Annual Pilgrimage to the Enchanted Land of Tacos - Baja, Mexico - November 10-26, 2017

I'm heading down to Baja with a small group from November 10th to the 26th for Camping, Beer, Motorcycles, Tacos, Hot Springs, Spectating the Baja 1000, Beach, Surfing, Tacos and Beer.


So far I have a rough outline of the trip. We'll fill in the details as we get closer.


Basically we meet up in San Diego on Friday the 10. We cross the border at Tecate on the 11th and head south for the 1st week.

Once the course is published we can pick a location to watch the Baja 1000 on Thursday 11/16-Friday 11/17. After the race we’ll turn north and make our way back toward the border. We’ll cross back into the US and drive home on Sunday 11/26. Along the route we’ll be camping as well as staying in hotels and ranches. We’ll spend a couple days on the beach on the Pacific side for surfing and swimming.


Some things about travelling in Baja-


You will need a current US Passport in order to re enter the US on the 25th.


Per Mexican law all vehicles travelling into Mexico need to have Mexican car insurance. This can be bought here:

https://www.bajabound.com/.


You will also need to purchase a tourist visa after crossing the border in Tecate. You can find more information here: https://www.bajabound.com/before/permits/visa.php


Get your pesos early. You can get more in Mexico but the exchange rate isn’t always the best. Most places accept dollars directly, but you’ll get charged more. 9,000 pesos or about $500 will be sufficient. Most places take cards but you’ll need cash as well.


Military Checkpoints - NO Guns! This is a sure way to end up in a Mexican prison. There are military checkpoints we need to go through. The soldiers manning the checkpoints are polite and professional. Your truck will be searched at least once at the checkpoints. Also keep knives off your person, although they are fine within your bags or vehicle.


Some things about your truck -


Suspension - We're going to spend a lot of time on rough dirt roads. There is nothing technical but you'll need a good suspension. My 1st trip I broke two Bilstien shocks that had 15,000 miles on them. If you have long travel this place is long travel heaven. Be certain that your suspension components are in tip top shape….as well as the rest of your truck, fresh fluids, etc.


4WD is not necessary but it's a good idea

Tires - Good All terrain tires are a must as is a compressor and a patch kit. I carry 2 spare tires with me. If you can get a hold of a second spare bring it.


Fueling and refuelling - The 1st rule regarding fuel in Baja is when you see a gas station fill up! You should have an off road range of 300 miles...meaning if your truck gets 10mpg loaded and on rough roads you need 30 gallons of fuel.


Food - We’ll be eating a ton of tacos. However, you’ll want to carry beverages and food for camping for dinners and breakfasts. Either have a cooler that can maintain ice for several days or a 12 volt fridge. Ice is not readily available.




Most importantly -

Rule #1 - No Assholes

Rule #2 - Don’t be an Asshole.

Rule #3 - Please review rules #1 and #2

Here is a short video from last year's trip -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTzjxs6_8WA

 

Mark,
This should read

Most importantly -

Rule #1 - No Assholes

Rule #2 - Please review Rule #1

 

Good idea!

 

Man that trip looks epic. I wish I could go, looks like an amazing time.

 

You don't have to do the whole trip...you can do part of it too.

 

So tempting.

 

I appreciate rule #1 OP! Have a great time

 

It's kinda ironic being that the 3 of us who've gone the last two years (and the one who went my 1st year) are all assholes.

 

You have 98 days to decide.

 

slightly aroused

 

im an asshole, im out.
one of these yrs. im going to do a Baja run. looks amazing.

 

Lol...I should change that to certain types of assholes. Otherwise, I can't go myself.

 

Seriously thinking about it. Gotta be back in CA by the 21st, though. I'll talk to you more @ the White Mountain thing and make sure that we're similar kinds of totally-not-assholes.

 

Assholes tend to flock together.
We just understand us better then others.

 

I've never needed a tourist visa or Mexican insurance and I go to rocky point every few months

 

You can get away with out having either. Especially the tourist visa. I don't think they're something you get checked for. The insurance is a differant matter.

Insurance however.... US car insurance is not recognized in Mexico. If you get into an accident you can be arrested and your vehicle impounded until the matter is resolved. Your US insurance might cover you while in Mexico, but the Mexican goverment won't recognize it. It's kind of gamble just like driving with out insurance in the US.

Here's some good info on driving in general in Mexico - The 1st link discussed Insurance.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2016/05/10/driving-in-mexico/84144600/
http://www.wikihow.com/Drive-in-Mexico-Without-Getting-Into-Trouble

I just got a quote from https://www.bajabound.com/ for 2 weeks. Liability for my 2003 Tacoma is $75. Full Coverage is $153. I put $10,000 for my beat up 213,000 mile truck.

 

yea I know what you mean I've seen it happen before . Took a few grand to make everything better

 

Ouch. When I went last year I did't have MX insurance. I almost got into an accident in Ensanada. Scary shit.

 

I was in Baja in March and my buddy rolled and totaled his FJ on the highway. Both occupants were ok. Baja Bound insurance was pretty fair and paid him off within a few weeks.