Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito. There is a region outside of Mexico called the Baja peninsula. Baja is technically part of Mexico, yet something about this narrow sliver of land that separates the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortez makes it seem like a completely distinct country.
Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito.
Baja can be unfriendly. Baja might be uncooked. Baja, however, is stunning. Particularly if you enjoy beaches, as Baja is home to some of the world’s top beaches.
I started out driving the 750-mile-long peninsula from beginning to end and then driving it back. This is a difficult road, and today I would advise against taking it more than one way. Even while things won’t always go as planned and there are lessons to be learned, I can safely say that it was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had in Mexico. And with sufficient preparation, I wouldn’t think twice about taking that drive again. Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito
Here are some driving advice for the Baja peninsula from San Jose del Cabo to Rosarito to aid you with your road journey.
Renting a Car in Cabo
It can be challenging to rent a car in Mexico. I’ve done it numerous times, and each time I work with a global franchise, I’m (usually) left feeling let down and shell-shocked by the sheer quantity of hidden costs. Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito
On the paved roads, the little four-door vehicle we leased performed admirably. However, as I discovered when on location, the weather in Baja is not always on your side, so you might want to hire something with a little more power just to be safe. An all-wheel drive car would also guarantee that you get a little bit more off-road time to explore the remote Baja locations that give the peninsula its unique charm.
Driving in Baja: Safety
Driving in Baja is really safe. The peninsula as a whole has a fairly low crime rate, and the major routes are well-maintained. However, since the peninsula contains several extremely long, isolated stretches, it’s a good idea to limit your drive to the daytime. You’ll be glad you were travelling in the daytime when there are more vehicles on the road in case an emergency arises, such as automobile trouble or a washed-out road. Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito
Additionally, keep in mind that parts of the route pass through the desert. You might go for up to six hours without cell service. When you find a gas station, always be sure to fill up your tank. In the peninsula’s more isolated center, you might spend hours at a time driving. Let someone know your anticipated daily schedule, and bring lots of water and snacks.
Finally, avoid making the drive at the height of hurricane season in August or September. Hurricane Kay, which swept across the peninsula and left behind severe water and road damage, unintentionally caused us to stray (slightly) off track. if you ever find yourself in a similar circumstance. Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito
On the Road: San Jose del Cabo to La Paz
Driving up the Sea of Cortez side and returning down the Pacific Ocean side was my original plan. Although it sounds fantastic in principle, putting it into practice is more difficult. This is due to the fact that there is basically only one paved and maintained road that crisscrosses the majority of Baja. This changes when you get closer to popular tourist locations, giving you a choice of many motorways that V-out in different directions, but as you travel farther into the desert, there is only one road.
Cabo to Todos Santos
The alternative is to travel up the Pacific side first; in that case, Todos Santos should be the first stop before La Paz. La Paz may be reached in a little over two hours using this. Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito
In Baja, Todos Santos has historically served as a hub for spiritual activities. For many years, it has attracted mystics, spiritualists, artists, and other creatives.
These days, upscale shops, restaurants, and art galleries line the sandy cobblestone walkways. Some of Mexico’s top hotels, including Paradero Todos Santos and Guaycura Boutique Hotel Beach Club & Spa, are part of a thriving hotel industry. Although Todos Santos has begun to attract a more upmarket audience, surfers, backpackers, and van lifers will still feel at home here.
La Paz to Loreto or Mulege
When traveling the Baja peninsula, a visit in Loreto is a need. This formerly peaceful fishing community on the Sea of Cortez has developed a hipster vibe with seafood food trucks, waterfront eateries, and little local shops. One of Mexico’s top all-inclusive resorts is located close to Loreto at Villa del Palmar near the Islands of Loreto. I heartily suggest this gorgeous resort, which is encircled by high peaks in a private bay.
If you want to skip Loreto, be sure to stop by on the way back and carry on to Mulege. The Ro Santa Rosala, which runs through Mulege and empties into the Sea of Cortez, causes the surrounding desert to appear as a lush, rainforest oasis. Instead of a barren peninsula, the scenery seems like something out of Southeast Asia. Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito
The journey from Loreto to Mulege is spectacular and takes just over two hours. The breathtaking Bahia Concepcion shoreline is closely followed by the motorway. Keep an eye out for tiny patches of desolate, dazzling white sand beaches along the route that are nothing more than thatched palapas built by earlier travelers. Bahia Concepcion is a must-stop if you’re camping your way across Baja because the bay also includes a number of RV parks. Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito
Guerrero Negro
It’s a long stretch of desert road after Mulege. There are only cacti and distant mountains that have been battered by wind in the gorgeous but desolate environment. Guerrero Negro is where civilisation will next flourish. Since the trip from Loreto takes more than five hours, you might wish to spend the night at San Ignacio, a town known for its oasis. San Ignacio is not very large, but it does contain a few hotels and small eateries for travelers that are traveling the entire peninsula.
San Felipe
It’s another long stretch of nothing but dusty, sun-baked towns and spectacular views after Guerrero Negro. Guerrero Negro is also where the roadway divides in two. While Highway 5 ascends the Sea of Cortez side of the coast to San Felipe, Highway 1 continues up the Pacific Coast towards Ensenada and Rosarito. Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito
With the knowledge that we would visit the Pacific side on the way back, we chose to drive to San Felipe first. We also made a diversion to Bahia de Los Angeles, a secluded area favored by boaters exploring the Sea of Cortez and by campers seeking to liven up the protracted and somewhat dull trek. Normally, it takes 4.5 to 5 hours to get from Guerrero Negro to San Felipe. Baja Road Trip: San Jose Del Cabo to Rosarito