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Barefootmum
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 6-14-2011
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Mood: Optimistic
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Tourist Cards
Hi,
I'm off to the Mulegé area soon and I have three questions:
1) Tourist Cards. Last time I did the drive down I think I messed up because I obtained the tourist cards from the tourist office in Ensenada and
then had to find a bank to pay before going back to the tourist office to have them stamped; it all took rather a long time! Can I simply do
everything at the Tijuana border crossing? I'd just like to pay etc. all in one place rather than driving from place to place and waiting in lines at
each location!
2) Overnights. I'm planning on allowing two and a half days to do the drive because the children and I enjoy taking it slowly as the drive is part of
our vacation too. Where do you suggest staying? I was thinking of the Cactus Motel in El Rosario or the Desert Inn in Catavina on the first night
(depending on what time we leave LA that morning), but how about our second night? Any suggestions? I stayed in Santa Rosalia last time.
3) Nature Guide. I want to take a good guide to the nature (marine and land) of Baja this time, so any recommendations for a good nature book(s)
would be really appreciated.
Thanks!
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funkynassau
Junior Nomad
Posts: 46
Registered: 5-7-2011
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I've asked about the tourist card too and folks here told me you get it at the office at the border in Tijuana and pay for it there too, around $22.
Cant help with your other questions, sorry.
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John M
Super Nomad
Posts: 1924
Registered: 9-3-2003
Location: California High Desert
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questions
At the Tijuana port of entry you'd want to be in the rightmost lane, I believe it is shown on the overhead signs as the lane you want to be in if you
have something to declare. As you cross into Mexico in this lane there is, immediately, a parking area for maybe 30 vehicles. The immigration office
and bank are just to your right, about 100 feet apart.
Baja Cactus is a fine choice, and likely a bit less expensive than the hotel at Catavina, both good choices, about an hour and a half apart.
A couple of books to consider are:
The Baja Highway, a Geology and Biology Field Guide for the Baja Traveler by John Minch & Thomas Leslie
A Field Guide to the common and interesting plants of Baja California by Jeanette Coyle & Norman C. Roberts
Some edition, as this popular book has been redone many times: The Magnificent Peninsula, the comprehensive guidebook to Mexico's Baja
California by Jack Williams - this is a pretty good road log too.
John M
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mulegejim
Nomad
Posts: 470
Registered: 9-4-2006
Location: San Clemente, CA/Mulege, BCS
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The information about the tourist card given above is good. Baja Cactus would be a my spot the first night - you may want to consider Guerro Negro for
the next night and there are many posters who I am sure will respond with their favorite motels there. The reason I suggest GW is that it has, in my
opinion, a better choice of motels plus if you go to Santa Rosalia you may just as well drive the extra hour to Mulege. Jim
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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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I would say San Ignacio (an oasis) for the second night... Far far more interesting and beautiful than Guerrero Negro (a salt mine). Baja Cactus in El
Rosario is 1/2 the price and twice the motel as the one in Cataviña... 76 miles from it.
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Martyman
Super Nomad
Posts: 1904
Registered: 9-10-2004
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I would stay at the Hotel Santa Maria in San Quintin the first night. Only an hour north of Baja Cactus and IT IS ON THE BEACH! Unless you relish
the sound of those lovely jake brakes in El Rosario. No Problem getting to San Ignacio the next night.
[Edited on 6-15-2011 by Martyman]
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Barefootmum
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 6-14-2011
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Mood: Optimistic
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Great, thanks everyone!
So I'll get our tourist cards at Tijuana and I've just ordered The Magnificent Peninsula book, which means that all I have to do now (apart from
checking my tires and engine!) is decide on the overnights! I thought of staying at Baja Cactus because I remember enjoying the food at Mama
Espinosa's so much on my way back last time, plus I have a bag of children's clothes to drop off there anyway, but the old La Pinta (that is the Hotel
Santa Maria right?) in San Quintin sounds good - maybe on the way back up? I stopped overnight in Santa Rosalia last time I did the drive because we
were going further south than Mulegé, but San Ignacio makes sense and besides, I need to visit the mission there again!
Any favourite accommodation suggestions in San Ignacio?
Any restaurant recommendations (that'll be open in July) in Baja Conception?
This forum keeps me going all winter long and I love reading about everyone's Baja adventures!
Thanks!
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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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Hola Barefootmum...love your name by the way...and a hearty welcome to this forum. Are you new to the board or have been lurking awhile?
accomodation suggestions are sooo relative and depend on several things like tastes, budget, if you have kids or travel alone etc. It is so difficult
to suggest places when we dont know much about you...your tastes, likes and dislikes etc. It is always helpful for us if you give us a little
introduction and tell us a bit about yourself...where you are from, what your interests are, do you like to swim, are the quiet type or a party person
etc. so we may better answer your questions.
For example Ignacio Springs is fantastic and a nice place to swim in the river..but Casa Leree is also amazing, great for a single woman but more
rustic and is downtown...it will be very hot there now so something with air conditioning is important. Baja Cactus is great for the price and you can
get a massage!!!
Check your U2U message box up under the sign in area.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13242
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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welcome to Baja Nomad and your trip will be fantastic ... I second the San Igancio idea for a place to stay overnight - Casa Leree is the first
guest house for San Ignacio area and it has a museum that is a delight for adults, but especially for kids ... it has photos and artifacts and bones
of animals (kids love that kind of stuff) as well as a wealth of Baja Books and even some local artist handicraft .... it is a block away form the
main square which has some delicious ice-cream (cheap cheap CHEAP) and Juanita (Jane from US) is a treasure trove of history and stories ..
Have fun and take an hour or 2 to stop by Bay of Concepcion which is one of the nicest beaches perhaps in the world in terms of beauty ....
spectacular doesn't even begin to describe it ...
there is also the mission church which is enormous and interesting...and all of the above from museum to church is FREE. Here is the link to
Juanita's:
www.casaleree.com
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Barefootmum
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 6-14-2011
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Mood: Optimistic
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...Casa Leree sounds great - I'm sorted!
We've been to Bay of Concepcion before and I quite honestly think it's one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, in fact it is one of the
reasons we've decided to stay in that area this time.
I've been reading the board for about 18 months and traveling vicariously through all of your trips, although reading sometimes gives me itchy feet
and I begin craving a Baja trip! BTW - I've just updated my profile, however it seems as if we are on the same page anyway!
Glad you like the name!
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J.P.
Super Nomad
Posts: 1673
Registered: 7-8-2010
Location: Punta Banda
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Mood: Easy Does It
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I didnt see any mention that Mexico will only accept Pesos for fees like Tourist Cards and such.
Enjoy Bay of Conception
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3894
Registered: 2-9-2004
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If you get the tourist card at TJ border, there is a currency exchange place between the migra office and the bank. Also, just about any southern
california reference book on birds, shells, marine life, cactus, reptiles will suffice and easier to find. There is a good Audubon guide to deserts
and another on southwestern states that have a bit of each: butterflies, insects, mammals, plants, snakes, lizards, night sky, geology for a broad
overview. Of course there are specific books on Baja CA if you want to track them down. How old are your kids? They'll have a grand time - bon
voyage.
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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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when you get to san ignacio get youself and the kids a popsicle and sit under the big tree and be taken back in time while you enjoy the site of that
old church. don't forget to drop a 20-50 peso note into the donation box inside the church.
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bajajurel
Nomad
Posts: 276
Registered: 6-17-2009
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Fishing for fun
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If you are lazy and only make it to San Quintin stay here -
http://www.hotel-jardinesbaja.com/index.html
bajajurel
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by J.P.
I didnt see any mention that Mexico will only accept Pesos for fees like Tourist Cards and such.
Enjoy Bay of Conception |
Yes, they will only accept Pesos for the FMM (Tourist Card). There should be individuals at the IMM office/Bank/ border crossing that are hawking
insurance and will convert your dollars to pesos.....think it's $22USD
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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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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
I would say San Ignacio (an oasis) for the second night... Far far more interesting and beautiful than Guerrero Negro (a salt mine). Baja Cactus in El
Rosario is 1/2 the price and twice the motel as the one in Cataviña... 76 miles from it. |
In April, the price to stay in the (former La Pinta) motel in Cataviña was approximately $85 US - Baja Cactus costs $35 US. Use the difference to buy
a tank of gas and still have $$ left over, IMO.
The other motel in Cataviña holds no comparison to the Baja Cactus.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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Interesting to see all the personal faves of the Nomads.
I will jump in and ....
The recommendation of the Jardines de Baja is excellent. Fact is that they have an absolutely fabulous restaurant run by the family next door. Unless
you plan on being there on a Monday. Rates at Jardines de Baja are not really much more than the Baja Cactus. And despite your memories of eating at
Mama's, Theres been considerable debate on this forum about the experience there.
Either way, Jardines or Baja Cactus, they are maybe 30 minutes apart.
As for your stay farther down, while what Woody said about sitting under the expansive trees on the zocalo in San Ignacio is really a sweet
experience, it it was me, traveling with kids, I'd opt for Guerrero Negro, simply because, with the exception of perhaps Ignacio Springs and Casa
Leree, Guerrero Negro has more acceptible lodging choices as well as more dining options.
Don't know your kids. If you and they are truly adventurous, the restaurant in front of the Hotel Coboy, Asadero Cowboy is a great place for taco
lovers. For the less adventurous, the restaurant at Malarrimo is top notch.
I'd stay at GN, and then stop for a cone at the zocalo in San Ignacio.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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El Rosario
Southbound from the Baja Cactus is Baja's Best, on your right side.....a B&B and a great cafe. Stop in for breakfast or lunch.
In GN, suggest the Cowboy....and the little taco sit down stand in front has great food.......try the stuffed baked potato!!!!
[Edited on 6-21-2011 by bajaguy]
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Barefootmum
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 6-14-2011
Member Is Offline
Mood: Optimistic
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Interesting to see all the personal faves of the Nomads.
I will jump in and ....
The recommendation of the Jardines de Baja is excellent. Fact is that they have an absolutely fabulous restaurant run by the family next door. Unless
you plan on being there on a Monday. Rates at Jardines de Baja are not really much more than the Baja Cactus. And despite your memories of eating at
Mama's, Theres been considerable debate on this forum about the experience there.
Either way, Jardines or Baja Cactus, they are maybe 30 minutes apart.
As for your stay farther down, while what Woody said about sitting under the expansive trees on the zocalo in San Ignacio is really a sweet
experience, it it was me, traveling with kids, I'd opt for Guerrero Negro, simply because, with the exception of perhaps Ignacio Springs and Casa
Leree, Guerrero Negro has more acceptible lodging choices as well as more dining options.
Don't know your kids. If you and they are truly adventurous, the restaurant in front of the Hotel Coboy, Asadero Cowboy is a great place for taco
lovers. For the less adventurous, the restaurant at Malarrimo is top notch.
I'd stay at GN, and then stop for a cone at the zocalo in San Ignacio. |
Jardines de Baja does look great and I like the sound of their restaurant, plus we'd be there on a Saturday night which would work with it's opening
hours. Of course I was hoping to get further down than San Quintin on my first day, but a part of what I love about our drives down to Baja is not
knowing where we'll end up sleeping each night!
Our kids are 11, 13, 15 and 20 and they are adventurous! The eldest took himself to Kenya when he'd just turned 17, then off to Peru when he was 19.
His trips were done on a complete shoestring budget and he found street-kid charities to volunteer with in each location. Food wise I'm the
adventurous one.
My memory of San Ignacio in the summer is that it's sweltering and so Casa Leree may not work because of it's lack of AC, although we will stop and
visit San Ignacio again because I love the town.
I've never actually driven into Guerrero Negro but maybe this will be the trip. I was always a little put off by the various guide books 'salt and
fog' descriptions, but we just need a bed and I always like seeing somewhere new, if only to rule it out!
I always get my Pesos in the US before I leave, but will have some emergency dollars tucked away as well.
Maybe I hit Mama Espinosa's on a good day last time!
The kids have been collecting their gently used clothes and spare school pencils etc. for a few months and we were going to leave them at Mama's for
distribution unless anyone has a better idea.
One last question: We snorkel, kayak and dive but haven't dived off Conception - how is the dive shop in Mulege?
Thanks for all of the suggestions.
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LaTijereta
Super Nomad
Posts: 1192
Registered: 8-27-2003
Location: Loreto
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Barefootmum
One last question: We snorkel, kayak and dive but haven't dived off Conception - how is the dive shop in Mulege?
Thanks for all of the suggestions. |
I would recomend a stop over in Loreto, to snorkel over around Coranado Island. You can negociate a panga ride over to
the island right down at the marina, and be over there on the beach in under an hour. You will see much more sealife around the island, than up in
Conception bay. You can
Dorado Dive shop is also just up the street on Juarez from the marina, if you need any equipment rentals.
Check-out search "Isla Coronados, Loreto, BCS" on Goggle Earth for a better view...
Democracy is like two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
Ben Franklin (1759)
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