BajaNomad

Travel south during the end of March

smithfamilybajabound - 3-11-2021 at 12:38 PM


I want to visit Puertocitos, Gonzaga Bay and LA Bay on a road trip with daughter in late March.It is NOT essential travel but want to go down have some fun for a week. Will I have any trouble heading south through Mexicali. down the 5. Can I bring my quads and fishing poles or will that be an issue. Please help with advice. Thanks Mike

HeyMulegeScott - 3-11-2021 at 01:33 PM

No problema.

smithfamilybajabound - 3-11-2021 at 01:47 PM

I can cross without any hassle by border or check points?

David K - 3-11-2021 at 02:03 PM

Funny!

Smiths: Have you driven down Baja before?
It will help with answers to know if you are a newbie.

Don Pisto - 3-11-2021 at 02:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by smithfamilybajabound  
I can cross without any hassle by border or check points?

They're going to look at your documents, pull you into secondary and say, "OK, señor, you Gringos always think you can slip into our country disguising your identity as "Smith" or "Jones", but we aren't that stupid: What's your real name?!


Alias Smith and Jones?

JZ - 3-11-2021 at 02:39 PM

Take the registrations for the quads. They will ask to see them at the border.

Have fun!

smithfamilybajabound - 3-11-2021 at 02:43 PM

Yes, I am Michael Smith and i have not driven past Percebu Lagoon but have been to Bay of Los Angeles many years ago.

Bajabus - 3-11-2021 at 02:52 PM

Trailer registration also, they always seem to ask for that. Make sure it's in your name or someone in your party. It can be in someone else's name but that gets complicated. Notarized letters from real owner and what not.

I put wax seals with pretty ribbons on everything to make it look official and important. OK just kidding on the wax seals.:lol:

David K - 3-11-2021 at 03:07 PM

Make sure you get Mexican auto insurance that includes the fact you are towing!

Like Bajabus said, have papers for everything. If you don't own something you are taking, get a permission slip from the legal owner, notarized!

This paperwork is only for border crossing IF asked for.
The many military checkpoints are only looking for drugs and guns/ ammo.
On a rare occasion, immigration may set up a stop or be at the military stop, so have your FMMs with your passports!

Bajabus - 3-11-2021 at 03:12 PM

If you elect to get full coverage for the trailer, for example theft. Be aware that they will only cover it when "attached to the vehicle". It's in the fine print. If that happens, make sure the police report indicates it was attached at the time of theft.

smithfamilybajabound - 3-11-2021 at 07:09 PM

Wow, great advice to all of you.

honda tom - 3-13-2021 at 09:54 AM

I hand them a clipboard with the registrations for my tow vehicle, trailer, trailered vehicle and drivers license.... it looks very well prepared this way.... sometimes they'll "pretend" to check a vin # for a match.

At LA Bay try to stay at Campo Archelon.... I think he now has 4 cabins/houses for rent... check his website , good people.

David K - 3-13-2021 at 10:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by honda tom  
I hand them a clipboard with the registrations for my tow vehicle, trailer, trailered vehicle and drivers license.... it looks very well prepared this way.... sometimes they'll "pretend" to check a vin # for a match.

At LA Bay try to stay at Campo Archelon.... I think he now has 4 cabins/houses for rent... check his website , good people.


https://www.archeloncamp.com.mx/

https://www.facebook.com/campoarchelon/

1bobo - 3-13-2021 at 12:34 PM

Semana Santa, the week before and after Easter. Be prepared for crowded beaches and drunk drivers. You should be fine, but don't drive at night.

BajaBlanca - 3-13-2021 at 12:39 PM

Have a blast! No problems whatsoever coming south at this time.

RFClark - 3-14-2021 at 07:11 PM

Starting around 3/27 the southbound crossing traffic will get heavy, especially after 14:00 when Calexico East closes. Returning NB Easter and the first couple of days after can also be bad. The crossing wait can be several hours (3+) especially after 14:00. HWY5 NB from San Felipe can be very bad when everyone tries to get back to Mexicali at the same time. People drive NB in both lanes! Fill your gas tank when you arrive. Gas at Gonzaga $19/L regular only, gas at Jesus and Maria $21-$22/L LA bay has 2 gas stations but no gas if the power is off. Livestock wanders on the road to LA Bay after you turn off of HWY1.

The new restaurant just south of the HWY5/1 junction should be open. Nice people good food!

Make sure you have a place to stay, unless you’re going dry camping!

PaulW - 3-15-2021 at 08:10 AM

3/14 NB west crossing. Found the end of the line at 2PM, took 4 hours to get to Calexico
Not Sentry.
Sigh

MulegeAL - 3-15-2021 at 08:28 AM

smith,

Load up this site, very handy. Border wait times. The data lags reality a bit, but still useful.

https://bwt.cbp.gov/