driving the baja

[monton]

Hi there,

I was wondering if any of you guys have driven the Baja peninsula before. I had a couple of questions as to how safe it is, if it is safe to leave your vehicle for a week to do a side trip. Also if there is good opportunity to do some good wheelin'. Any info, routes, cool towns, etc. would be great.

Monton

 

[blupaddler]

We just finished a trip down to Cabo and back. Spending as much time as possible on the backroads.


Obviously, it is much better to travel with a group. I can't comment on leaving a vehicle along for a week. It depends on where, and if you've got someone to watch it for you. Otherwise Baja is pretty safe. No more dangerous than travelling in Los Angeles. Just common courtesy, and respect to the locals. Trying to speak the language, or know how to speak the language really goes a long way.


Check out this site for more details on our recent trip:
www.expeditionportal.com

Also these sites have a bunch of information too:
www.4wdtrips.net
www.bajataco.com
www.expeditionswest.com
www.davidksbaja.com
www.discoverbaja.com

 

[desertdude]

I felt safe in Baja away from the border towns - a good rule of thumb anywhere is " that which is seen is half lost" always nice to travel with others

as Robb mentioned above speaking the language really helps you

some random places of interest :

The Sea of Cortez - at Bahia De los Angles and Bahia Concepcion and near Loretto at Danzante - the towns of Todo Santos - La Paz and San Jose Del Cabo ( not cabo san lucas, this town is touristy) The town of San Ignacio ( a sweet tiny town full of locals - also known for whale watching) the remote mission towns or San Javier ( great little place- has a nice place to eat and a nice hostel ) - San Borja mission - ( say hi to the young Henry and his donkey Rabbit) and Cammandu mission ( beyond this place is miles and miles of great vistas and canyons like the grand canyon - find a gravel bed to camp in with views of the sea of cortez before the decend into San Alvaristo a small fishing village - just to name a few landmarks - The sea of cortez could be my favorite sea



One last tip it is always good manners to bring along extra candy - soda - clothes - water - for the locals at the ranchos you pass - at the missions - and along the road - brings a smile to the locals and breeds good will along the trails

 

[monton]

Thanks for the good info, I appreciate it. Can't wait to go... always look forward to check out new places.

Monton

 

[desertdude]

One last tip - watch the paved roads the local will always pass on the curves - the trucks will give you a left side blinker letting you know it is OK to pass - be careful on Mex 1 no shoulders and night driving is tough watch for animals in the road - there is "usually" gas at the Pemex stations - if you are in el resario watch that station they will try and rip you off ( ask me how I know - get the Baja almanac and a book for tips during travel.

Have fun!

 

[sethos1]

Also another tip. Get pesos, dollars are generally accepted, but paying with pesos is much easier, the farther down you go the better to have mexican currancy.

Also I like to keep a $20 bill (used to be $10) in my ash tray for when the federales pull you over for "speeding" or any other infraction they feel like pulling you over for. If they see your wallet with all your cash the price will be higher, so keep a stash for these cases. They will most likely tell you that you have to go down to the police station to take care of this. Every time I have been pulled over we have agreed on a price to pay the ticket on the spot.

Also like said above take candy or other goodies for the locals, they like american magazines. When going through the Military check points (they are looking for guns and drugs mostly) they will search your car and one time a young soldier found some skateboarding magazines. He seemed interested so I gave them to him. We were promptly on our way, and he had a smile on his face.

Be safe and have fun. I love Baja. One of the best places to take an extended road trip. I will be there with my family this summer.

Seth

 

[sethos1]

Baja GPS

http://www.lbmaps.com/

also here is a link to GPS Map of Baja.

Have not used it, but i plan to get it before my trip, and when I get my new GPS

Seth