Driving South

Adam12 · Nov-30-2007, 02:42 PM

I finally get to drive down Baja to La Paz for Christmas. I have wanted to do this my whole life. I go to Ensenada twice a month to visit my wifes family and we know about the dangers of driving through TJ. I have driven to El Rosario (Punta Baja) twice and on the other side to Puertocitos many times but I have never driven all the way down. I have a few questions for the few that do this all the time. I am following another family that has done this before. They live in Ensenada. When I asked them about getting papers for going south they said that we didnt need any. Well, I will be the only white guy going and I am sure I am going to need something. Can I get the correct papers at G Negro? We plan on staying there the first night. How long do you think it will take from G Negro to La Paz? I was planning on taking an extra 6 gallons of gas just in case. Extra water, walkie talkies, pesos for the Pemex stations, an inflatable raft for fishing. I might fish with Tailhunter Jonathan in La Paz. Im sure I will remember what else I wanted to say after I post this.
Thanks, Adam

el capo · Nov-30-2007, 02:55 PM

If you don't have a passport the next best thing is a tourist card.Have your birth certificate and proper i.d. ,then go to the mexican consulate in san diego.I believe it is located downtown on indio st. Then immediatly after you cross the border you will go to the offices on the right and pay.they then stamp your card and your good to go.Extra gas is always a good idea .Get insurance for car.depending on how fast you go,10 hours or less.Have fun and try not to drive in the dark. El Capo

pargon · Nov-30-2007, 03:24 PM

Depending on what kind of car you are driving I would also recommend a small parts kit. Even though I drive a chevy 350 I always take a spare fan belt, power steering and brake fluid, fuel filter, etc. Not a lot, but if you were driving say a Volvo you might want to expand the list a little (air filter, etc.). You will need a passport to reenter the U.S., and you must have a tourist card once south of Ensenada. You can get it on Indio St. or you can stop at the border complex at San Ysidro and get it when you cross. Read some of the other posts about paying penalties if you show up at Guererro Negro without already having your T.C. Sounds like a good plan, with the exception of one aspect. Have Fun.

**MikeyLikesIt** · Nov-30-2007, 03:43 PM

All good advice, however, you wont need a passport until Jan 28, 2008; according to the homeland security website.
Be safe and post a report!

via con dias amigo!

Rickfirefight · Nov-30-2007, 03:51 PM

Hey Adam, Passport is fine plus folks that speak spanish , Cigars for the check point work good too,.. Works when we go down for the Baja races ....Stickers are good as money ... O yea Thanks for fixing the Firetruck...... Rick

baja tailhunter · Nov-30-2007, 05:01 PM

Make sure you turn in the tourist card before crossing the border. I read that thay will fine you the next time you try to get one saying that you never left mexico.I am not sure where to turn it in? Can someone help with that?

Jaydog · Nov-30-2007, 05:31 PM

Adam, when approaching the border get in the right lane for declarations, park your vehichle and get your visas there. It's very easy, first go to the visas office (far right office while facing building), then go to the bank window (3-4 doors to the left), and then back to visas agent for your stamp. Guerro Negro can be a total pain in the ass and I would imagine that you will be tired and ready for dinner, beers, and sleepy time. In Guerro Nego stay at The Mallermo (it's less than a mile on the right hand side), good food and rooms are not to expensive and nice. From Guerro Negro on you will not need gas cans (nor anywhere along the way), San Ignacio is about an hour and a half East of Guerro and they have gas, you'll be fine. Do remember that when leaving GN early in the morning the SUN will be rising and can be a little bright so drive with caution along this streatch.

rhamilton210 · Nov-30-2007, 05:40 PM

Why do you need a tourist card? I don't remember buying one when I flew to Cabo. Maybe just a border thing?

Are you telling me someone will stop you and demand your papers just 'cause you're a gringo?

How ironic!

BBLU

baja tailhunter · Nov-30-2007, 05:56 PM

when you fly down thay give you one that must be filled out and thay check at customes. then you must turn it in before you can leave the country.

Mo Betta · Nov-30-2007, 06:18 PM

They will check you in GN.

pargon · Dec-01-2007, 04:37 AM

The law is that you must the temporary visa (TC) south of Ensenada. They are easy to get. Why risk any sort of hassle? As for the passport my understanding is that you either have to have one, or show that you have applied and paid for it, due to the backup in processing. In GN if the Mallerimo is full due to whale watching, give the Don Guz a try, three or four blocks further, on the left underneath the big radio tower. Simple, clean, cheap, food almost as good as the M, and much cheaper.

el capo · Dec-01-2007, 05:14 AM

I just came back from mag bay,2 weeks ago.We always stay at the mallarimo in GN.great place.You can not turn your tourist card in north of the border.If they check you at GN there is no fine,you just need to go in to la paz,go to the bank and handle it there.you will pay the same 28 dollars that you would have in TJ.Jay dog knows the program.The sun is blinding in the a.m. east of GN so be careful.Good luck, El Capo