Some advice for Baja and Mexico
 

Hi there

We're about to cross from USA to Mexico.
The current plan (which seems to change, on average, every 2 days :-) is to cross at one of the smaller and safer border crossings in the San Diego region. Then to ride down some of Baja.

We've just discovered the astronomical costs involved in getting a ferry from Baja to the mainland. So the latest idea is to ride a loop around Baja, and then circle round the North shore of the Sea of Cortez, and to Mainland Mexico.

Does anyone have any advice on the safety of this route, or recommendations of things to think about? We're getting scare stories on a regular basis from the Americans, and it's becoming difficult to ignore them.

Would you be happy to ride this route East from Baja, along highway 2, along the US border? Am I being a big girls blouse?

Thanks in advance.
Gabe

Don't miss out!
 

I have been down the Baja and mainland Mexico many times and had NO problems. 6 or so of us annually go down to La Paz in Feb but in 2009 we crossed at San Luis Rio Colorado (south of Yuma) and rode Hwy 2 to Santa Ana (Hwy 15) and then on down to Mazatlan. Put the bikes on the ferry and went over to La Paz. Don't remember it being extremely expensive (I remember about $250 for me and the bike and splitting a cabin). We are heading to Mazatlan (using the SLRC border crossing again on March 6th but will go on down to Playa Del Carmen and then up the Gulf side to Brownsville and back to SoCal. Some GREAT riding in Mexcio and the Baja. Don't listen to the scare stories, just pay attention and stay away from dicey places! :eek3:
Rick
www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/rickmcd

Tecate?
 

I've only crossed at Tecate, but it was great, especially as you get a great ride down from La Mesa (San Diego) on Hwy 94 then down to Ensenada. You can get insurance at the small mall just before you leave the US to cross over the border and you get to go through the vineyards in the Guadalupe Valley. Have a look at Vinos L A Cetto.com

After Ensenada, you can do Mex 1 all the way south or kick on over to San Felipe....

The Ferry is quoted from LaPaz to Mazatlan at 1665pesos for a motorcycle and 1200Pesos per adults passenger. Here's the website... Baja Ferries

On the website the rate shown uses the $ format but that may indicate pesos.

Current exchange is about $1 for 12 Mexican pesos - so the motorcycle would be about $138 US - doesn't really seem that expensive.....expecialy after factoring in gas/accommodation etc. for the alternate route.

Make sure you surf through Baja Expo for lots of info
Baja Mexico - Carlos Fiesta's Baja Expo - January 2010: The Largest Source of Information for Baja, Mexico on the Internet

No TVIP at Tecate
 

Yup Tecate "used" to be THE crossing but now you can't get the TVIP there (required if you are going past Sonora). Too bad cause that ride thru the vineyards is great.:frown:

Cool, thanks very much
 

So I'm still not clear on the prices, but it would make a lot more sense if the prices quoted are in Peso's rather than US dollars. Which would make the whole affair a lot lot more affordable.

Thanks very much for your help.

We're now in San Louis Obispo, and planning to cross the border within a week or two.
Just hit the good camping weather, and enjoying the Californian coast.

We were recommended a company called Vagabundas for insurance, anyone have an info or recommendations on this?

Cheers, Gabe

Used this place many times
 

http://www.mexadventure.com/

I have used this place (as have most of my friends) many times. Very convenient and quick. Print it out right then and you're done. :thumbup1:

There are two ferries that make this run. The Baja ferry is much more expensive than the other. TCM or something like that. Plan on sleeping on the floor, ride with the truck drivers and save some coin.

You need to watch your fuel as there is one strech of 210 miles with no PEMEX stations that are open (came through there in Dec.), Was a vender selling out of cans or I would still be there. I think it was from El Rosario south.

Most of the traffic coming across will not be be getting a temporary import so where ever you cross it will take some looking to find the right office and most of the border crew won't have a clue. I got sent to four places before I found the place to check bike out of Mexico when I crossed at Tijuana.

RJT:scooter:

Baja is easy. Nice roads, nice off road, paricularly nice people and no problems what so every. Any scare story is bs, IMHO. The further south from the border you get, the more chilled it becomes.

Here's some "inspiration": Baja California TBSdotCom

Enjoy, I'm envious
Chris

I have lived in Mexico for over 30 years and had no problems. If you come to Mexico City you are welcome to stay with us.

Garry
GarryHostel.com

Superb, let's get this show on the road then!
 

Thanks for the info and encouragement.
We are now in San Diego, and little more than an athletic stones throw from the border.

Planning to cross before the weekend.

Garry, we would love to come and make use of the incredible hostel setup you have created in Mexico City. I was actually recommended through ADV, to get in touch with you, and I already had a chufty at your website and the testimonials are just super.

We look forward to meeting you and getting to Mexico city.

Looks like the ferry is far more affordable than I thought, what with prices being in Peso's and not dollars. I'll try and find this TCM ferry, cheaper is always good.

Great to get some positive input about Mexico, rather than these endless scare stories.
Thanks folks.

Maybe Meet Up?
 

Gabe, don't know how long it will be before you cross over to the mainland but 6 of us will be heading down to Playa Del Carmen starting on March 6th. Should be in Mazatlan on the 9th and Puerto Escondido on the 13th then Playa Del Carmen for 5 or 6 days around the 19th :Beach: . Maybe we will be in the same area. If so would like to hear about your trip. Look for 2 old guys on Vstroms :mchappy: and some more old guys on Harleys. :oops2:

Rick

Sounds good, give me a shout when you're heading down?
 

Rick, please do send me an email or something when you're heading down.
Charlotte and I hope to spend a long time, slowly making out way down Baja, and will likely still be there when you are.

But if you can send me a message closer to the time, it'd be great to arrange something.

Enjoy your trip, see you there!