extraction
Newbie
Posts: 2
Registered: 10-3-2007
Member Is Offline
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Best Route
Hi,
I need the advice of the many experts here on Nomad. I'm driving from Phoenix, AZ to Cabo San Lucas, MX next week. What would be the best route to
drive without taking any boat rides to cross over to Baja? Is it best to just go all the way to San Diego and then head south or is there a route you
can cross through at Calexico?
Is there someplace to get your Tourist Card at Calexico or Mexicali? Is fuel a problem going south from Mexicali?
Thanks for all the great information on this site.
Tom
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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We have done that trip many times.
We head west to the Tecate' crossing and then south from there.
I think it's the fastest route from Phoenix.
You can get your tourist card and insurance in advance from Discover Baja or one of the other travel clubs. Or you can get the Visas at the Tecate
border.
.
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Sallysouth
Super Nomad
Posts: 1835
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Capo Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: missing Baja...
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Exrtaction, How about doing a "search" from the top of the page to get some more answers?Just type in your inquiries.
Happiness is just a Baja memory away...
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
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Mood: Bajatastic
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It depends on a few things.
How long do you have? Are you in a hurry? Do you have a car that can handle rough grated gravel roads or are you towing an RV?
Here are some options.
1. Cross the border at Tecate. Take Hwy 3 to Ensenada. At Ensenada you can then head south on Hwy 1 to Cabo. [This is your best option if you want
to stick to main roads and are in a hurry]
2. Cross at Mexicali then just head south on Hwy 5. South of Puertocitos the road gets rough (gravel, potholes, etc. ) and connect with Hwy 1 west
of Gonzaga Bay [This is a good option if you want to camp, take your time, and have a little adventure]
3. Cross at TJ if you have an RV. (I have read parking for an RV is a problem at Tecate)
Gas should not be a problem. Just fill up before making any long crossing across a remote stretch. There is enough gas around to keep you going if
you just make sure to fill up your tanks often. I will stop to fill up at 3/4 full if I think I will drive a while without and gas.
South of Mexicali there is gas in San Felipe, Gonzaga, Puertocitos, etc... not a problem IMO
Tourist cards are easy to get. The Mexicali (West) crossing is open 24/7
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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Never pas a Pemex that has gas without topping off if you're 100 miles and more south of the border.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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extraction
Newbie
Posts: 2
Registered: 10-3-2007
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Hey Mango,
Thanks to you and Diver for the great information. I am in somewhat of a hurry and driving a 2006 Toyota Camry, I don't think it would be agreeable
to a lot of pot holes and gravel.
Thanks again,
Tom
P.S. Sallysouth, I did do a search and have read most of the website the past two days and didn't find the answers I was looking for. Had I found
the answers, I wouldn't have asked the questions, sound logical to you? I must not be as smart as a "Senior Nomad?"
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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Do the road from Tecate.
You will enjoy the Tecate-Ensenada drive in the Camry and make better time from Phoenix than going all the way to TJ.
Get your insurance in advance from Lewis and Lewis, Bajabound or Discover Baja. Use Discover if you want to get your tourist visa in advance as well.
Or you can get the tourist visas and pay at the bank just across the Tecate border. It normally takes 15-30 minutes at the border.
.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64835
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Do not go south from San Felipe/ Puertecitos in that car... It will be much faster to go to Tecate and south from there. Top off in El Rosario (225
mi. south of the border). IF you are not able to cross during banking hours, then go to Tijuana (24/7 teller to pay for Tourist Card if you want one
for up to 180 days). Tecate border is closed late nights.
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fandango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 549
Registered: 1-30-2006
Member Is Offline
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extraction: have a great trip!!!
ps: bingo
sbwontoo
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