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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65106
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Nikson
something I missed at the start...
as far as border crossing itself, whats needed to be done, other than have a US Passport.
Vehicle papers of certain kind?
Long stay permits (personal)?
Trailer insurance?
Medical insurance? |
You are technically required to obtain a tourist card ('FMM') at the border if you plan to be anywhere in Mexico over 72 hours or drive south of the
border region. The border region is unclear, but in the past was to Maneadero (10 miles south of Ensenada) or San Felipe on the east side of Baja. In
recent years, it seems to be the entire state of Baja California, since the one and only checkpoint for tourist cards was on Hwy. 1 at the border of
Baja California Sur (near Guerrero Negro). In any case, who goes to Baja Sur for 0-72 hours? At the Tijuana border, you will see the building at the
new crossing with parking... The office is called INM and you can get a free FMM for up to 7 days, or pay for one good for up to 180 days (about
$23US).
NO vehicle permit is needed for the Baja peninsula, only if you go to the mainland, south of Guaymas. Mexican Auto Insurance is most highly
recommended, click on the link at the top of this web page: http://bajabound.com and print out your policy at home, before you leave, for the days you want, or get a cheaper 6 or 12 month policy if you will
be in Mexico more than 3 weeks.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65106
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Nikson
is there a closer (and may be better) area to explore than Conception bay?
is it worth the drive?
Just like to kick back at the beach, minor activity, mostly water play for kids and such. |
San Felipe area south, Bahia San Luis Gonzaga/ Gonzaga Bay, Bahia de los Angeles (L.A. Bay), Bahia las Animas, Playa San Rafael, Punta San
Francisquito are all in the northern state of Baja California and have fine, sandy beaches with 0- to all services, depending where.
In the southern state, on the gulf side, Bahia Concepcion has many camping beaches, then south of Loreto is Playa Ligui beach... after that, it is a
long drive before you get near the gulf again, at La Paz.
On the Pacific side, Bahia Asuncion is a top choice of Baja Nomads... camping at Campo Sirena or a bed & breakfast/ room at Shari's many rooms...
http://bahiaasuncion.com
20 miles south of San Felipe (Shell Island, near Rancho Percebu):
Gonzaga Bay (Alfonsina's Resort):
Bahia de los Angeles:
Playa San Rafael:
Punta San Francisquito:
Bahia Concepcion:
Playa La Perla, Bahia Concepcion:
Playa Ligui, south of Loreto:
[Edited on 5-15-2013 by David K]
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6700
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
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Since you are a first timer to Baja. Ignore the folks who blast up and down the Peninsula. 2 reasons. First the road is unforgiving...I don't want
to pass just see you off the road on an off-camber turn. Take your time.
Second, it is BEAUTIFUL and different. You will want to see the many wonders of Baja...Things you can't see any where else. Again take your time
and enjoy.
I have been traveling Baja since a child 195.... and still find it amazing.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65106
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by rts551
Since you are a first timer to Baja. Ignore the folks who blast up and down the Peninsula. 2 reasons. First the road is unforgiving...I don't want
to pass just see you off the road on an off-camber turn. Take your time.
Second, it is BEAUTIFUL and different. You will want to see the many wonders of Baja...Things you can't see any where else. Again take your time
and enjoy.
I have been traveling Baja since a child 195.... and still find it amazing. |
Right on!
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hayb
Junior Nomad
Posts: 59
Registered: 6-7-2012
Location: Ramona
Member Is Offline
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I think most of the do’s are pretty much covered. Have done several trips pulling fishing boats on this highway. Once you get south of Ensenada in
many places the roads get much narrower. Pulling any type trailer is a challenge on Mex 1. You will notice that there are hardly any shoulders on the
highway. Make sure your trailer tires/spare and bearings are in good condition. Lastly you do want stop before it gets dark, the road is MUCH dimmer
than in the US, mostly due to dim reflectors and paint. That is a beautiful part of Baja! Have a wonderful time.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13212
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
Member Is Offline
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You know.....if you just want to go to a beach and chill for a bit with family, then maybe the Bay of LA is a better choice....it is really a very
long drive to Conception. By stopping sooner, it means more time to swim.
And Bahia de Los Angeles is stunning as you pull in.....islands and blue waters...friendly folk.....very nice beaches.
It is your call since, LA Bay, Shari's in Asuncion and obviously Bay of Concepcion and other spots further on are bee you tee full.
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Nikson
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 2-14-2013
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
You are technically required to obtain a tourist card ('FMM') at the border if you plan to be anywhere in Mexico over 72 hours or drive south of the
border region. The border region is unclear, but in the past was to Maneadero (10 miles south of Ensenada) or San Felipe on the east side of Baja. In
recent years, it seems to be the entire state of Baja California, since the one and only checkpoint for tourist cards was on Hwy. 1 at the border of
Baja California Sur (near Guerrero Negro). In any case, who goes to Baja Sur for 0-72 hours? At the Tijuana border, you will see the building at the
new crossing with parking... The office is called INM and you can get a free FMM for up to 7 days, or pay for one good for up to 180 days (about
$23US).
NO vehicle permit is needed for the Baja peninsula, only if you go to the mainland, south of Guaymas. Mexican Auto Insurance is most highly
recommended, click on the link at the top of this web page: http://bajabound.com and print out your policy at home, before you leave, for the days you want, or get a cheaper 6 or 12 month policy if you will
be in Mexico more than 3 weeks. |
So the "extended stay" permit can be obtained at the night of crossing technically?
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desertcpl
Super Nomad
Posts: 2400
Registered: 10-26-2008
Location: yuma,az
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by hayb
I think most of the do’s are pretty much covered. Have done several trips pulling fishing boats on this highway. Once you get south of Ensenada in
many places the roads get much narrower. Pulling any type trailer is a challenge on Mex 1. You will notice that there are hardly any shoulders on the
highway. Make sure your trailer tires/spare and bearings are in good condition. Lastly you do want stop before it gets dark, the road is MUCH dimmer
than in the US, mostly due to dim reflectors and paint. That is a beautiful part of Baja! Have a wonderful time. |
you forgot springs on the trailer,, I had a trip from hell pulling a small 5th wheel.. some trailers just are not made for Baja period
you hear storys of them just coming apart
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Nikson
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 2-14-2013
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaBlanca
You know.....if you just want to go to a beach and chill for a bit with family, then maybe the Bay of LA is a better choice....it is really a very
long drive to Conception. By stopping sooner, it means more time to swim.
And Bahia de Los Angeles is stunning as you pull in.....islands and blue waters...friendly folk.....very nice beaches.
It is your call since, LA Bay, Shari's in Asuncion and obviously Bay of Concepcion and other spots further on are bee you tee full.
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We are definitely reviewing all of the suggestions right now, and looking into seeing which way we want to approach this whole trip.
We are guessing that we might be taking an extra day or two to get to Conception Bay, and possibly stop at these suggested sites/beaches on our way
there - this way we have something to compare to...
Great suggestions, much appreciated!!!
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chuckie
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6082
Registered: 2-20-2012
Location: Kansas Prairies
Member Is Offline
Mood: Weary
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Hey! They are all pretty wonderful..just goand explore...Baja is not a place to gotta get there by..etc.....
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65106
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Nikson
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
You are technically required to obtain a tourist card ('FMM') at the border if you plan to be anywhere in Mexico over 72 hours or drive south of the
border region. The border region is unclear, but in the past was to Maneadero (10 miles south of Ensenada) or San Felipe on the east side of Baja. In
recent years, it seems to be the entire state of Baja California, since the one and only checkpoint for tourist cards was on Hwy. 1 at the border of
Baja California Sur (near Guerrero Negro). In any case, who goes to Baja Sur for 0-72 hours? At the Tijuana border, you will see the building at the
new crossing with parking... The office is called INM and you can get a free FMM for up to 7 days, or pay for one good for up to 180 days (about
$23US).
NO vehicle permit is needed for the Baja peninsula, only if you go to the mainland, south of Guaymas. Mexican Auto Insurance is most highly
recommended, click on the link at the top of this web page: http://bajabound.com and print out your policy at home, before you leave, for the days you want, or get a cheaper 6 or 12 month policy if you will
be in Mexico more than 3 weeks. |
So the "extended stay" permit can be obtained at the night of crossing technically? |
The latest word posted here on Nomad is that the FMM can be obtained and paid for 24/7 at Tijuana where I-5 crosses the border into Mexico. Not so
sure about Otay or Mexicali for their hours. Tecate INM has limited hours and it is not a 24 hour open border, either.
It is simply a type of visa, called a 'tourist card' and it is also known as an FMM (used to be called an FM-T). It is a small piece of paper you fill
in your name and 180 days (if they don't beat you to it and put in 90), plus they may stamp your passport, too.
Here was mine from last July, and the lady official was supper nice and filled it all in for us, and she had no problem when I asked her to make it
for 180 days as we would be crossing the border more than once after that day, and she said that was FINE to use it for multiple crossings (but you
only need it for over 72 hours in Mexico or travel beyond the border zone for any period):
[Edited on 5-16-2013 by David K]
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bkbend
Senior Nomad
Posts: 695
Registered: 11-27-2003
Location: central OR or central baja
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: |
is there a closer (and may be better) area to explore than Conception bay? is it worth the drive?
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You can explore some nice places that were mentioned like south of San Felipe or Bahia de Los Angeles but once you get to Concepcion Bay you'll wonder
why you wasted the time. I've had my kids at all those places and Concepcion was always the favorite. For a first trip go there, set up camp, and
enjoy yourself. Spend an hour or so checking all the campsites from Santispac to La Perla and you'll find something to fit your needs. Most of the
coves in Conception will also provide better wind protection than beaches outside the area.
Take the two days and don't rush the trip as previously mentioned. There are lots of places to kill an hour or two exploring on the way down. My
favorites: Mission San Fernando, the arroyo north of Catavina, the square in San Ignacio, walking around Santa Rosalia (don't take a motorhome into
Santa Rosalia, at least more than a block or so.)
As for gas in El Rosario, I prefer the Los Pinos station south of San Quintin, easier to negotiate, clean restrooms, and a mini-mart for road snacks
or coffee. It adds 35 miles to the no gas stretch but still only around 250 miles.
One you learn the ropes on this trip you can start looking at other places on your next trip.
[Edited on 5-17-2013 by bkbend]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65106
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bkbend
As for gas in El Rosario, I prefer the Los Pinos station south of Guerrero Negro, easier to negotiate, clean restrooms, and a
mini-mart for road snacks or coffee. It adds 35 miles to the no gas stretch but still only around 250 miles.
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The Los Pinos station is south of Lazaro Card##as and San Quintin... about Km. marker 11. Guerrero Negro is what is 250 miles south of there.
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bkbend
Senior Nomad
Posts: 695
Registered: 11-27-2003
Location: central OR or central baja
Member Is Offline
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Aaak, don't know where my brain was, thanks DK.
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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I think wind may be less of an issue in Concepcion than Bahia de Los Angeles. Factor in such tangibles as a stop in San Ignacio, comparing "downtown"
Bahia de Los Angeles to Mulege, visiting the mision, and old prison, and things may not be so "equal". Except for perhaps La Gringa, swimming quality
at BdeLA isn't the same for me as it is at Santispac or Coyote.
If a day's time or distance was critical then BdeLA would become more attractive for camping IMHO. gosh darnned wind has plagued me too many times in
Bahia de Los Angeles.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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2002maniac
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 4-2-2013
Location: Cedar City, Utah
Member Is Offline
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My wife and I just returned from our first trip to baja together. We spent 10 days crossing in Algodones-San Felipe-Gonzaga-BayofLA-San Ignacio-Bahia
concepcion-loreto
Concepcion was by far our favorite. We spent one night at playa econdida and had the place to ourselves. Beautiful little beach. We stayed the next
night at Requezon and loved it too. Swimming and snorkeling was best at Escondida.
Only hiccup of our trip was with the Tourist Card. The Oficina de Inmigracion in Algodones is not open on sundays. The Aduana agent told us to
continue our trip and get the Permiso in Grro Negro. Once we got there, the INM agent said he could not issue the tourist card but that we really
wouldn't need it anyway and sent us on our way. I was a little nervous about this, but nobody ever asked to see it. Oh well?
We had a great lunch at El Patron in Mulege near the lighthouse. Enjoy!
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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Speaking of which...
Has the migra decorating the ag spray station at the monumento given up for the time being?
When I showed him my inmigrado and CURP card the look on his face was similar to one I would get if I tried paying with monopoly money. He had me pull
over and he telephoned the office for confirmation. I would prefer to not lose 20 minutes again.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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Nikson
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 2-14-2013
Member Is Offline
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more awesome advise, family is getting a bit anxious and happy to see that summer is here...
after my overlanding 4x4 trip to Colorado & Utah (Moab), I'll be getting ready for the Mexico trip.
Tent Trailer is getting much love with various creature-comfort options, and will be setup pretty well for long dry camp, although mainly I think that
2x5Gal propane & my Honda 2Kw generator, will be sufficient to keep us pretty happy.
If anyone reading this wanting to add more info - feel free, I'll chime in to the thread as time goes,
Again - much appreciate everyone's advice.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65106
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Nikson
more awesome advise, family is getting a bit anxious and happy to see that summer is here...
after my overlanding 4x4 trip to Colorado & Utah (Moab), I'll be getting ready for the Mexico trip.
Tent Trailer is getting much love with various creature-comfort options, and will be setup pretty well for long dry camp, although mainly I think that
2x5Gal propane & my Honda 2Kw generator, will be sufficient to keep us pretty happy.
If anyone reading this wanting to add more info - feel free, I'll chime in to the thread as time goes,
Again - much appreciate everyone's advice. |
Just review posts on the Trip Reports forum here on Nomad... Have a great time!
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Alm
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2745
Registered: 5-10-2011
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Nikson
is there a closer (and may be better) area to explore than Conception bay?
is it worth the drive?
Just like to kick back at the beach, minor activity, mostly water play for kids and such. |
There isn't anything closer to CB than CB. It's a long bay. And there is hardly anything reasonably close AND a lot better at the same time. Mulege
has a few RV parks, usually better than those in CB - cleaner, and/or with water and electricity - but this is not close, and they are not on the
shore.
As others noted, don't drive in the night. Don't underestimate the road quality and obstacles like military check-points. Your average speed won't be
over 40-45 if you value your safety. Getting papers at the border takes time too. Ensenada traffic is annoying, terrible road pavement, this takes
time too, I would say the best time to get through Ensenada is early Saturday or Sunday, and the worst time is weekday mornings.
Propane plant about 8 miles before St Rosalia on your left is the only place to replace/refill your portable tanks, and propane fridge takes A LOT -
count on 1.5-2.0 lbs a day. There are few smaller semi-legal places where you can replace/refill those tanks, but the plant is the only reliable.
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