I drive San Diego to Loreto 2 times a month for over 4 years. Only incident was a flat tire on a trailer. Very peaceful fun drive. Don't drink and drive.
Wow! Amazing. I'm planning on riding my motorcycle down there from here in San Diego. Any suggestions? Where to stay or camp? Points of interest? Things to do? Ok on the bike? Can I leave it to go inside someplace to eat?or it's prob gotta be locked up etc etc I"m assuming. I go to Baja south of Ensenada a lot over the last 10 yrs..but havn'et. been that far down yet and not on the bike yet either.
@@kee7678 Not sure you already made your trip, but it is a long but amazing drive because it is one of the few places in the world where you can zig zag your way down a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean. We stopped in Catavina for a stretch, and then we spent the night in Guerrero Negro. Places you want to stop and see are San Ignacio, Santa Rosalia (French History), Mulege, Loreto, Ciudad Constitucion, La Paz, Todos Santos on the Pacific Ocean side, La Paz, Los Barriles on the Sea of Cortez side and San Jose. I've driven all the way down, and it is truly quite an adventure. Plenty of places to eat seafood along the way, and plenty of places to buy gas. Good luck if you haven't already gone!
@@josephgarcia2979 Nope Haven't gone. My dad fell..then got sick..took care for him for 3 wks and then died unexpectedly so..now I"m behind in my plans..and might wait till little later in cooler fall. Thakns for the places! Many I had on my list already but several I did not so I'll study those too. Nightly I watch youtube vids and research. Cant wait! Thnaks so much.
Very dangerous. Only an American that has noi made it in life financially would even consider it. Third world. /cheaper but so what. No one with means would ever go to any of these SE Asia or South of the border hell holes
@@DIYGene they can dissappear you any time,,I know,,I'm from Ensenada,,only takes 1 time,,maybe your lucky day,,bag thing is,,they won't just kill you ,,you be torture beyond your imagination,,
Thank you for sharing ! great video ! I lived in Cabo and drove all Baja main Hwy, When the road comes close to the east coast by Mulegé I was amazed by how many cozy beautiful coves where to stay for the night, dream places
I just came back from Baja. I went down with guys who knew just about every dirt road and cheap hotel along the route. What I noticed was how kind and the innocence the people had. No hard looks or attitudes like in California. It was like going back into the 80's with no smart phones and people actually wanted to talk with you.
@@kee7678stay safe voyager in the process of shopping for an ADV bike. And eventually hitting the road. San Felipe is great and have good places to camp. You can’t miss them. This is my go to place. Good roads.
Entertaining video! We always fly to all destinations in Mexico. We have been to Loreto twice and stayed at Villa del Palmar Islands of Loreto. We also have visited La Paz a couple of times. then the famous Cabo San Lucas. The first time I stayed in Cabo was back in the 80s. Since then I have made over 20 trips to Cabo. If you like to spend time on beaches stay in Central Baja. The waters are calm and crystal clear. The waters along Cabo San Lucas get to be a little rough most of the time.
You couldn't have gone very far in the 50's because there wasn't much of any road past Ensenada. Erle Stanley Gardner was just starting his expeditions in the 50's and he wrote a few books about his time down there. Viva Baja is a great site for the history of Baja.
Once you get past Ensenada its a whole different baja, my wife and I and our 2 daughters drove to cabo in August of 1990 We camped in a tent at the resorts because no one was there that time of year, we were followed by a guy and his son on a motorcycle from Canada, once we got to Cabo they went their own way but said they were going to leave the motorcycle there and fly back home because thats what Canadians do they drive down there and then leave the vehicle there in Cabo parked on the street with the keys in it for the locals to have.
I've been up and down Baja 10x on motorcycles. The narrow roads are not as scary but the potholes can do damage. Once you're in Baja Sur, you really feel like you're in Mehico. And you need to space your fillups.
I feel bad for anyone that didn't experience Baja 20-30 years ago. It has definitely changed. I had a place outside of Tecate for seven years and never had many issues, my last two trips I was robbed by the local police, and this last trip I was jailed for going to the police station to report the issue. I was threatened with spending weeks in their jail before being allowed to see a judge, and they told me I could be guilty of any crime they decided to say I committed. I never break any laws, don't drink or do drugs, and somehow found myself in a situation possibly facing jail time for reporting corruption.
I may be one of the few who clicked "to hear the tales of Rick and Nikkie" and not to learn about Baja. I grew up in La Paz in the '60s and now live here as a retiree and run up and down the peninsula often, so I tuned in for the comic relief of listening to you be terrified of the isolation and narrow roads...and had some damn good laughs! I can empathize with your driving experience in La Paz, I can only imagine how that went for you with such a large vehicle. Then throw in that stop signs are treated as yields (don't know if you picked up on that, outsiders always F up the flow of things at intersections). As for the isolation of the peninsula, that's what I love the most about the place. I'm an avid camper in a capable SUV and enjoy the isolation and beauty that it has to offer, no other place like it on Earth. Really enjoyed the video, and will keep an eye out for your bus, would be hard to miss.
Hi Rick and Nikki, I’m JJs younger sister, Jackie! I’ll apologize for my bro, he’s quite the guy! I’ve subscribed and looking forward to your travels. Stay safe and happy travels😊😎
I know north Baja California Since Tijuana to Ensenada i love all over the road the scenic road is the Best road while are you driving you look the sea all the time, greetings from Mario i'm watching your videos for first time buddy.
we live in Oregon and drive to lower Baja 2 x a year. We have broken down twice (over the last decade) in the midst of almost no where twice. no cell reception and we were on our own...both times we were rescued by locals that went wayyyy out of their way to help us make things right. We can fix the car but we don't travel with a welder or a huge amount of tools (we do travel with a lot tho)...ugh, luckily we roll with it, pack the rig with food/drink and humor...we don't worry so much anymore. I would suggest filling up with gas at every area you can..water is a second must but easier to find than gas in some areas. Take care and I plan to binge your episodes since i'm getting ready to leave on our trip down at the end of Nov. We've made the trip 30 or so times ... driving such a large bus would be freakin me out!
The crime and the cartel is way exaggerated, used by the U.S. for political reasons the biggest fear is your vehicle braking down in the meddle of nowhere, but a passerby would probably help you
Agreed. And passersby here always stop. At least the locals and the nomads. Plus ... the mechanics down here are used to keeping things going. They may not fix it right, but it will be fixed. LOL!
Gringos always ask me why does it cost three times more to buy and live in the Baja. I tell them that the Baja is now south California now and the prices are about the same.
I drove a ‘76 GMC van around Mexico in ‘89. Down the West coast to Guatemala and then crossed to the East coast for the return trip North. Those roads you’re driving look pretty good to me brother. It was one hand for the crucifix and one for wheel on the roads in ‘80’s Mexico.
I’ve driven my Promaster to Panama with less drama than you’ve had in Baja. I fully expect South America to be just as relaxed. Keep having fun but perhaps include a few less headshots and show a little more of the beauty of which you speak. I loved the lagoons of San Ignacio.
How in the world did you get pass the Darién Gap? There is no road, not even a primitive one, across the Darién Gap. Please entertain me with your explanation.
Enjoy your trip! And enjoy the roads. LOL! They honestly aren't all that bad (did I just say that with a straight face?) but with a larger vehicle, they can be a lot to handle. You get used to it, kinda. But the roads are not always wide enough to leave a comfortable safety margin, so don't drive tired.
How was descending the Santa Rosalia grade in your rig. The first time we went down it, the surge brakes on the boat trailer were burned out and I had to remove them.😊
So Beautiful. I love Baja, growing up in San Diego Baja was a great weekend destination. San Felipe was just a few hours away. Dirt main street in 1977.
Great information! I recognized most of the places you visited in San Felipe. I've lived there for 2 years. Landed in Feb. 2022 in an RV, fell in love with the place, and bought a house. Still plan to RV the peninsula, but have hesitated due to road conditions. I think I need a smaller rig to feel confident.
It's so nice to see your video and hear you talk about baja in a such nice that I subscribed to your channel, im from Baja, saludos Amigos and welcome anytime.
Good video. I like your style of making the video and the information you give. To me, you are like the Mel Gibson (Actor) of the road, you remind me of him....
I can relate to that Malecon experience.. and the whole driving a wide body vehicle.. since we took our RV the same way ourselves and almost went the wrong way on a one way.. luckily I changed direction at the last second.. no harm.. but our mirrors got dinged on the journey..
@@kieranstevens5535 The now American side was called Alta (Upper) California, that's why the southern part or peninsula is still called Baja (Lower) California.
JUST MY 2 CENTS: I drove down Baja to Cabo in '74 right after Hwy 1 was completed when I was 30. Now 80. From looking at your film Rick, the Hwy has deteriorated some, especially the shoulders. My last road trip down was '96? I think. Roads that were dirt are now paved 4 lanes. (TOLL)
I wish I had experienced Baja like that. Aside from the roadways, it actually felt kinda tame. LOL! I imagine when it was more raw, there was a different feel. Having said that, Baja has become one of my favorite places in the world.
We used to drive often to Ensenada from LA. In year 2003, on our way back home, I got pulled over in Tijuana for an illegal lane change. I paid US $80 cash fine to the policeman and he let us go. Talking about getting scared!
...you got off cheap ! ( 'policeman' - what a quint term) I was born/raised in San Diego and I was down that way often myself in the 60's/70's - I wouldn't go back that way again if you paid me. I saw some real raw deals go down on innocent people even back then.
Oh, I agree. When we go back I want to explore more of the smaller places, the people there are always so wonderful and the culture so rich. Hope to cross paths with you down there!
The road is legitimately dangerous. Shit tons of potholes and missing guard rails. But it is super beautiful and fun. It's doable, for sure, but you have to keep your head on a swivel. I had a blowout between Loreto and San Felipe. There were no 20-inch tires available in SF, so I had to drive on the spare all the way to Mexicali.
Not sure what was so frightening. Surfed Northern Baja since late 70's used to get turned around in Ensenada (at a small middle of the road policia check point) because we didn't have a visa. When that was removed we'd go surf at Quatro Casas. I drove class c motorhome from Otay Mesa Ca. to CSL the first year Mex 1 was completely paved in 88 I believe. It was awesome. It was still the old Cabo. Only time I sort of was concerned was following a Baja 18 wheeler north out of Loreto when empty Dos XX beer bottles started being heaved out of the tractor at a fairly regular pace. I figured they should know wen to drink and drive so I just backed off a few more yards. I loved Mexico unless your looking for trouble or just plain stupid. You have to look hard to find it in Baja,
...you clowns don't get it do you - everyone familiar and comfortable with BAJA says it that way with respect and common understanding of the area. How many people say 'The United States Of America' ? - most intelligent people merely say America, or the States, or the US. Get off your ridiculous high horse.
In the 1980’s my folks (with a Mexican lawyer) got a 50 yrs lease on a beachfront property. They then spent $200,000 building their dream home with solar power and huge water tank so they were self sustaining. One morning my Mom gets a knock on the door. Two Mex police with machine guns enter and tell my Mom+Dad they are living here illegally and have 24hrs to leave. Seems the old man who owned the property died and his son told the police that his Dad never allowed my folks to live there. Son claims the lease is a forgery! My folks went back to Los Angeles and called the attorney. He said that the cops had been bribed and my folks had no hope of getting their home back. My folks later learned that Many Americans had been cheated out of their home too! My folks were so sad over losing their life savings/ retirement home they soon died! I will NEVER GO TO BAJA OR MEXICO..,I hate those crooks!
Also a community of expats over 1500 Americans and Canadians who had winter homes since 1950s..Mexican government abruptly terminated their leases and expropriated their properties....u.s. state dept has an alert on mexico travel..millions of tourists per year with about 200 disappearance..kidnapping and murders per yr
...sorry to hear about your family tragedy but investing in a foreign country (especially Mexico) has always been a risky proposition. The 'commoners' and the corrupt leaders at the top always resent seeing $$$$ take over their best commodities. America should change to similar NATIONALIZATION policy and reverse the direction we are headed - there are far too many anti-American elites (foreigners) that are taking ownership/control of America.
San Ignacio is definitely one of the best places to visit in Baja. Even lagoons there and their own species of turtle. At 9:00 that is the best place in Baja...great little bays south of Mulege. A lot of great stuff has been skipped and not photographed. At 9:50 they have skipped 90 miles south to Loreto. A bigger tourist town with an airport. I have been going to Baja since 1969 before the highway was all paved. If you go to the area of San Ignacio to Loreto, you are seeing great places and my favorite area. You don't need Cabo really and that is a lot further.
You might check out a book called "Observations in Lower California" (available online) by Jacob Baegert a Jesuit missionary who lived in Baja California between 1749 and1762 . Things haven't changed much.
I've done sfbay to Cabo a few times, even once did it in 30 hours in a 40 year old Saab. You're going to be fine. I'd rather break down in Baja than anywhere along I-5...
Are TH-cam celebrity Ryan Duzer wrote down the entire length of Baja to Cabo on a bicycle about 10 years ago. I followed his adventures. He had a blast. It helped that he was fluent in Spanish, my beautiful country if you like the desert.
In less it has changed recently 3 years or less, you don't need any visa unless you wanna cross from like LA Paz to mainland Mexico but they will still take your money if you want. All of Baja is hassle free zone 100% and no vehicle visa either.
Baja is safe..U.S. news makes things worth..U.S. has very dangerous places itself...just stay the course, be respectful, and you'll have a blast..I did the ride on my motorcycle...now looking to retire In Loreto Mex.
Watch your cash machine for a reader this was in Cabo San Lucas got me for it thirty five hundred dollars. I've both sailed from top to bottom sea Cortez back to top of sea Cortez. In. 1980 Went for six months a year for five years traveling to Guatemala . Been up both sides of mexico.its not what most people think . I've been in every town on the Pacific side of the Baja and to the top on Baja . I've drove from USA to Cabo . We drove from Pourta Vallarta to guadamala. Been in most the towns going south . Been back forth from north to south . And east to west. I was twelve first time down . Roads were gravel for hundreds of miles . We went to villages that had never seen blonde hair . I was twelve .. 67 now . The tourists spots are all about your money believe . Lot of wonderful people . Own house their and have rented many . When in the city's don't go out at night by yourself believe me. Always go with friends and watch where your going .theirs a lot of dog shit on the side walks.. if you see something you don't like keep your mouth shut unless against you . Keep your wallet in your front pocket. And don't keep large amounts cash on you . This is the fact and only the facts . It's a very large country and many dialects are spoken. If your in tourists town plenty of English speakers. if your out in mountains or away from the cities lot less English spoken or none . Mexico has every climate was cold in the mountain towns . And mostly smile.
100+ crossings easy for surfing as I'm 30 minutes from TJ. Started in 1966. What a paradise for decades until the cartels and rotten cops chased us back. We got shaken down so bad in Tecate that I stopped going after 2007. I miss the folks down there but looking over my shoulder for the cops constantly got old. Wonderful terrain and unbeatable citizens but I'm surrounded by lots of warm Mexican people right here in San Diego.
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I drive San Diego to Loreto 2 times a month for over 4 years. Only incident was a flat tire on a trailer. Very peaceful fun drive. Don't drink and drive.
Wow! Amazing. I'm planning on riding my motorcycle down there from here in San Diego. Any suggestions? Where to stay or camp? Points of interest? Things to do? Ok on the bike? Can I leave it to go inside someplace to eat?or it's prob gotta be locked up etc etc I"m assuming. I go to Baja south of Ensenada a lot over the last 10 yrs..but havn'et. been that far down yet and not on the bike yet either.
@@kee7678 Not sure you already made your trip, but it is a long but amazing drive because it is one of the few places in the world where you can zig zag your way down a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean. We stopped in Catavina for a stretch, and then we spent the night in Guerrero Negro. Places you want to stop and see are San Ignacio, Santa Rosalia (French History), Mulege, Loreto, Ciudad Constitucion, La Paz, Todos Santos on the Pacific Ocean side, La Paz, Los Barriles on the Sea of Cortez side and San Jose. I've driven all the way down, and it is truly quite an adventure. Plenty of places to eat seafood along the way, and plenty of places to buy gas. Good luck if you haven't already gone!
@@josephgarcia2979 Nope Haven't gone. My dad fell..then got sick..took care for him for 3 wks and then died unexpectedly so..now I"m behind in my plans..and might wait till little later in cooler fall. Thakns for the places! Many I had on my list already but several I did not so I'll study those too. Nightly I watch youtube vids and research. Cant wait! Thnaks so much.
Banditos with guns will stop you and rob you. May even pretend to be cops.
We went 3 times a year for 15 years.. Is Alfredo still alive? Best fishing guides..
Great information on Baja. It feels like a place I could happily get lost in. Well for at least 180 days. 😊
Come with next time!
Very dangerous. Only an American that has noi made it in life financially would even consider it. Third world. /cheaper but so what. No one with means would ever go to any of these SE Asia or South of the border hell holes
@@DIYGene they can dissappear you any time,,I know,,I'm from Ensenada,,only takes 1 time,,maybe your lucky day,,bag thing is,,they won't just kill you ,,you be torture beyond your imagination,,
caravan dude !
Thank you for sharing ! great video ! I lived in Cabo and drove all Baja main Hwy, When the road comes close to the east coast by Mulegé I was amazed by how many cozy beautiful coves where to stay for the night, dream places
You will encounter some armed banditos and get robbed and murdered. Those desolate places are lawless. No cops around for miles.
I just came back from Baja. I went down with guys who knew just about every dirt road and cheap hotel along the route. What I noticed was how kind and the innocence the people had. No hard looks or attitudes like in California. It was like going back into the 80's with no smart phones and people actually wanted to talk with you.
I"m headed down on the bike soon. Where you go ? Any suggestions? I"m an on ADV bike and can tent camp too. I'll be solo.
@@kee7678stay safe voyager in the process of shopping for an ADV bike. And eventually hitting the road. San Felipe is great and have good places to camp. You can’t miss them. This is my go to place. Good roads.
@@juancastro5422 I spent 2 yrs studying and reviewing ADV bikes before I got mine. Researched like crazy and talked to a lot of riders/owners.
It's Not Baja .. The Right Thing Is Complete.. Baja California, Mexico
Yes! I hate it when they change the name of our cities.
@@Fillemexicaine36 ... 👍🏻Greetings
Relax...I have been going there since the 60's...and I am from LA. lol
It sounds even dumber in English, imagine calling the place lower instead of lower cailfornia
LAS CALIFORNIAS MEXICO .
Ive been driving up and down Baja by myself since 2017. Never had a threat nor any problems! Thank God! And Im 73!!!
It’s the Wild West, don’t fool yourself
I just loved his unpretentious,nonchalant straight talking approach 😊
Entertaining video! We always fly to all destinations in Mexico. We have been to Loreto twice and stayed at Villa del Palmar Islands of Loreto. We also have visited La Paz a couple of times. then the famous Cabo San Lucas. The first time I stayed in Cabo was back in the 80s. Since then I have made over 20 trips to Cabo. If you like to spend time on beaches stay in Central Baja. The waters are calm and crystal clear. The waters along Cabo San Lucas get to be a little rough most of the time.
Baja is our home for half the year.
Our first trip was in the 1950s with multiple families, we returned during the 1960s for kayaking and SCUBA.
What area of Baja do you like most?
It could very well become part of ours as well!
@@nursynikki
On a kayak in the Sea Of Cortez.
More stars than I could count in a hundred lifetimes.
@largemarge1603 I have yet to get on a kayak out here. Can you recommend a good calm area?
You couldn't have gone very far in the 50's because there wasn't much of any road past Ensenada. Erle Stanley Gardner was just starting his expeditions in the 50's and he wrote a few books about his time down there. Viva Baja is a great site for the history of Baja.
Once you get past Ensenada its a whole different baja, my wife and I and our 2 daughters drove to cabo in August of 1990
We camped in a tent at the resorts because no one was there that time of year, we were followed by a guy and his son on a motorcycle from Canada, once we got to Cabo they went their own way but said they were going to leave the motorcycle there and fly back home because thats what Canadians do they drive down there and then leave the vehicle there in Cabo parked on the street with the keys in it for the locals to have.
it's no more dangerous than any other country to drive in Baja as a matter-of-fact people are more friendly.
Number of homicides is high, compared with Mexican standards
I love Baja and I love your personality, so I subscribed.. I am looking forward to seeing more of Baja…
I've been up and down Baja 10x on motorcycles. The narrow roads are not as scary but the potholes can do damage. Once you're in Baja Sur, you really feel like you're in Mehico. And you need to space your fillups.
Going on the Triumph Tiger soon..San Diego down to La Paz I think..moto camp...solo.... Any suggestions?
Going through Baja on a motorcycle would be 75% less stressful than going through a narrow road on a 10 wide rig. JS ✌️
I feel bad for anyone that didn't experience Baja 20-30 years ago. It has definitely changed. I had a place outside of Tecate for seven years and never had many issues, my last two trips I was robbed by the local police, and this last trip I was jailed for going to the police station to report the issue. I was threatened with spending weeks in their jail before being allowed to see a judge, and they told me I could be guilty of any crime they decided to say I committed. I never break any laws, don't drink or do drugs, and somehow found myself in a situation possibly facing jail time for reporting corruption.
I was robbed by the cops near Matahuala just 3 days ago.
I thought they had moved beyond that as it hasn't happened in years.
Really like your video and your attitude. Thank you for the video.
My first Baja drive from Dallas in 2008, I got from Tecate to Los Barriles in a day and a half. That was some hard driving.
Los barriles? In Baja? Where's is that. Never heard of it.😎
I may be one of the few who clicked "to hear the tales of Rick and Nikkie" and not to learn about Baja. I grew up in La Paz in the '60s and now live here as a retiree and run up and down the peninsula often, so I tuned in for the comic relief of listening to you be terrified of the isolation and narrow roads...and had some damn good laughs! I can empathize with your driving experience in La Paz, I can only imagine how that went for you with such a large vehicle. Then throw in that stop signs are treated as yields (don't know if you picked up on that, outsiders always F up the flow of things at intersections). As for the isolation of the peninsula, that's what I love the most about the place. I'm an avid camper in a capable SUV and enjoy the isolation and beauty that it has to offer, no other place like it on Earth. Really enjoyed the video, and will keep an eye out for your bus, would be hard to miss.
Hi Rick and Nikki, I’m JJs younger sister, Jackie! I’ll apologize for my bro, he’s quite the guy! I’ve subscribed and looking forward to your travels. Stay safe and happy travels😊😎
Oh, he's not so bad when he's got a few six packs in him. LOL! (Seriously, I kinda like the guy). Thanks for coming along on the journey!
I know north Baja California Since Tijuana to Ensenada i love all over the road the scenic road is the Best road while are you driving you look the sea all the time, greetings from Mario i'm watching your videos for first time buddy.
Great Video !.....Keep Up the good work.......Good delivery you kept me interested....
Thanks for the comprehensive and entertaining video. Happy travels!
we live in Oregon and drive to lower Baja 2 x a year. We have broken down twice (over the last decade) in the midst of almost no where twice. no cell reception and we were on our own...both times we were rescued by locals that went wayyyy out of their way to help us make things right. We can fix the car but we don't travel with a welder or a huge amount of tools (we do travel with a lot tho)...ugh, luckily we roll with it, pack the rig with food/drink and humor...we don't worry so much anymore. I would suggest filling up with gas at every area you can..water is a second must but easier to find than gas in some areas. Take care and I plan to binge your episodes since i'm getting ready to leave on our trip down at the end of Nov. We've made the trip 30 or so times ... driving such a large bus would be freakin me out!
Entertaining video! Thank you
Enjoyed your video, emensel!
Enjoyed this, very insightful. Cheers.
The crime and the cartel is way exaggerated, used by the U.S. for political reasons the biggest fear is your vehicle braking down in the meddle of nowhere, but a passerby would probably help you
Agreed. And passersby here always stop. At least the locals and the nomads. Plus ... the mechanics down here are used to keeping things going. They may not fix it right, but it will be fixed. LOL!
Totally agree
Cool video amigo, gracias.
Gringos always ask me why does it cost three times more to buy and live in the Baja. I tell them that the Baja is now south California now and the prices are about the same.
Porque ellos quiren to gratis. ..tienen mentalidad de los viejas tiempos. Cuando te podia intimidar y Saoirse con la sulla
Porque ellos subieron los precious.. tambien los chino
Good video. Been on my bucket list long time. Do you need a passport?
Yup
You'll need passport details to get your FMM. And of course, you'll need it to get back in the US. Assuming you want to leave Baja. :-)
Your Awesome for Having that Drive !!!.. God Bless
Man! Rick I love your style and want more of your Videos Thank you Sir!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did same driving trip 30 years ago. San Filipe was beautiful town. ( Now is not same anymore) I got great memories all away to the end Baha.
I drove a ‘76 GMC van around Mexico in ‘89. Down the West coast to Guatemala and then crossed to the East coast for the return trip North. Those roads you’re driving look pretty good to me brother. It was one hand for the crucifix and one for wheel on the roads in ‘80’s Mexico.
Great video! We vacationed in Baja and it was amazing. We are considering living down there during the cold Canadian winters.
I’ve driven my Promaster to Panama with less drama than you’ve had in Baja. I fully expect South America to be just as relaxed. Keep having fun but perhaps include a few less headshots and show a little more of the beauty of which you speak. I loved the lagoons of San Ignacio.
Lagoons? Do tell ... we didn't hear about them and will be running back through town in a few weeks.
How in the world did you get pass the Darién Gap? There is no road, not even a primitive one, across the Darién Gap. Please entertain me with your explanation.
Thank you for this Rick! Planning a trip with a truck camper and trailer.
Enjoy your trip! And enjoy the roads. LOL! They honestly aren't all that bad (did I just say that with a straight face?) but with a larger vehicle, they can be a lot to handle. You get used to it, kinda. But the roads are not always wide enough to leave a comfortable safety margin, so don't drive tired.
How was descending the Santa Rosalia grade in your rig. The first time we went down it, the surge brakes on the boat trailer were burned out and I had to remove them.😊
So Beautiful. I love Baja, growing up in San Diego Baja was a great weekend destination.
San Felipe was just a few hours away. Dirt main street in 1977.
I don,t know any place in Mexico named Baja,where is located?
Baja California y Alta California were the same state before it was stolen from Mexico
The Mexican government actually received $$ when treaty was signed with California
Thanks for the vid!
Very entertaining video!
Great information! I recognized most of the places you visited in San Felipe. I've lived there for 2 years. Landed in Feb. 2022 in an RV, fell in love with the place, and bought a house. Still plan to RV the peninsula, but have hesitated due to road conditions. I think I need a smaller rig to feel confident.
I would feel MUCH more confident myself in something smaller. But a 30' bus is what I got. So I'm trying to get used to it. LOL!
It's so nice to see your video and hear you talk about baja in a such nice that I subscribed to your channel, im from Baja, saludos Amigos and welcome anytime.
Is Baja safe?! Safer than USA for sure.😀
Ask that question to 180,000 Americans and Canadians who live there
Sheat.
I drove my 53 Ford pickup down to La Paz 2 times.
It was an adventure. And an education.
First time to the Channel. Very well put together content and information provided 😊
The wall is there telling you to use the front door.
NICE VIDEO.NICE.TRIP PAPII❤❤
Good video. I like your style of making the video and the information you give. To me, you are like the Mel Gibson (Actor)
of the road, you remind me of him....
Ummm, the younger and good looking Mel? Or the current, scruffy .... actually, nevernmind. LOL!
@@rickhiggins Ok
I can relate to that Malecon experience.. and the whole driving a wide body vehicle.. since we took our RV the same way ourselves and almost went the wrong way on a one way.. luckily I changed direction at the last second.. no harm.. but our mirrors got dinged on the journey..
This time , I'm walking in front of the bus.
Why visit Mexico when half their population is residing within the USA already?
More space down there? :-)
the complete name is Baja California..not only baja?.. part of the California stolen from usa..still named baja California
I think they know that.
Bruh, are you not aware all of California was part of Mexico before it was the US, it was named California like 300 years before it became a state.
@@kieranstevens5535 The now American side was called Alta (Upper) California, that's why the southern part or peninsula is still called Baja (Lower) California.
This f.. needs to go back not school. Not there but real historia... how ..really This happened..
😂😂😂😂😂🎉😂learn learning y won't be making this. Comments .....read historia....😂😂😂😂
I love your channel I just sust subscribe
JUST MY 2 CENTS:
I drove down Baja to Cabo in '74 right after Hwy 1 was completed when I was 30. Now 80.
From looking at your film Rick, the Hwy has deteriorated some, especially the shoulders.
My last road trip down was '96? I think. Roads that were dirt are now paved 4 lanes. (TOLL)
I wish I had experienced Baja like that. Aside from the roadways, it actually felt kinda tame. LOL! I imagine when it was more raw, there was a different feel. Having said that, Baja has become one of my favorite places in the world.
We used to drive often to Ensenada from LA. In year 2003, on our way back home, I got pulled over in Tijuana for an illegal lane change. I paid US $80 cash fine to the policeman and he let us go. Talking about getting scared!
...you got off cheap ! ( 'policeman' - what a quint term) I was born/raised in San Diego and I was down that way often myself in the 60's/70's - I wouldn't go back that way again if you paid me. I saw some real raw deals go down on innocent people even back then.
I loved your video thank you
Come back to Bahia San Ignacio to see the Gray Whales 🐋 during the winter 😃👍
Every trip I've taken to Mexico something too dangerous happened, I'll never ever go back.
I wish you would have showed more of the little towns. I got snippets of a few. SO BEAUTIFUL i have a bus im thinkn about the trip soon. ❤
Oh, I agree. When we go back I want to explore more of the smaller places, the people there are always so wonderful and the culture so rich. Hope to cross paths with you down there!
The road is legitimately dangerous. Shit tons of potholes and missing guard rails. But it is super beautiful and fun. It's doable, for sure, but you have to keep your head on a swivel. I had a blowout between Loreto and San Felipe. There were no 20-inch tires available in SF, so I had to drive on the spare all the way to Mexicali.
Baja California is the name.
No. Baja
and is safe to Drive
Onli drive slow
Have a safe trip.
Drive during the day. There can be surprises.
..."have a safe trip" and call it anything you want. I bet raul here, doesn't say The United States Of America every time he speaks of the US.
Not sure what was so frightening. Surfed Northern Baja since late 70's used to get turned around in Ensenada (at a small middle of the road policia check point) because we didn't have a visa. When that was removed we'd go surf at Quatro Casas. I drove class c motorhome from Otay Mesa Ca. to CSL the first year Mex 1 was completely paved in 88 I believe. It was awesome. It was still the old Cabo. Only time I sort of was concerned was following a Baja 18 wheeler north out of Loreto when empty Dos XX beer bottles started being heaved out of the tractor at a fairly regular pace. I figured they should know wen to drink and drive so I just backed off a few more yards. I loved Mexico unless your looking for trouble or just plain stupid. You have to look hard to find it in Baja,
Like North Carolina in the U.S isn’t just “North” isn’t “BAJA”
is BAJA CALIFORNIA🇲🇽
...you clowns don't get it do you - everyone familiar and comfortable with BAJA says it that way with respect and common understanding of the area. How many people say 'The United States Of America' ? - most intelligent people merely say America, or the States, or the US. Get off your ridiculous high horse.
Y todavía el gringo este se enoja porque dices la verdad jajaja
Here after the surf murders. Can safely say Baja is NOT on my list.
I get it...I took Venice Beach off my list....
I took Detroit and Baltimore off my list too!
In the 1980’s my folks (with a Mexican lawyer) got a 50 yrs lease on a beachfront property. They then spent $200,000 building their dream home with solar power and huge water tank so they were self sustaining. One morning my Mom gets a knock on the door. Two Mex police with machine guns enter and tell my Mom+Dad they are living here illegally and have 24hrs to leave.
Seems the old man who owned the property died and his son told the police that his Dad never allowed my folks to live there. Son claims the lease is a forgery! My folks went back to Los Angeles and called the attorney. He said that the cops had been bribed and my folks had no hope of getting their home back. My folks later learned that Many Americans had been cheated out of their home too! My folks were so sad over losing their life savings/ retirement home they soon died! I will NEVER GO TO BAJA OR MEXICO..,I hate those crooks!
The area was Punta Banda near la buffadora.
Also a community of expats over 1500 Americans and Canadians who had winter homes since 1950s..Mexican government abruptly terminated their leases and expropriated their properties....u.s. state dept has an alert on mexico travel..millions of tourists per year with about 200 disappearance..kidnapping and murders per yr
...sorry to hear about your family tragedy but investing in a foreign country (especially Mexico) has always been a risky proposition. The 'commoners' and the corrupt leaders at the top always resent seeing $$$$ take over their best commodities.
America should change to similar NATIONALIZATION policy and reverse the direction we are headed - there are far too many anti-American elites (foreigners) that are taking ownership/control of America.
San Ignacio is definitely one of the best places to visit in Baja. Even lagoons there and their own species of turtle. At 9:00 that is the best place in Baja...great little bays south of Mulege. A lot of great stuff has been skipped and not photographed. At 9:50 they have skipped 90 miles south to Loreto. A bigger tourist town with an airport. I have been going to Baja since 1969 before the highway was all paved. If you go to the area of San Ignacio to Loreto, you are seeing great places and my favorite area. You don't need Cabo really and that is a lot further.
Wow! Gracias por viajar a baja California! Algún dia iré ahí porque yo vivo en CDMX
Alm q dieta slowed
I drove that in 1990, no blacktop for most of it. Seems so refined now.
You might check out a book called "Observations in Lower California" (available online) by Jacob Baegert a Jesuit missionary who lived in Baja California between 1749 and1762 . Things haven't changed much.
Back in the day they had the green angels to help with brake downs and gasoline
That was very entertaining thank you!
What would the consequences be on re-entering the United States If you out stayed your 180 day visa?
I've done sfbay to Cabo a few times, even once did it in 30 hours in a 40 year old Saab. You're going to be fine. I'd rather break down in Baja than anywhere along I-5...
I used to have a time share in San Felipe....in the early 2000's, it was awesome then....
Do you think you could have any more commercials?
I dont need Mexico anymore...ive got East Los Angeles
Actually it's probably safer than some places in the US. Imagine trying to be a person of color going through Coeur d'Alene Idaho.
....and you say that why ???
Answer to title is a big YES!!!!!!
Sorry to disagree, but I found it to be a great big no. Baja feels (and is) safer that most US cities. And the tacos are so much better. LOL!
I lasted about 4 hours in baja before I was too drunk to drive.
Man, your bus is clean
Are TH-cam celebrity Ryan Duzer wrote down the entire length of Baja to Cabo on a bicycle about 10 years ago. I followed his adventures. He had a blast. It helped that he was fluent in Spanish, my beautiful country if you like the desert.
Is Baja dangerous? If you do drugs, yes.
...or if you run into someone who needs to get some drugs via your belongings.
In less it has changed recently 3 years or less, you don't need any visa unless you wanna cross from like LA Paz to mainland Mexico but they will still take your money if you want. All of Baja is hassle free zone 100% and no vehicle visa either.
14:47 Salsa Huichol on the table.....Authentic for Baja
my hometown baja California saludos from los angeles ca
Baja is good dangerous. Don't drive at night. A friend and I drove the entire length. Friendly people
Baja is safe..U.S. news makes things worth..U.S. has very dangerous places itself...just stay the course, be respectful, and you'll have a blast..I did the ride on my motorcycle...now looking to retire In Loreto Mex.
I think I just found Peter Zeihan:s identical twin brother
Watch your cash machine for a reader this was in Cabo San Lucas got me for it thirty five hundred dollars. I've both sailed from top to bottom sea Cortez back to top of sea Cortez. In. 1980
Went for six months a year for five years traveling to Guatemala . Been up both sides of mexico.its not what most people think . I've been in every town on the Pacific side of the Baja and to the top on Baja . I've drove from USA to Cabo . We drove from Pourta Vallarta to guadamala. Been in most the towns going south . Been back forth from north to south . And east to west. I was twelve first time down . Roads were gravel for hundreds of miles . We went to villages that had never seen blonde hair . I was twelve .. 67 now . The tourists spots are all about your money believe . Lot of wonderful people . Own house their and have rented many . When in the city's don't go out at night by yourself believe me. Always go with friends and watch where your going .theirs a lot of dog shit on the side walks.. if you see something you don't like keep your mouth shut unless against you . Keep your wallet in your front pocket. And don't keep large amounts cash on you .
This is the fact and only the facts . It's a very large country and many dialects are spoken.
If your in tourists town plenty of English speakers. if your out in mountains or away from the cities lot less English spoken or none . Mexico has every climate was cold in the mountain towns .
And mostly smile.
You need to be careful in Mexico...anywhere in Mexico. That said, keep your eyes open anywhere in the US while traveling as well.
I like to live in mexo part pf the year close to farms for safe food
100+ crossings easy for surfing as I'm 30 minutes from TJ. Started in 1966. What a paradise for decades until the cartels and rotten cops chased us back. We got shaken down so bad in Tecate that I stopped going after 2007. I miss the folks down there but looking over my shoulder for the cops constantly got old. Wonderful terrain and unbeatable citizens but I'm surrounded by lots of warm Mexican people right here in San Diego.
ok no cartels or any riffraff ok then
Safer then the USA “Sundown Towns”.
...and ask yourself where the people are from who made those "sundown towns" dangerous
@ Europeans
The secret is ' dont drive at night'... for a few reasons!
Fun!
I love Baja❤
Baja California!
Oh, boy, drinking and driving. Whoopee!
Can't figure out why the folks in the comments talking obout driving 50 year old cars through sparcly populated Baja Mexico.
RIGHT NOW YES
Great tales of terror and road horror. Those roads sound like they really suck