Heading to La Paz next Fall

Quote: Originally posted by Cliffy

Driving in La Paz is combat driving. Every street has pot holes the size of a VW - 100s of them Most every intersection is a 4 way stop sign type BUT those red signs are only a suggestion to the locals YOU need to stop completely at each one. Make sure your phone and road map app works there as the roads are confusing That's how I found my way out to go back to Cabo There is good food on the beach front but accommodations? You are on your own.

There was once a time I would have agreed with you, but I have come to view driving in La Paz as more of an art form and one that I am constantly impressed by. Primarily, because it just works.


For visitors and recent residents I can provide some guidance;

STOP SIGNS:

Yes, for many locals these have become something of a suggestion. I however recommend stopping at them always, especially as Christmas approaches when the local constabulary are focusing on their Christmas bonuses. When stopping, use your brake pedal/lights to make it very clear to the car behind you that you are in fact intending to stop.

Stop signs are not always apparent. As you approach an intersection, begin looking for the largest most obstructing tree. You can often find the stop sign nestled within its branches.

Not all stop signs in La Paz have stood the test of time. There are a few intersections that have had the stop sign knocked down as a result of storms, vandals or drunks. This does not relieve you of the responsibility of stopping at them.

ONE-WAY STREETS

Yes, one-way streets abound in La Paz and many intersections are not always marked to indicate direction of flow. Before committing to any turn, look in your intended direction at the parked cars. Are you seeing a majority of headlights or taillights? If the traffic flow is not going in the direction you want, the next intersection will, so seize every opportunity of marked streets to reorient yourself. Consider that this minimal signage serves to improve your situational awareness.

POTHOLES:

These are inevitable, particularly during and following the rainy season. The plus side is that these are usually marked. Not necessarily with orange traffic cones or folding caution signs but they are usually marked, nonetheless. Look for discarded tires, 55 gal. drums or even tree branches in the roadway and when traffic permits simple steer around them.

POLICIA

Avoid making direct eye contact. This was suggested to me many years ago and this guidance has served me well over the years. Some cops, on both sides of the border, can interpret this as a challenge and will pull you over just as a demonstration that they can. This is even more effective in La Paz where the majority of the Policia are beat cops on foot who depend on a whistle to pull you over. If they can't get your attention, they can't very well signal you to pull over.

For most NOB I know this seems frustrating, but you must remember that my property taxes are 1/100th of what I pay in the States, and that is even before my 40% discount for early payment. I challenge you when you have the chance to just sit back and watch the traffic flow. Given their limited resources I think you will come to realize they do a very good job of taking what they have and making it work.

P.S.

Most food on the beachfront (malecon) is adequate. Venture off the malecon a couple streets to Madero or Revolucion for great food.

Don't make it about the destination... make it about the journey.
Too much is missed in a hurry to get to La Paz or Cabo...
There are cities in America, but Baja (between the cities) is found nowhere else in the world!

Eye contact with other drivers....

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

La Paz drivers maximize their peripheral vision at intersections. If they see you looking at them, you have lost the right of way! A La Paz policeman on a motorcycle pulled me over for driving through a yellow light. In an exchange of Spanglish, he told me that yellow means stop, and that red means "you can't go yet". Stopping for a yellow light is an excellent way to get rear ended!

Contact Harald Pietschmann

Quote: Originally posted by livewires

Good afternoon, I'm looking at visiting La Paz for an extended period of time this next fall and am wanting as much information as I can possibly get regarding places to stay, surrounding areas and any information that can be helpful. Thanks in advance.