Travel Mexico Solo

Baja California Travel

Your ultimate guide to baja mexico, baja california travel guide contents.

Quick Tips | Getting There | Top Destinations  |  Things to Do  |  Baja Tours  | Baja Blogs |  Baja Safety  | FAQ

Baja California travel guide

Where is baja california located.

Baja California Mexico, consists of two states that make up the Baja Peninsula on the country’s west coast — Baja California Sur (South) and Baja California (sometimes called Baja California Norte, or Baja North).

Baja California Mexico map

baja california mexico map

Baja Mexico Travel: Baja Sur vs Baja Norte

Baja California Sur is undoubtedly the more popular state for tourism — though both Baja states have things to offer.

In Baja Sur, the famous beaches of Los Cabos ( Cabo San Lucas  and  San Jose del Cabo ) and  La Paz  await! There’s also whale watching in winters, and the  pueblos magicos (Mexico magic towns) of  Todos Santos and  Loreto .

In the northern Baja Mexico state , there’s  Valle de Guadalupe , AKA the “Napa Valley of Mexico,” and the lively beach towns like  Rosarito , Ensenada and Tijuana.

There are also calmer beach towns like Puerto Nuevo and San Felipe, the Tecate pueblo magico , beautiful Bahía Concepción (Bay of Conception), and Mulegé (pronounced mu-lay-he), an oasis town on the Gulf of California.

Baja California Mexico: Know before you go

  • 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
  • ⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-6)
  • 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
  • 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
  • 🔌 Electricity Socket : You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this  universal travel adaptor .
  • 📲 Mexico SIM Card : Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards .
  • 🚙 Car Rentals : The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.

What’s the best airport for Baja Mexico?

Los Cabos International Airport (code: SJD) and Tijuana International Airport (code: TIJ) are the two largest airports in Baja California Mexico, and the ones most visitors will use.

If you’re going to Baja California Sur state, opt for Los Cabos Airport, and for Baja California state, use Tijuana Airport. There are also a few other smaller airports you can use, like the ones listed below ⤵

✈️ Baja California Sur State

  • Cabo San Lucas : Los Cabos International (code: SJD)
  • San Jose del Cabo : Los Cabos International
  • Todos Santos : Los Cabos International
  • La Paz : La Paz International (code: LAP)
  • Loreto : Loreto International (code: LTO)

✈️ Baja California State

  • Tijuana : Tijuana Airport (code: TIJ)
  • Ensenada : Tijuana International
  • Rosarito : Tijuana International
  • Valle de Guadalupe : Tijuana International

Top Baja California Travel Destinations

baja mexico travel guide

Los Cabos & Cabo San Lucas , Baja Sur Mexico

Cabo San Lucas is a Mexican beach resort city on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. For decades now, it has been one of the top travel destinations in Mexico.

Just north, San Jose del Cabo , where the Cabo Airport is located, has a more chill vibe. Unlike Cabo San Lucas, this Baja beach town is known more for its art scene than its party scene.

Note: These two “cabos” are part of the Los Cabos Municipality.

baja mexico travel guide

La Paz, Baja Sur Mexico

La Paz has some of the best swimming beaches in Mexico outside of the Caribbean. As not all Baja beaches are great for swimming, La Paz stands out with its calm blue waters and soft white sand.

The best beaches in La Paz Mexico begin just outside of downtown, and continue for miles. Of them all, the undeniable star of the La Paz Mexico beach scene is picturesque Playa Balandra .

baja mexico travel guide

Valle de Guadalupe, Baja Mexico

Mexico has a few wine regions, though none more popular than Valle de Guadalupe, AKA The Napa of Mexico. It has about 100 vineyards and wineries — much more than Queretaro State , the second biggest Mexico wine region.

The closest beach town to Valle de Guadalupe is Ensenada Mexico . It is just two hours from the U.S.-Mexico border, and among the best party beach towns in Mexico and Baja.

Best places & things to do in Baja Mexico

There is a seemingly endless amount of things to do in Baja California Mexico, one of the top vacation spots in Mexico.

The majority of them involve being in, on, or near the water — though there’s a lot to see in the surrounding deserts as well. Click on any image below to learn more ⤵

Colorful Mexican folk art flags (papel picado) on a street in Todos Santos pueblo magico (magic town), a great place for Solo Mexico travel in Baja California, Mexico,

Todos Santos

baja mexico travel guide

Cabo Arch & Playa del Amor

baja mexico travel guide

La Bufadora Blowhole

colorful homes on the water and mountains in the background in beautiful loreto, one of the Best Mexican Beach Towns

Magdalena Bay ( Gray Whales )

baja mexico travel guide

Cabo Pulmo National Park

colorful umbrellas and a lot of people on the beach in Roasrito, one of the Best Mexican Beach Towns

Isla Espiritu Santo Island

the beautiful blue water and mountains along Blandera Beach in La Paz, one of the Best Mexican Beach Towns

Playa Balandra Beach

Best baja mexico tours.

Tours in Baja Mexico are a great way to see the peninsula — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Mexico, this is the best way to get around because transportation fees add up quickly! 💡 Note: If you do want to have a car in Baja, make sure to check out this guide to Renting a Car in Cabo .

Is Baja safe for travelers?

According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Mexico.

In fact, the Baja Peninsula is one of the safest parts in Mexico — though some parts are safer than others — for example, you’ll want to exercise extra caution in Tijuana, which has good parts, and bad   parts . Now, that’s not to say bad things don’t happen in other parts of Baja; they do.

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . —Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source:  Forbes )

As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.

For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

A few places in Baja California are big party destinations, like  Cabo San Lucas , Tijuana and Ensenada , and safety can go out the window when there’s alcohol involved, so be mindful.

If you want to venture off the beaten path, do some research to make sure there aren’t any travel warnings where you’re headed — especially if you’re doing a Baja road trip .

What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?

travel insurance for mexico paperwork

This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you , consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.

🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:

  • World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
  • SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
  • Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
  • 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

Baja Blogs: Learn more about Mexico travel 🇲🇽

four woman on one of the best cabo san lucas private boat tours

10 Best Cabo San Lucas Private Boat Tours in 2024

man fishing in Mexico | Cabo fishing charters

10 Best Cabo Fishing Charters and Tours in 2024

woman renting a car in la paz mexico

Renting a Car in La Paz Mexico: What to Know in 2024

Baja california travel: frequently asked questions, can you drink the water in baja mexico.

No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

So what can you do?

  • If you’re renting a home with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
  • You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
  • Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle . This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!

water bottles

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.

packing list for mexico

🧳 Mexico Packing list

Wondering what else you need on your packing list for Mexico? Check out this guide — Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download !

What’s the best time to visit Baja Mexico?

With its desert climate, Baja is basically a year-round destination . Its weather is similar to that of San Diego, California — which is pretty much perfect all year long — so you can expect warm, sunny days, and cool, crispy nights on your trip.

There is a short Baja rainy season from about mid-July to September, but other than that, Baja is ideal all year.

For the best value: You’ll get the most bang for your buck in the summers, from July to September . This is the rainy season, but with its desert climate, it doesn’t rain too much in Cabo.

Besides the rains, it is quite humid in the summers, but if you don’t mind the non-ideal weather, you will enjoy lower prices and smaller crowds.

When is the Baja whale season?

Winter is the best time to see whales in Baja, Mexico — whether that’s the friendly gray whales in Magdalena Bay , or the giant humpback whales in Cabo Pulmo National Park near Cabo San Lucas.

🗣 Mexico Language

Mexico Fun Fact : There’s actually no official language of Mexico!

Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.

💰 Mexico Currency

Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico .

☀️ Mexico Weather

Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.

In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.

✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season

• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.

• Mexico Slow Season : If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.

• Mexico Shoulder Season : The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.

🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.

Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:

• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.

• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.

•  Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.

•  Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.

•   Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.

Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.

•   Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets .

The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🤔 What is the mexico FMM ?

When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple , or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.

In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!

🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times

Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card , it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!

You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.

Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.

If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.

If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.

As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer ( I wish it did! ), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now ? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.

Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.

💃 Mexico solo travel guides

Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers .

In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.

🎧 solo travel podcasts

• Ep. 34 |  Planning your first Mexico solo trip • Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico • Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1

To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES , it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.

The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!

🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

Find Your Rental Car

As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.

If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos  (small towns) speak little to no English.

🗣 Here are some options:

  • Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish , so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
  • Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
  • Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
  • Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • National Parks
  • Travel Stories
  • How Much Does It Actually Cost to Travel the World?
  • What’s In My Backpack: The Ultimate Long-Term Travel Packing List
  • My Favorite Non-Fiction Travel Books
  • All Budget Travel Resources
  • Writing Portfolio

The Best 3-Week Baja Mexico Itinerary: Discover the Peninsula

This post may contain affiliate links. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. I don’t endorse any services I don’t personally use or recommend.

It’s road trip time. Whether you’re driving from Southern California or renting a car in Cabo this is the definitive guide to all the best destinations in the Baja Peninsula. The perfect Baja Mexico Itinerary if you will.

Baja is a desert. But not the desolate dreary flat kind of cacti haven. This desert is brimming with palm-fringed oasis, curious coyotes, a smattering of small Mexican towns with quaint cobblestone streets, and HUGE Saguaro Cacti. The winding roads make for, albeit long, but scenic drives through the landscape and plenty of opportunities for spotting local wildlife. & I haven’t even mentioned the beaches. Stunning slices of tropical paradise with calm waters for paddle boarding, clear water for snorkeling, and soft sand for lounging.

But first, let’s get you prepared for road-tripping Mexico. If you haven’t already read my blog post detailing everything you need to know before your Baja Mexico Road Trip, be sure to head there now & give it a read.

Now that you know the basics of a Mexican road trip we can look at our Baja Mexico Itinerary. Here is the lowdown on everywhere you need to pay a visit to on the Peninsula.

The Perfect Baja, Mexico Road Trip Itinerary

Beach bar with whale bones out front. Palm trees surrounding it.

Most travelers to the Baja Peninsula only visit 4-5 destinations. Sometimes the limitation is time, but sometimes they just don’t realize how incredible the small towns of Baja are & all they have to offer. This is our complete guide to the Baja Peninsula curated over several trips and more than a month spent exploring its nooks and crannies.

This entire Baja Mexico Itinerary can be done in 3 weeks. It’s better to make it 4, if time isn’t a concern, to leave room for extra exploring on your own.

Oh TJ. This city is often what scares would be road-trippers away from the idea of ever exploring Mexico. I won’t sugarcoat it. The city is a little rough. If you’re faint of heart just pass on through. But like many large metropolia packed with a variety of immigrants, the food in Tijuana is delicious if you know where to look.

Even the hot and crispy churros served from vendors wandering between cars in the border crossing line are worth eating. Here are a few of my TJ favorites.

  • Telefónica Gastro Park. A massive street food park known for it’s delicious cheap eats.
  • Any taco truck selling Birria de Res.
  • Caesar’s . After all the Caesar salad was invented in Tijuana. Not kidding.
  • Mision 19. If you’re feeling fancy and want to see exactly what Tijuana’s stellar chefs can do.

Toll Roads: Between Tijuana and Ensenada there is a beautiful stretch of perfectly (almost) paved highway. This is the Scenic Highway. It’s not only the fastest route to Ensenada but the easiest for drivers unfamiliar with Mexican roadways. It is a toll road so be prepared to pay 40 pesos ($2) three times on your way down the coastline.

Rosarito & Puerto Neuvo

These two small towns are within an hour’s drive from the US/Mexico Border and a popular weekend trip for Southern California residents. I’ve written previous blog posts detailing the best eats in Rosarito and why you should visit the famous lobster village of Puerto Nuevo as well as an overview of the road-tripping the three towns of Baja North (Rosarito, Puerto Nuevo, Ensenada). All three can be easily explored in a day or two and are a perfect introduction to the Baja Peninsula.

Ensenada is a big city that feels small. Mostly because the town center is tiny and curated specifically for tourists. Most never leave those 3 main streets. But unless you’re looking for obnoxious bars with watered-down drinks and overpriced tourist food and knick-nacks I would avoid the main street.

baja mexico travel guide

All liquor in Mexico is a lower alcohol content than in the United States. Usually ranging from 28%-35%. In the U.S. most range from 35%-40% alcohol. Keep that in mind before you purchase any bottles.

As far as attractions go the town is relatively barren. The construction is modern and seems disjointed from the rest of Mexico. There is a blowhole called La Bufadora about 30-minutes south of the city, but I wouldn’t say you need to make the journey.

Best Eats in Ensenada

I spent 2 days in Ensenada, mostly for eating. Okay, completely for eating. & this city has some of the best damn street food on the peninsula. Hands down, the best seafood tacos in Baja. Here’s where you have to eat.

  • El Parian . This bright pink breakfast establishment is serving cheap breakfast favorites like chilaquiles, huevos ranchero, and machaca omeletes. It’s much like your favorite diner back home, just Mexican style.
  • Tacos Fenix (Fish & Shrimp). If you only eat at one place I recommend make it this one. This street food stand makes the best tacos in Baja & I don’t say that lightly. Perfectly fried, right before your eyes, the shrimp and fish tacos are simple (& cheap) and can be topped with a vareity of salsas, pickled toppings, and slaws.
  • La Comadre. Your non-seafood choice. Just off of mainstreet this small restaurant is a local favorite. The tacos change daily and the meat is ladled from large red clay pots into large handmade tortillas. I loved the Birria.
  • Mariscos El Guero. If you’re a seafood fanatic you’re in the right place. This cevichria has plates of the freshest fish plucked from the waters of Baja. The mixed ceviche is huge and piled with squid, fish, shrimp, and uni. Definitely enough to serve two.
  • Hussong’s Cantina is not known for its food. But it is the oldest bar in Baja and has a fun vibe. It’s a tourist attraction (there’s another location in Las Vegas) but if you feel like grabbing a cold beer or Margarita and being serenaded by a full Mexican band it’s a good option.

If you’re looking for a place to car-camp in Ensenada look no further. You can sleep in any free parking space. We chose the roadside near the Hotel Cortez Baja Inn.

Valle de Guadalupe

The Napa Valley of Mexico. Without the Napa Valley price tag. The Valle de Guadalupe has been gaining in both international and local reputation as a top wine destination. About an hour’s drive from Ensenada, the dusty dirt roads of Valle de Guadalupe house over 70 local wineries. Some are better than others. Most visitors stay at a lovely Airbnb or guesthouse and hire a driver to winery hop for an afternoon.

baja mexico travel guide

We chose a more DIY approach, driving ourselves, and only visited two wineries in the area. A word of warning: The wineries are not close together. Often, you’ll drive 20-minutes on loose dirt and narrow roadways to reach them. There’s not really a town center. Aside from the wineries, this area is pretty undeveloped.

Best Winery in Valle de Guadelupe

Definitely, Vena Cava. I know we only visited two but this winery came highly recommended to us and did not disappoint. They specialize in natural wine but have a wide selection of white, red, and a very tasty food truck in their sprawling outdoor space overlooking the vineyard. The tasting room is inside a man-made cavelike structure built from the hull of ships.

If you’re looking for a few other wineries to add to your list…

  • Finca Carrodilla

Best Food in Valle de Guadalupe

Ochentos Pizza . Although technically outside the maze of wineries in “town”, this local pizza joint is truly unique. The pizza is good but the ambiance is wonderful. You’ll traverse several dirt roads and a steep cobblestoned driveway to reach it but if you visit at sunset you’ll be rewarded with views of the whole valley. There’s always live music, a small zoo of animals outside (mostly goats, ducks, and sheep), and locally crafted beer.

Now your long driving days begin. La Lobera makes for a great pit stop after driving hours through rolling hills of cacti on single-lane roads. Unfortunately, La Lobera requires a 4X4 vehicle. This sand-colored stone formation holds a pool of turquoise water and a pile of sea lions seeking refuge from the sea. It’s about 2 miles on pitted sand-covered roads to reach it though.

Last Gas Fill-Up : Get gas at the Pemex in El Rosario de Arriba. This will start the long stretch through the uninhabited desert. There are no gas stations for 250 KM. Sometimes you can find random locals selling gas from barrels on the side of the road if you’re desperate but there’s no way to guarantee it’s good gas for your vehicle. Just fill up here and you’ll be fine.

  • Bahia de Los Angeles

Welcome to the warm bathwater shores of the Sea of Cortez. Bahia de Los Angeles is a small scattered town with several campable beaches where you can pull right up onto the pebbly sand. Playa La Gringa is the best of the bunch. You’ll pass by all the rest on your way to Gringa so you decide for yourself which you prefer.

woman with a paddleboard in a bright blue water with mountains in the background.

This beach is great for fishing, swimming, and of course paddleboarding. Just be sure to watch out for the stingrays that are scattered all over the East Coast of Baja. Just shuffle your feet in the shallows to avoid stepping on them.

Bahia de Los Angeles is also known for Whale Shark tours during the proper season. Just inquire anywhere you see a giant sign picturing a whale shark.

Playa La Gringa is not always monitored but sometimes locals come to collect trash and ask for a donation to stay on the beach overnight. We suggest a donation of 100 pesos.

On your way into town be sure to stop at the lookout point before you descend to see the bay in all its bright blue glory. & if you’re looking for a place to nab some Sea of Cortez seafood check out Restaurant Alejandrinas .

Blue lagoon in the midst of the desert with pinkish mountains in the background.

Ojo de Liebre Lagoon

Whales. Lots of them. We skipped this Lagoon because, alas, it was not whale season. But if you want to see humpback whales on your Baja road trip (& get insanely close to them) this is the place to be.

This area is world-renowned for its freakishly friendly whales. Researchers and tourists love them.

  • San Ignacio

Big white and red church with stone steps and man walking up them.

A true oasis in the desert. This region of Baja is desolate. Scattered with hundreds of varietals of cacti, dusty towns, and an unbearably flat landscape. San Ignacio comes out of nowhere. Vibrantly green and carpeted in tall date palms offering the only shade for miles around this small city thrives alongside the life-giving river. The town square is cobblestoned and overlooked by a massive Spanish missionary church.

You won’t need more than a day to bask in the shade and eat date-flavored everything. From milkshakes to date chicken to pan datil (date bread) the date palms that shade the town drive the cuisine in the area.

baja mexico travel guide

I wasn’t blown away by the food in San Ignacio outside of dates. But the small breakfast joint at the foot of the church had great classic Mexican breakfast fare and at night a hot dog stand often sets up out front.

Santa Rosalia

baja mexico travel guide

Back on the East Coast! Santa Rosalia is a fairly large city for Baja with…you guessed it, a large lovely town center. In case you haven’t picked up on that it’s kind of a trademark for Baja. We didn’t stay too long in Santa Rosalia (because the beaches awaited us) but there are tons of street vendors selling agua frescas (juices, flavored waters, horchata) and the best bakery in Baja. It’s called El Boleo and for under 20 pesos you can snag some of the tastiest local Baja pastries. My favorites were topped with pineapple.

This is the beginning of Baja’s best beaches. Well, 30-minutes south of here anyways. Mulege is not a beach town. It is, however, a popular tourist town due to its tasty local restaurants, close proximity to colorful canyons decorated with ancient cave paintings, and a scenic mission (church) overlooking a carpet of verdant palms.

Greenish blue river surrounded on all sides by dark green palm trees.

Best Mulege Restaurants & Attractions

  • Mulege Brewing Company. For a few beers.
  • Dany Restaurant. The best food in town. Also heavily air conditioned.
  • Mision Santa Rosalia de Mulege . A scenic overlook worth the short drive out of town.
  • Faro de Mulege. Scenic lighthouse by the water.
  • Restaurant Bar Los Equipales. Another great restairnat. They serve a lot of Machaca, however. Be aware that Machaca is dried beef. Not for everyone’s palate.

I recommend parking near the lighthouse directly on the beach. It’s not a good beach for swimming or other water activities but it’s outside the bustle of town and safe enough to sleep with all your doors open.

Best Beaches Near Mulege

I would venture to say that these particular beaches are not only the best in Mulege but the best in all of Baja. Crystal clear water, soft beige sand, tropical fish, and camping directly on the sand. It doesn’t get better than that. Positioned on the Bay of Conception these sands are even more protected from the mild waves of the Sea of Cortez than anywhere else.

Accessible via dirt pull-offs from the main highway you’ll often see the beaches coming. These are the names of a few favorites.

Playa Santispac

It costs 200 pesos for the night but this beach is completely protected from the waves. Great for early morning paddleboarding or kayaking. You can also easily reach Hidden Beach, also known as Playa Escondida, from here.

woman sitting on a still ocean on a paddleboard with the colorful sunrise in the background.

Playa La Escondida

Not to be confused with “hidden beach” this stretch of sand is further south. A crescent-shaped bay with turquoise waters and thatched huts offer a little shade for beach-goers.

Colorful houses overlooking the blue ocean.

Playa el Burro

One of the more developed beaches in the area. The shores are crowded with thatched homes for rent on Airbnb and don’t leave much room for van parking. This beach is great for a swim but if you’re looking to van camp I would opt for one of the others.

Curved bay covered in a line. of thatched houses with clear blue calm waters.

Playa el Coyote

Another great option for camping. Also offers some thatched huts for shade and is a favorite of the locals which typically means you’ll be sharing the sand with families BBQ-ing and blasting music into the evening.

A circular bay with some car campers on the sand. Water is bright and tropical.

One of my biggest disappointments was not getting to fully experience the city of Loreto. It was simply too hot for us to try and stay. From what I hear this big beachy town offers a lot in terms of marine exploration.

If you’re looking for a complete guide to Loreto click the link here .

This is one of the oldest and best-preserved missions in the Baja region. The same cannot be said about its roads. Getting to the summit of the small mountain and wandering the quaint streets is worthwhile IF you are very confident in your driving skills and maybe have either high clearance or 4WD.

San Carlos is much like the rest of the Baja west coast. Slightly charmless. But you’re not here for the town. You’re here for the whales. Visit during whale season and this is a bustling hub filled with open restaurants and street food. Outside of whale season, it’s a ghost town.

You’ll have to book a tour to see them properly but this is the home base for exploring Magdelena Bay.

Pit Stop: In the nearly non-existent town of La Pasadita is a roadside empanada and burrito shack sitting right next to an OXXO. Do yourself a favor and stop in for lunch. You get two bean burritos & a fresh juice for 50 pesos. The fresh empanadas are phenomenal as well.

No argument La Paz is my favorite city on the Baja Peninsula. It’s also the largest and most frequented by local tourists. It has the prettiest white sand beaches, local farmer’s markets, a foodie scene, and lovely sunsets on the Malecon. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in La Paz because of its sheer size but I recommend focusing your efforts on the region near the waterfront, also known as Zona Central. The surrounding area of La Paz has fewer restaurants and walking streets and is far more industrial.

circular beach with small thatched umbrellas in a half circle on the white sand.

Best Attractions & Food in La Paz

  • Doce Cuarenta Coffee & Bakery. If you’re looking for an LA quality coffee shop with tasty guava pastries. Expect US prices.
  • Tortas la Ventana. Local cheap sandwhich stop.
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady Guadalupe. Scenic catholic church with a picturesque dome.
  • Museum of Art. If that’s your kind of thing.
  • Il Rustico. Authentic Italian thin crusted pizza joint with massive calzones and lovely garden seating perfect for date night in La Paz. Seriously, I wouldn’t recommend you get pizza in Mexico if it wasn’t out of this world good.
  • Bismark-Cito: The Lobster House. Ocean front views and amazing seafood.
  • The Malecon. Stroll the seaside street enjoying the marine themed monuments and perfect sunset spots. Also the street art La Paz is known for.
  • Farmer’s Market: Thursday’s and Saturday’s near the Malecon.
  • Playa Balandra. This is the best beach in Baja. Perfect white silk sand, unbelieveable water clarity and filled with marine wildlife, you have to try snorkeling at this beach. It’s also famous for an oddly shaped rock but I found that much less impressive than the beach itself. Plan to arrive early (6AM) if you want to score a parking spot. There’s also a short hike that offers great panoramic views of the entire bay.
  • Playa el Tecolote . A good back-up if Balandra is too full. Tecolote has many loud beach restaurants and choppy waves hitting shore but it also is a haven for pelicans early morning. Arrive early to watch them diving for fish in the hundreds.

Pelicans diving into the water nearby some boats at an orange sunrise.

La Paz is famous for its chocolate clams. Don’t freak out just yet, it’s not candied seafood. It’s just a varietal of clam. Large chocolate brown shells bursting with chewy clam meat. You can eat them raw or grilled but you have to give them a shot at least once in La Paz.

  • Todos Santos

Once a hippy haven this town is quickly turning commercial. That’s not to say I didn’t love my time spent there, it’s just not the quiet surfer bohemian town it once was. Now it’s got more of an LA hipster vibe. Lots of art boutiques, expensive souvenirs, and fancy upscale restaurants and hotels crammed into a tiny seaside fishing village.

Best Attractions & Food in Todos Santos.

baja mexico travel guide

  • Choripanes. The best $2.50 sandwich you’ll ever find. Smoked sausages paired with fresh grilled panela cheese, tomatoes, onions, salsa, and chimmichuri.
  • Frutas y Verduras “Mi Gente”. The best shop to grab some cheap fresh produce for beach snacks.
  • Late-Night Street Food. The town park sidewalks crowd with vendors selling hotdogs, tacos, agua frescas, and my personal favorite tostilocos (chips topped with salsa, fresh corn, and cheese).
  • Tortugueros Las Playitas. During hatching season this turtle conservation group allows tourists to help participate in the turtle release programs each evening. It’s a personal bucketlist item of mine to release a baby turtle into the ocean one day.
  • Punta Lobos. This is a fishing beach. Huge crashing waves and LOTS of locals drinking, eating, and getting thier cars stuck in the sand. At around 4 PM you can buy fish to cook straight off the beach here. I enjoyed the laid back vibe but it’s not a particularly quiet place to sleep.
  • San Pedrito Beach. A longtime favorite of vanlifers this beach is the best in the area for privacy and quiet camping.
  • Cerritos Beach. You’ll have to pay for parking and it’s the bussiest beach in the area but it also has a restroom, surfboard rentals, and vendors selling fresh seafood and fruit on the sand. There’s a reason for it’s crowds.

Couple sitting on a green blanket on the beach with waves rolling onto the shore.

Reaching these beaches from Todos Santos requires driving on sandy dirt roads. You don’t need 4WD, but be cautious.

Cabo San Lucas

If I’m sharing my own personal opinions here…Cabo sucks. Unless you are here for Spring Break or a Bachelor/Bachelorette party there’s nothing for you to do in Cabo. The food is mediocre and expensive, there’s nowhere to car camp, and it’s filled with drunken tourists. Sure you can see the famous sandstone arches but you’ll have to pay through the nose to get there. & all the best beaches IN Cabo are crowded and only accessible by an expensive boat tour.

Instead, skip it and head to Santa Maria Beach.

Just North of Cabo, this gem of a beach is free to visit and has some of the best snorkeling in Baja just off its shores. We cheated and entered the electric blue waters with a slice of white bread that was quickly devoured by tropical fish the size of my head. You can’t stay overnight but it’s definitely worth a day trip.

  • San Jose del Cabo

The other Cabo. San Jose del Cabo isn’t known for its two-for-one margaritas, however. Instead, San Jose del Cabo boasts art boutiques, a cobblestoned walking district with colorful pennants flapping in the wind, and Baja Brewing Company (the best beer in Baja, sorry Tecate) . There are plenty of other travelers here but not typically of the van variety. It’s a higher class kind of tourism and often the prices reflect that.

Where to wild camp: On the outskirts of town is a hidden local sunset spot called La Playita. You can park atop the small cliff overlooking the dark sand and waves below for epic sunset and sunrise views.

Warning! The road to Nine Palms is no longer public. Even with a 4WD vehicle you’re not technically allowed to traverse that section of coastline. Which means you’ll be required to drive toward Santa Anita instead. As of 2021

Blink and you’ll miss this quaint town. For this adventure, you’ll need either some ballsy driving skills or a 4WD vehicle. Accessible from this small farming community is Sol de Mayo also known as Rancho Ecologico Sol de Mayo. After traversing the treacherous roads up the canyon to Cañon de la Zorra you’ll find a small petting zoo area with a cascading waterfall perfect for chasing away the heat of the day with a cool dip. Along the way, you’ll also be rewarded with panoramic views of the palm-fringed town smack dab in the middle of the desert.

Just follow the roadside signs to “Cascade” & you’ll find your way.

As I mentioned above, the road South of Cabo Pulmo is closed to the public forcing you to enter via the North entrance. But for those willing to wander off-the-beaten-path you’ll be rewarded with the best snorkeling in Baja. This protected swath of reef is difficult to reach and therefore in pristine condition. To visit the National Park you’ll need to pay park fees and hire a snorkel or scuba guide to swim on the reef.

Los Barriles

Fun Fact: Los Barriles is the number one kite surfing destination in all of North America. It’s kinda a big deal. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by gale-force winds and take one look at the impossibly long and flat stretch of beach and you’ll understand why. For non-kite surfers, there is plenty to do in the area as well. For starters, shopping. I’m not a big shopper but Los Barriles has some great locally made goods like woven plant holders, indigenous masks, and rugs.

If adventure is more your thing ATVs are big here. There are tons of rental shops offering ATVs for reasonable prices that you can take barreling down the beach.

Both times I was in Baja, Mexicali was over 110 degrees (F). So I didn’t go. But I highly recommend you add Mexicali to your itinerary on your way out of Mexico. The border crossing lines are shorter and you’ll get to see an entire new chunk of roadway rather than repeating the toll road from Ensenada to Tijuana.

wild horses standing in the desert with plenty of tall cacti around.

On the road to Mexicali, you’ll pass through the beach town of San Felipe. I didn’t get to go but I had Playa Hawaii on my “must-see” list. If you pay it a visit I would love to hear how it is. The photos are all of crystal clear blue water (like the rest of the east coast) and wide-open beach parking.

Planning your Baja Mexico Itinerary

The Baja Peninsula doesn’t have a lot of roadways traversing its desert landscape. This means if you don’t plan your route carefully you’ll end up stopping in the same towns you explored on your trip down South. You should plan to hit about half your destinations on the way down to Cabo and then half on your return trip up the Peninsula, that way you don’t have endlessly long drives punctuated with stops in towns you’ve already seen. You gotta break it up a bit.

baja mexico travel guide

Here’s where we slept on our way down the Peninsula.

  • Loreto (Nearby Beaches)
  • San Jose Del Cabo

& here’s where we slept on the way back to the United States.

  • Mulege (nearby beaches)
  • Ojo de Liebre

This way the drives were broken up more evenly. Because those long desolate roads get mind-numbingly boring otherwise.

Map of Baja Mexico Itinerary

Only Have 2 Weeks?

If you only have two weeks to road trip the Baja Peninsula I recommend focusing on Baja California Sur. An example Baja Mexico itinerary would be…

Consider Vanlife for Baja Mexico

If you’ve been waiting for your sign to convert a campervan for epic trips all over the US, Canada, and Mexico. This is it .

Since we built our van in 2020 for under $4,000 ( here’s how ) we’ve traveled to nearly every single national park in the United States , traversed the Baja Peninsula, and circled the US looking for the best “American” foodie stops . It’s been the cheapest and easiest way to traverse the United States and I recommend it to anyone with the work flexibility to give it a shot.

Fun Fact: Utah & Florida were our favorite states for vanlife.

Here’s how you can get on the road in 6-weeks.

Invest in a Comprehensive Van Build Guide

Building a van is overwhelming. It often involves countless hours scouring Youtube, blog posts, and facebook groups looking for semi-helpful information. It’s a huge project and when we first purchased our van we didn’t even know where to begin. What van layout should we choose? How do I build everything from scratch (from window covers to shelving)? Should I choose sheep wool insulation or polyiso boards? & these are just the easy questions. Katie & Ben from Two Wandering Soles provide the answers. They created these super neat van build breakdowns to help guide us through the process.

& if you’re a first-time builder I highly recommend their complete van conversion academy.

baja mexico travel guide

Investing in Van Conversion Academy Includes…

  • Clear blueprints for all the most complicated van systems (I’m talking about you electrical) complete with online shopping lists where you can purchase the  exact  parts you need. 
  • Tons of layout options to choose from. They even provide exact blueprints and measurements that you can copy for multiple van designs!
  • Access to an exclusive Facebook group of fellow builders where you can ask all the questions your heart desires. 
  • A COMPLETE step-by-step walk-through on how to build your van from fan installation to sub-flooring to sound dampening to water and propane. They’ve thought of everything including what the most common pitfalls are with each step and how to avoid them. 
  • Lifelong access to ALL this content. & loads more I won’t cover here.

If you invest in ONE thing before you begin your vanbuild, make it this master course. Katie and Ben helped us build our dream van and whether or not you spring for a Sprinter (we didn’t) or something more budget-friendly they will make sure you get the results you want before hitting the road.

Or just check out my vanlife page for more inspiration.

Save This Baja Mexico Itinerary For Later!

baja mexico travel guide

Further Reading...

baja mexico travel guide

3 Towns Worth Road-Tripping in the Baja Peninsula of Mexico

baja mexico travel guide

Why You Should Visit Puerto Nuevo: Mexico’s Lobster Village

baja mexico travel guide

Why you Need to Visit the Popotla Fish Market

' src=

Becky Atkinson

Thanks so much for all the valuable information you have provided! I will be taking my first drive down to Baja in March and staying gone a couple of months or more. I have a home in Los Bareilles and always fly BUT NOT THIS TIME BABY!! I’m Baja Guuuurrrl now. Lol 😆

' src=

I have a question. My family and I want to travel baja this summer…I am a teacher and can’t really take time off other parts of the year. My husband races in Baja and assures me we’ll survive, but after reading your post about the sweltering weather I’m worried. We are going to tent-in with a new black out tent to help with the heat. We are driving from Tahoe and hoping to make it to Muleje to spend most of our time. We have 10 days. Wondering about your thoughts on this? Thanks!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Sign up to our newsletter!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Your Complete Guide To an Epic Baja Peninsula Road Trip

Why you should road trip beautiful vermont in fall, beyond_the_bucketlist.

Geena Truman | Travel Blogger

The ultimate Baja California road trip guide

Oct 27, 2020 • 6 min read

Bright red flowers are in the foreground with perfect rows of grape vines stretching towards a golden sunset

While traveling to Ensenada be sure to spend at least a day in Valle de Guadalupe © Jorge Malo Photography / Getty Images

Baja California evokes a rugged, wild west kind of adventure. Stretching some 760 miles south from the US border, this Mexican peninsula is a land of compelling contrasts — a dry, mostly desert geography with hidden enclaves of lush vineyards, jagged mountains and solemn cactus forests bordered by crystalline waters and wide sandy beaches.

Baja is at once a sparsely-populated no man’s land, and home to thousands of species of marine life and millions of vacationing tourists. Here's what you need to know for the ultimate Baja California road trip. 

A vast blue sea surrounded by mountains is bisected by a spit of sand on which sits an RV

The Free and Sovereign State of Baja California

Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California , the aptly grandiose official name of Baja’s northern state.

Removed from the Mexican mainland, Baja California has evolved its own distinct aesthetic and culture. From low-key towns with just the right amount of civilization to unmarked dusty roads awaiting exploration, Baja has a charm that keeps those who know coming back for more.

The peninsula is divided into two states: Baja California in the north and Baja California Sur below the 28th parallel. 

Red, green and white flags fly with a palm tree and building in the background

The infamous border town has finally grown into its own. A growing middle-class and burgeoning cultural scene has helped turn this former hedonism destination into a Mexican city with its own identity.

With an international airport, a solid bus system and many rental car options – along with its proximity to major US cities like San Diego and Los Angeles – Tijuana is the most convenient starting point for a Baja adventure.

But first, take a moment to get to know TJ (its local nickname). Stroll down Av Revolucion for Mexican nightlife options like Las Pulgas , sample local craft beers at Norte Brewing Co , and perhaps most importantly, chow down on spicy tacos or fresh seafood at one of the city’s many street vendors. Beyond the tourist trinkets and margarita-callers near the border, Tijuana has a vibrant food and culture scene worth exploring.

Expert tip: If you have some extra time, take a quick cab ride out to Playas de Tijuana. This beach suburb offers a lively local experience, with family picnics, seafood cocktails, and a close-up view of the US-Mexico border wall as it trails off in the Pacific.

Once you’ve given Tijuana a go, turn your attention south. Baja awaits.

Bright red flowers are in the foreground with perfect rows of grape vines stretching towards a golden sunset

A 2-hour drive down the Pacific coast you’ll find Ensenada . A major port town and vacation destination, Baja California’s third-biggest city is a good example of the state’s varied character. Arriving in town you feel the transition – from the border region’s hectic and often hard urban life, to a more relaxed Mexico.

Ensenada has an impressive waterfront promenade ( malecón in Spanish), a serious fishing and seafood scene, and a lively nightlife. Pass by Hussong’s , a cantina that’s been around since the 1890s, for mariachi. For freshly-caught seafood, stroll through the Mercado Negro fish market, or head a few streets off the main strip to Tacos Don Zefe for tasty fish tacos.

Expert tip:  Ensenada is a great home base from which to access Mexico’s biggest winemaking region. Valle de Guadalupe is a lush valley and wine-tasting hot-spot. There’s a growing selection of vineyards at affordable prices and tours can be easily booked from Ensenada.

A woman crosses a cobble stone street with a church and palm trees in the background

The Road South – Baja California Sur

After Ensenada, Baja California’s remote and unsettled side begins to show itself. And it’s where most travelers must make choice – how to get south?

If traveling by car, the famous one-lane Highway 1 is a spectacular winding road with epic views. It can be slow-going and there are stretches of hundreds of miles with nothing but stoic cacti, tiny fishing villages and empty coastline. Leave early and plan your fuel stops carefully.

The bus system works quite well, with many options leaving from Tijuana or Ensenada. Travel times to Baja Sur range from 10-20 hours depending on your destination.

Expert tip: At about the halfway point of the peninsula, there are worthwhile stops like San Ignacio for its lovely lagoon and world-class whale watching; Mulegé for a lush oasis and white sand beaches; and Loreto for a time-machine colonial town.

a kayaker paddles past a rocky island

The capital of Baja Sur, La Paz , like Ensenada, is an example of a major city that has maintained its smaller-town Baja feel.

With a charming malecón and a seafside main strip, La Paz is a relaxing vacation alternative to uber-touristy Cabo San Lucas. La Paz is the launching pad for Isla Espiritu Santo , one of the 244 islands that form a Unesco biosphere reserve famous for its overwhelming selection of marine life (French explorer Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez “the world’s aquarium”).

Expert tip: La Paz is also an ideal location for day trips, with windsurfing mecca Los Barilles and many secluded beaches within a 1 to 2-hour drive.

A woman sits in on the edge of a blue and white buildilng

Todo Santos

Imagine a mix of sleepy Mexican village and chic Southern California boutique hotel, where dusty roads and charming cobblestone share the same block. Sprinkle some yoga studios and art galleries, with beat-up pickup trucks off-roading on deserted beaches – and you begin to get a picture of Todos Santos .

The latest destination for well-off artsy types, Todos Santos is part manicured tourist town, part rustic Baja escape. Deemed a Pueblo Mágico (magical town) by the Mexican government Todos Santos, despite intense gentrification, manages to blend high-end options with a laid-back vibe.

People who love it, love it a lot. You’ll find many Americans living here full-time or coming down for the season. There’s no shortage of pricier hotels and restaurants, with kale smoothies readily available.

Budget travelers generally have a hard time in Todos, but a family-run hostel has finally opened up, with Todos Santos Hostel offering dorms and cozy glamping options in a relaxed surfer/artist atmosphere. For quality pub fare and friendly locals, check out Chill N’ Grill where you’ll always find an ex-pat ready to gush over Todos Santos’ charm.

For those looking for a truly amazing experience check out Todos Santos Eco Adventures  . Owned and operated by husband and wife duo Sergio & Brian you can find all your sustainable adventure needs in one place. They can take you to a remote island for glamping where you can sleep under the stars by night and paddle board with sea turtles by day. They can take you birding and whale watching and basically help you enjoy the Baja in all its natural glory in an intimate, friendly and sustainable way. Plus the food is amazing too. 

Expert tip: About 15 minutes down the main road you’ll find San Pedrito and Los Cerritos beach , well-known surf destinations in a picturesque yet raw Pacific setting.

You might also like: 

Mexico's best off-the-grid beaches   Mexico's 10 best beaches   Canada and Mexico extend border restrictions with the US  

This article was originally published in May 2019 and updated in October in 2020. 

This article was first published May 2019 and updated October 2020

Explore related stories

Highway.jpg

Jul 22, 2020 • 5 min read

From desert to coast, here are some of the most beautiful drives in the Americas to inspire your next road trip.

Where-Locals-Go-Mexico.png

Feb 1, 2024 • 7 min read

baja mexico travel guide

Oct 10, 2023 • 9 min read

Two men laughing as they walk along a beach path with bikes in Mexico

Oct 9, 2023 • 14 min read

A smiling couple walking down a street in Mexico while holding hands

Oct 8, 2023 • 5 min read

baja mexico travel guide

Sep 13, 2023 • 4 min read

Lone Pine, California

Sep 9, 2023 • 7 min read

baja mexico travel guide

Jun 13, 2023 • 5 min read

People enjoying the surfing beach of Woolacombe

May 15, 2023 • 4 min read

cropped-Facebook-Icon-2.png

Epic Adventure Starts Here

Ultimate travel guide for baja mexico, regional travel guides.

Baja Mexico Regional Travel Guide

Arid Slice of Desert Paradise

Iconic Baja Mexico desert landscape

A peninsula nearly 800 miles long of mostly remote, harsh and desolate landscape is a profile in contrasts of sorts with her handful of popular and well traveled tourism destinations across one of the planet’s most unique ecosystems.

The rugged topography on the peninsula is surrounded by the blue Pacific Ocean merging with the Sea of Cortez; a long gulf rich in marine life and home to a myriad of some of the most amazing underwater creatures including the world’s largest species of fish – the whale shark.

The unique nature of Baja Mexico is a natural allure for the wealthy and privileged elite from all over the the world, filling their facebook and instagram profiles with photos of their weekend jaunts to Los Cabos, La Paz, Todos Santos and Loreto and some even to the border regions of Tijuana, Rosarito Beach and Ensenada.

Here on Talk Baja you will find volumes of information on each and every one of those popular destinations (and many more) but there is simply no single Travel Guide article or webpage that could do justice to such a diverse, complex and ecologically sensitive region. Exactly why we made the decision to dedicate an entire website via this comprehensive platform that will serve as an interactive tool for over 400,000 members and followers of our social media pages with travelers interested in visiting the Baja Peninsula.

Best Deals on Discounted Hotels in Baja Mexico

Between those well known tourist towns of Tijuana and Cabo San Lucas exists a desolate and at times harsh landscape where native “BajaCalifornianos” learned centuries ago that only via sustainable lifestyle practices was it possible to survive under such conditions across vast and remote stretches of this rugged region that is Baja Mexico; a terrain that is also a magnet for adventurous travelers in search of their own personal “Baja Experience”.

Picacho del Diablo, San Pedro Martir, Baja California, Mexico

However what all travelers to this peninsula seem to share on this arid slice of desert paradise is the desire to escape the daily grind of life filled with noise, stress, freeway traffic and the endless crowds of people that go with it.

The Baja Mexico experience can be incredibly therapeutic if you are willing to surrender yourself; overcome your fears and anxieties of facing the unknown and make the trip down south of the border where you can discover a glimpse of what life in “Alta” California was really like over a century ago.

Driving across the border (be sure to get your vehicle insurance and FMM Tourist Card first) you will immediately sense the change of pace and continuing south, you will slowly witness any resemblance to your busy life back home fade away and your mind will begin to relax as well as you drive through the desert landscape to discover the coastal regions that still enjoy long, quiet and pristine beaches along waters teeming with marine life, explaining why so many saltwater anglers come to try their luck at fishing the coastal waters off of Baja.

San Borjitas Cave Painting in Baja Mexico

As you gaze in the direction of the northern peninsulas’ spine you will observe rocky foothills, many hiding ancient cave art and other artefacts giving way to majestic green forests on snow-capped mountain peaks in winter.

And when you come back down from the Sierras to the valleys below, look for small, family owned shops selling organically grown food products, homemade breads and cheeses along with honey and other freshly made products.

And if by chance you are near San Quintin, be sure to head out along the Ruta Volcanica, following the bay out to La Chorera to their own Seafood Village and discover what delicious seafood, served fresh from the local waters  really tastes like.

Guadalupe Valley Baja California Mexico

You might just be tempted to stay another night, and the Valle de Guadalupe offers you a wide choice in accommodations at one of the popular boutique hotels in the area.

Things to Do in Ensenada 01

Discover San Quintin!

Mulege Sunset in Baja California Sur Mexico by Anita Fiondella

Baja is a great weekend getaway but to really get to know what you’ve been missing, we recommend that at some point in life you take the time to plan a week or two vacation to drive the length of Baja down the Transpeninsular Highway.

Such a road trip should be experienced free of rigid schedules, exploring without an itinerary and imagining what the journey was like just a handful of decades prior when the road was only made of dirt and sand, often unmarked and where travelers would stop to check out points of interest along the way and then camp out at day’s end or seek overnight accommodations with a family at a local ranch.

In fact some of those ranches are still operational today and there are several such stops along the highway where you can still enjoy a home cooked meal right off their kitchen stove with freshly made tortillas.

There is nowhere else like Baja Mexico on the planet and this interactive website is your ultimate guide to get off the beaten path, escape the rat race and make your next trip down south of the border a truly memorable experience!

Travel Guide for Driving in Baja Mexico

And when you get back home, log back in and share your trip with the group – including photos and videos – serving to help others with their future travel plans.

It’s all part of the Baja experience and time for you to begin making your place among the countless thousands of Talk Baja veteran travelers and road warriors.

So let’s get started…

Adventure / Thrill Seeker? This package is for you!

Activities in Los Cabos Baja Mexico - Adventure Tour for Thrill Seekers

How to Use this Travel Guide

This first part of the Travel Guide will focus first on just a few important areas; accomodations, restaurants, flights and travel packages – key economic factors that could make or break your travel plans so we give you access to the best and most cost effective options.

Sportfishing in San Quintin Baja California Mexico with Captain Juan Cook

From there you can spend some time checking out the forums dedicated to help you map out the important stops on your trip with help from our experienced forum members as well as answering your questions.

We have forums dedicated to the latest news regarding weather and road conditions as well as crime and corruption in Mexico along with your favorite activities such as whale watching, sportfishing, kayaking, scuba diving, off-roading and much more!

And for those of you considering the move to Baja on a part-time or full-time basis, be it for work or retirement, be sure to check out our forums on Expat living and Real Estate in Baja Mexico .

All in all we offer you free access to 15 different groups that are divided up into over 60 specific forums with topics addressing all of your questions!

Talk Baja Expedia Banner for flights hotels car rentals and vacation packages in Baja Mexico

Keep In Touch

There was a problem reporting this post.

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts
  • Invite this member to groups
  • Message this member
  • Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

La Paz Balandra Beach Baja California Sur Mexico vanlife

The ultimate road-tripper’s guide to Baja, Mexico

With its endless stretch of pristine coastline, infinite camping possibilities, and hidden gems tucked far away from tourist hotspots, Baja may just be the ultimate roadtrip destination for those seeking adventure south of the border. 

Even more than the beaches and the prices, you’ll fall in love with the ‘no bad days’ attitude and easy living that come along with being in Baja, the simple pleasures of eating freshly caught clams right on the sandy beach or paddling out for sunrises that seem to burn only for you. As you’ll soon discover, the peninsula hides incomprehensible magic, best discovered with a loose agenda and your own set of wheels.

This guide contains everything you need to know about road tripping in Baja, including required paperwork for driving across the border, advice for hiring a car, Mexican auto insurance , driving conditions, military checkpoints, road rules, petrol stations & so much more! 

What's in this travel guide

A little intro to Baja, Mexico

The Baja Peninsula, often referred to simply as  Baja , is a 1200km-long, slender promontory of land bordered to the north by California (and a bit of Arizona), to the east by the Gulf of California/Sea of Cortez, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. 

Map of Baja

Although many people talk about Baja as a single entity (and indeed it was once united as  The Californias , including what is now American California), it’s actually  comprised of 2 different Mexican states: 

  • Baja California (also called Baja Norte)
  • Baja California Sur (abbreviated BCS)

Both Baja states are culturally and ecologically distinct from mainland Mexico in a multitude of ways, and the landscape here is an incredible blend of Arizona mountains (think: the Superstitions ), California deserts (think: Joshua Tree ), and wild, untamed Mexican coastline (unlike anything else). The image of cacti leading right up to the ocean is something you’re unlikely to experience anywhere else in the world.

Bahia Concepcion Baja California Sur Mexico vanlife

Prepare to enjoy:

  • the freshest seafood you’ve ever had, caught by locals on remote stretches of the Baja coast and sold in small roadside taco stands
  • beachfront camping where you can walk from your van or tent right into the ocean in a few strides
  • colourful historical towns with cobbled lanes
  • unique wildlife encounters with everything from whale sharks and friendly grey whales to hatching sea turtles and curious stingrays
  • real magic away from the tourists who don’t leave their resorts in Cabo
  • unlimited snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and swimming opportunities… the list goes on!!

Guadalupe Canyon Oasis Hot Springs Mexicali Baja

Baja roadtrip overview

Outside of only a few tourist hotspots and busy metropolitan centres, the Baja Peninsula is largely undeveloped— a complete lack of public transport means that the best (and often only) way to explore Baja’s wide open beaches, hidden hot springs, and remote coves is on a road trip!

For those who’ve yet to do it, however, the idea of driving in Mexico can be pretty intimidating. I’ll cover heaps more details about all of these topics in the sections below, but let me assure you of a few things up front:

  • Is Baja, Mexico safe? Travelling in Baja is really no more dangerous than travelling anywhere else in North America, and as long as you use common sense and don’t go looking for trouble, you’re unlikely to find it. The crime rate in Baja is incredibly low and, outside of the border cities, suffers from almost none of the political turmoil or drug violence that you’re probably worried about (but truly needn’t be). I’ve spent over a year travelling all around Mexico, almost exclusively in a vehicle, and I often refer to Baja as “Mexico Lite” : there is a long history of American and Canadian retirees coming down here in their RVs and they’ve beautifully paved the way for a prominent “camper culture”, with plenty of English, accessible services, and a general sense of familiarity between locals and gringos.
  • Sure, but is it safe to DRIVE in Baja? Generally speaking, Baja is an incredibly safe place to road-trip, with well-maintained highways, friendly locals, and plentiful campsites. The one challenge with Baja is that you’ll often find yourself out of service, so you need to be comfortable navigating offline and also being out of communication on occasion . See my connectivity section below for some tips on staying safe without reception.
  • What are the road conditions like? A majority of your time in Baja will be spent driving on beautifully paved, brand-new highways, but to access some of the best camping, you’ll inevitably travel off Highway 1 and onto sandy roads that lead out to the beach. This is more challenging and there are a lot of areas I wouldn’t have felt comfortable driving my van by myself because I’m simply too inexperienced with rough terrain. Based on your own comfort/experience, you can stick to developed areas or venture out to wild camping sites; you’ll always have options!

Bahia Concepcion Baja California Sur Mexico vanlife

Getting to Baja

You have 3 options for getting to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula for an epic road trip:

  • Fly in to one of several international airports (& pick up a hire car)
  • Drive across the US-Mexico border in your own vehicle
  • Catch the ferry from mainland Mexico (with or without a vehicle)

Option 1 : Flying to Baja

If your Baja roadtrip will span the entire length of the peninsula (recommended!), you can fly into either the north or south end to start:

  • Tijuana (TIJ) or Mexicali (MXL) International Airports, both at the far northern border of Baja California *note that my suggested Baja itinerary begins in Mexicali
  • Los Cabos (SJD) or Cabo San Lucas (CSL) International Airports, both at the southern tip of Baja California Sur

For those looking to do only a portion of Baja California Sur on their roadtrip, I’d recommend flying into either:

  • La Paz (LAP) International Airport, the capital city of Baja California Sur

Search the best flight deals for your trip to Baja ↯

Option 2: Driving across the US-Mexico border to Baja

If you’re coming from the US and have a car, van or camper already, driving across the border is incredibly easy and a fantastic way to explore Baja!

There are 6 ports of entry between California, USA and Baja California, Mexico accessible to public vehicles, with the busiest being  San Ysidro (the busiest land border in the entire world!)  and the least trafficked being Andrade (about 15min from Yuma, Arizona, although the actual crossing is in California).

If you’re following my Baja itinerary , I highly recommend crossing in Calexico East /Mexicali II , which is usually very quiet, quick, and without hassle!

Required documents for crossing the US-Mexico border

  • Proof of Mexican Auto Insurance (read this post for details)
  • Vehicle Registration (original & copy)
  • Vehicle Title (copy) or Lien Agreement
  • FMM Tourist Card

For more information about all of this paperwork and step-by-step instructions for the border crossing, check out this post ↯

Vanlife Baja & Mexico: A guide to crossing the border + all required permits (FMM & TIP)

Option 3: Ferry from mainland Mexico to Baja

There are  2 ferry companies operating between Baja and mainland Mexico  ( TMC  and  Baja Ferries ), departing from both Mazatlán and Topolobampo, Sinaloa on the mainland and arriving into La Paz, BCS on the southern end of the peninsula. These ferries transport passengers as well as cars (I took my van from Baja to mainland Mexico on TMC in 2022), so it’s a great way to continue your road trip or just skip a potentially pricey domestic flight if you’re already in Mexico.

If you’re thinking about taking the ferry between mainland Mexico and Baja, be sure to read this super detailed post that will walk you through the process in great detail — it’s written from Baja to mainland, but applies in the other direction, too ↯

Vanlife Mexico: everything you need to know about the ferry from Baja to mainland Mexico (La Paz to Mazatlán)

Mulege Baja California Sur vanlife road trip Mexico

Getting around Baja

Option 1: driving your own vehicle to baja.

If you opted to drive your own car, camper, or van across the US-Mexico border into Baja, the most important requirement that you need to be aware of is Mexican auto insurance.

As a condition of entry to Mexico (the Baja Peninsula and/or mainland), you are required to obtain a Mexican auto insurance policy with a minimum of third-party liability coverage—  this just means that your insurance company would pay out (up to the stated maximum) in the event that another vehicle is damaged or another driver is injured and you are deemed to be at fault. Unless you’re driving an incredibly inexpensive car and have no fear of theft/damage/vandalism, then you’ll likely want to invest in a more comprehensive policy. I wrote an insanely detailed comparison of Mexican auto insurance options that will help you understand what kind of coverage is best for you ↯

Vanlife Baja & Mexico: How to get the best Mexican auto insurance for a converted van or camper

My recommendation: Baja Bound Insurance

During my first 6-month Mexico roadtrip, we actually had an accident in our van and our agent at Baja Bound handled the entire process for us , from speaking to the police, getting insurance information from the other driver, and we didn’t pay a single PESO out of pocket— it was an unbelievably easy and stress-free process, so I truly can’t recommend this company highly enough!

baja mexico travel guide

Option 2: Hiring a car in Baja

I’ve rented a car in Mexico on several occasions and you can expect the rates to be very reasonable— but you’ll pay about 2x the actual rental rate for required insurance, a detail that car hire companies like to hide in fine print until you arrive to pick up the keys.

  • Including the most basic insurance option, it costs about $45USD/day to rent a compact car in Mexico (even with different pick-up and drop-off locations)
  • You may want to consider something with high clearance and maybe even 4WD if you intend to camp on the beach, which is such a magical part of exploring the peninsula. In this case, you can expect to pay more like $120USD/day for an SUV (inclusive of insurance).

If you’re following my recommended Baja itinerary, set the pick-up location to Mexicali International Airport (MXL) and the drop-off to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Search for the best rates using DiscoverCars , which compares dozens of companies to find you the best deal ↯

Bahia Concepcion Baja California Sur Mexico vanlife

All about driving in Baja

Highway driving.

A good deal of Baja driving is on the highway, and although there used to be dicey stretches (particularly in Baja Norte), I’m pleased to report that all major highways are in excellent shape as of 2022 and driving on the highway in Baja is now fairly straightforward! The only thing worth noting is just how narrow the roads are, often with no shoulder, so be cautious as large trucks come flying by.

There are a few interesting idiosyncrasies when it comes to driving in Mexico, so here are a couple important road rules/customs to be aware of:

  • When driving on the highway, you’ll notice slower vehicles pull partly onto the shoulder and sometimes even put on their left blinker— this is a signal for you to pass , driving partly in your lane and partly in the opposing lane in what can quickly became a dangerous game of chicken with oncoming traffic. Most of the time, this works incredibly smoothly and you’ll come to appreciate the easy flow of cars around you! I’ve also had enormous trucks come barreling down the highway directly at me and move back into their lane only seconds away from a collision, so just be aware that this is not only customary here, but extremely common. I’m not encouraging you to pass at dangerous times, of course, but if you notice cars banking up behind you, it IS expected that you’ll move partly into the shoulder to let them by.
  • This can become very confusing if you are actually trying to turn left off the highway, as people behind you might think you’re signalling them to pass and accelerate right into your path— to avoid this, the law in Mexico states that you should pull onto the right shoulder and wait for a break in traffic before turning left across both lanes. 

Free vs toll highways While mainland Mexico is littered with a confusing network of free roads ( libre ) and paid toll roads ( cuota ), you can easily manage my entire north to south Baja itinerary on free highways in excellent condition. Unless you decide to cross the border in Tijuana (in which case you may indeed want to hop on a toll road), then you can just stick to the libre .

Bahia de los Angeles Baja California Norte Mexico vanlife

Military checkpoints

There are half a dozen military checkpoints located along the length of the Baja Peninsula and you’ll hit most if not all of them on my recommended Baja road-trip itinerary.

For the most part, this is no big deal— you’ll be asked where you’re from and where you’re going, and then the officers will have a look inside your vehicle. However, there is always the potential that the officers will swing to the other extreme and spend an hour tearing your car/van apart, possibly with drug dogs.

In VERY FEW instances, this can be an opportunity for corruption to appear. The police in Baja are rarely brazen enough to demand a bribe outright, but the military guards may bait you with questions like “can I have these headphones” or otherwise try to suggest that you’ve violated some rule to see if you’ll offer money. It’s almost always enough to simply say NO and, when in doubt, pretend not to speak any Spanish while acting politely confused and the officer will quickly relent. You don’t need to be concerned about things becoming violent or scary, as you’re right in front of the checkpoint; in all likelihood, you’ll pass through without any incident!

The location of military checkpoints are noted within the driving directions on my Baja itinerary post so you can plan ahead : BAJA VANLIFE ROAD TRIP ITINERARY FOR 1-3 MONTHS (+ DRIVING DIRECTIONS & CAMPING IN 2022)

San Ignacio Baja California Sur vanlife road trip Mexico

Street/town driving

One of the bigger challenge of driving through Baja is on small town streets, like in Mulegé or Loreto. These street are often cobbled and only wide enough for one car at a time (despite technically being two-way), so proceed with caution and, if you’re in a larger vehicle or a van, consider parking outside of town and walking in to avoid hitting your mirrors on the side of buildings, as I did multiple times.

Google Maps Baja towns are extremely poorly mapped on Google, so if you’re following navigation with Google Maps, you’ll regularly be taken the wrong way down one-way streets and routed in circles through the city centre. When you’re in town, keep your eyes open for signs; on the highway, Google Maps is very reliable.

San Jose del Cabo Baja Mexico

Beware: topes!

This is certainly the most boggling feature of Mexican roads and you’ll come to loathe them with a fierce passion. A tope is essentially a speed bump , but in Mexico, the height and shape of these bumps have absolutely no standards and are placed with WILD abandon throughout town streets, highways, dirt tracks , and basically anywhere you would never expect to find a speed bump.

You’ll only have to hit a few surprise topes to realise how damaging these can be to your vehicle, and for some inexplicable reason, a majority are not painted or signed in any fashion. Constant vigilance!

Tope

Driving on the beach

Some of Baja’s best free camping spots are located directly on the beach— it’s a big part of what makes a road-trip through Baja so spectacular, but can also be concerning for those who have a heavy 2WD van and little experience driving on sand. Here are some recommendations:

  • Invest in all-terrain tires : before travelling to Baja, I swapped my tires for what many consider to be the BEST all-terrain tires on the market ( BF Goodrich KO2 ). Costco and Discount Tire routinely run specials, but even at full price, they are absolutely worth the money and were invaluable in safely navigating sandy or rocky terrain in Baja!
  • Travel with an air inflator and pressure gauge : deflating your tires is probably the single best thing you can do to avoid getting stuck on the beach and often lowering the pressure further does more than traction boards OR hours of digging if you do get spun in. I ran 65/80psi (front/rear) for standard road driving, but aired-down to 30/40psi for sand and found it made a huge difference. 
  • Walk the route: whenever I arrived at a new beach, I parked the van and walked through the sand to check for loose/deep areas that I needed to avoid and suss out the best route forward. I know this saved me from getting stuck several times, since the sand can get deep quickly in areas where it’s not possible to turn around, but often there are alternate routes if you take the time to look.
  • Chat to other travellers : I always tried to introduce ourselves to at least one other camper on the beach, knowing that people will be far more inclined to help (if I did get stuck) after a friendly conversation. And as a rule, never push your limits on a super sandy beach when there are no other cars around!
  • Know your limits: the best tires aired down to 20psi still won’t get a 2WD van onto every sandy beach, so knowing when to turn around and find another camp is very important. Typically, there will be easier-access sites a few dozen metres from the beach, and a 30sec walk to the water is much better than spending 2hrs getting your van un-stuck. When that fails, just head to the next beach— there’s no shortage in Baja!

Bahia Concepcion Baja California Sur Mexico vanlife

Safety tips for driving in Baja

  • Out of an abundance of caution, NEVER drive at night in Baja
  • Once beyond the urban centres of Tijuana and Mexicali, Baja Norte has long stretches of very empty highway, so it’s really important to fill up whenever you pass a petrol station around the middle of the peninsula (and in particular, be sure to leave San Felipe with a full tank of fuel)
  • In anticipation of the very limited mobile reception that I mentioned above and will discuss in more detail below, I’d recommend downloading offline Google Maps so that you always know where you’re going, even without service

San Felipe Baja Norte Mexico Vanlife

Services in Baja

In the not so distant past, all petrol stations in Mexico were government-operated— you’ll still see heaps of Pemex around , particularly in small towns, but you’ll also find American petrol stations like Chevron, Arco, and even Costco in larger cities.

I consistently found Costco Fuel to be ~3 pesos cheaper than all other petrol stations , which may not sound like much, but adds up to around $15USD if you’re filling the tank!

  • A 24-gallon (90L) fuel tank like the one in my Promaster 2500 van costs about 1700-2100 pesos ($95-120) to fill , which works out to be very similar to fuel prices I was paying in Washington or Oregon, and even a little cheaper than California. *based on 2023 fuel prices
  • As of 2023, you can expect to pay around 22-24 pesos per litre.

In Baja, gas station attendants always fill your tank for you , so it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with a few phrases:

  • magna for standard unleaded petrol
  • lleno, por favor for a full tank
  • es posible pagar con tarjeta if you wish to pay by credit card (which I’d recommend, since this will blow through your cash quickly and you’ll definitely need it when paying for food and camping)

These attendants work entirely on tips, so it’s a good idea to carry around some 10 pesos coins and 20 peso notes for tipping — I gave a larger tip if they washed my windscreen, which most do!

Bahia de los Angeles Baja California Norte Mexico vanlife

Wifi & mobile reception

As mentioned previously, one of the largest challenging of travelling in Baja is the lack of consistent mobile reception for long stretches of the highway and certainly at many campsites— I’d say that I had zero bars at camp more often than I had usable data.

Modern technology offers a few excellent work-arounds in the form of StarLink (satellite wifi that works EVERYWHERE) or the cheaper option of PLB/sat-phones like the Garmin In-Reach Mini , which is how I personally checked in with family while out of service and was prepared to call for help in the event that my van broke down. This is excellent peace of mind on long drives and at remote campsites!

For mobile service in Mexico, I use  Airalo , an amazing app that offers data eSIM packages for nearly every country in the world — you can activate the eSIM entirely from your phone, so you’ll have service as soon as you drive across the border or land in Baja without needing to track down a local mobile shop! Use code BROOKE2994 for $3 off your first eSIM with  Airalo !

baja mexico travel guide

Purified water

One of my biggest concerns before travelling to Baja was refilling the fresh water tank in the van, but it truly couldn’t be easier to find purified water ( agua purificada ) on the road in Mexico!

Locals rely on “water stores” for their own drinking water, so every single town will have a designated shop where you can purchase clean water, and almost all of these will allow you to fill your tank directly with a hose ( manguera ).

  • Over 6 weeks in Baja, I spent just $14USD on water— expect to pay about 1 peso per litre (~$0.05USD)!
  • Use iOverlander to find water refill spots around Baja or simply ask locals for the nearest ‘ agua purificada ‘

Vanlife Baja Mexico

Where to stay in Baja

Camping in baja.

For those with a van or camper (or the willingness to pitch a tent), Baja has some of the most spectacular campsites of all time. All your dreams of camping on the sand with the ocean a few steps out your door are totally possible— no 4WD required! Here are some of your options:

  • Facilities:  electrical hook-ups, dump station, toilets, hot water showers, laundry, WIFI, sometimes even a pool
  • Typical cost:  250-800 pesos ($12-40USD)

Established campgrounds

  • Facilities:  toilets, palapas, occasionally a restaurant (which might offer WIFI for customers)
  • Typical cost:  100-300 pesos ($5-15USD)

Boondocking

  • Facilities:  none
  • Typical cost:  FREE!

Following my recommended Baja itinerary for 6 weeks, I spent just $24USD on camping. Check out this post to find out how , plus for a downloadable Google Map with GPS coordinates of every single campsite!

Guadalupe Canyon Oasis Hot Springs Mexicali Baja

Hotels & Airbnbs in Baja

Although camping is the best way to experience Baja, it’s also possible to road trip the peninsula staying in a mix of hotels and Airbnbs . This will limit you to more populated areas and greatly extend your budget, but of course it’s an option for those not travelling in a van/camper or with a tent!

Accommodation prices vary wildly, but you won’t struggle to find something for every budget in places like La Paz, San José del Cabo, Loreto, and Todos Santos. Smaller towns, such as Mulegé and Guerrero Negro, have far fewer options, but generally speaking, you can find a comfortable hotel room in just about every main town for an affordable price. Check Booking.com for the best deals ↯

Ensenada de Muertos Baja California Sur Mexico vanlife

The perfect Baja road trip itinerary

After my experience driving from Mexicali to the tip of Los Cabos in my van, I put together a super-detailed 1-3 month road trip itinerary through Baja that you can use as a blueprint for your own epic adventure!

Here’s a quick summary (north to south) of all my recommended stops , but be sure to check out my full itinerary for heaps of information on what to do, where to eat, and where to camp in each destination, plus practical information like the drive time/conditions between each stop and the location of military checkpoints.

Baja California (Norte)

  • Guadalupe Canyon
  • Bahía de los Ángeles

Baja California Sur

  • Guerrero Negro
  • San Ignacio
  • Bahía Concepción
  • La Ventana & Ensenada de Muertos
  • Cabo Pulmo National Park
  • Los Cabos : San Jose del Cabo & Cabo San Lucas
  • Todos Santos
Baja vanlife road trip itinerary for 1-3 months (+ driving directions & camping in 2023)

Mulege Baja California Sur vanlife road trip Mexico

Read more about Baja, Mexico

start here -> The ultimate road-tripper’s guide to Baja, Mexico

How to get the best Mexican auto insurance for a converted van or camper

Vanlife Baja & Mexico: A guide to crossing the border + all required permits (FMM & TIP)

The ultimate Baja camping guide (+ 35 of the best vanlife & RV campsites!)

Baja vanlife road trip itinerary for 1-3 months (+ driving directions & camping in 2023)

Ferry from Baja to mainland Mexico (La Paz to Mazatlán)

' src=

brooke brisbine

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You may also like, travelling with peru hop vs public buses: an honest comparison, everything you need to know about hiking & camping in tayrona national park, a practical guide to altitude sickness in south america.

IMAGES

  1. Baja California Sur

    baja mexico travel guide

  2. Baja California Travel Guide

    baja mexico travel guide

  3. The Ultimate Baja, Mexico Travel Guide

    baja mexico travel guide

  4. The Baja Mexico Grand Tour

    baja mexico travel guide

  5. Visit Cabo San Lucas: 2023 Travel Guide for Cabo San Lucas, Baja

    baja mexico travel guide

  6. 14 Most Beautiful Destinations in Baja Mexico (2021 Guide)

    baja mexico travel guide

VIDEO

  1. K58 at the Camp in Baja, Mexico

  2. Baja, Mexico 2024

  3. Casamar Restaurant Ensenada Baja Mexico

  4. San Felipe view, Baja, Mexico

  5. Our Scariest Moment of Bus Life…

  6. We Lived in Baja Mexico for 3 months in our RV! #adventure

COMMENTS

  1. Ultimate Baja California Travel Guide for Mexico in 2024

    Baja California travel guide. Baja Mexico Travel: Baja Sur vs Baja Norte. Baja California Sur is undoubtedly the more popular state for tourism — though both Baja states have things to offer. In Baja Sur, the famous beaches of Los Cabos ( Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo) and La Paz await!

  2. The Best 3-Week Baja Mexico Itinerary: Discover the Peninsula

    Whether you’re driving from Southern California or renting a car in Cabo this is the definitive guide to all the best destinations in the Baja Peninsula. The perfect Baja Mexico Itinerary if you will. Baja is a desert. But not the desolate dreary flat kind of cacti haven.

  3. The ultimate Baja California road trip guide

    The ultimate Baja California road trip guide. Jason Najum. Oct 27, 2020 • 6 min read. While traveling to Ensenada be sure to spend at least a day in Valle de Guadalupe © Jorge Malo Photography / Getty Images. Baja California evokes a rugged, wild west kind of adventure.

  4. Ultimate Travel Guide for Baja Mexico

    Your BEST Travel Guide for Baja Mexico with discussion forums, reviews, tips on safety, maps, directions and best places to go

  5. The ultimate road-tripper’s guide to Baja, Mexico

    This guide contains everything you need to know about road tripping in Baja, including required paperwork for driving across the border, advice for hiring a car, Mexican auto insurance, driving conditions, military checkpoints, road rules, petrol stations & so much more!