Camping in Mexico

[sallemann]

Hi y'all...

Hey, we're considering a trip to Mexico in December/January timeframe. Looking at San Felipe area. We're two women and 3 dogs. Questions:

- Is it safe for us to travel in Mexico?
- Have any of you been to San Felipe? If so, what do you think of it? Worth the trip?
- Are there different spots you would recommend?
- What should we keep in mind and prepare for in planning a camping trip to Mexico?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Ron in BC]

Dolly, your questions will open up a can of worms. You'll hear horror stories of why it would be a big mistake to cross into Mexico. Some will question your sanity.

On the other hand, those of us who actually have gotten our information by going to Mexico ourselves would say; San Felipe has been a destination for American tourists for a very long time. I'd call it Baja Light.

There are sites like Baja Nomad that have more info than you'll ever need answered by folks that live and breath Baja. Warning: some are pretty hard core nutcases because the moderators are much more lenient than I like. However the knowledgeable experience is there and you will find info on specifics.

Ron

PS, I just got my Russian visa today, bet there's some eyes rolling about that too.

[cpaharley2008]

I'm sure that set off a couple of alarms down in Virginia....

[Isabelle]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I'm sure that set off a couple of alarms down in Virginia....

I think yes

[MyronL]

I was just wondering what the road conditions from Mexicali down to Playa Hawaii and on to Punta Final, on route 5 are currently. A long drive - Google says it is 403 miles from Yuma.

[Ron in BC]

There's was some fantastic news last week. Mex 5, which is our preferred route, has been under reconstruction forever. It still had 33 miles unpaved and was rough in spots. Then the hurricane wiped out the approaches to 9 bridges in an area that had been freshly paved.

Three times that we've been through that area and mostly all you saw was large amounts of heavy equipment just sitting there doing nothing. No government funding I guess.

And now, pow, bam, and there's only 5 1/2 miles of unpaved road left. The place is just humming with activity. So, unless another hurricane wipes out the road between now and Q'site, looks like we'll be taking Mex 5. That, after earlier this year saying, we'll never take Mex 5 again.

Ron

[MyronL]

Oh, man, I so want to do it. If push comes to shove it could even be solo.

[Upfisk]

Mainland Mexico has much warmer ocean water...

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Upfisk

Mainland Mexico has much warmer ocean water...

Last I heard beaches in Mexico and Caribbean were full of rotting, stinking seaweed.

[Upfisk]

Gbaglo, that is the Caribbean side with the rotting seaweed. All the Caribbean islands are cursed with the stuff. We are headed to the Pacific side of Mexico which does not have the gyre of sargassum in the middle of the ocean.

[Ron in BC]

I'd rather have water temperatures that the whale sharks like.

Ron

[MyronL]

Oh my gawd! May have to buy a Costco kayak.

[Rossue]

Got 2 for sale. Last trip we ditched them 30 miles away at a friend's house as they were making too much racket. Five miles later found it was the Thule square bars I forgot to wrap with pool noodle. Susan not happy and bought a pair of Star Paragon Inflatables. Thank goodness for that as we had a LOT of wind in CO then later in UT. Dont miss the noise(boats made 'em too) or fussing with straps!

[Fox hunt]

folding kayaks about 30-40 pds each

[StarvingHyena]

I'm interested in this thread as I have been eyeballing mainland Mexico for some time. I would enjoy learning more about recent travels. In the mid '90s I flew to Guadalajara, rented a car and drove out to Puerto Vallarta and points a few hundred miles south. I really liked it but that was a long time ago. What's it like now? About all I remember was that the roads were considerably better than Baja's (as of 2 years ago), the people were extremely friendly and curious, food was great and I had a wonderful time. What's it like now?
My only negative was from fellow Americans. I had access to a kayak and paddled out to some anchored cruising boats. Since I am a sailor, I wanted to trade a day sail for a road trip in my rental car. No takers …. not even from a cruiser who was having engine troubles. I offered to take him to the nearest city where parts would be available …. no dice. Americans are so afraid.

So what's it like now?

Tom

[MyronL]

Bringing a kayak is too much baggage for me. The more I think on it, the more I am just a float around with whale sharks in the Gulf of California guy -- maybe someplace around Mulegė? That blue green water, that horizon, those perfect beaches! Water temps should be in the low 70’s right? AC not needed in February? Let the preliminary planning begin. Thinking I could do this.

Dug into storage yesterday and pulled out, dusted off, this old tube toy. Was in a box and mice must have liked it enough to nest and chew tiny holes in it. It filled up pretty quick with my little pump, but then deflated almost as quick. Doubt it is Gulf-worthy now but maybe I can find and patch the holes.

[cpaharley2008]

Careful Myron, the whale sharks may think something like that looks edible and with you in it....

[Baja Sixer]

Baja is well worth the effort! Hwy 5 is much less congested and in really great shape. Only a few detours left, soon to be finished.
Bahia San Luis Gonzaga, Bahia de Los Angeles and San Ignacio well worth the stops on the way south.

[salmo7000]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Last I heard beaches in Mexico and Caribbean were full of rotting, stinking seaweed.

I have friends who live in the Yucatán, there currently is not a sargassum seaweed problem on the beaches. It was indeed terrible a few months ago but has cleared up, according to them and many pictures I’ve seen online. Just in case anyone is wondering or considering a trip there!

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by salmo7000

I have friends who live in the Yucatán, there currently is not a sargassum seaweed problem on the beaches.

Good to hear.

Apparently there are rumours circulating on the web about a "Corona beer virus".

Hopefully there will be a vaccine for stupid soon.