Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
Some advice for Baja and Mexico Some advice for Baja and Mexico
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Jan 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Wells, Somerset
Posts: 233
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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Jan 2010
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Cool Don't miss out!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron Bolton View Post
Hi there



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
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!
Rick
www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/rickmcd
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Jan 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 146
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
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Jan 2010
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Unhappy No TVIP at Tecate
Quote:
Originally Posted by STG06 View Post
I've only crossed at Tecate, but it was great,
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.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Jan 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Wells, Somerset
Posts: 233
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
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jan 2010
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Smile Used this place many times
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron Bolton View Post
anyone have an info or recommendations on this?
Cheers, Gabe
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.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Jan 2010
RIP: 5/3/21
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Onalaska, Washington, USA
Posts: 335
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
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Jan 2010
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron Bolton View Post
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
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
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
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
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Jan 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Wells, Somerset
Posts: 233
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.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 Jan 2010
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Wink 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 . Maybe we will be in the same area. If so would like to hear about your trip. Look for 2 old guys on Vstroms and some more old guys on Harleys.

Rick
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 22 Jan 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Wells, Somerset
Posts: 233
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!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Baja Mexico Oregon_DSR Central America and Mexico 4 6 Sep 2011 22:11
Baja mexico - roadconditions sanderd Central America and Mexico 4 11 Sep 2009 22:21
Baja - Any Advice? tdurden Route Planning 3 23 Jun 2007 23:46
Baja/Mexico, Nov 2001. anyone going? Marco Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 1 Oct 2001 07:44

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:42.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top