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I was interested in taking a trip south of Ensenada all the way to Baja Sur. I've never really been south of Ensenada, but I'm very curious to see what there is.

I've looked in guide books, but they are rather dated and things change quickly. Here are my questions:

1) How safe is it to travel south of Ensenada? I plan on driving on the main roads and not exploring the wild areas. I don't want to buy drugs nor do I want to get confused for someone who does. See *** below.

2) What is there that is worth seeing/doing along the way?

3) How developed/undeveloped is it? Specifically: Will I run out of water/gas without careful planning? Are there places where I can change money or am I best off doing that in TJ?


*** I guess my main concern here is just as there are places in the US where when something happens the standard response is "Well, what did they think would happen there at 2.a.m.?" Sort of, like, well, anyone stupid enough to be in X at Y o'clock shouldn't be surprised when something bad happens. Any my question is more along the lines of 'What are these variables in Baja"? Or am I being waaay to careful?

Any feedback appreciated.

Hi. Travel by daylight. Get Mexico insurance. The "Green Angels" patrol the toll roads and are there to help you for free. Save your toll receipts- they are your road hazard insurance while on the toll road. The Guadalupe Valley wine region is the current favorite side trip in Baja Norte ( DavidK- correct me if I am wrong). No problem with fuel services- I think there is even a map of the gas stations along that route posted here someplace. If you do see flashing lights in your rear view mirror it's OK to pull over at the first place you feel safe- like the front door of a grocery store. Have fun!

If we answered all your questions, you wouldn't have to take the trip.
Just don't drive at night, use your seatbelts and excercise the same cautions you would in the states....as in, don't get too isolated if you plan on camping and don't drive in the mud.

Buen Viaje.

Originally Posted by bwall

I was interested in taking a trip south of Ensenada all the way to Baja Sur. I've never really been south of Ensenada, but I'm very curious to see what there is.

I've looked in guide books, but they are rather dated and things change quickly. Here are my questions:

1) How safe is it to travel south of Ensenada? I plan on driving on the main roads and not exploring the wild areas. I don't want to buy drugs nor do I want to get confused for someone who does. See *** below.

2) What is there that is worth seeing/doing along the way?

3) How developed/undeveloped is it? Specifically: Will I run out of water/gas without careful planning? Are there places where I can change money or am I best off doing that in TJ?


*** I guess my main concern here is just as there are places in the US where when something happens the standard response is "Well, what did they think would happen there at 2.a.m.?" Sort of, like, well, anyone stupid enough to be in X at Y o'clock shouldn't be surprised when something bad happens. Any my question is more along the lines of 'What are these variables in Baja"? Or am I being waaay to careful?

Any feedback appreciated.

For starters, I would suggest you consider a shorter trip - not all the way to La Paz/Cabos on your first time down. Consider a trip to Bahia de Los Angeles or Bahia Asuncion your first time past Ensenada. Baja really is a different place past the Tijuana-Ensenada corridor and a minor issue like having mechanical problems can leave you stranded in a small, roadside community for your entire vacation (or longer).

Do some research - places to stay/eat, things to do, etc. Then plan your trip down and ask some questions that deal with where/when to get gas, how far per day, things to bring etc.

At this point in time with the current conditions I advise Baja newbies to take it in baby steps. There are too many things that can go wrong and for the uninitiated it can seem overwhelming when problems do occur.

Another idea is to caravan - find someone making the same trip and hook up. That is much safer and you have immediate help if needed.

We have learned the value of the Spot Tracker - that has proved to be a life saver and alerted us to the plight of Mike Younghusband a couple of years back who got stranded on a remote section a bit south of here.

Keep an open mind and keep asking questions.

Good luck!

Thanks for the tips.

Some follow up questions:

I've been on the TJ-Ensenada toll road many times, but I've never seen (or needed) the Green Angels. Do they patrol regularly or is there a way to alert them?

I've heard caution about night driving from Mexican sources as well. Stupid question alert: Why is that the general concensus, other than the fact that it is dark?

I like the Bahia Asuncion or Bahia de L.A. suggestion. It seems like a nice destination point, a good way to get my feet wet, so to speak.

Originally Posted by bwall

I've been on the TJ-Ensenada toll road many times, but I've never seen (or needed) the Green Angels. Do they patrol regularly or is there a way to alert them?

You'll never see them when you need them, but there are federal tow trucks out there and if that fails, someone will eventually come along to help you.

I've heard caution about night driving from Mexican sources as well. Stupid question alert: Why is that the general concensus, other than the fact that it is dark?

Some drivers out there are just plain dangerous and Hit 'n Run is a national sport. Besides, nasty things happen on dark roads.

The Green Angels patrol all the way down the Baja, and can be found on the mainland. They are a part of the federal government and are there to help tourists. They will help you with anything from fixing your broken part temporarily to finding a mechanic that can.

Do not drive at night because the cattle sleep on the road because it stays warm. It can be challenging to see a black cow on a black road during a black night!!!! Drive anywhere you want, just try to see what might happen and be prepared. My first trip took me to the end of the peninsula. If you are that causious, it might be better for you to stay home, in a closet, under a blanket. Get out and enjoy life!!!!

Happy Trails

Originally Posted by bwall

I've been on the TJ-Ensenada toll road many times, but I've never seen (or needed) the Green Angels. Do they patrol regularly or is there a way to alert them?

078
or
01-800-990-3900

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

078
or
01-800-990-3900

When we broke down on Highway 3 a few weeks ago, we tried 078 and got a busy signal then disconnected. I didn't have the 800 number at the time, but it might be worth writing down.

I have a cell with a La Paz area code and tried to dial 078 in the Ensenada area. I wonder if your SIM card has to be the local area for it to work?

I can't figure why people like the area north of Ensenada? We go to Baja south of Ensenada because it is different than anywhere else. Specially true a few miles south of El Rosario where you see boojum trees and it's like you landed on another planet or into Dr. Seuss book! Please look through some of my trip pages for a look at some of the wonders of Baja... David K's BAJA Adventures
What is interesting to you? Baja is the birthplace of California where the Spanish built missions and roads from the 1600's.,... the prehistoric Indians painted giant murals on cliffs.... gold and silver mines from 100-200 years ago are all over... palm canyons, deserted beaches, pine forests, cactus jungles... it just is endless!

Originally Posted by David K

I can't figure why people like the area north of Ensenada?

We like to visit those areas (south of El Rosario) in the cooler months but we simply couldn't tolerate the summer months - much too hot! I suppose we're not alone in that regard and probably one of the reasons people are attracted to the northern Baja Pacific coastline...

Originally Posted by David K

I can't figure why people like the area north of Ensenada?

Bars and restaurants is all that comes to mind.

Thanks for the help, tips and advice. I think that we have most everything planned. .. .. .

Adventure is calling and it's a great feeling!

We took our first extended drive into BCS last winter, and are planning a repeat for February.
I bought the Baja Adventure Book and Baja Almanac as planning tools, and both are helpful. The Adventure Book is dated, but it's still worth buying.
I used Google Earth to "fly" the route, and decided side trips based mostly on the photos from Google Earth.
After you decide where you want to go, then come back here and ask about lodging in the towns you want to visit. You'll get lots of good advice that way, perhaps too much!
Driving after dark, as has been said above is a risk mostly because of free-ranging cattle who wander out onto the roads to stay warm. Also, the already narrow and shoulder-less roads get even more narrow when you're doing longer and longer blinking.
Try and never get into the last quarter tank of fuel, stay topped up.
The roads are fine, and the drivers are courteous (mostly). The more aggressive drivers are usually us, but watch for the occassional slow moving, overloaded and dying truck.

Have a great drive, and let us know how it goes.

Originally Posted by David K

I can't figure why people like the area north of Ensenada?

Because we know (and the map shows us) that Baja starts at the border!!!!!

And the Guadalupe Valley is a great place to explore. Yes, there are many fine upscale restaurants in and around Ensenada but there are also many small "mom & pop" places to eat with various types and styles of food. Get out of your cars and interact with the people here.

One great adventure is a drive to Ojos Negros and a tour of the Ramonetti Cava de Queso. After the tour, stay for a lunch or early dinner.

The important thing is to JUST GO!

I agree- just do it. I spent an a hour talking to a British motorcyclist Saturday who just returned from the riding the entire peninsula. He had a great time and I told him to document his ride so everyone can enjoy his trip. He wanted to know if it was safe to camp for the night here and I convinced him for 200 pesos ($18) he could sleep in a bed in a Rosarito motel and roll his motorcycle into the room with him to boot. He was excited about crossing border without a four hour line, but with all the stuff he has with him and a British passport- I doubt he breezed across (probably took him 20 mintues!). People are still having fun- just do it.

Do the trip but just keep an eye on your gas gauge (we fill up at every pemex on hwy1 south of El Rosario) and make reservations for your overnight stays. We have been surprised a few times with no rooms available at Baja Cactus, Catavina and others. Have fun!

Also make sure your cell provider offers service down here - they may even have a special package you can add to make cell service (via a US cell phone) not too expensive...

Also, it pays to bring a long a good air pump and tire fix in a can. least to help you get to a nearby llanteria.