vetra
Newbie
Posts: 19
Registered: 3-12-2008
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Punta Banda
A short time ago I posted request for advice for a short day trip from San Diego to Ensenada--got a lot of responses and appreciate all your input. I
have a couple of follow up questions. A couple of people responded that given our very tight timeframe that it probably wouldn't be worth the time to
try to take in La Bufadora, for instance:
Quote:
I doubt that I would take the extra time to take in the Blow Hole.
I agree. La Bufadora in it's natural state was a sight worth seeing. Now it's a series of junk stores with way too aggressive salesmen blocking your
way. Highly over-rated. What has been allowed to take place there in the name of business is one of Baja's mortal sins. Just buy a couple of picture
post cards and it will leave a better taste in your memory.
Again, given our short time (I figure we'll be in Ensendada about 5-6 hours), these suggestions do seem to make sense, but would it be worth it for
even a drive through or at least part way up Punta Banda? From pictures I've seen, the scenery looks gorgeous, and not really into shopping or the bar
scene. Besides the blowhole, what else is there to do in Punta Banda? Are there places we can park the car, walk around a bit. take in some
scenery--maybe something we could do for an hour or so--in addition to the time needed to drive out there?
Any advice on Punta Banda would be greatly appreciated!
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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It's twenty miles from Ensenada, mostly through terrifying traffic. I think your time could be better spent. Stay in Ensenada and wander through
the shops like the "Black Market" fish stalls.
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bajabound2005
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2760
Registered: 10-15-2005
Location: Punta Banda, BCN
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Mood: words cannot describe...
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Depends on what you want to do. Do you want to do some beach some? Drive to Punta Banda. Drive into La Jolla Beach Camp (on the right). Drive out
to the beach and park. Start walking north (well, east and then north) on the beach. Make sure you go at low tide. Just before you get to a huge
white condo/hotel looking thing is Aguacaliente, thermal streams running under the beach. You can see the steam coming up from the sand. Dig a hole
and enjoy your hot tub in the sand. (this is a short walk - not even 1/2 mile)
Or -- just after you pass Cantu there is a road to the right, sign says Punta Estero. Take the road all the way to the very end. Park in front of
one of the houses, not in the red zone. On the east side of the road there is a path (and signs); that is a walking tour of the estero. It is
self-guided with signs all along the way (in both English and Spanish). Lots of seals in the estuary right now, with their pups. Don't go at high
tide.
Shopping? None here, unless you are in the market for tamales!
We don't go to La Buf unless we have a visitor that really, really wants to go. You do have to "run the gauntlet" of vendors selling all of their
crap from China. We absolutely won't go on Wednesdays or Saturdays - that's when the big cruise ships are in.
Friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel.
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thebajarunner
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3718
Registered: 9-8-2003
Location: Arizona....."Free at last from crumbling Cali
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Mood: muy amable
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Well, I would hardly characterize the trip as having "terrifying traffic" but then again, I don't live out there, but I have driven that road
countless times.
The traffic in Ensenada is much more "terrifying" IMHO.
Also, the shops are no trashier at Bufadora than in Ensenada.
I have generally avoided the place, but last summer took our 20 member church work team there after a morning of work at the Agua Viva orphanage in
Maneadero.
They all kept together, thoroughly enjoyed the drive, the scenery, and yes, ultimately the blowhole itself.
Give it a try, better than hanging out in Ensenada all day.
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Steve&Debby
Nomad
Posts: 335
Registered: 12-18-2007
Location: Colusa,California/ Percebu
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I agree with thebajarunner the traffic is noy that bad and the Bufadora is worth the trip.I think the prices for the Mexican junk is cheaper at
Bufadora.But then I also agree that it is a long way to travel if you are only going to be in Ensanada 5 or 6 hours.It is also a rat race to get to
the actual blow hole.I no I was suprised when we went to Bufadora after not being there for a few years it was very different. I think it was in the
early 90's we dove Bufadora and drove to the bottom.Now the road is full of shops and bars. Have fun
[Edited on 3-19-2008 by Steve& ebby]
[Edited on 3-19-2008 by Steve&ebby]
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by thebajarunner
The traffic in Ensenada is much more "terrifying" IMHO.
Also, the shops are no trashier at Bufadora than in Ensenada.
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That's actually what I was refering to, the traffic through town as far south as Chapultepec.
As for the shops, the inventory is mostly the same crap in both places although a few places in town have quality stuff.
The shops themselves at the Buf, on the water side of the "Mall" are frightening. If you walked around to the back side and saw what was holding them
up, you wouldn't go inside.
Anyway, have a good trip.
In fairness I have to add that there are some fine leather goods available at the Buf as well. And, if you're in the market for phony Viagra, you
hit the mother lode.
[Edited on 3-19-2008 by DENNIS]
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durrelllrobert
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7393
Registered: 11-22-2007
Location: Punta Banda BC
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Mood: thriving in Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by vetra
Any advice on Punta Banda would be greatly appreciated! |
You could always tour the mudslide devastation from the last big rain.
[Edited on 3-19-2008 by durrelllrobert]
Bob Durrell
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Or the Baja Country Club to look at houses and check out the course
bajacountryclub.com
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Martyman
Super Nomad
Posts: 1904
Registered: 9-10-2004
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Fishing from the rocks in that area has been fruitless for me. I guess people do better from boats. I couldn't quite reach the tuna rings with my
surf pole
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