vernezze
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 1-4-2011
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Coming from Tucson
I'm sure this has been answered but after a half hour of searching and not finding an answer I thought I would ask. I am driving from Tucson and plan
to drive down to La Paz and would like to get some advice on the best place to cross over in order to get to Highway 1. I see that Highway 3 runs from
Tecate to and wondering if it's better to enter from Tecate or Tijuana. My concerns are the quality of the road from Tecate to Ensenada as well as the
ease of border crossing at Tecate versus Tiajuana. I am driving a basic two wheel drive sedan. Thanks in advance for any advice.
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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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suggest you go both ways. go thru TJ and down coast on way south, then thru valle de guadelupe and tecate on way north. as a newbie, you got to see
it all -- and both routes from border to ensenada are pretty/intyeressting drives
main highways are all paved, good roads, don't worry about road conditions for major routes.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Yes... the Tecate to Ensenada highway is being widened for a 16 mile section just south of Tecate... so be ready for construction detours...
Also, south of Ensenada they are also widening the highway for a few miles.
Crossing at Tecate is easy, but southbound is not if you need to get a paid Tourist Card... as the only bank now (yah, you can't give money to
government workers) is a few blocks away... and you have to bring the tourist card back for the final stamp at the border.
In Tijuana, there is a 24/7 bank teller window in the same building as the INM office (immigration). So, you go to IMN (far right office facing the
parking area in the Something to Declare area, far right lane southbound)... with your passport... get the slip (tourist card)... take it to the bank
window... about 6 windows away... pay the fee $23? US... return it to INM for the final stamp.
Now, when you leave the parking area, you will (unless changed) push a button for the red or green light... If red, you might need to let customs
inspect your car. No drugs, guns, ammo, or used clothes to give away is allowed. The route to Ensenada is well signed... You want the 'Scenic Road'
Hwy. 1-D it will also be signed for Playas, and Rosarito. This is a toll road, with three toll boths along the 70 mile road... each one is between 2-3
dollars.
Once in Ensenada, you will follow signs for San Quintin (Hwy. 1)...
Oh, and you are in Latin America now... so military checkpoints will be encountered along the way at several places. Keep your wallet, camera, etc.
with you if they have you get out while they search your car (for drugs, guns, ammo).
[Edited on 1-5-2011 by David K]
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13242
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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welcome to the world of Baja Nomads !!!!
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Oso
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2637
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: on da border
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Mood: wait and see
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From Tucson it would actually be shorter and straighter to go South across and West on Mex 2 all the way to TJ or Tecate. BUT, it's slower and the
stretch between Sonoita and SLRC is considered "the second most dangerous highway in Mexico".
All my childhood I wanted to be older. Now I\'m older and this chitn sucks.
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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
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Have you thought about going south into the mainland and taking the ferry across to LaPaz?
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vernezze
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 1-4-2011
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A little nervous about driving the mainland. Actually, a lot nervous about driving the mainland and a little nervous about driving the Baja peninsula
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3894
Registered: 2-9-2004
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The one advantage of the 15 miles or so of construction right out of Tecate is that is slows everyone down. What I don't like about Mex. 1 out of TJ
is that people drive their SUVs about 70 mph, and when you want to look at the scenery or think about pulling off the road or slowing for an exit,
they're on your bumper. Also I don't like the tolls - that's 2 fish tacos, 2 cans of salsa casera and a gallon of gas I would rather spend the money
on. Otherwise, Mex. 3 is very nice - all the completed new road is two lanes, 65 mph rated, not much traffic. I know people have their reasons for
choosing to cross at either place, but that's my dos centavos. Also, getting a visa for a first-timer at SY and at Tecate each has their
disadventages: parking at Tecate (park on the US side and walk across to get visa); and the traffic at SY - getting into the far right lane to get
onto the highway leading to Mex. 1 will be your first challenge - then the waiting lines at the toll booths, blah, blah, blah. Whatever you're
comfortable with. And don't forget to get pesos for toll booth and gas. Just easier and fewer mistakes in calculating change. They'll take your $20
and say "ok" like it's a done deal and not bring you your $1.75 in change. There's a small convenience store in the small mall on the US side at the
Tecate border that is open early, sells insurance, pesos and coffee.
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