TalkBaja.com » Baja Mexico Forums » General Discussion

Hi everybody. I am a new user to this forum and I am planning a trip to Baja during the 12/16 to 01/18 timeframe. These are obviously during the holidays. I was wondering how crowded the campgrounds might be as I plan to camp for the whole trip. I would avoid Cabo San Lucas on holiday weekends, but I am unsure about other places. Any advice would be appreciated.

Probably some of the more popular campgrounds will see some traffic - where exactly were you thinking about staying at???

The really crowded week is Semana Santa/Easter. Traditional Mexican family beach getaway and they really pack 'em in.

Thanks for your replies Marty & BajaGringo -

Here is a rough sketch of my travel plans.

Tecate -> Ensenada -> San Quintin -> Guerrero Negro -> Bahia Concepcion -> Ciudad Constitution -> Cabo San Lucas -> Los Barriles -> La Paz -> Loreto -> San Ignacio -> Guerrero Negro -> Tecate.

I am considering side trips to San Carlos, Bahia Tortugas, Bahia de Los Angeles, and San Felipe on the return.

I would plan to be in Baja for a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 20 days.

Chris Darron

So it looks like you are planning on spending 1, max 2 nights per stop. I would think that most of the campgrounds around those spots should be available. My guess is that you will have a bigger problem with highway traffic.

And welcome to the forum...

Thanks BajaGringo -

I was surprised to read that you mentioned traffic. Most of my route would be on the main highway. Is it most appropriate to refer to it as Mexico 1 or Interstate 1 or something else?

Where do you think I would encounter such traffic problems?

Chris

The holidays are favorite times for locals to visit family/friends. Lots of bus traffic along with more cars just about anywhere along Hwy 1 as it is the artery that connects norte with sur...

Welcome Chris, sounds like a great trip, sort of a Baja 101 class.

One thing you need to understand about the traffic in Baja, trucks DO NOT move over to let faster traffic pass, even if there is a mile of cars behind them. In fact, the typical scene is that several trucks will form a parade, and then, after 20 minutes of breathing improperly combusted hydrocarbons, you get to a straight stretch and can see a place to pass.........one of the following trucks pulls out to pass, and the two trucks conduct a study in syncronized driving until.........the straight place is all used up.
My response is to find a place to pull off and stretch my legs, and wait for the next 5 truck parade to come by so I can resume my place in line. ;-)

Originally Posted by Islander

In fact, the typical scene is that several trucks will form a parade, and then, after 20 minutes of breathing improperly combusted hydrocarbons, you get to a straight stretch and can see a place to pass.........one of the following trucks pulls out to pass, and the two trucks conduct a study in syncronized driving until.........the straight place is all used up.

So true...

Wed. we were coming home to Punta Band from San Felipe after not seeing a car for a while this on coming car appeared, as it aproached a puff of smoke came from the left front wheel. next thing I saw was the car coming at us sideways in a rollover mode, the PUCKER FACTOR really picked up. I still dont know how he missed our motor home and tow car.

WOW ... JP.. sure would have loved some video ... with sound

Glad ya made it... must have been a real eye opener...

Thank you J.P. for that uplifting tale. I'm glad that everything was fine on your end.

Chris

Originally Posted by cldarron

Thank you J.P. for that uplifting tale. I'm glad that everything was fine on your end.

Chris

Anyone on this board that has traveled in Mexico or Baja can tell you some tales that will make the hair on your neck stand up. but dont let that deter you . BE AWARE, BE SAFE AND BE ALIVE.

I agree with JP.

Your "ESP" should be spending extra time on >>>>> What is that other guy going to do? :)


As we all know > "Where there is vehicular movement, there is bound to be an accident"!
I guess the trick is "How to avoid being part of that accident".

From what I am seeing about your travel plans it appears to be a somewhat casual, slow paced, enjoy the scenery (which there is alot of) type of trip> ENJOY

Back on the topic of Holiday Crowds we went to the Shrimp Festival in San Felipe for the 5th year ina row it war a real Disapointment for Us but it must have been a DISASTER for the buisness people.talking to some of the locals the futer for the event does'nt look too Promising,