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vernezze
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 1-4-2011
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Baja virgin
So I am thinking of driving down to Cabo around January 19th. I have about three weeks until I have to be back in Tucson. It's my first time and I
have so many questions I don't know where to begin. I have done some reading on this and other forums and am still unclear whether a basic four door
sedan can make the drive. Also, I would be interested in suggestions on how to spend the time--where to stop along the way and for how long. Finally,
if anyone is interested in driving down I am looking for a travel partner willing to share expenses. Knowledge of Spanish and familiarity with the
road a plus. Thanks
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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your basic car can make it if you stay on the pavement. you'll figure it out. don't be afraid to have some fun. meet other travelers. spanglish is not
really needed. let us know how it all works out after you return.
return a virgin would be the best advise i can give you....
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Bajatripper
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3152
Registered: 3-20-2010
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Cabo's OK for a day trip, but La Paz is better for a stay--and cheaper.
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
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These questions are so hard to answer because you do not share any of your interests. To some of us the fishing is the most important part and we can
tell you which beaches, stops, and rocks are the best places along the peninsula. Some like tourist shops and markets, some like places of historical
interest, and some like the quaint little get aways that are difficult to describe, so without knowing some of the things that "trip your trigger", it
is very difficult to make recommendations.
It would be like asking you about the southwest United States, which would be about the same amount of land, and would include Indian Reservations,
desert, big cities, small get aways, mountains, mining towns, etc., and is a very diverse area.
Baja is exactly the same situation, and there is a huge difference between Baja California which is the northern half of the state and Baja
California Sur which is the southern half.
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vernezze
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 1-4-2011
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Good point. No particular interest like fishing. As a first time visitor to the area, I just want to experience the region, get an overall sense of
it. Because of my vehicle I am obviously limited to the main roads. Wouldn't mind hanging out at a few places along the way. Relatively uncrowded
places by the beach with cheap beer are my idea of a good place to stay. Right now I am split between taking a long time to get to the destination or
just taking a few days on the drive and spending most of my time in Cabo or La Paz. Any thoughts?
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Marc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2802
Registered: 5-15-2010
Location: San Francisco & Palm Springs
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Mood: Waiting
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I would suggest using coin of the realm. Change to pesos before or near the border. You can use USD in most places but you will often be short changed
in pesos and the rate get worse the farther south you go. Make sure the gas pump is at zero before the attendant starts pumping. Except for some
construction the roads are in very good condition these days. Just stay on the pavement.
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13052
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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vernezze...we extend a hearty Baja Nomad welcome to you...we LOVE baja virgins!!! No sweat in a sedan...there are countless wonderful places you can
stop for a bit. Now that our road is paved, you can come and experience a true baja small beach village hospitality...we are an hour off Mex ! and a
sweet place to visit and hang out for a bit. Central baja is a cool place to explore...see whales, miles of pristing beaches, cheap beer & food
and genuine folks who just might "trip your trigger"...a good place to rest up before you continue south.
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KurtG
Super Nomad
Posts: 1211
Registered: 1-27-2004
Location: California Central Coast
Member Is Offline
Mood: Press On Regardless!!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by vernezze
So I am thinking of driving down to Cabo around January 19th. I have about three weeks until I have to be back in Tucson. It's my first time and I
have so many questions I don't know where to begin. I have done some reading on this and other forums and am still unclear whether a basic four door
sedan can make the drive. Also, I would be interested in suggestions on how to spend the time--where to stop along the way and for how long. Finally,
if anyone is interested in driving down I am looking for a travel partner willing to share expenses. Knowledge of Spanish and familiarity with the
road a plus. Thanks |
Get the Auto Club guidebook and map, equip yourself with an open mind and head south!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by shari
vernezze...we extend a hearty Baja Nomad welcome to you...we LOVE baja virgins!!! No sweat in a sedan...there are countless wonderful places you can
stop for a bit. Now that our road is paved, you can come and experience a true baja small beach village hospitality...we are an hour off Mex ! and a
sweet place to visit and hang out for a bit. Central baja is a cool place to explore...see whales, miles of pristing beaches, cheap beer & food
and genuine folks who just might "trip your trigger"...a good place to rest up before you continue south. |
And... all pavement too. It recently has been finished all the way into Bahia Asuncion. While primarily a fisherman's destination, the town and
Shari's hospitality are infectious. I do recommend you stay at her Bed & Breakfast and experience this Baja village, before the pavement changes
it. The road to Bahia Asuncion leaves Mex. 1 at Vizcaino.. about 500 miles from the border.
Other places that are on pavement and should be considered for a look on your first trip:
Bahia de los Angeles... 41 miles off Hwy. 1 on paved side road. 'The Bay of Angels' is a special place with many places to stay and eat and a great
little museum, too. Turnoff is about 360 miles from the border.
San Ignacio... 2 miles off Hwy. 1 on a paved side road... Not to be missed at any cost as you head south... See the oasis river in the center of
Baja's vast desert and the Spanish mission, founded in 1728 in the town plaza. Ignacio Springs is a unique B&B on the water.
Mulege... turn off the highway at the entrance gate to town... and take a drive all the way through town and along the river, that gave the town the
nic namd of 'Baja's Hawaii'... at the end of the road is a great restaurant/ bar 'El Patron' on the Sea of Cortez.
Some trip photos to give you ideas of what's there to see:
http://vivabaja.com/1106 (La Lobera, Cataviņa Painted Cave, Bahia de los Angeles)
http://vivabaja.com/707 (El Rosario, Remote Pacific, Bahia Asuncion, San Ignacio, Santa Rosalia, Mulege, Bahia Concepcion)
http://vivabaja.com/709 (San Ignacio/ Ignacio Springs, Mulege, Bahia Concepcion, Loreto, San Javier)
[Edited on 1-5-2011 by David K]
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mtgoat666
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 20371
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by vernezze
Right now I am split between taking a long time to get to the destination or just taking a few days on the drive and spending most of my time in Cabo
or La Paz. Any thoughts? |
as a newbie, you should read up on areas, plot on a map the sites that sound interesting to you, and take off and explore. you should do the drive
down to Cabo real quickly (in ~3 days) -- that will give you a general idea of the regions -- after that, you can drive back north slowly, stopping to
explore the places you found interesting interesting on drive down. 4 door sedan can go on most about any well-traveled unpaved road, just drive slow
over the bumps.
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8970
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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Make sure you have a good camera with a large memory card for all of the great photos you will be able to take. Also, a sleeping bag for the times
you can stay at a campo instead of a motel to save $$. Keep off of the sand, though.
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: Skeptical
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mtgoat666
| Quote: | Originally posted by vernezze
Right now I am split between taking a long time to get to the destination or just taking a few days on the drive and spending most of my time in Cabo
or La Paz. Any thoughts? |
as a newbie, you should read up on areas, plot on a map the sites that sound interesting to you, and take off and explore. you should do the drive
down to Cabo real quickly (in ~3 days) -- that will give you a general idea of the regions -- after that, you can drive back north slowly, stopping to
explore the places you found interesting interesting on drive down. 4 door sedan can go on most about any well-traveled unpaved road, just drive slow
over the bumps. |
Welcome!
I would disagree, slightly, in that you should take your time to Cabo. Yes, go directly if destination is a goal, but remember that it is winter and
the days are shorter. Do not drive at night!. Rather than setting a goal of "3 days", get there safely in however many days it takes.
Having said that, spending time in Cabo runs counter to one's desire to see the country and experience its people. Cabo is touristy and expensive. If
you want to use Cabo as a quick turn around, just to say you did it, fine. Do the loop and spend more time in Las Barrilles, La Paz, Loreto, Mulege
and the Bahia de Concepcion.
If your car is well maintained, you will have no problems.
Some like to make rigid plans. I like to stay flexible; poke around, linger where I feel good, split when I am bored. You will meet people along the
way that will have interesting information and tips on where to go and what to see. Be a NOMAD!  
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3894
Registered: 2-9-2004
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Take your time going down, but reserve at least 5 days for the return trip. You'll be more comfortable with your adventure after a couple weeks, and
spending time on the return trip to enjoy your days will not make those days a drudge. I can't imagine doing the entire peninsula in one trip - I
would suggest not going further than La Paz, in order to actually experience more time off the road. Driving can be white-knuckle due to the numerous
big rigs.
Where are you crossing the border? Crossing in Tecate will take you down the Ruta de Vino. Stop at a couple wineries, eat fish tacos at Ensenada,
stay at Cielito Lindo in San Quentin. Stop and see the whales at Scammons Lagoon; some side trips to see missions can definitely be done in a
passenger car; do a little hiking at these places - get out of the car and see the unique landscape, birds, springs - that's what makes Baja so
special. An overnight at Mision San Borja is quintessential Baja. They may have a room for you, or use your tent. They can take you to see
pictographs, a little hiking, the mision itself is awesome. Still some mission-era grape vines, a warm springs pool, birding. Whizzing down Mex. 1,
you will miss everything. Bring a shovel for minor road building. I owned a Hyundai Excel for 12 years and did a lot of off-road, but knocked a lot
of rocks off roads to do it. The Sea of Cortez will be cold. Are you bringing camping stuff? Maybe a tent and sleeping bag for those times when you
don't feel like getting to the next town - nothing like waking up to the sound of quail. Will be cold in January - bring warm clothes.
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vernezze
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 1-4-2011
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WOW. Thanks all for the great advice and keep it coming. It's extremely helpful in planning things out. I'm a little concerned about driving down by
myself and am thinking of seeing if I can get a travel companion for at least part of the ride. Think I might put together a tentative itinerary based
on all the great suggestions, post it on the ride share section and see if anyone is interested. Thanks again.
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willyAirstream
Super Nomad
Posts: 1786
Registered: 1-1-2010
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If you can't find a travel companion, don't sweat it. I drove down by myself in Sept and was paranoid the first day ( ever other car carried drug
dealing, pistol toting, crazed cartel members) Second day, I realized it was just not so, it was every 4th car.  Each time I pulled over, someone would stop to see if I needed anything. Be alert, as you would in any unfamiliar
place and use common sense. 99% of the people I meet were not only friendly, but extremely helpful.
My only caution - The highway is very narrow and has NO shoulders, pull outs are rare. Know where the side of the road is at all times. Busses will
pass you in seemingly blind hills and curves. If the guy in front puts his left blinkers on, it " Usually" means it is ok for you to pass. Guy
flashing his lights at you "usually" means - cows, burros, dogs, horses or accident in road ahead or you are over the center line! Or it's his
birthday and he is celebrating. Make sure your spare tire is in perfect shape. Keep your cooler and camera with in easy reach and enjoy!! You will
have a great time!
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masymas
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 1-5-2011
Location: OR
Member Is Offline
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Baja virgin
Check your u2u. We are driving down mid January.
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Marc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2802
Registered: 5-15-2010
Location: San Francisco & Palm Springs
Member Is Offline
Mood: Waiting
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Mulege!
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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| Quote: | Originally posted by willyAirstream
If you can't find a travel companion, don't sweat it. I drove down by myself in Sept and was paranoid the first day ( ever other car carried drug
dealing, pistol toting, crazed cartel members) Second day, I realized it was just not so, it was every 4th car. Each time I pulled over, someone would stop to see if I needed anything. Be alert, as you would in any unfamiliar
place and use common sense. 99% of the people I meet were not only friendly, but extremely helpful.
My only caution - The highway is very narrow and has NO shoulders, pull outs are rare. Know where the side of the road is at all times. Busses will
pass you in seemingly blind hills and curves. If the guy in front puts his left blinkers on, it " Usually" means it is ok for you to pass. Guy
flashing his lights at you "usually" means - cows, burros, dogs, horses or accident in road ahead or you are over the center line! Or it's his
birthday and he is celebrating. Make sure your spare tire is in perfect shape. Keep your cooler and camera with in easy reach and enjoy!! You will
have a great time! |
somewhere in there lies the truth!
edit: just go....
[Edited on 1-6-2011 by woody with a view]
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13052
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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maybe sirenita might ride shotgun with ya from Ensenada to Vizcaino (U2U her)...she's fun to have as a co pilot and that way I'd get to see baby again
too!!!!
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3894
Registered: 2-9-2004
Member Is Offline
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The first 200 miles or so will be the most nerve-wracking, as you drive slowly through Ensenada sprawl and small towns - watch for stop signs, topos
are a nuisance, and with the jay-walkers, stray dogs, parallel traffic - be extra alert. There are a couple construction zones with dirt road detours
- will slow you down as well. And at least two military checks. But after getting out of town at San Quintin, things dramatically improve. Which is
why I suggested staying at Cielito Lindo hotel (turn right at the Los Pinos plant). You can make several stops to see stuff en route to that point
instead of just trying to get through it; then call it a day - watch the sun go down on the beach, nice restaurant/bar, maybe some gringos to talk to,
sometimes musica. The next day will be so different - MUCH more relaxing.
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