja now, though I was pretty nervous our first trip. The worst I've encountered on that front is a few catcalls. My partner and I have driven the length of the peninsula several times in the past few years. There are plenty of good reasons not to drive at night there in areas you aren't familiar with (mostly livestock in the road). Keep an eye on your valuables, or they may opportunistically wander off.

If you want to caravan, post a topic on the forum looking for one. I would not be pleased to discover some random guy following us closely without an introduction.

Frankly, I would not hesitate to drive down with just another female friend or even by myself, with a little more planning and a few more safety precautions.

rhintransit - 6-16-2016 at 02:19 PM

tons of good looking women travel that road, some of them without male 'protection.' lucky ladies to have you along. just don't be stupid, don't flirt with the military...be polite but not over friendly, nod, don't engage..., don't ever ever ever think of driving at night. don't push daylight. don't forget to fill up. if something doesn't feel right, find safety, generally in numbers. stop at a tienda, fall in with a group of cars, don't move on, don't stop if it doesn't feel right, etc. stay at decent places, don't flash money or jewelry, tell them to leave it behind, just say you'll buy them some :). do not use drugs. do not try to buy drugs. no firearms. no jokes. no staring back at guys drooling. all normal advice anywhere in the world you travel.

as a once upon a time...when I was much younger...attractive woman, I drove that road alone a number of times. lived alone for years on the mainland and in Baja for. still do. feel safer in (most parts) of Mexico than in many parts of the USA.
avoid border cities. avoid late night partying and street wandering in Cabo. avoid deserted beaches. go where you see local families going. local guys are not the only males of the species to be concerned about...tons of lizards of all nationalities in resort areas. with two ladies along, need I say anything to you about avoiding overly friendly women with agendas? hope not.
really, I don't think you have to even mention it to your companions unless they bring some fears/concerns up, or aren't aware of the effect their appearance has on the opposite sex. for pete's sake, no suggestive clothing or inappropriate beachwear where it doesn't belong. short shorts and low low tops aren't needed nor wise in an ac'd car, or by the side of the road if you get in car trouble.
have fun. stay cool. ac ac ac.
rental car plates are distinctive, everyone knows you are a tourist. CA plates...heck, everyone has them. drive your own car and blend right in.

Martyman - 6-16-2016 at 02:37 PM

My son recently went down with an attractive young blond girl. All the army guys at the military stops wanted to see her but that was about as dangerous as it got. Go have fun!

Hook - 6-16-2016 at 03:02 PM

Take your own car, IF it is reliable. There is possibly an advantage, from a personal safety standpoint, with foreign plates as both nationalities may stop to aid you with foreign plates. If Mexican plates, many gringos won't stop.

I doubt you are camping your way down, as beautiful women from California tend to favor beautiful hotel accommodations, when in hot climates. If they are from the LA area, then X 2.

So you need a plan on where to stop each night. What's your plan, dude?

Muslim garb? Just dont let them dress like they are going shopping at the mall. Overt displays of opulence are not a good idea, until they get to Cabo, and then they will be swimming in the same schools and wont be noticed. Cabo has its own inherent dangers, but I am no longer up on those.

DENNIS - 6-16-2016 at 03:15 PM


Troll alert. The Op knows too much while knowing too little.

David K - 6-16-2016 at 04:17 PM

Bigger risk driving through any U.S. city!
Once you cross into Mexico, the stress we often feel unloads!
Baja is the cure for civilization.

My biggest question is why is Cabo the end-all destination? It is the about least "Baja-like" place on the peninsula. More of a Las Vegas is America comparison. Nothing wrong with Cabo (or Las Vegas) but there is just so much more to Baja than that city.

Maybe try to enjoy San Quintin or San Felipe as an introductory stop.

The central desert of northern Baja (Cataviña/Punta Prieta region) is special.

The beautiful bays of San Luis Gonzaga, Los Angeles and Concepción should be seen and not just driven by.

The mission oasis towns of San Ignacio and Mulegé will make you think of the tropics in an exotic story.

Loreto is where California began, in 1697.

La Paz is surely one of the nicest little cities in the world.

Stop for Pitahayas in El Triunfo and mangos in San Bartolo.

[Photos of any of the above upon request]

Have a great time and don't worry, but don't hurry!

[Edited on 6-17-2016 by David K]

chuckie - 6-16-2016 at 04:59 PM

Better to go with an ugly woman....

DaliDali - 6-16-2016 at 06:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rhintransit  

..when I was much younger...attractive woman,


By anyone's measure, your STILL an attractive woman.

MMc - 6-16-2016 at 06:36 PM

It takes 20 to 24 hours of driving time to get to Cabo. you can do the math as where to stop. (YMMV)I wouldn't do anything special as to driving with women. My wife and I did many trips to some very remote areas without any problems.
Many here do not like Cabo, if you like it, enjoy it.
I would get out the Cabo bars by 10:00 pm, the bartenders will ply the ladies with drinks. The Bra's in Cabo Wabo are trophies, I think you get the point. I would go into Cabo from the Todos side and leave via the La Paz road (either way is good) so you can see as much as you can.
The women will be fine in shorts and tanks just nothing too provocative.
There's a site hear that rent's cars in TJ that might be able to help you with the car rental.
Go! Have Fun! enjoy all that Baja has to offer.

4x4abc - 6-16-2016 at 07:39 PM

rental cars are the #1 target for thieves - even if unmarked, they smell rentals from miles away
don't leave anything of value in the car, not even the charge cable for the iPhone

rhintransit - 6-16-2016 at 07:45 PM



mil gracias, you are too kind...
Quote: Originally posted by DaliDali  
Quote: Originally posted by rhintransit  

..when I was much younger...attractive woman,


By anyone's measure, your STILL an attractive woman.

willardguy - 6-16-2016 at 07:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Baja_Itzcoatl  
Hello… I plan to drive to Cabo from L.A. at the end of this month. I know it’s going to be HOT but I don’t care if it’s HOT because I’ve been wanting to do this for 10 years now. I’ve been postponing it every year so nothing is going to stop me, I’m going. I have 12 days to do the round trip, I plan to get to Cabo as quickly and safely as possible, just to say I did it. Spending 2 nights in Cabo and then drive back up leisurely to stop at the places I missed on the way down. My goal is just to say I did it. My problem is this... I’m going with 2 beautiful women. The story from February’s carjacking because of the women in the vehicle has me thinking. We are still going, I didn’t mention that incident to them, and luckily in their research they haven’t heard of that story only positive ones. What do you recommend? Should I fatten them up? Dress them in Muslim garb? I’m open for suggestions. I don’t want to raise suspicions since one of the reasons it’s taken me this long is because EVERYONE is afraid to drive down with me! I don’t have a caravan going, so should I just wait until I see one driving and tag along? Is this something people do, or will I be “the weird guy following us”. I was planning on renting a car in TJ and driving the rental down. Is that something people do? Or is a Mexican plated car riskier than a California vehicle? I’ve been reading/lurking this forum so I know the drill… you’re going to send me to search previous threads. NO! Respond here please, because I know then some of you are going to highjack it and start arguing with each other, it’s inevitable and ok. But, this is a real trip so any helpful advice for the three of us is appreciated. :spingrin:






with the exception of area's you you don't want to travel at night, think of it as a road trip to Seattle, but going the other way.
I think your idea is great! :yes:

liknbaja127 - 6-16-2016 at 08:07 PM

You better be careful! because once you have done it, you will be trying to figure how I can do this again, and again!! Have a great time!

JoeJustJoe - 6-16-2016 at 08:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DENNIS  

Troll alert. The Op knows too much while knowing too little.


Someone finally gets it right, and it's Dennis of all people!



willardguy - 6-16-2016 at 08:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JoeJustJoe  
Quote: Originally posted by DENNIS  

Troll alert. The Op knows too much while knowing too little.


Someone finally gets it right, and it's Dennis of all people!





:lol: and there you have it! from two bajaoldmads that haven't been relevant in decades!

Baja_Itzcoatl - 6-16-2016 at 08:52 PM

Hahaha no not a troll... but as i'm watching GS get spanked by Cleveland i was waiting for that to come from someone since i don't post often, its ok....Thanks everyone... this makes me feel alot better. The reason i'm driving all the way to Cabo is because thats where Baja ends. I've been going as far as Ensenada since 1988 when i was 16... Dodgers won World Series in '88. I've been reading this forum for a few years now... alot of you are funny when u bicker with each other. But you do give good advice for trips. I was on the fence to put 2000 miles on my Wife's car, but you convinced me to take it instead of a MX rental. I told my Wife & my sister they can choose where to stop on the way back up as long as they let me play 'Hotel California' the whole drive down... 24hrs? 3days to drive down is good then.

willardguy - 6-16-2016 at 08:56 PM

be sure to stop by and say hi to DENNIS and JJJ! they have ALL the answers! :coolup:

David K - 6-16-2016 at 09:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Baja_Itzcoatl  
Hahaha no not a troll... but as i'm watching GS get spanked by Cleveland i was waiting for that to come from someone since i don't post often, its ok....Thanks everyone... this makes me feel alot better. The reason i'm driving all the way to Cabo is because thats where Baja ends. I've been going as far as Ensenada since 1988 when i was 16... Dodgers won World Series in '88. I've been reading this forum for a few years now... alot of you are funny when u bicker with each other. But you do give good advice for trips. I was on the fence to put 2000 miles on my Wife's car, but you convinced me to take it instead of a MX rental. I told my Wife & my sister they can choose where to stop on the way back up as long as they let me play 'Hotel California' the whole drive down... 24hrs? 3days to drive down is good then.


:bounce: Bingo!

elgatoloco - 6-16-2016 at 10:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Baja_Itzcoatl  
...Dodgers won World Series in '88....


I was at game one! Best sporting event I ever saw in person. Right up there with seeing the Lakers in the Finals 9 times in 13 years and win five.

You will have a great time.

#1 rule in Baja ESPECIALLY in Cabo - call your tequila! :saint:

mtnpop - 6-17-2016 at 06:58 AM

It is usually brought up but just a thought again. We always take Pesos to pay for fuel.. Don't have to play with the exchange at the gas station and getting change.. If you take a lot of Pesos don't carry the whole wad in your wallet,, kind of divide it up. Also helps when stopping at taco stands and motels...
Watch all the highway curves for oncoming 18 wheelers, they like to swing wide on curves and your side of the hwy might not have a shoulder in many areas..
Enjoy the scenery, watch for the killer topes' some are marked many are not... Cows, goats and horses all like to eat the grass beside the road day or night...
Now that your stress level is up.. it will be fun...

BajaBlanca - 6-17-2016 at 07:50 PM

You will have a great time. My best advice to you is pick NICE comfy hotels on the way down and back.

jardines hotel in san quintin is good day's drive and a nice hotel. don't go on a Monday since the restaurant there (which is good) is closed that day. beautiful garden setting makes the ladies oooh and ahhhh

next suggestion is new hotel that opened up in san Ignacio. the name slips my mind at the moment...someone will post it surely. huge mission church there and the main square will be a big hit with all.

and then the next stop might be la paz? that is a long drive and there are lots of hotels depending on your budget. malecon (shore) for beauty of the view of the beach!

and then you are good to go for Los Cabos!

Have a wonderful trip.

Whale-ista - 6-19-2016 at 07:32 PM

The newest hotel in San Ignacio is La Huerta. Comfy, clean, large rooms.

And great water (quantity & quality) compared to other locations.

have fun- beautiful drive, rough roads in center of peninsula but much better once you get south of Loreto.
Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
...

next suggestion is new hotel that opened up in san Ignacio. the name slips my mind at the moment...someone will post it surely. huge mission church there and the main square will be a big hit with all.

pacificobob - 6-20-2016 at 06:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DENNIS  

Troll alert. The Op knows too much while knowing too little.


my thoughts as well.

David K - 6-20-2016 at 08:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Whale-ista  
The newest hotel in San Ignacio is La Huerta. Comfy, clean, large rooms.

And great water (quantity & quality) compared to other locations.

have fun- beautiful drive, rough roads in center of peninsula but much better once you get south of Loreto.

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
...

next suggestion is new hotel that opened up in san Ignacio. the name slips my mind at the moment...someone will post it surely. huge mission church there and the main square will be a big hit with all.






JoeJustJoe - 6-20-2016 at 01:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  
Quote: Originally posted by DENNIS  

Troll alert. The Op knows too much while knowing too little.


my thoughts as well.


I just think the OP is just having a little bit of fun, although it's a good question, and many tips are coming in on some nice places to visit on trip down to Cabo.

The problem I have with the OP's post, is the bigoted joke about the Muslim garb, on the two supposedly beautiful women making the trip with the OP, and the fear-mongering question about waiting in baja for a possible caravan, and hitching a ride on the caravan.

I know there has been some talk about caravans being the safest way to travel in Baja, and there has been some promotion about caravan groups on Facebook, and likening modern day car caravans in Baja, to the old western wagon trains, and when the wagon train used to get attacked by the savage Indians, the wagon trains would simply "circle the wagons" as a defensive measure.

C'mon people, it's 2016 and while there are certainly a few bad Mexicans out there, it's unrealistic to expect to travel in caravans down to Cabo, unless it's with a known group, and if you really feel you need to travel in a caravan, maybe you should just take a commercial flight to Cabo, or better yet just stay home and visit a local " "El Torito" restaurant, to get that Mexico feeling.

Anyway the OP claims to have been going to Mexico, since 1988, mostly to Ensenada, and Puerto Nuevo. He also claims to have visited Rosarito, every weekend during the summer. With that kind of experience, the OP should be giving advice instead of always asking for advice, and he should pretty much know what to expect and the kind of people he is likely to encounter on his journey to Cabo which is a piece of cake of a trip, unless you encounter a cow on the highway.

The OP has been talking about this trip down to Cabo for a few years now, from reviewing the few posts he made on "Baja Nomad" and he always seems to talk about the others being afraid to travel to Mexico. It makes me wonder who is really harboring these fears?



Bajahowodd - 6-20-2016 at 03:53 PM

Thanks for the great photos of La Huerta, David.
That said, in y opinion, anyone who drive the entire length of Baja to spend only two nights in Cabo is delusional. Such a long drive. In the many decades that we have made that trip, there was absolutely no way that we were going to turn around and drive back after two days.

And, we were there when they had the gunmen incident at Soriana's.

David K - 6-20-2016 at 08:04 PM

Who would do that? Or, do you consider spending more days in San José del Cabo, Todos Santos, Los Barriles, or La Paz an acceptable alternative than staying in the city of Cabo San Lucas?

BajaMama - 6-21-2016 at 06:19 AM

Make sure you have Mexican auto insurance, a passport and FMMs. Don't bring anything illegal, watch for busses and 18 wheelers... I can only speak of the road as far as Loreto, it is in good shape except for the potholes for 20 or 30 miles south of Catavina. North of Catavina is a fabulous little shop that sells onyx items for the best price in Baja. Best gas stations are in El Rosario & Jesus Maria. Mulege is a great stop, Hotel Las Casitas... be polite, use common sense, don't drive at night...Baja is SAFE! You will have a good time.

Bajaboy - 6-21-2016 at 08:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Baja_Itzcoatl  
Hello… I plan to drive to Cabo from L.A. at the end of this month. I know it’s going to be HOT but I don’t care if it’s HOT because I’ve been wanting to do this for 10 years now. I’ve been postponing it every year so nothing is going to stop me, I’m going. I have 12 days to do the round trip, I plan to get to Cabo as quickly and safely as possible, just to say I did it. Spending 2 nights in Cabo and then drive back up leisurely to stop at the places I missed on the way down. My goal is just to say I did it. My problem is this... I’m going with 2 beautiful women. The story from February’s carjacking because of the women in the vehicle has me thinking. We are still going, I didn’t mention that incident to them, and luckily in their research they haven’t heard of that story only positive ones. What do you recommend? Should I fatten them up? Dress them in Muslim garb? I’m open for suggestions. I don’t want to raise suspicions since one of the reasons it’s taken me this long is because EVERYONE is afraid to drive down with me! I don’t have a caravan going, so should I just wait until I see one driving and tag along? Is this something people do, or will I be “the weird guy following us”. I was planning on renting a car in TJ and driving the rental down. Is that something people do? Or is a Mexican plated car riskier than a California vehicle? I’ve been reading/lurking this forum so I know the drill… you’re going to send me to search previous threads. NO! Respond here please, because I know then some of you are going to highjack it and start arguing with each other, it’s inevitable and ok. But, this is a real trip so any helpful advice for the three of us is appreciated. :spingrin:





Don't forget the Trump 2016 bumper sticker. He's very respected in these parts:light:

Just go and have fun. 10 Days is plenty of time to bounce around Baja.

rts551 - 6-21-2016 at 09:00 AM

If you have been driving as far south as Ensenada for that many years, you already know the answer to most of your questions. Have a good trip.

mtgoat666 - 6-21-2016 at 09:26 AM

From your ID i take it you fancy yourself to be emperor itzcoatl incarnate?
Since when do kings drive rental cars on vacation road trips and seek vacation advice from anonymous commoners on the intertubes?
Quote: Originally posted by Baja_Itzcoatl  
Hello… I plan to drive to Cabo from L.A. at the end of this month. I know it’s going to be HOT but I don’t care if it’s HOT because I’ve been wanting to do this for 10 years now. I’ve been postponing it every year so nothing is going to stop me, I’m going. I have 12 days to do the round trip, I plan to get to Cabo as quickly and safely as possible, just to say I did it. Spending 2 nights in Cabo and then drive back up leisurely to stop at the places I missed on the way down. My goal is just to say I did it. My problem is this... I’m going with 2 beautiful women. The story from February’s carjacking because of the women in the vehicle has me thinking. We are still going, I didn’t mention that incident to them, and luckily in their research they haven’t heard of that story only positive ones. What do you recommend? Should I fatten them up? Dress them in Muslim garb? I’m open for suggestions. I don’t want to raise suspicions since one of the reasons it’s taken me this long is because EVERYONE is afraid to drive down with me! I don’t have a caravan going, so should I just wait until I see one driving and tag along? Is this something people do, or will I be “the weird guy following us”. I was planning on renting a car in TJ and driving the rental down. Is that something people do? Or is a Mexican plated car riskier than a California vehicle? I’ve been reading/lurking this forum so I know the drill… you’re going to send me to search previous threads. NO! Respond here please, because I know then some of you are going to highjack it and start arguing with each other, it’s inevitable and ok. But, this is a real trip so any helpful advice for the three of us is appreciated. :spingrin:



Bajahowodd - 6-21-2016 at 05:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Who would do that? Or, do you consider spending more days in San José del Cabo, Todos Santos, Los Barriles, or La Paz an acceptable alternative than staying in the city of Cabo San Lucas?


Good observation, considering that we really don't know what the OP meant. Just such a long haul to go to land's end and turn around after two days unless what DK said is the plan.

AKgringo - 6-21-2016 at 05:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Who would do that? Or, do you consider spending more days in San José del Cabo, Todos Santos, Los Barriles, or La Paz an acceptable alternative than staying in the city of Cabo San Lucas?


Good observation, considering that we really don't know what the OP meant. Just such a long haul to go to land's end and turn around after two days unless what DK said is the plan.


That is exactly what I did in 2012! I had spent time there in the late 80's and 90's, and wanted to see how much it had changed.

I pretty much came down the Pacific side with few stops, and spent one day in Cabo. I checked out the overdeveloped harbor area, checked a mall, bought a chicken at Costco, and then headed up the dirt road along the East Cape.

It sounds like the OP might want to party there, and should have a good time, but my favorite view of Cabo now was in my rear view mirror!

That isn't meant as a slam on Cabo, I just prefer a simpler, more rustic Baja!

David K - 6-21-2016 at 05:35 PM

We stayed in La Paz... and not only visited Cabo, but did the glass bottom boat cruise out to the tip (arch), had mango margaritas, toured the beach near Todos Santos, and the bat cave near Santiago. In the summer, days are long, and with BajaTripper and Zully along as guides, it was a great day! Link below in my sig to all 15 great days trip report.

Bajahowodd - 6-24-2016 at 04:36 PM

As someone who first visited Cabo in 1983, I have been continually stunned by the development. But the good news for old time Cabo visitors is that there are still many great restaurants that date back to that time.

elgatoloco - 6-25-2016 at 01:51 PM

Different strokes. I love a road trip to just about anywhere. To me the getting there is part of the adventure. Have been to Cabo a few times and may end up there again one day. I would rather go there then downtown San Felipe but that's just me. Its a big world out there. Go out and enjoy it. :saint::dudette: