Quote:
Originally Posted by bootsboatsandbikes
Hello
My wife and I have just arrived in Ensenada in Mexico and we are looking forward to the journey south to La Paz, then mainland Mexico through to Guatemala.
Are there any places that we should stop off at on the way?
We are on a big fully loaded bike so off roading is limited.
We are looking for a perfect spot where we can camp or stay close to the beach and chill out for a week or so.
We are currently waiting to start a language course, so looking to get on the road again in about a week.
Get in touch if you have any information or if you are travelling through Mexico at the same time.
All the best
Nick and Ivanka
Boots, Boats and Bikes
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Since you are 2up on a loaded bike you might want to stick to the main routes. The Cortez side will be very hot, but the beaches are beautiful. Its desert meets the ocean.
If you dont mind the heat and a little wide gravel road riding, I would recommend from Ensenada, Mex 3 east to Mex 5 south into San Felipe. Leaving San Felipe, Mex 5 south to Gonzaga Bay. Road turns to wide graded gravel about 20 miles north of Gonzaga. The road is big and wide, just go slow and you shouldnt have any problems if youre comfortable on gravel roads. Just past the Gonzaga Pemex about a mile you will see a sign on the left that says "La Beluga." Turn left there and go down that road to the beach. This little road to the beach is sandy in some places, but its only about a mile to the beach. Anywhere near the beach the road will be sandy. They have Palapas on the beach and fresh water showers. Awesome camping spot. Alternatively if you want a hotel room (no AC) there is a place on the north end of the Gonzaga Bay settlement called Alphonsinas, great food there as well. To get there just turn left at the Pemex. If the Gonzaga Pemex is out of gas, there is a large store and restaurant across the road called Rancho Grande, and they will usually have gas if Pemex is out. Sometimes, the guy that owns the La Beluga palapas will sell you gas if you stay there and he has some to part with, but you will for sure want to top off in San Felipe as its about 100 miles from there to Gonzaga. The sunrises there are awesome.
From Alphonsinas or La Beluga, go back to the main gravel road and head south to Coco's Corner, stop in, say hello to Coco and have a cold drink. Coco and his place are well known Baja icons.
From Coco's you can stay right and go further down the same wide gravel road to get to Mex 1 again.
On your way south from there much further down Mex 1 stop at San Ignacio. If your fuel range is tight, you may want to stop at the turnoff for Bahia de Los Angeles and top off as there are usually a couple guys there selling barrel gas out of pickup trucks.
Once in San Ignacio, turn right off Mex 1 just past the Pemex and on the road leading to town, on your left about a 1/2 mile in you will see a sign for "San Ignacio Springs B&B." They are very nice Yurts right on the river. About 60 bucks a night but a great place to hang on the river with a great breakfast, so if you want to splurge for a night, I highly recommend this place. For more budget accommodations there is a place popular with off roaders that has cheaper rooms and great food called Rice and Beans.
Leaving San Ignacio on Mex 1 you again head toward the Cortez coast and south of Mulege the road will wind along Conception Bay, absolutely spectacular and there are many places to camp right on the beach along the bay. Very scenic, very chill.
Like I mentioned, it will be hot, but if that doesnt bother you its the best way to go for scenery/camping on the beach. Carry plenty of water as the stretch on Mex 5 from Puertecitos to Gonzaga is remote and hot. I recommend filling up on water a little place called Cow Patty Cantina, just south of Puertecitos on your right.
Bird Shit rock and the gravel road to Gonzaga......
Cow Patty Cantina just south of Puertecitos.
View from the La Beluga Palapas.
From La Beluga looking north to the Gonzaga gringo settlement.
Gonzaga Bay gringo settlement looking south to La Beluga. The La Beluga palapas are up past the homes on the edge of the photo.
Coco's Corner.
Me and Coco. You have to meet Coco.
Delux accommodations at Coco's
He even has pit toilets.
Conception Bay
Suerte.