BajaNomad

Ensenada to Loreto ETA???

JohnGaltSpeaking - 4-8-2019 at 03:39 PM

planning a trip to La Paz and wanted to overnight in Loreto and was wondering how long it would actually take to drive from Ensenada to Loreto without any stops except for gas.

David K - 4-8-2019 at 03:42 PM

Start early, a day's drive... but a long day (10-12 hrs.).

JohnGaltSpeaking - 4-8-2019 at 03:46 PM

was looking for a more specific answer. what's early? and 10, or 12 hours?

JZ - 4-8-2019 at 03:51 PM

Use Google Maps. It's pretty accurate on the times.

Btw, it's not a good idea to just haul ass down Baja. The journey is the designation. You will completely miss everything by just driving.

Take your time (3-4 days, and do it right). Otherwise you are cheating yourself majorly.

If you just want to get to La Paz, fly.

JohnGaltSpeaking - 4-8-2019 at 04:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Use Google Maps. It's pretty accurate on the times.

Btw, it's not a good idea to just haul ass down Baja. The journey is the designation. You will completely miss everything by just driving.

Take your time (3-4 days, and do it right). Otherwise you are cheating yourself majorly.

If you just want to get to La Paz, fly.



i hear ya. in my case though, i don't want to fly because i want to have my car (also love a good road trip), and due to work, i only have a week. so in that week i want to experience loreto, la paz, and todos santos. that's the reason for the hauling of the ass. plus i don't really want to overnight anywhere that i am not going to be for longer than breakfast and gas.

JZ - 4-8-2019 at 04:13 PM

Not enough time to go that far. Go to BoLA or maybe Conception, or any number of places.

If you are locked into La Paz, fly and rent a car. Just going to miss everything Baja has to offer otherwise.

Btw, Loreto is more fun than La Paz, with better stuff to do in the surrounding areas, plus direct flights from the US.

JohnGaltSpeaking - 4-8-2019 at 04:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Not enough time to go that far. Go to BoLA or maybe Conception, or any number of places.

If you are locked into La Paz, fly and rent a car. Just going to miss everything Baja has to offer otherwise.

Btw, Loreto is more fun than La Paz, with better stuff to do in the surrounding areas, plus direct flights from the US.


i will definitely take that into account, definitely won't listen to you, and in the end, you will most likely be right. live and learn on this one. one question though? is one week enough for just loreto and la paz? been hearing that Todos Santos is a bit overrated.

advrider - 4-8-2019 at 04:28 PM

I would stay with Loreto and La paz and save Todos santos for another trip, it's a neat town but to much driving for a week. Slow down and enjoy with less driving...

David K - 4-8-2019 at 04:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JohnGaltSpeaking  
was looking for a more specific answer. what's early? and 10, or 12 hours?


How can I be more specific if I don't know how you drive or what you are driving?

Early is like sunrise.
Don't drive in the dark as there are cows and burros on the highway at night.

Yes, 10-12 hours (hrs.).

It is over 600 miles and it is wise to figure 50 mph average speed on Hwy. 1.

Maybe you like to push it and will exceed the 80 kph speed limit? That is why I say 10, but it could be 12 hours.

It is a narrow road, not like U.S. highways! There are military checkpoints that will either be quick or they will have you get out and search through your car.

There are frequent accidents that will block you for hours.

This is a REMOTE region, with no cell service or towns of any size between El Rosario (top your gas tank there) and Guerrero Negro, 220 miles. There is also road construction, 30 miles south of Ensenada that may delay you several minutes.

We are not kidding.



[Edited on 4-8-2019 by David K]

bajabuddha - 4-8-2019 at 04:55 PM

Mi dos centavos..... Not too far south of Ensenada is a major construction zone that you'll probably have at least a half-hour's wait and a slow-down in trip speed; so don't over-plan your trip speed. Get an early up (daybreak with poco desayunos) and get yer boogie on. Far's "ten or twelve hours" depends on what you're driving and how you drive. Leave contingency, and flop where you will if you don't make it to Loreto. San Ignatz is a good stop-over, another 3-4 hours to Loreto..... you get in at L. early to settle in.

Todos Santos was WAAAY over-rated when I went in '96, doubt much has changed.... depending on what you're looking for. Some say it's the cat's meow, but I never really liked cats. And if you only have a week you're already over-doing it to La Paz and back; quick turn-around and head home.

The American Dream: see the Grand Canyon in 4 hours.

BajaRun - 4-8-2019 at 05:03 PM

Figure 50 mph average. Do the math. With fuel stops. Road Construction. Militar Checkpoints. Potholed roads. 10-12 hours is a good estimate

billklaser - 4-8-2019 at 05:06 PM

I have been driving back an forth to Loreto for 30 years now. Only stopping for fuel will take at least 12 hrs, probably longer depending on conditions out of your control. And, to do this you will have to drive at least 75 mph in the areas that is possible. Personally I think that is too fast, but to each his own. I drive from the border at San Ysidro to Loreto and allow 14 hours for elasped driving time. I guess it is possible to drive it in 12 hrs if all conditions are good, but than you are driving 80 mph or greater in many areas. The road is too dangerous IMO for that type of driving. 700 miles from the border to Loreto at 50 mph average is 14 hours. Be safe, what's a little more time worth?

David K - 4-8-2019 at 05:30 PM

He is starting from Ensenada, but your advice is sound.

JohnGaltSpeaking - 4-8-2019 at 05:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by JohnGaltSpeaking  
was looking for a more specific answer. what's early? and 10, or 12 hours?


How can I be more specific if I don't know how you drive or what you are driving?

Early is like sunrise.
Don't drive in the dark as there are cows and burros on the highway at night.

Yes, 10-12 hours (hrs.).

It is over 600 miles and it is wise to figure 50 mph average speed on Hwy. 1.

Maybe you like to push it and will exceed the 80 kph speed limit? That is why I say 10, but it could be 12 hours.

It is a narrow road, not like U.S. highways! There are military checkpoints that will either be quick or they will have you get out and search through your car.

There are frequent accidents that will block you for hours.

This is a REMOTE region, with no cell service or towns of any size between El Rosario (top your gas tank there) and Guerrero Negro, 220 miles. There is also road construction, 30 miles south of Ensenada that may delay you several minutes.

We are not kidding.



[Edited on 4-8-2019 by David K]


that is adequately specific. and thank you.

mtgoat666 - 4-8-2019 at 05:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JohnGaltSpeaking  
Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Not enough time to go that far. Go to BoLA or maybe Conception, or any number of places.

If you are locked into La Paz, fly and rent a car. Just going to miss everything Baja has to offer otherwise.

Btw, Loreto is more fun than La Paz, with better stuff to do in the surrounding areas, plus direct flights from the US.


i will definitely take that into account, definitely won't listen to you, and in the end, you will most likely be right. live and learn on this one. one question though? is one week enough for just loreto and la paz? been hearing that Todos Santos is a bit overrated.


Too far to drive for 1 week trip.

Fly, rent a car.

JohnGaltSpeaking - 4-8-2019 at 06:05 PM

does everybody agree that one week is too short for this trip? aren't you guys being a little biased considering many of you guys live in baja? clearly no trip was long enough for you guys except a permanent one.

bajabuddha - 4-8-2019 at 06:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JohnGaltSpeaking  
does everybody agree that one week is too short for this trip? aren't you guys being a little biased considering many of you guys live in baja? clearly no trip was long enough for you guys except a permanent one.


YES.

X 1

You're gonna spend over half of your time on the road.

However, ROAD PARTY !!! (IF you're still up for it)

JZ - 4-8-2019 at 10:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JohnGaltSpeaking  
does everybody agree that one week is too short for this trip? aren't you guys being a little biased considering many of you guys live in baja? clearly no trip was long enough for you guys except a permanent one.


I live in LA, not Baja.

bajabuddha - 4-8-2019 at 11:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by JohnGaltSpeaking  
does everybody agree that one week is too short for this trip? aren't you guys being a little biased considering many of you guys live in baja? clearly no trip was long enough for you guys except a permanent one.


I live in LA, not Baja.



CLASSIC.

mtgoat666 - 4-9-2019 at 06:55 AM

You asked for advice, then turned on the advice givers. You will make a fine baja nomad!
Of course, you should expect people to ignore your future requests.

bajatrailrider - 4-9-2019 at 07:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
You asked for advice, then turned on the advice givers. You will make a fine baja nomad!
Of course, you should expect people to ignore your future requests.
:bounce: Do you think 666 anybody listens to your brainless tourist remarks. JAJAJA Another Baja Blow hard. If anybody on this site is Ignored with no real info your top gun:bounce:

David K - 4-9-2019 at 08:00 AM

Who is John Galt? LOL

John, you can ask questions anytime and I think you understand forums with little control or moderating, as Baja Nomad is... a sort of swamp where some precious tidbits of data can be found, but you have to get past the "gators" in here who like to snap at you!

As most here, I also do not live in Mexico but do live about 50 miles north of the border, so not a long drive to get to Baja but about 6 hours or more to get to the Baja places I like to camp at.

Your first trip south of Ensenada should not be rushed. You need to discover just how bad a highway it is and be cautious on it. Enjoy the scenery, there are the most exotic plants and terrain you will ever see in central Baja. San Ignacio is about as far south as you should plan for one day, especially if you cannot get on the road at sunrise.

See my Trip #2 report (2017) for photos and details on San Ignacio and the places to stay there: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=85756

Here is what you will see on the paved entrance road into the village, less than a mile off the highway:


Surrounded by desert and lava flows, this oasis is created where an underground river surface for two miles then vanishes again. The Jesuits founded a mission here in 1728 for the King of Spain and the Cochimí Indians. This church, with walls four-feet-thick, was completed in 1786:

BajaBill74 - 4-9-2019 at 08:57 AM

My average time based on 14 trips is 13h 14m. Maximum speed of about 65mph.

David K - 4-9-2019 at 09:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBill74  
My average time based on 14 trips is 13h 14m. Maximum speed of about 65mph.


Thanks, but is that starting in Ensenada or from the border?

BajaBill74 - 4-9-2019 at 10:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by BajaBill74  
My average time based on 14 trips is 13h 14m. Maximum speed of about 65mph.


Thanks, but is that starting in Ensenada or from the border?



From Ensenada.

JohnGaltSpeaking - 4-9-2019 at 12:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
You asked for advice, then turned on the advice givers. You will make a fine baja nomad!
Of course, you should expect people to ignore your future requests.


how did i turn on "the advice givers" if i am still asking for advice??? i am sincerely asking a question that stemmed from my initial one. i wasn't aware that 7 days wasn't enough.

but hopefully you do ignore me in the future. your "advice" wasn't very helpful.

billklaser - 4-9-2019 at 01:10 PM

John, As David just posted, just ignore the information on Nomads the doesn't suit your needs. Try not to get aggravated, it ruins the wonderful Baja experience. Enjoy your trip and have fun.

JohnGaltSpeaking - 4-9-2019 at 01:21 PM

you are completely right Bill. and thank you David. very helpful, as always.

David K - 4-9-2019 at 02:40 PM

Point taken msteve! My pretty girl was at home the past few times I crossed over the river in San Ignacio.

So, John, you have been warned, Baja is far too special to zoom through with taking the time to soak it in! Most people will agree that you should allow two days to drive to Loreto. If you have only a week, that leaves you just three non-driving days for a Loreto vacation. If you are going on to La Paz, 1/2 day beyond Loreto, then only two vacation days and 5 driving days.

San Ignacio is maybe a better half-way place to take a break. A great motel is just past the mission (Hotel La Huerta) and is only about $40. If you get there early enough take a short walk to the mission and check it out inside and out. Food is sold in the town plaza, the best carne asada tacos in Baja from a cart there.

Here is the La Huerta restaurant and hotel (has a market there, too):
2017:


2015 (before the restaurant and color change):