Baja Travel Guidebook

AIR SERVICE
Flights are daily to major centers. Charter flights usually have the best prices - those prices are posted in August.

The following airlines serve the peninsula:

• Aero California, 1-800-445-9820, LA to Loreto, La Paz and Los Cabos, Tijuana to La Paz
• Aero Mexico, 1-800-237-6639, Tijuana or Tuscon to La Paz, San Diego to Los Cabos
• Alaska Airlines, 1-800-252-7522, all major west coast cites plus Phoenix to Los Cabos
• America West, 1-800-363-2597, Vancouver B.C., Seattle, Phoenix to Los Cabos
• Mexicana, 1-800-531-7921, LA and Denver to Los Cabos
• Blue Pacific Air, 1-800-600-0082, Long Beach to San Diego's Brown Field to San Felipe

NOTE: Los Cabos International Airport is 10 miles north of the town of San Jose del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is 20 miles west of San Jose del Cabo.

BUS SERVICE
From the US: Greyhound runs from Los Angeles and San Diego to Tijuana.

From Tijuana to Los Cabos: Three major bus companies, Autotransportes de Baja California (ABC), Transportes Aquila and Tres Estrelles de Oro provide efficient service on the peninsula with modern, clean, fast buses. The trip can be made in 24 hours. Call the Tijuana terminal for schedules and rates (from the US: 011-52 (664) 626-7101).

From Los Cabos International Airport to La Paz: Airport shuttles run the 10 miles regularly from the airport to San Jose del Cabo. They take bicycles on top. From San Jose there are 2 bus routes north to La Paz. The eastern route is shorter but the time is longer because it is mountainous and the bus makes as many stops as needed for passengers. The western route runs through Todos Santos on the Pacific side. Ten buses a day run 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

From La Paz to Loreto: Three to six buses run daily. The trip takes 4.5 hours. Some buses are air conditioned, some have videos.

DRIVING
The transpeninsular highway is being maintained all the time. The heavy winter rains in the north and the increasing volume of transport trucks from the agricultural land in the north take their toll on the road surfaces. The roads are narrow but safe to drive.

When traveling distances in Baja equip your vehicle for overnight emergencies. Carry a flashlight, tools, water, a sleeping bag and some emergency food. Never leave a vehicle unattended. It will be stripped within hours. The government provides a 'Green Angels' service which runs emergency vehicles back and forth between towns. They carry some tools, have some mechanical ability and can at least get help for you. If there are two of you, one can hitch a ride for help but one must stay with the vehicle. The thieves are not dangerous but they do know a good deal when they see one.

Highway drivers, especially truckers are safe and respectful. They know the roads and may drive faster than visitors but they are courteous and helpful. When you are behind them on the highway they may put their left turn signal on indicating that it is safe to pass. Flashing headlights means use caution ahead (usually cow on the road).

In towns, watch for hidden stop signs at intersections. Locals seem to slide through intersections. Speed bumps can be very high.

When ticketed the police will take your license to make sure you go to the station to pay. You are not expected to pay them but to avoid delay you can offer to pay the officer direct. If you are arrested the Secretary of Tourism may be able to help.

Throughout the length of the peninsula there are occasional fruit or drug roadblocks. They'll search quickly and send you on your way.

Taking recreational equipment into Baja is not a problem if they can see that it is for your holiday use. If you're hauling a trailer with kayaks or bikes that they think could be sold you may be turned back and asked to make arrangements to import your equipment. On the other hand you may not be stopped at all.

Never let another person, Mexican or foreigner drive your vehicle. People have been known to be jailed for this offense. It is said you can write a note to say that another person can drive your vehicle - this is an untested tale.

Driving at night is risky because of potholes, rocks on the road and in the south, black cows on black roads. The animals seem to graze near the road at night.

CAR RENTALS
Rentals are available in larger cities at competitive rates. Availability and rates are usually better if made in advance through your travel agent. Check out your cancellation policy. VW bugs are the most common rental vehicle but there are others available. Renting locally costs from $40 a day.

FERRY SERVICE
From La Paz to Topolobampo (jump off for Copper Canyon) and Mazatlan. In La Paz most travel agents will handle bookings for you or you can go to the Sematur Ferry Office located at Prieto y 5 de Mayo (112) 5-38-33. Allow 2-3 days for the whole process if taking a vehicle.

From Santa Rosalia to Guaymas. In Santa Rosalia go directly to the terminal (115) 2-00-14 for ticketing.

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