Post ride tips on Baja

[oldxr]

A suggestion if you havent been to baja and want to take bikes+ camp.If you are hauling your bike down just stay in a beach campground like Kiki's,Ruben's or Club de Pesca and take day rides out of your camp.The weather in San Felipe is awesome this time of year.Watching the sun come up over the Sea of Cortez then riding into town for fresh shrimp cocktails for breakfast is the best way to start a day.from San Felipe you can take day rides or 1 or 2 overnight rides to Mike's Sky Ranch,Alphonsina's in Gonzaga bay or a trip to see Coco.There are lots of local roads + beach riding south of town.Its very easy to run 500-600 miles a week of just day rides there.You dont need a street legal bike there.1 thing I do if going to San Felipe is cross the border at Mexicali early-like 6am.Easy traffic flow Baja really doesnt start untill you are south of Ensenada or San Felipe.Both areas are about %50 retired americans.The bank atm's will give you pesos with your american atm card and you wont get ripped for an exchange fee..The campgrounds are gated at night but when I go riding I keep my stuff locked inside my van.

[mtncrawler]

Originally Posted by jazzer

Hi Mtcrawler,

Did you stay there? It looks like something my wife might like. What did you think of the place?

Thanks
Ken

I liked it. Wished I had planned more time (and food) there - only spent one night. If you like campsites with there own hot pools, you'll like it. Some nice hiking up canyon from the campground with nice natural swimming holes too. It was a little pricey, like $30/night, but i think worth it. Great stars out there too..

PM me if you have any other questions, otherwise you might do some searches here. Enjoy...

[stoney4vida]

Originally Posted by tallpaul63

I don't know that there is a simple answer to that. I would plan on crossing the border early in the day. Ensenada might be a good destination for your first night. I crossed the border at Tecate and bypassed Tijuana entirely, which seemed to be a solid choice. If you cross at Calexico, you might find your way to San Felipe the first night. I think that town can be a bit rough, but nothing to worry about if you keep an eye on your gear and stay in a place where you can secure your bike.

I think the Tecate border crossing is best. always lots faster, Way less traffic.

[Riggerdan]

Originally Posted by rob1313

i've never regretted any time i've spent in baja. Go for it. Just lock up your stuff and keep an eye open for the same things you'd watch for at home. Enjoy yourself.

+1

[Riggerdan]

Originally Posted by stoney4vida

I think the Tecate border crossing is best. always lots faster, Way less traffic.

They will let motorcycles through no problem / minimal wait
drive all the way up and there is a break in the concrete barriers by entrance

[YAHBO]

I am gearing up for a winter 2013 rip down Baja and what is required for paperwork? Insurance? Is a passport all that is needed or is there more travel docs to gather?

Thanks for a great thread, tallpaul.

Subscribed and I'm sure I will be chiming in here and there.

YAHBO

[Bato]

Subscribed Never been to Baja

[tallpaul63]

Originally Posted by YAHBO

I am gearing up for a winter 2013 rip down Baja and what is required for paperwork? Insurance? Is a passport all that is needed or is there more travel docs to gather?

Thanks for a great thread, tallpaul.

Subscribed and I'm sure I will be chiming in here and there.

YAHBO

You will need a passport. A visa is not required, but you are supposed to purchase a tourist permit, something like 25 bucks at the border. In Tecate, it only took a few minutes to take care of this. I don't think that they really check it, but I don't begrudge them a few bucks for the local economy. Better to be on the up and up, in case you get involved with the authorities.

Insurance is not required, or more accurately I should say that they won't check this as at the border as a condition of entry, but you may wish to purchase it. A personal decision.

You won't need a temporary vehicle import permit, unless you intend to leave Baja for the mainland, like taking the ferry from La Paz to Mazatlan.

All in all, it's pretty simple.

[HardWorkingDog]

Originally Posted by tallpaul63

...You won't need a temporary vehicle import permit, unless you intend to leave Baja for the mainland, like taking the ferry from La Paz to Mazatlan...

Anyone know if it's possible to get a temp vehicle import permit AFTER you've been in Baja for awhile. Our plans are a little open ended, but if we don't get the permit upon our border crossing are we screwed?

[tallpaul63]

Originally Posted by HardWorkingDog

Anyone know if it's possible to get a temp vehicle import permit AFTER you've been in Baja for awhile. Our plans are a little open ended, but if we don't get the permit upon our border crossing are we screwed?

Questions for Banjercito If you have questions, e-mail this bi-lingual answer man: Erik Fernandez Carranza



Try emailing this fellow to see if you can make arrangements in La Paz. I suspect it can be done. Otherwise, you may look into making arrangements online, but the documents will have to be shipped to you, and I'd have concerns about that happening reliably,on your schedule. Probably easy to do from home with plenty of lead time though.


Paul

[Strong Bad]

It is my understanding that "Visa office and associated "Bank" at the new crossing at SY is open 24-7.

It is also my understanding that the vehicle paperwork can be done in La Paz.

[MJS]

Originally Posted by HardWorkingDog

Anyone know if it's possible to get a temp vehicle import permit AFTER you've been in Baja for awhile. Our plans are a little open ended, but if we don't get the permit upon our border crossing are we screwed?

You can get the permit at the ferry terminal in La Paz. Get your tourist visa when crossing into Baja. That's good for 180 days. Make sure the vehicle is in your name and you have proof of ownership (and notarized permission if there is a lien on the title). One vehicle per person so if you're traveling with a spouse have the bikes titled in separate names or have them both titled in both names.

This has worked for the wife and I in the past. You can get most of the info online.

[HardWorkingDog]

Originally Posted by Strong Bad

It is also my understanding that the vehicle paperwork can be done in La Paz.

Originally Posted by MJS

You can get the permit at the ferry terminal in La Paz.

Cool, thanks.

[jazzer]

Originally Posted by mtncrawler

I liked it. Wished I had planned more time (and food) there - only spent one night. If you like campsites with there own hot pools, you'll like it. Some nice hiking up canyon from the campground with nice natural swimming holes too. It was a little pricey, like $30/night, but i think worth it. Great stars out there too..

PM me if you have any other questions, otherwise you might do some searches here. Enjoy...

Great, Thanks! I'll let you know how we like it.

[tbarstow]

Originally Posted by YAHBO

I am gearing up for a winter 2013 rip down Baja and what is required for paperwork? Insurance? Is a passport all that is needed or is there more travel docs to gather?

Thanks for a great thread, tallpaul.

Subscribed and I'm sure I will be chiming in here and there.

YAHBO

Just got home from a 2 week trip. Insurance through Baja Bound for the bike, all of it done online. Crossed at Los Algodones (near Yuma), purchased tourist visa for 180 days for $25 at the first building to your right at the border.

No problems, no issues. Ride Report here.

Next year, I'll probably do it again but bring light camping gear to save $$$ on sleeping arrangements.