Need Advise - Driving Down Baja to Cabo

[burtandnancy2]

We'll be leaving next week and taking 2 1/2 days to get the prox 1050 miles driving only during daylight. Is there a $ to peso exchange near the border? How many toll roads can we expect? Any good advise?

[SHOTKALLIN]

1. Leave your jewelry at home.
2. Don't put all your money in one pocket. Stash it somewhere else. When paying off the cops you don't want them too see your whole wad.:D
3. Don't drink the water.
4. Incase you do bring some pepto bisamal.
5. Fill up before you cross the border. Pemex gas sucks.
6. Buy your beer there its stronger.
7. Take pics to post on hot boat!
Most of all be safe

[Schiada76]

Don't drive at night EVER for any reason.
Don't stop to eat lunck or nap or sleep except at a campground, hotel or public area.
Give yourself extra time for the milage you expect to rack up dailey.
Go to the Vagabundos Del Mar website, join and take all their advice.:D

[shrek]

We'll be leaving next week and taking 2 1/2 days to get the prox 1050 miles driving only during daylight. Is there a $ to peso exchange near the border? How many toll roads can we expect? Any good advise?
That is a serious drive, if you have never driven down there.
Only drive during the day......Plan on it taking 3 days.
Watch for Cows.......all the time.
The toll plazas will take US money.......everywhere will, you really dont need pesos.
Drive just like you drive in the States, and you will be just fine.
Trust your judgement and your gut.....if it feels fishy or wrong......it definitely is.
Enjoy the scenery.........beautifull views.
May I ask why you are driving to Cabo?
Shrek

[RiverFF]

I have done that trip 8-10 times and I love it..
In brief:
Drive in daylight only
Last toll outside of Ensenada
Approx. 5-7 military check points, They are looking for guns and drugs. If you dont know fluent spanish dont even try. They have had a tenedency just to let me pass. They will look through your stuff. Curtosey and calling them sir goes a mile. Also offer h20 to them.
If camping on the way, make Conception Bay (Bahia de Conception)a stop, Its beautiful..
Penmax gas is cash only. If wondering if you should stop and top er off or try to make it to the next town, top it off.
At Guerro Negro turn off, Check point checking produce, they will take it if you do not hide it well.
Loreto is aslo a good place to stop for a cheap motel and food. 8 hour drive from there to the tip.
Passing on the left. Becare truck drivers will signal with their left turn signal for the following reasons: OK to pass them, He is making a left turn Be careful..
Tecate or beer cans at a corner: broke down truck, slow down.
Buy beer, save receipts and bottles and remember where you bought them so you can get your desposit back...
I'm sure I will remember more. Hope this helps....

[burtandnancy2]

Thanks everyone, great advise, everyone we talk with has new hints. Shrek, we go to Cabo about twice a year, but this time our friends have purchased a new home with a garage so we're taking a four wheel drive jeep down there to leave. The girls will fly down and we'll pick them up at the airport and a week or so later we'll all fly home. River FF, thanks for your suggestions as well. We've made our first reservation at a hotel in Guerro Negro, the second night at La Paz and then finally to Cabo - 2 1/2 to 3 days should be easy driving daylight only. How many $ do you have to bribe the bandidos with to let you go...

[moneypit]

1.Check your spare tire'S.
2.Always watch for stuff in the road.
3. Keeps you eyes peeled for Cows that have human lips that talk in Tongue's:D

[burtandnancy2]

How do you pay for gas down there, $, pesos or CC ?

[6 Dollar Boat]

I made that drive in 2 days, I wish I had more time (it's beautiful). Like everyone else said DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT. You don't know what will be in the middle of the road.
Make sure you have a good spare tire or two...we had a tire blow out, and got it fixed at a small house / llantaria...you will see that word everywhere on your trip.
Best tip....SLOW DOWN and ENJOY your trip, you will have some great memories.

[6 Dollar Boat]

How do you pay for gas down there, $, pesos or CC ?
I like to keep everything in $US. It will get confusing converting $US to pesos and liters to gallons...

[burtandnancy2]

Thanks 6 $, good advise, maybe stretch is out to at least 3 full days. Wife has already given me her good camera. Friends recommend a side trip to Mulege. Anyone know where the Pacifico and Corona are the coldest...

[SOCALDETAIL1]

Dont forget to cable lock your hood, They love to steal batteries down there.

[Sportin' Wood]

I disagree with the don't drive at night to a point. IMHO the safest time I have had on the roads down there(I use that term loosely)was the wee hours of the morning. Sunset is by far the worst time of the day to drive. The roads tottaly blow, bring extra tires. Good offroad lights help spot the cows in the road. If your pulling a trailer I hope you have nerves of steel as the roads are not wide enough for a big rig and your trailer to both fit. You get use to wipping the trailer off the road at the last second. I totaled a trailer near the Baja Sur state line in November, wipped it off the road and hit a 2 foot high concrete curb. Better then a head on.:D
Peso's for gas. They cheat you no the exchange otherwise. I can't see doing it in 2 days with out some night driving.

[Sportin' Wood]

Dont forget to cable lock your hood, They love to steal batteries down there.
They steal kidney's also make sure you ruin yours daily so they don't want it.:D :D

[shrek]

What hotel did you make your reservation in Guererro Negro........We had a bad experience in Guerrero Negro.
Guerrerro Negro in one day is a bit of a push, and a rough drive, unless you are starting from Ensenada..........If you are starting from the states, I would suggest you making your first some in San Quintin.......nice little fishing village......then San Ignacio or Loreto, and then on to Cabo.......
If you have any time at all, stop and eat lunch in San Ignacio..........Amazing place in Baja....its about a mile off of the "highway", but I promise it will be worth it.
Here is a picture from a trip up from La Paz, after the Baja 1000.
Shrek

[MikeF]

Lots of good advice there by all the above............:)
To add......
Gotta have your passport to get back into the US now! Make sure you have them and keep them in the safest place possible.
You (would be a good idea) need to get a tourist visa at the border (Mex side). Drive into the check area (when you get to the border, get in the furthest right lane) and park there. You'll have to walk to the building where the visas are had......(walk through buildings right in front of you and walk back to the border crossing). Fill out the PPWork and then go pay the cost for the visa at the bank.....then back to the visa place to get the stamp. Takes some time.....but rather be caught with it than without it. (never been asked for it.......but.....like I said)
When the army guys do check your vehicle.....make sure someone stays up front (to watch the guys going through your stuff). I've driven alone down there and have had stuff lifted.:rolleyes:
Absolutely NO GUNS/AMMO! or Drugs! Remove anything that has anything to do with this and you should be ok........I mean anything! When they say Armas/Drougas..........Say.....Nope! The "kids" have weapons.....
Insurance for mex.....just get it for the full year....you'll be covered.
Bring extra cash in a safe place.
Pesos for fuel!.......and tip the guy/girl filling your tank.:)
Tire inflator and plug kit. Fully inflated SPARE TIRE. Get the flat tire fixed in the next town available. LLantera.....is a tire fix it place.
Extra serpentine belt....just in case.
Some tools.
GO FISHING!
Be nice!;)
Another nice place to stay/visit (either for the night or just a bathroom break)(basically check out all the rocks and cactus and take some pics).....is Catavina.
When the tractor trailers show you the left turn signal out on the desolate sections of the road.......they are saying it's OK (clear road ahead) to pass me.
Whatever you do......do not get in an accident.
And do not hit any pedestrian.......you won't be coming back if that happens!
Drive fast enough to where you know you'll have control when braking.
If there are a couple of people in the center of the road asking for a donation.....give it. If there is a federalie in sight and you don't give it to the people......you'll be giving it to him! :o
There are many more Pemex stations now and you'll likely not have to run out of fuel....but fuel when you can or you know there is a 180 mile drive to the next station.
Have a safe trip! (I'll be going in June and Sept! :D Happy days ahead!)
The best fish taco stand in San Quintin is the one on the corner of the square just after the traffic light/Pemex station in the south end of S.Q. (on the right side of the road going south). Highly recommended!:)
Bring fresh drinking water!!!!!!.....and toilet paper!

[Sportin' Wood]

What hotel did you make your reservation in Guererro Negro........We had a bad experience in Guerrero Negro.
The first one on the right as you come into town was not too bad. We had to stay there when I screwed the trailer all to hell. I can not remember the name of it but it had a large parking lot in the center of all the rooms.
There is a great tire shop in that town as well. Its the closest thing to a US tire shop I had seen in baja. The guy who owns it is real cool and has a lot of quality BFG tires in stock.
Iguana Inn in Loreto is real nice I agree with Shrek on over night stops.
Coming back from La paz with only a brief stop for lunch at conception Bay I did not make it to Guerrero Negro any where near before dark.
Catavina is real nice, They have fuel there some times:D

[6 Dollar Boat]

More Baja info than you will ever need is here... (http://www.bajanomad.com/)

[riverroyal]

well to la paz,close.Try and hit ensenada at sunrise,get through tj and crap early,like 5am,not traffic or issues.The road gets scary after ensenada,you need daylight

[burtandnancy2]

We plan on going thru Tj at 7:00 AM, driving all day to Guerrero Negro which on our map shows 477 miles. Thats prox 40 mph average sunrise to sunset. Is that doable?
We've printed out many of your suggestions, thanks everyone, and I hope theres more reposnse before Friday, 04/27. Buy you all a cold one when we get back...

[shrek]

We plan on going thru Tj at 7:00 AM, driving all day to Guerrero Negro which on our map shows 477 miles. Thats prox 40 mph average sunrise to sunset. Is that doable?
We've printed out many of your suggestions, thanks everyone, and I hope theres more reposnse before Friday, 04/27. Buy you all a cold one when we get back...
I dont think it is realistic........The last thing you want to be in Baja is rushed.......and the one thing that has been a commonality amongst all the posts is not driving at night...........I think if you leave Ensenada at 7am, you will be driving for about 2-3 hours into the night to make Guerrero Negro........and it wont be an enjoyable drive...
40 mph sounds conservative, I know..........but I bet you will find yourself averaging about 30 with lunch, fuel stops, going 5mph because you are following a grossly overloaded truck through a canyon, etc, etc, etc.......
Plan to stay in Catavina the first night, you will have a nice relaxing drive, and get to have a nice dinner there.......leave the next morning at daybreak, have lunch in San Ignacio---Check out the Mission!.....Then stop in Loreto for the next night.........Wake up the following morning and cruise into Cabo the next day..........
Let us know how it goes.........
Shrek

[burtandnancy2]

OK then, back to the drawing boards. Will call the chief driver (I'm co-pilot/navigator) and think this over. We've got reservations in Guerrero Negro and La Paz, but they can always be changed. Get back to you on this...

[Mandelon]

Do you know any spanish? In addition to the above very good suggestions I would add a phrase book, so you can ask simple things. Many of the shop and store owners speak english somewhat, but if you are on the side of the road it might be handy to be able to explain what you need to a less schooled local in a language he can understand.
The big trucks haul ass down there, they must get paid on how fast they drive. Check behind you before you pass, some other guy might already be trying to pass you and the slow person in front of you..
They like Playboys to trade. No guns, not even BB guns. Bottled water for sure. Use those limes they give you with the beers to clean the rim or top of the bottle or can.
Its a beautiful drive. I've driven part of it, and its amazing in places. Watch out for cows. An extra spare might be worth having, just in case.
And a tire shop is a Llanteria, you gringos! Vagabundos Del Mar is a great suggestion.

[SnakeCharmer]

We'll be leaving next week and taking 2 1/2 days to get the prox 1050 miles driving only during daylight. Is there a $ to peso exchange near the border? How many toll roads can we expect? Any good advise?
After reading this thread! and having been to a few--third world countrys!......My very best advise!...Don't go!!...take the cruise!....Have more fun! :D

[burtandnancy2]

Thanks Snake, but we've done that. Mexican cruises, Panama cruises, Tahiti cruises, in addition to Mead, Powell, Havasu, LOTO, etc. Just a couple of old Hallett(s) owners looking for new adventures. YOURS is the only advise I don't think we'll take...

[boats&bars]

Spare tires
spare fluids
A funnel with a filter is a must
cash never all in the same place
and yes porn they love that shit

[Schiada76]

VDM is $35.00 per year, they have air evac contact (very important in Mexico), car insurance, hotel discounts etc.:D

[6 Dollar Boat]

OK then, back to the drawing boards. Will call the chief driver (I'm co-pilot/navigator) and think this over. We've got reservations in Guerrero Negro and La Paz, but they can always be changed. Get back to you on this...
Now that I think about it, we made close to G. N. the first night and stayed in La Paz the second.
Thanks for this thread...It has got me interested in going back to Baja...and now I have convinced my fiance to take a road trip through Baja for our honeymoon!!!:D :D :D

[MikeF]

What he said
I'm leaving for Cabo on Saturday 4-28 should arrive in Cabo on the 5-4. Were going down the sea of cortez side and coming home the pacific side. Alot of offroad miles but what an adventure !!! My suggestions: go with a smile and a good attitude and have fun :)
F:DCK!
:cool:

[Riverkid]

You also might want to rent a satellite phone, just in case...

[Cs19]

no guns no drugs

[Member: 7673]

Very Important!
You also might want to rent a satellite phone, just in case...
also dont forget the energy drinks(Monster/Redbull) for the Federales.
Good Luck and be SAFE!

[Baja Big Dog]

O.K....here goes.
Just got back tonight.. Were down every other month on off road tours.
Stop at the immigration at the border for visa, you WILL be asked for it at the state line, if you don't you can get it at the state line in Guerrero Negro. (have a buck ready to spray your car for bugs!)
YOU DO NOT NEED A PASSPORT TO GET IN OR OUT OF MEXICO BY LAND. YOU NEED A PASSPORT OR A STAMPED BIRTH CERTIFICATE TO GET YOUR VISA, (GOOD FOR 6 MONTHS)
Three tolls before Ensanada ($2.25 each, except for the last one which is $2.50, unless you are towing a trailer)
Exchange peso's for dollars especially for gas, it is a rip off, don't tip the gas people, it gets you nothing. It will save you 8%, which adds up during a trip to the tip.
Get insurance, the annual is a good idea, the daily rate will be more money.
Anaheim to San Ignacio is 16 hours, with trailer. If you can push it I would it, stop at Rice and Beans, tell Ricardo Chris from BORA sent you and and ask for one his special Margies.....
If you don't stay there your other choice would be Guerrero, which I would avoid, dirty shit hole town, lock up everything, but unfortunately its a good half way point. Its 11 hours or 495 miles from San Ignacio to Cabo, but the ride is beautiful along the coast.
If you had the chance I would take three days, and enjoy the drive.
I would go to San Quintin, stay at the Old Mill, its about 6 miles off the road but well worth it, free beer (Pacifico) when you check in, extra beers cost you a donation for the handicap children's fund.
Then I would go to Loreto Oasis on the beach is awesome!!!!
From Loreto to Cabo is 330 miles (boring).
6 to 9 check points for drugs and guns as said before, don't speak Spanish.... act as dumb as you can smile and tell them where you are going. NO DRUGS!!! they have dogs, and pot is a drug, leave it at home!!!
Sat phones (Globalstar) DO NOT work, they are having problems with satellites, and wont say anything. Use Cingular almost everywhere down there, Verizion is too "spotttie", they will tell you they work, but like most bullshit Verizion says is a lie!!
We have a saying in Mexico...,"DONT PASS GAS!" You can get gas at most towns, but be sure to fill up in El Rosario, Catavina has a gas station, however they have no GAS!!! They have guys with cans for an elevated price, at Catavina and the Bahia De Los Angeles turnoff.
Avoid credit cards, the rates will kill you! No travelers checks, most places don't take them, ATM's work in Mexico.
Wow, IM tired......PM me for more info and secret maps!!!:jawdrop:

[dirty old man]

got room for one more soul? I'll bring the beer

[burtandnancy2]

Baja Big Dog, and others, thanks for all the input. We've made a few changes in our time line, going to start out dark thirty from Chula Vista rather than Rancho Cucamonga, and going to get the paper work done at Lazaro Cardenas, and adjusted fuel stops as well. I've printed out this entire post to take along and will make a full report when we return 05/07/07. Thanks again everyone...

[nodigg]

BEAUTIFUL drive! We came back from Bahia de Los Angeles in one day with the 5th wheel just to give you some ideas about times and distances. Guerro Negro would be a long days drive but doable for the first day if you leave early. NO NIGHT DRIVING!

[OGShocker]

YOURS is the only advise I don't think we'll take...
I do not think I could support the narcofukwads that run the Baja but, that's just me. Have a great trip!

[billet racing 1]

Made the trip a few times. In Loreto, stay at the Oasis. Room/meal package.
couple more items.
When we were not sure of the place, took a relay or two out of the engine compartment. Carried them with us.
Extra fuel. Just in case. We did hit stops that had no fuel.
Takes us four days from San Diego to Loreto. Too much sight seeing and enjoyng the area. Stop and see the towns, eat wherever you can. Real nice people there.
Jerry

[burtandnancy2]

TO: Shotkallin, Schiada 76, Shrek, River FF, 6 Dollar Boat, Sportin' Wood, Mike F,Magic 34, Baja Big Dog; Based on much advise, we're moteling in Chula Vista Thursday nite, cross the border Friday AM. Now for the good news. Partner Ed just got a call from a buddy who's got a fishing boat waiting for us on Sunday in La Paz. We had already booked a hotel there so its fitting in just perfect. We can fish Sunday, get to Cabo Monday PM to pick up the wives at the airport. Party with them all week, then we've got a 36' Picante named Salsa for fishing again next Sunday. On Tuesday another couple comes in for a 1 day layover and we're meeting for lunch at The Office. If you need us we'll be at Pueblo Bonito at Sunset Beach...

[Baja Big Dog]

TO: Shotkallin, Schiada 76, Shrek, River FF, 6 Dollar Boat, Sportin' Wood, Mike F,Magic 34, Baja Big Dog; Based on much advise, we're moteling in Chula Vista Thursday nite, cross the border Friday AM. Now for the good news. Partner Ed just got a call from a buddy who's got a fishing boat waiting for us on Sunday in La Paz. We had already booked a hotel there so its fitting in just perfect. We can fish Sunday, get to Cabo Monday PM to pick up the wives at the airport. Party with them all week, then we've got a 36' Picante named Salsa for fishing again next Sunday. On Tuesday another couple comes in for a 1 day layover and we're meeting for lunch at The Office. If you need us we'll be at Pueblo Bonito at Sunset Beach...
Im not a hater, but you are now pissing me off!!!
Have fun:D

[Sportin' Wood]

TO: Shotkallin, Schiada 76, Shrek, River FF, 6 Dollar Boat, Sportin' Wood, Mike F,Magic 34, Baja Big Dog; Based on much advise, we're moteling in Chula Vista Thursday nite, cross the border Friday AM. Now for the good news. Partner Ed just got a call from a buddy who's got a fishing boat waiting for us on Sunday in La Paz. We had already booked a hotel there so its fitting in just perfect. We can fish Sunday, get to Cabo Monday PM to pick up the wives at the airport. Party with them all week, then we've got a 36' Picante named Salsa for fishing again next Sunday. On Tuesday another couple comes in for a 1 day layover and we're meeting for lunch at The Office. If you need us we'll be at Pueblo Bonito at Sunset Beach...
Stayed in the harbor on a fine motor yacht last November. The highlight of my time in the Harbor was partying with the cruisers living on shoe strings and following their dreams of sailing. Most where retired and had planned most there lives. Very generous people. Had some great talks and plenty of good food and fine booze:D
Make sure you kick on the VHF radio and listen to the morning updates from all the liveaboards. Good times for sure. there are some real easy on the eyes women living in La Paz.;)
Good luck, Via Con Dios.

[MikeF]

and will make a full report when we return 05/07/07. Thanks again everyone...
Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock!:D

[Sportin' Wood]

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock!:D
I bet they stayed an extra couple days.... Pretty hard to leave Baja:D
I'm trying to figure out a plan to head down next week and start pre running for the 500. Maybe I'll just stay till mid June.. OOOPPPPSS` wait I don't think MMSW will like that much.;)

[nodigg]

I bet they stayed an extra couple days.... Pretty hard to leave Baja:D
I ALWAYS hate to come back!:(

[burtandnancy2]

Thanks for the homecoming. The driving to Cabo was really easy in some ways. The roads were very smooth other than a few detours and a couple of wash outs. But, wow, were they NARROW! When it came to passing a big truck or bus, you just closed your eyes, sucked it up and hoped. NO shoulders most of the time. We passed at least a dozen military stops (bunkers) but they were only stopping northbounders. Our hotel accomodations in Guerrero Negro and La Paz were about what we expected, had the best taco's in my life at Loreto. Biggest surprise were the speed-bumps in nearly every small town. Some were marked, some not, some marked and not even there, but VERY effective. DO NOT crash a speed bump!
As expected, Cabo was fabulous and I even caught my first Marlin. Weather was great, food spectacular, good time had by all. Only downer; Took over 1 1/2 hours to get thru LAX after a 1 3/4 hour flight home. Looking forward to next trip...

[MikeF]

None of us remembered the.........topes....Topes.....TOPES!.....BANG. :eek::o Oops. (mostly through meaneadero)
Glad your trip was safe! and congrats on the Marlin! Was it a Striper or a Blue? How many#'s?

[burtandnancy2]

Mike, striper, prox 150 lbs. Layed across the transom about 8 - 9 feet long. Catch and released. Took only two that day, but did better than most boats.

[MikeF]

Mike, striper, prox 150 lbs. Layed across the transom about 8 - 9 feet long.
Catch and released.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/732happy34.gif!