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Tim
Junior Nomad
Posts: 61
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: LA area
Member Is Offline
Mood: Tranquilo
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A Driving Trip???? First in 10 years???
OK get this -- I haven't done a driving trip south of San Quintin since 1996. So I have 9 days off, starting Aug. 31 (yes, Labor Day weekend) and I
think I can convince my significant other that a trip to Mulege/Loreto area would be beneficial. But, being that it's been so long, I have
many questions and the members of this board are far and away the most knowledgeable people I've ever read. So, here goes:
1. Leaving on Friday before Labor Day about 1 pm -- a problem?
2. What's up with Tourist Cards nowadays?
3. Thinking San Quintin first night, to Mulege by 2nd night, with the holiday weekend am I dreaming? Do I/Can I make reservations somewhere?
4. Wife doesn't like to camp, wife wants decent hotels. I'm thinking La Pinta in San Quintin, what about other areas, ie Mulege, Loreto, etc.?
5. Any can't miss places to EAT along the way?
I'm sure there's more, I'll think of them as the days draw closer. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'm more nervous about this than the day I proposed
-- at least I knew then she would say "YES"!!
And of course if any Nomads down south want to meet up, if I'm able to convince my wife to go we'd love to meet you somewhere along the way. First
round is on me!
Thanks in advance for any and all info.
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Gadget
Senior Nomad
Posts: 851
Registered: 9-10-2006
Location: Point Loma CA
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Mood: Blessed with another day
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La Pinta San Quintin?? A little out of the way for what it is.
I head for the Old Mill if you want to leave the hiway and its way more quaint.
In town La Villa de San Quintin, on left when SB. Its only a few years old, restaurant is pretty good, Ricardo the owner very nice. 616-165-1800
If you make it to El Rosario stay at the Baja Cactus, Antonio will hook you up. Eat at a taco stand with lots of locals.
Mulege, we usually camp at one of the beautiful beaches south of there, someone else will have to pick up the lodging info here.
Eat at Los Equipales, you WILL not be disapointed.
Don't drive at night. If your having to rush to get someplace then your trying to do too much. Just don't go as far south and chill where you get.
"Mankind will not be judged by their faults, but by the direction of their lives." Leo Giovinetti
See you in Baja
http://www.LocosMocos.com
Gadget |
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Ken Bondy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3326
Registered: 12-13-2002
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Mood: Mellow
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I'm in the minority, but I like the San Quintin La Pinta. Clean, quiet rooms, generally friendly personnel, decent restaurant and bar, water and
electricity 24/7, and it sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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1. Yes, the crossing time will be a bit longer at the border.
2. FMTs are required and available at the border.
3. Definitely the Old Mill over La Pinta for price, atmoshere and proximity to good food. Yes, I would make reservations on the holiday weekend.
4. In Mulege go to the Serenidad. A bit pricey but has a pool, pool bar, food, etc. It has the only "resort feel" in Mulege. Saturday nights are the
pig roast. In Loreto, the Iguana Inn is moderately priced, clean and near everything.
5. Food ?? Hmmm...Avoid Mama's ??
I'll leave the rest to the locals.
.
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Tim
Junior Nomad
Posts: 61
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: LA area
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Mood: Tranquilo
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Thanks for the replies. I stayed at La Pinta some years ago and remember it to be a good hotel, with a pool table in the lobby, just a bit pricey by
Baja standards. Also my wife has relatives in the San Quintin area, she may end up calling them once I approach her with the idea. But still want to
keep all options open. I guess my worries lie in Mulege and Loreto area and especially over a long weekend.
Thanks again!
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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just go......but don't look in the rear view, i'll be right there!
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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Just a couple of restuarants along the way that we like.
After we cross the border we often drive to San Vicente and eat breakfast at Valentinas---just south of the Pemex---family run, lots of locals,
friendly, fresh OJ, just plain old good.
In Guerrero Negro we did like Las Cazuelas untill we had some really awful fish soup---oily and nasty along with a dried fish fillet---so now we are
back eating at Puerto Viejo near the entrance to town---next to Posada Don Vicente's---never had a bad meal there.
Tercos Pollito in Santa Rosalia---near the entrance to town. Good food and fantastic squid dip and I don't like squid---but love that dip.
Doney's in Mulege---easy to find across from the Internet Cafe-----excellent, IMHO
Now if you decide to head out our way, Bahia Asuncion, try the little restuarant at Hotel Verduzco----real local place, no menu, good food.
Just a couple of suggestions
Diane
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bajamigo
Super Nomad
Posts: 1218
Registered: 6-17-2006
Location: Punta Banda, BC
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Mood: hubimos llegado
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Ken Bondy
I'm in the minority, but I like the San Quintin La Pinta. Clean, quiet rooms, generally friendly personnel, decent restaurant and bar, water and
electricity 24/7, and it sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. |
I agree; a little pricey, but nothing to complain about. BTW, the La pintas have now been innovatively renamed the "Desert Inns."
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The Sculpin
Nomad
Posts: 401
Registered: 9-3-2002
Location: Back in the Saddle
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Mood: Riding into the Sunset, looking for a sunrise.
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I have never stayed at the La Pinta in San Quintin, but they are no longer La Pintas. I did stay at the Catavina one recently. If the experience is
similar, yiu will find the rooms much nicer, but the food expensive and rather flat. However, in San Quintin there are a few places close by. Isn't
DavidK's fav place close by?
As for eats, a late breakfast can be had in Jesus Maria at Carmelita's. It's on the east side of the road next to the (operational?) Pemex station.
Serenidad is a great place, but it is not a resort by US standards. Good breakfasts, but not early. Be adventuresome...there are good places in
Mulege, and in Concepcion to the south.
Keep in mind that Pemex shut down their biggest oil platform because of the storm in the Gulf of Mexico. I don't know what you're driving, but if
possible bring 2 or 3 (10 or 15 gallons) empty gas cans with you and fill them up on the way down. You may need them. If you do it right, they just
might pay for your trip!
Whoa there, Cowboy - pull back on those reins!
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Baja_Girl
Nomad
Posts: 157
Registered: 4-2-2007
Location: Pasadena, CA
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Mood: suavidad
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Hi, Tim,
recently took the trip with another baja girl and this is what we did:
The Old Mill in San Quintin - we loved it. We were greeted by Santa Claus offering us each a beer. Then Mrs. Claus showed up and said "you must be
the sweet two ladies" - and I said "yes, that's right."
Then, a few hours down to Guerro Negro. We stayed as Los Carocoles and drove to the sand dunes. That was an amazing site...acres and acres of
nothing but sand up against a beautiful surf. Relax and get a good night's sleep because the next day will be long...
We next stayed at the Serenidad in Mulege. After finishing the drive (and you will know what I mean) - I ordered a marquarita grande and sat in the
pool. We loved it.
Then, the last short, fun drive to Loreto. For a romantic evening, try Loreto Playa Bed and Breakfast. A little more expensive, but it looks yummy.
If not, Coco Cabana's is awesome, then Oasis, then Iguana Inn...which is probably booked by now because of their low rates. I liked it there, felt
safe, and its clean, but the beds were sooo hard...I sleep on a down and foam mattress pad - so I might be overly sensitive about the "mattress on a
cement block" scene.
Have fun - I loved every minute of this itinerary, and if I ever figure out how to down load pictures from the new friggin camera, I could show you.
This is not the cheapest way to go - but definitely worth the extra dollars!
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bajajudy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6886
Registered: 10-4-2004
Location: San Jose del Cabo,BCS
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Hope this will help!
http://www.desertinns.com/index.cfm
http://www.hotelserenidad.com/
http://www.loretomexico.com/loreto/hotels/hoteloasis.htm
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Tim
Junior Nomad
Posts: 61
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: LA area
Member Is Offline
Mood: Tranquilo
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Thank you so much everyone for all the information. I really, really appreciate it!
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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tim
if you can drive another hour... drive to el rosario and stay at the bajacatus motel
nice place and you're only staying overnite anyway
the ONLY problem is don't count on breakfast anywhere in el rosario before 8AM
they just don't get up
for sure stay at the serinade for the pool bar and restraunt
the place IS getting older but still has the feel of "old baja"
too bad our place isn't done yet...
we WILL be the BEST place on the bay
lighthouse...pool...kitchen...toys...yea baby...
november 2007 is commin fast
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bob and Susan
tim
if you can drive another hour... drive to el rosario and stay at the bajacatus motel
nice place and you're only staying overnite anyway
the ONLY problem is don't count on breakfast anywhere in el rosario before 8AM
they just don't get up
for sure stay at the serinade for the pool bar and restraunt
the place IS getting older but still has the feel of "old baja"
too bad our place isn't done yet...
we WILL be the BEST place on the bay
lighthouse...pool...kitchen...toys...yea baby...
november 2007 is commin fast |
Well, it did look like it was going to be the best place on the bay until you removed McDonalds. 
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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Bob,
Your place is looking so great as it nears completion !!
I can imagine how excited you guys are when you look at this view from the water.
I can't wait to come stay with you some time !!
.
[Edited on 8-23-2007 by Diver]
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craiggers
Junior Nomad
Posts: 42
Registered: 3-2-2007
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The plan looks good on paper but SD to Mulege in a day and a half is one heck of a haul. If it were me I would think about Guerro Negro or San
Ignacio the second night. But thats just me I guess. That little road just gets to me after so many hours regardless of how long the day is.
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Tim
Junior Nomad
Posts: 61
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: LA area
Member Is Offline
Mood: Tranquilo
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I'm re-thinking strategy - probably leave Sat. morning rather than try to go Friday afternoon and battle traffic. In that case I would look into the
Baja Cactus in El Rosario, but dang spending the first night near the beach in San Quintin sounds very appealing, too! In Mulege Serenidad seems the
way to go, thanks again!
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DavidT
Nomad
Posts: 494
Registered: 4-9-2005
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Tim,
Will you be at the border at 1PM or leaving LA at 1? Southbound border traffic is usually heavy from 3 to 7 PM on Fridays. If you cross at 1 PM you
still have time to make El Rosario. The San Quintin La Pinta or The Old Mill might be a better choice. Maybe you could cross Saturday AM stay at
Catavina La Pinta, about 6 hours from the border. Five hours more and stay at http://ignaciosprings.com/
From there it is about two and a half hours into Mulege. Have a great trip.
David
Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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i just thought of this...
you should call the Serenidad ahead of time...
the month of sept is vacation time and sometimes the restraunt bar and pool are closed
the rooms are open but limited services and NO pig roast
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Tim
Junior Nomad
Posts: 61
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: LA area
Member Is Offline
Mood: Tranquilo
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OK let's say I leave Saturday morning (about 8 my time, I live in Los Angeles). Takes 2.5 hours to get to the border, another 1/2 hour to get tourist
card stuff, 1.5 hours to Ensenada, an hour for lunch, then 2 hours to San Quintin, right? That leaves me in San Quintin about 2:30 that afternoon.
Definitely can make it to El Rosario if need be, but I'll leave that decision up to the wife.
From San Quintin, the next morning wake up early and off towards Mulege -- yes I know very, very long drive. Or maybe stay one night in San Ignacio.
Like I said before we have 9 days, no need to rush at this point.
Next two nights in Mulege until Tuesday, then off to Loreto for 2 nights (until Thursday) then start heading home.
Bob and Susan -- can you recommend any good restaurants in Mulege?
Again I can't thank everyone enough for all this great info!!
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