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Dariosantiago
Newbie
Posts: 1
Registered: 5-29-2016
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Complete newbie here. Driving by car from Phoenix to La Paz
Hi! I am really ignorant when it comes to Baja, but as I was contemplating a summer vacation for the family, the thought occurred that I could take
us to Baja for something a little different. I work in immigration law and I even litigate Mexican asylum claims, so I hear the horror stories all
the time. I have never even seen or heard of a case from Baja though. I may have a skewed perspective of the dangers associated with travel in
Mexico, so my question is simple. Is it safe to drive with the family all the way from Phoenix to La Paz? We don't have to go that far south if
there are closer non touristy places you might recommend, but the beaches in La Paz look absolutely divine.
My wife is Mexican and the children and I all speak Spanish, so language is not a problem. I was just concerned about general violence and safety
concerns. Any thoughts or suggestions as I contemplate a road trip of a week to ten days from Phoenix to Baja with a wife and four children ages 15,
12, 9, and 6? Am I crazy? I would greatly appreciate any thoughts.
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willardguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6451
Registered: 9-19-2009
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here we go......
DK's lickin' his chops.....
[Edited on 5-30-2016 by willardguy]
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Sandlefoot
Nomad
Posts: 219
Registered: 10-31-2011
Location: La Paz
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Mood: Home
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Been driving both ways, twice a year beginning in 1999. Never a problem for me, but i stay away from drugs and people that are involved in drugs.
that eliminates 99% of the possibilities. There are many many threads that deal with this and if you do a simple search you will have enough reading
to get you all the way to La Paz, if you start now!!!!
Come on down and enjoy this great place.
Mike
" Don't find fault, find a remedy; anyone can complain." Henry Ford
If you are not living on the edge...you are taking up to much space!
Just because it may not be a good idea does not mean it will not be fun!!!
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bajabuddha
Banned
Posts: 4024
Registered: 4-12-2013
Location: Baja New Mexico
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Mood: Always cranky unless medicated
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Safety?? Once you get outa Phoenix you'll be fine, other than the heat. If you think the Big P is hot in summer, you ain't seen nuthin' yet. I'd
love to put Sherriff Joe in pink underwear and a tent in Mulege. Your 6 y.o. will be the most vulnerable to the heat/humidity, and believe me,
there's no comparison. Oh, and keep your eye out for hurricanes... don't drive at night, or if it's raining REALLY HARD.
Suggestion? Fly to La Paz, and have an air conditioned room waiting for you; save a lot of grief.
I don't have a BUCKET LIST, but I do have a F***- IT LIST a mile long!
86 - 45*
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4x4abc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4243
Registered: 4-24-2009
Location: La Paz, BCS
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Mood: happy - always
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just come on down and enjoy the trip
hotels or camping or hotels&camping?
Harald Pietschmann
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6004
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
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Mood: Retireded
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I would go for it, with a little planning (but don't over think things).
My parents took our family to mainland Mexico when we were your children's age, and I took my own family to Baja and the mainland in the late 80's!
I intend to keep the tradition going forward by getting my grandchildren (with a parent or two) south of the border before much more time passes.
The memories will be forever!
If summer is the time you have, so be it, but I don't handle heat well. I pulled my kids out of school for the trips, and coordinated studies with
their teachers. They didn't get behind, and gained some valuable life lessons.
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3814
Registered: 2-9-2004
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Just be sensible - all the usual travel precautions. Don't look flashy - leave your valuables at home - don't bring a bunch of techno gadgets. Get a
good map; you'll become acclimated to the traffic hazards soon enough. The first 200 miles you crawl through small towns, go over 100 topes, but
finally the open road is before you. Take shade shelter of some kind. You can buy ice and water all over.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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Are you camping along the way? If so that brings about some safety concerns so ask for advice about camping spots.
Where are you staying at night while on the road?
The biggest safety risk is the narrow, sometimes no shoulder, high speed, sometimes rough Highway 1. Heads up daytime only driving. Make sure your car
is in good repair and be totally prepared to change a flat quickly. Check your spare tire and tire changing gear before you go. Take some jumper
cables too. Gas up full at El Rosario or just before when heading south. Carry pesos in smallish denominations. Use ATMs to get pesos.
[Edited on 5-30-2016 by SFandH]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64746
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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I am? What would you like me to do willard? There is a link in my sig (below) to my 2012 trip and week in and around La Paz that may be of interest?
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durrelllrobert
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7393
Registered: 11-22-2007
Location: Punta Banda BC
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Mood: thriving in Baja
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Best way to get to Tecate border
I assume yu will be traveling on I-8 from Gila Bend and crosing into Baja at Tecate and here's a hint for the best way to do that;
When you reach the summit at a village called Bulevard DON"T take the exit that says SR 94. If you do you will be on a very windy narrow road where
many accidents occur.
Instead continue west on I-8 about 18 miles more to Buckman Springs Rd. (there's a rest stop there) which is a wide road with very few curves. When
you get to end you will hit SR94, turn right and follow that to Tecate Rd, (highway 188) turn left and follow it to brder crossing. Then take MX 2
through Valle Guadalupe to Ensenada.
Bob Durrell
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captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
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Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
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WHAT ??
Summer is for B.C., Yukon and Alaska.. You going the Wrong Way !! 
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
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Quote: Originally posted by durrelllrobert  | I assume yu will be traveling on I-8 from Gila Bend and crosing into Baja at Tecate and here's a hint for the best way to do that;
When you reach the summit at a village called Bulevard DON"T take the exit that says SR 94. If you do you will be on a very windy narrow road where
many accidents occur.
Instead continue west on I-8 about 18 miles more to Buckman Springs Rd. (there's a rest stop there) which is a wide road with very few curves. When
you get to end you will hit SR94, turn right and follow that to Tecate Rd, (highway 188) turn left and follow it to brder crossing. Then take MX 2
through Valle Guadalupe to Ensenada. |
He can also cross at San Luis, Algadones, or Mexicali and take 5.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13195
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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the beaches in la paz are absolutely fabulous. clean waters. white sand. shallow with no waves.
go as soon as you can! very safe.
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6004
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
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Mood: Retireded
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I would agree with rts551 about coming down 5. Twenty three miles of road construction vs pot holes and the development along the north end of 1 is a
good trade.
I wonder if the OP is following this thread, or is a one and done poster?
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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bajabuddha
Banned
Posts: 4024
Registered: 4-12-2013
Location: Baja New Mexico
Member Is Offline
Mood: Always cranky unless medicated
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| Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo | I would agree with rts551 about coming down 5. Twenty three miles of road construction vs pot holes and the development along the north end of 1 is a
good trade.
I wonder if the OP is following this thread, or is a one and done poster? |
Now THAT'S a good Q... is the OP here? Hey, Dario; let us know if you're reading any of this. You're driving, but are you camping or doing the motel
gig? How many days? Baja's a big place (and a very small one too) with soooo many options.
Feedback, plz? 
I don't have a BUCKET LIST, but I do have a F***- IT LIST a mile long!
86 - 45*
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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I go the other way. Cross at Tecate and take the road down to Ensenada. For me, there is just still to much crappy dirt road on 5 to make it your
choice.
Besides, if you cross at Tecate and go through Ensenada, there are a number of very fine hotels and restaurants in that area.
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willardguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6451
Registered: 9-19-2009
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Im thinking the same thing! its day TWO and no response!!!!what are we dealing with here....a nomad with a life?
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18118
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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Don't go in summer. It is really too hot. Like really, really hot, and humid too!
Relative to fall, winter and spring, Very low numbers of people visit Baja in Summer, for a very good reason!
Don't do it!
| Quote: Originally posted by Dariosantiago | Hi! I am really ignorant when it comes to Baja, but as I was contemplating a summer vacation for the family, the thought occurred that I could take
us to Baja for something a little different. I work in immigration law and I even litigate Mexican asylum claims, so I hear the horror stories all
the time. I have never even seen or heard of a case from Baja though. I may have a skewed perspective of the dangers associated with travel in
Mexico, so my question is simple. Is it safe to drive with the family all the way from Phoenix to La Paz? We don't have to go that far south if
there are closer non touristy places you might recommend, but the beaches in La Paz look absolutely divine.
My wife is Mexican and the children and I all speak Spanish, so language is not a problem. I was just concerned about general violence and safety
concerns. Any thoughts or suggestions as I contemplate a road trip of a week to ten days from Phoenix to Baja with a wife and four children ages 15,
12, 9, and 6? Am I crazy? I would greatly appreciate any thoughts.
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Member Is Offline
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Stay on the Pacific side. Go thru TJ and take the coast down. Visit Shari and Blanca. Head down to San Juanico. Warm days and cool nights. Lots of
good things to see.
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JZ
Select Nomad
Posts: 10105
Registered: 10-3-2003
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by TMW | | Stay on the Pacific side. Go thru TJ and take the coast down. Visit Shari and Blanca. Head down to San Juanico. Warm days and cool nights. Lots of
good things to see. |
Disagree strongly.
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