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Need Travel Info To Baja

jimx200
Explorer
Explorer
We want to take our Class C to Baja for a 10 day getawayto the Cabo area. We live in Sacramento and mileage shows 1550 miles. Has anyone here on RV.net traveled from So Cal down to Cabo area? Likes/dislikes, must have things to take (we are taking spare tire, jack), rv parks you favor, condition of roads, etc? Is there a web site that I could learn more about travel in Baja? We have traveled to many places in Mexico, but never have done a drive (except to Ensenada). Thanks!
14 REPLIES 14

Talleyho69
Moderator
Moderator
I agree with your time frame, but in our book, the more time you have, the longer it takes. Go without a schedule and explore and have fun. If there is something you really want to see or do, Los Cabos, grey whales, pictographs, schedule it and work around that. Use what time you have to see what you want to see.

Almot
Explorer III
Explorer III
Talley, he isn't new to Mexico. Though traveling does open perspective up. Traveling without a vehicle makes is broader yet.

I only think that driving the length of the peninsula and back, in 10 days, is a bit tight. One day is needed just to get from Sac to Ensenada, so it's only 8 days in Baja.
I would rather say good-buy to the other group (that they were planning to join), and made my own itinerary, limiting it up to Guerrero Negro. Maybe - to Loreto, no further.

Talleyho69
Moderator
Moderator
Read everything and be prepared for a fun/great adventure! Our first trips down the Baja were in the early 1980's with a 1967 VW Squareback and a tent. We had a wonderful time. We gradually upgraded to a Blazer, then a Class C in 1990. Now, we travel in a Safari Class A.

Mexico is wonderful, traveling in Mexico is even better. Read a lot and prepare yourselves for a great time with open minds.

We finally made the big jump and now live in Mexico full time. Maybe you'll get the bug, too!

Almot
Explorer III
Explorer III
profdant139 wrote:
Watch the shoulders of the highway -- there are often abrupt dropoffs of about a foot.

(By the way, does anyone know whether this is how the roadway was designed, or is this due to erosion occurring after construction was completed?)

Both.
It was designed long time ago. One narrow lane in each direction, no shoulders, white line on the right, then few inches of pavement and then nothing. With time, the edges crumbled up to and including the white line.

Plenty of deep potholes in the middle of the lane too, the section between Catavina and Guerrero Negro is particularly bad, you can't drive around them, all you can do is to slow down to 30-40 mph. They fix it after each hurricane, every time it's getting better than before - for a while.

Don't even think of driving after dark anywhere between Ensenada and La Paz. If not potholes, then unmarked speed bumps or cows sleeping on the road, they like warm concrete.

It gets better South of La Paz. Around Cabo the roads are nice and wide, only there isn't much to do there for a camping-oriented traveler. It's more a hotel/resort area.

Asking questions on Nomads, you need to be neutral, precise to the point, and make yourself very clear. It's still better not to post in the evening.

rocmoc
Explorer
Explorer
Everyone has an opinion so here is mine!!

The people on the BajaNomad have been a great help for info in my travels in Baja.

When I have had a problem in Mexico or Baja for directions, ran out of fuel once, lost a wheel, flat or just about anything; I received MORE help than anywhere or country I have ever traveled in.

Guess we have been lucky!

rocmoc n AZ
rocmoc n Great SouthWest USA

navegator
Explorer
Explorer
No that is not by design or erosion, it is by the lowest bid, so the construction company will not spend more time and money on "useless" roadway that no one will use, grade and prepare the minimum with of road for paving lay the foundation and pave, sometimes they get bonuses on more kilometers paved per day, it does not matter that in a couple of years the road was better when it was a dirt road that could be graded by pulling some railroad rails with a pickup truck to get rid of the wash board sections, toll roads are a different matter they are concessions and do get a little more inspections "AKA bribes handed out" and there are political vested interest behind.

That is one reason you can not travel at high speeds on some of the two lane roads, one mistake and you are an accident with help a long ways away, although Mexican truckers do stop and help, no one else will.

navegator

profdant139
Explorer II
Explorer II
Watch the shoulders of the highway -- there are often abrupt dropoffs of about a foot.

(By the way, does anyone know whether this is how the roadway was designed, or is this due to erosion occurring after construction was completed?)

If you can, take more than 10 days -- there are some great side trips like to Bahia de Los Angeles or Laguna San Ignacio. And if you are there for whale season, the whale tours are really worthwhile.
2012 Fun Finder X-139 "Boondock Style" (axle-flipped and extra insulation)
2013 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road (semi-beefy tires and components)
Our trips -- pix and text
About our trailer
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single list."

jimx200
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks everyone. Im in contact with a group going down and we are likely joining up with them for the trip down.

Almot
Explorer III
Explorer III
rocmoc wrote:
Best place for current Baja info is BajaNomad.com.

Yep. Don't post after 3 pm Pac time, bored expats are mostly drunk by that time. Keep in mind that they don't really travel, they just live there - mostly in winter.

If you only have 10 days, I suggest taking a scheduled flight to Cabo or La Paz. It takes 7-8 days to drive to Cabo and return back home, you won't see anything but the road if all you have is 10 days.

rocmoc
Explorer
Explorer
Best place for current Baja info is BajaNomad.com.

rocmoc n AZ
rocmoc n Great SouthWest USA

ronfisherman
Moderator
Moderator
Moved from Class C.
2004 Gulf Stream Endura 6340 D/A SOLD
2012 Chevy Captiva Toad SOLD

loggenrock
Explorer
Explorer
Try posting in the Mexico section...
Two and a hound in a 2015 Coachmen Prism "B+"...pushed by '09 Suby Forester
First 50 done, working on the second pass! Nunavut - we'll see...!
2005-2015 Roadtrek 190P
1993-2005 Northstar Soft-Side TC
1989-1993 Backpacks & Tents!
1967-1977 Family TT's

Seon
Explorer II
Explorer II
Important...Do not bring any self defense weapons like fire arms.

Chum_lee
Explorer
Explorer
jimx200 wrote:
We want to take our Class C to Baja for a 10 day getawayto the Cabo area. We live in Sacramento and mileage shows 1550 miles. Has anyone here on RV.net traveled from So Cal down to Cabo area? Likes/dislikes, must have things to take (we are taking spare tire, jack), rv parks you favor, condition of roads, etc? Is there a web site that I could learn more about travel in Baja? We have traveled to many places in Mexico, but never have done a drive (except to Ensenada). Thanks!


BTDT several times. 10 days may not be enough time for that trip. You can't be in a hurry. The one constant thing about Baja is that travel conditions change, . . . constantly. (roads, filling stations, RV parks, restaurants, etc.) Fill your tank(s) when it gets to 1/2. Don't drive at night.

Leave your expectations at home. Have fun now because you can't be sure what'll happen next. Always keep your sense of humor warmed up and be respectful!

Chum lee