Youll also want to consider the following: Time Your Road Trip During Non-Peak Hours: The time of day you leave can dramatically impact the experience you have at the border. Check out my Ensenada recommendations here. Distance: 219 miles (5 hours) from El Rosario to Tecate. Be prepared to answer a few questions and let them peek into your trunk. We have a converted camper van, a 2018 Promaster Dodge. What are the roads like? What a great service! Say Lleno, por favor (YAY-no, por-FA-vor) to have the attendant fill the tank. It also has had the unfortunate luck of being marked as one of the most dangerous cities to visit, but during the day (my only experience with the city), its alive with good food and friendly people. The Essentials: Water, Fuel & Toilet Paper 6. The Transpeninsular Highway, filled with blind curves and ghastly drop-offs, offers few guard rails. Keep Common Car Parts On You 7. Although many refer to it simply as Baja, the Baja California peninsula is actually made up of two states: Baja California and Baja California Sur. drive from San Diego to Puerto Nuevo - Baja California Forum Fly from San Diego (SAN) to Graz (GRZ) SAN - GRZ. From camping on the beach to ocean front rentals to boutique hotels, Baja California has plenty of incredible places to stay. Guerrero Negro is also a great place to stop Hotel Posada de Don Vicente is another good hotel and there is so much good food in town. She has traveled full-time with her husband, Michael, since 2018 and has visited Mexico since childhood. This isolation, compounded by the many miles of both paved and dirt roads is the most immediate danger of driving through Baja California. You can find a complete list of Ready Lane acceptable documents on CBP's website. San Diego to La Paz by bus. If we remember correctly, it was either a 50 peso deposit or the rate was an extra 50 pesos per night. The goats you see shuffling across the highway during the day are sending warnings with each tinkle of their bells: livestock own these roads and theyre waiting to claim them as the sun sets. There will be two tolls if you choose to take the toll road all the way. It sounds like your F150 or 4Runner would be a good choice. Your email address will not be published. This comes at no extra cost to you. Sara (Shirvani) Sackett on Instagram: "Throwback to last summer in Plenty of desiccated, crumpled cows line the highway here, best viewed during daylight hours! I wanted to ask a question because my friends and I were planning on driving to Ensenada/Valle de Guadalupe next weekend do you know if we need a negative COVID test to get back into the states? Recommended option Fly Tijuana to Loreto Fly from Tijuana (TIJ) to Loreto (LTO) 3h 15m $2218 - $9014 Cheapest option Your Drifters, YOU DO NOT NEED A T.I.P. How is that portion of the highway? Some businesses on the peninsula, like in many other parts of the world, havent survived the impact of the pandemic that could include hotels, motels and eateries. When you need an affordable car rental from San Diego to Baja Mexico, contact our office by calling (619) 298-5990 or reserve online. You do not need a vehicle permit (Temporary Importation Permit, or T.I.P.) Thank you very much for the compliment were happy you found the article informative! Some articles on Rachel Off Duty contain ads and affiliate links. Read more about this in our Privacy Policy. As a U.S.-born Mexican raised in Southern California, she is a bilingual and bicultural citizen of both countries. Distance: 306 miles (6 hours 20 minutes) from Muleg to La Paz @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-offpathtravels_com-narrow-sky-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'offpathtravels_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_17',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-offpathtravels_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); Try a traditional Mexican popsicle at the famous La Fuente and take an afternoon walk along the malecn (boardwalk) in Baja California Surs capital city, La Paz. 25 likes, 0 comments - Sara (Shirvani) Sackett (@keeping_it_sara_simple) on Instagram on March 9, 2020: "Throwback to last summer in Mexico! Keep in mind you certainlydoneed a T.I.P. Indicating a left turn has two meanings in Mexico: turning left (genius!) Theres no extra cost for you and it helps support our work. Jul 10, 2023. The drive from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas is 1,625 km and, according to Google maps, takes about 20 hours in total. Lesiones del ligamento anterior cruzado preocupan antes de la Copa FAQ's about Driving the Baja Peninsula | BajaInsider.com Travel to Baja California & Beyond. Duration. The highway from Loreto to La Paz is quite good for the most part. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then Ive committedmyself to living a more adventurous life, even if it meansbringing my laptop along for the ride.Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? We have a great article which lists the mileage from each border town to each major city/town along the way. Thanks for the comment and for reading! Well discuss vehicle insurance in Mexico which is required by law, althoughproof of insurance is not required to enter Baja California. When I went to Ensenada for Labor Day weekend, I drove back to Los Angeles at lunchtime on Labor Day, and it took 11 (yes, ELEVEN) hours to get through the border alone. It has been suggested to us by a Mexican friend, but would like more input from anyones experience with that. I would not drive Baha roads during the night for this simple reason. Thank you so much for posting. I was wondering if you could suggest some must see towns along the way. But first, I need helmet advice from fellow riders. Is driving in Baja California safe? Fly to San Diego on the U.S. side and walk across the border (a 30 minute drive south from the airport) or fly directly into Mexico via Tijuana. Day 2. In our opinion, looking around online last minute for a hotel in Mexico which accepts pets may be difficult. San Felipe - Highway 3 east to Highway 5 South (177 miles) Guerrero Negro - Highway 5 South to Highway 1 South (249 miles) Loreto - Highway 1 South (259 miles) La Paz - Highway 1 South (221 miles) Los Cabos - Highway 1 South (98 miles) Driving across the border from the U.S. to Mexico into Tijuana is very easy. extends to certain parts of Sonora state, which borders the state of Baja California. For a good selection of conventional accommodations at the best prices we recommend Hotels.com on the peninsula and throughout Mexico. Driving to Mexico? A Llantera (yahn-TERA) is a road-side tire shop specializing in used tires along with quick service. The itinerary above features seven stops and in theory you could drive one way in seven days. Hi really great post! Theres so much to see on the Baja peninsula, we could fill multiple books with things not included on this short itinerary! From wine-tasting in the Mexican countryside to snorkeling with whale sharks to relaxing under a palapa in the Pacific, this classic 10-day Baja California road trip is guaranteed to be one of the best road trips youll ever take! If so, where do the hiways intersect? San Quentin is a good place to stop for us because theres an inexpensive hotel with a great taco stand out front: Hotel Uruapan and Tacos Los Poblanos. Of course, read thisbefore getting behind the wheel! Required fields are marked *. We never had to get a TIP before at all. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Driving the Transpeninsular Highway takes getting used to. The last time we drove Highway 5 in 2018, work crews were busy extending and connecting it to Highway 1 the connection of the two highways wasnt finished and the last 30 miles or so (the southern end) was a gravel road in good condition. Please do NOT even think about making time by driving at night in Baja. Review our Privacy Policy. Mexico has extended the free zone to include the entire states of Baja California and Baja California Sur. Planning a trip down the Baja soon? The real danger of Baja driving, even on the highway, is the total isolation. Its a big time saver when youre looking for something else. Tijuana, Mexico Visitor's Guide - TripSavvy Read more in our Privacy Policy. Please understand the following statements in no way indicate what you, or anyone else, will find upon attempting to enter or drive through Mexico in regard to the pandemic. We didnt find the rest of the peninsula bad however there are elevation gains here and there, but nothing serious in our opinions. You might want to visit La Bufadora near Ensenada, go whale watching in Cabo, or just enjoy a day at one of the many beautiful beaches! Check out these posts: Have you done a Baja California road trip? His gross miscalculation provided me the most frightening moment Ive encountered while driving. But one thing has not changed and I simply cannot advise any people planning to drive in Baja more strongly on this pointthe roads are still dangerous in the dark. In fact, Mexpro states the opposite on their website regarding A TIP while on Baja California Peninsula: https://www.mexp/mexico/vehicle-import-permit.html, From the Mexpro website (see link above): You do NOT need a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit for driving in any part of the Baja California Peninsula, Quintana Roo, the northwest portion of Sonora (the area west of the 15D and north of Guayamas), and within 25 kilometers of the borders.. Only one road traverses the entire length of the Baja Peninsula. Be courteous and respectful to these gentlemen and theyll likely wave you on after a few questions. Hey there! The cover of San Diego Magazine 's February 1965 issue pointed readers towards the pristine, "unplundered" beaches in Baja, boasting of potential undiscovered gems to be found . Having said that, some of the annual RV crowd arent there for a number of reasons regarding COVID some decided not to go this year and some simply cannot make it, for a number of reasons. Your trip begins in San Diego, California. This may even include vehicle confiscation by Mexican authorities. I am very happy you thought my advice to readers was to the point as far as expectations. for driving in Baja Mexico as a tourist. If you arent used to booking too much in advance, perhaps doing this for your first night in Mexico would help you ease into the trip? Go through this article again as I believe weve linked to another of our other articles with much more information on this other route. Stay off the roads in Baja Mexico at night! Required fields are marked *. Consult a map of the Sonora Free Zone and abide by this if you dont have a T.I.P. The beginning of January can be busy due to the end of Christmas/New Year holidays things may be less busy after that. Thanks for the great comment! This will give you more time to react and help avoid those little washouts at the shoulder. Although basic service and repairs are free you must pay for any needed parts. You are just merely passing through. Its a very steep and twisting climb heading west from Mexicali. Your email address will not be published. It doesnt sound like your plans involve this road, but we just want you to be aware of it. Have a great time in Baja Mexico! Recommended option Fly from Tijuana Fly from Tijuana (TIJ) to Loreto (LTO) 3h 15m $2217 - $9013 Cheapest option Bus I just jump on hotel.com or booking.com and find a place last minute here. This guide to the classic Baja California road trip covers all the highlights, plus a few day trips along the way. If so, take Highway 3 all the way south to El Sauzal and drive the toll road back to Tijuana, stopping off for some seafood along the way. Towns and cities which interested us include San Quintin; Guerrero Negro; Mulege; Loreto; Ciudad Constitucion and La Paz. 21 Best Day Trips from San Diego to L.A., Mexico, & More Although there are a few things to consider before driving here it is a great all-around experience. Cattle DO sleep on the highway and, if you hit one of them at 70 or 80 mph, that is going to be a major collision in the middle of the night and you might not even survive it. Have a great trip! Your auto insurance provider at home may recommend a company they have an agreement with. When signaling to turn left, make sure the driver behind you doesnt attempt to pass you instead! Check out this Baja California camping guide for Mexico camping tips, our recommended camping itinerary, and the best Baja campgrounds. I guess my question is should I book all of my stays along the way or just look around when I get to a town? Culinary Arts School in Tijuana: 20 years of shaping fast-rising Sun hat: Another absolute essential for any beach trip. Think this would be a great idea driving in Baja Mexico, especially as my close friend lives in LA and she is always asking me to do a road trip down that way. Have you any first-hand experience or knowledge at the moment regarding crime while driving at night in the Baja states? Is it the trand-peninsular highway? There are two possible outcomes based on the color of the stoplight at this checkpoint. and Baja California Sur (B.C.S.). We stayed at a very clean but basic hotel in Guerrero Negro (Hotel la Posada de Don Vicente, 350 pesos/night) which did take pets they asked us at check-in if we had any. BUT it was an insurance company (mexpro) so I would like to hear your opinion on this. There are recommendations for both hotels and campgrounds in the itinerary section of this article, but here are the lodging highlights: Check out this Baja California camping guide for an alternative itinerary along Highway 5 and a full list of our favorite Baja campgrounds and RV parks. We are preparing for an 8 day trip to BC arriving to and leaving from Tijuana. About Us >. 1. All of the camping we did was either boondocking, or first-come-first-served spots on the beach. The drive to La Paz is about 22 hours (926 miles) south of San Diego, California.
That is a very nice complement, indeed. Hope that helps! The ease of driving to Baja California (no permit required) along with the beauty, tranquility and climate make this a great place for your next epic road trip, so get out there and enjoy it! Is it safe to drive from San Diego to Ensenada? - Tripadvisor San Diego to Ensenada - 4 ways to travel via tram, bus, and car - Rome2rio Sitting right on the opposite side of the border from San Diego, its pretty mind-blowing how starkly different the two cities are from one another. Our preference is toward places with a bit more pristine coastline that can be found just south of there, compared to the industrial/mining feel of the coast in Santa Rosalia, but it is a charming town without a doubt. Driving to Baja California: A Simple Guide to the Mexican Peninsula Glamp at luxury tents with the best ocean views in Ensenada at Hotel Cuarto Cuartos or camp next to the vineyards at El Valle RV Park. My left turn signal was, to him, an indication to pass me on the left. Love the part on the Green Angels! Baja California Distances to Cities San Diego As far as we know, there is still no testing required at all to enter back into the United States by land from Mexico this applies to U.S. Citizens but we dont know how this applies to non-citizens. This special mist (likely steam) is meant to protect against wayward insects from the northern state of Baja California. With its warm climate, delicious and affordable food, nice beaches, and fun-loving people, a road trip to Baja is just what the doctor ordered. Great article. World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. We have quite a few favorite places to stop during drives down the the peninsula! Its also true about the vehicles on the highway at night without any lights whatsoever. Lastly, are there a lot of mountain climbs for the car when you drove it? Curious how do you cross from the San Diego side of the Tijuana airport to the Mexican side of the airport, to rent a car? We cannot say for certain. Youll find thebest car rental in Mexicowith Discover Cars, plus no hidden fees, 24/7 customer support, and free cancellations. Have any areas recently become bad? Copyright 2023 Off Path Travels | Privacy | Disclaimer. We regularly stop in Santa Rosalia to restock supplies (the Ley grocery store has a great selection), check out the Iglesia de Santa Brbara (church) designed by Gustav Effeil and built in France, and grab some bread at the incredible Panadera El Boleo (bakery). Its made from lightweight straw, it rolls up to pack in a suitcase, it has an adjustable head strap for my big head, and it comes with a removable chin strap up for windy days. We really like Mulege. Its easy for many people to think that the land border into Mexico is closed, however that simply has never been the case at any point in 2020, however that can change. What in your opinion is the best vehicle to drive down to BCS? Again, your own vehicle insurance policy at home likely wont cover you on your Baja drive or anywhere else in Mexico. They often clean your windows and even wipe down your side-view mirrors how swanky! window.fd('form', {
If you have the time, we suggest staying a night or two somewhere along the way. Losngeles Verdes, or the Green Angels, patrol all federal and toll highways in Mexico offering free service during mechanical breakdowns, accidents or medical emergencies. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); We link toproducts and services we think are useful for our readers. One hopes to never rely on that great service though! @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-offpathtravels_com-leader-3-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'offpathtravels_com-leader-3','ezslot_12',198,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-offpathtravels_com-leader-3-0'); Distance: 79 miles (2 hours) from Tijuana border to Ensenada. Below we address specific things to keep in mind before your Baja drive the occasional pothole and sharp curve are just the beginning of a white-knuckle ride youll never forget! San Diego to Loreto - 5 ways to travel via plane, bus, and car - Rome2rio Ignoring this means you might run out and the next station may be over 100 miles away! THING AND GET AN INSURANCE POLICY COVERING YOU IN MEXICO! Do you know if it has been completely paved in the last 2 years? If so, know exactly what the free zone is and where it ends. Fly to Graz, train 29h 15m. Hi, you didnt mention anything about the danger of crime when driving at night, something one hears about a lot of in other Mexican states. Packing for a road trip is never easy because you start throwing things in the car just in case until its bursting at the seams! I love this super wide-brim womens sun hat. One other thing we learned was that if a car ahead of you came across livestock or another hazard, they would put on their blinking hazard lights. Running out means buying marked-up fuel from roadside vendors or calling the Green Angels (see below). You need the following to drive your car in Baja: And yes, you absolutely NEED to get Mexican auto insurance! As for mountains: The very highest pass is on the east-to-west Highway 20 the stretch between Mexicali and Tecate might be difficult in your case. Algunos de los nombres ms importantes del deporte no estarn en la Copa Mundial femenina debido a que parece ser una epidemia de lesiones del ligamento anterior cruzado _y las jugadora se . Mercifully, youll see a drastic improvement in the surface of the Transpeninsular Highway the pot holes (mostly) disappear! This particular Pemex also had an OXXO or 7-11 on the property and we asked in the shop if it was fine to park overnight. Well, shortly after falling asleep one of the Pemex employees knocked on the window looking for some cash. You can use this resource to compare borders and identify the most ideal time to make your way there. Likely, this will not include your insurance policy from back home. Its so easy to get caught out even if you think you are driving correctly! July 7, 2023, 11:26 PM PDT. Baja Mexico, as mentioned, has two states: Baja California and Baja California Sur. (certain parts of Sonora state included) have chosen to extend what is known astheFree Zone. Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at a typical campestre restaurant, like Deckmans at El Mogor. Take a 15-minute hike to see the pre-hispanic rock art off highway 1. Wow! Things to Do Without a San Diego Comic Con 2022 Badge - NBC 7 San Diego Almost the entire stretch of this two-lane highway lacks a shoulder, or breakdown lane. Baja Driving Safety 101: Signal Left Turns With Caution! One Mexican insurer statedI need a TIP if I stay longer than 7 days.. Bajas transpeninsular highway 1 runs a total of 1,060 miles starting at the U.S./Mexico border in Tijuana all the way to the southern tip in Cabo San Lucas. Ive driven through Baja a couple of times and these tips are so important! Check out my Valle de Guadalupe recommendations here, Where to Stay in Lofoten, Norway: Hattvika Lodge, The Ultimate 5 Day Los Cabos Itinerary: Relaxation, Adventure, Wellness, and More, Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling in Lebanon. The Classic Baja California Road Trip: 10-Day Itinerary If you really want to explore Mexico and immerse yourself in the culture, you need this book to figure out how things work (or dont) around here.