MoJean39
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 4-4-2007
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
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Newbies going to Baja, ideas anyone
Hello All,
I would appreciate some advise for our up coming trip to the Baja. It may have been covered somewhere in this forum and for that I apologize. We are
leaving in a couple of weeks and for once, we are not staying on a resort.
My sister-in-law and I have 10 days to discover a bit of Baja.
We are flying into Cabo, the airport car rental didn't have a 4x4 available. Thinking of taking a taxi (cost??) to Las Margaritas Hotel, staying a few
days to become orientated and plan somewhat of a trip. Thinking of catching a bus(heard you could, cost??) to La Paz and maybe renting a 4x4 from
there. Is a 4x4 necessary, would love to have the option of going off the beaten path. What is a reasonable cost for rental and insurance? At first we
were going to stay south and do the loop, la paz, cabo, del cabo and back. Now I am hoping to go north, maybe as far as Santa rosalia and maybe work
our way back down to Cabo, stopping in Concepcion, Loreto,Mulege,La paz,San jose del cabo, todos santos. Is this too much travel for the time I have?
Are there many check points in between? Will there be enough pemex gas stations along the way? Any must sees along the way? Is it safe for two women
traveling, bringing a tent and sleeping bags as well. She wants beaches, I want sight seeing, natural beauty and from what I have been reading, that
is just about anywhere.
Thanks to everyone who has suggestions, I can't wait to go, It's going to be such an adventure!
MoJean
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osoflojo
Nomad
Posts: 378
Registered: 10-29-2004
Location: c.s.l./b.c.s.
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You can do plenty in your 10 days. You may not need a 4X4 unless you plan to spend a lot of time off road, but if you plan beach camping it would be
helpful. Prices vary greatly and I have found that once you are on the ground there you have a better chance to cut a deal with the rental agency. As
far as exploring you can make it to Santa Roselia in a days drive and work your way back. Try to get a copy of the Baja Almanac or the AAA Baja road
map for reference. There is a lot of Baja expertise on this board so be patient. Enjoy Baja.
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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Don't know about bus fare, rental rates, insurance, etc. Others on this very helpful forum can let you know about that.
There is plenty of fuel available and that will not be a problem for you if you top off regulary wherever you can. A 4X4 is not necessary, but
would augment your off-roading...your choice.
As for your travels in 10 days. Here is my two cents.
I would give myself very little time at Cabo or Sta. Rosalia....and spend more time in-between.
Loreto's new gringo enclaves ..and all such places in Baja....would also be at the low end of my must-see places. You said 'sight-seeing' Baja, not
buying a home or ordering blue drinks with umbrellas at poolside.
Cave paintings, Conception Bay beaches, hire a panga for some sight-seeing-at-sea, off-roading, meet some ranch people..avoid the larger cities,
frequently stop at villages, you get the picture...have a ball.
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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Marie-Rose
Senior Nomad
Posts: 894
Registered: 10-2-2003
Location: Victoria, B.C. and Todos Santos
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Mood: Worried...
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10 days seems to be a very short period of time to do all the travelling you want to do. I know it's a matter of taste, but you will be spending much
time in a vehicle. I would not plan on going any further than Loreto. The loop from San Jose, Todos Santos, La Paz and then back thru Los Barilles
and then thru the East Cape would be fabulous. La Paz is a fabulous city and well worth a couple of days.
Totally agree with Pompano... would stay away from Cabo. 4x4 not necessary.
Remember, when in Mexico, yes may be no and no may be
maybe!
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Crusoe
Senior Nomad
Posts: 731
Registered: 10-14-2006
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I can agree 100% with Pampano and Marie-Rose......But if you want a nice beach expierience and possibly some warmer water to swim in.....Give Cabo
Pulmo in the East Cape area a try. Stay for 3 days there and relax. A small nice hotel-hostel, or beach bungalos, to stay in or camp on the beach? A
couple of great restaurants also. Have a great trip and have fun. You will be safe in Baja.
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MoJean39
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 4-4-2007
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
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Thank You osoflojo, Pompano, Marie-Rose and Crusoe for your comments, We booked yesterday, car rental, just a little nervous about driving in the
larger towns  , Cabo and La Paz. We have a few weeks before we leave, hope all
goes well, Baja, here we come!!!
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Capt. George
Super Nomad
Posts: 2129
Registered: 8-21-2003
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driving in La Paz...keep your seat belts on. Not dangerous, just a strong possibility of ticketing....
La Paz, a beautiful city, still very Mexican.........
Our first trip was 16 days, we did from Loreto to Cabo Pulmow and then back up to Mulege....Our mistake, go up one coast and down the other...
BeeeA-U-T-Full! ahhhh, Baja!
\"The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men\" Plato
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Capt. George
Super Nomad
Posts: 2129
Registered: 8-21-2003
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forget the W Pulmow?????
\"The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men\" Plato
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BirdDog
Nomad
Posts: 182
Registered: 3-9-2007
Location: Iowa
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Mood: Desperate to move to Baja
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I felt the same way about driving in La Paz for the first time. There were to things I figured out real quick. One was alto doesn't mean stop but
slow and go. The other was never tip your beer can in front of the policia.
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osoflojo
Nomad
Posts: 378
Registered: 10-29-2004
Location: c.s.l./b.c.s.
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Driving in either place should not be an issue. You are on vacation in Baja, slow down and smell the cactus.
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fdt
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
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Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
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| Quote: | Originally posted by MoJean39
I would appreciate some advise for our up coming trip to the Baja. |
My advise is take along some of those I survived hwy 1 stickers 
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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MoJean39, Don't go! Baja is addictive.
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