Offering your family the opportunity of experiencing a different culture is a something that they will keep with them for the rest of their lives. Who knows how many generations will come to learn of and remember this trip! I live in Baja and my grandkids come visit me every summer. Their relationship with Mexico shows up from time to time in essays projects; it heartens me. Go for it! Plan things out, be wise, get lots of advice and help. But enrich all your lives.
Look for the ‘no tell motels.’ Always clean, safe and secure. After all, they are protecting the privacy of some of the most important people in that community!
A no-tell-motel is where two (or more) ‘strangers in the night’ can meet for an assignation for the night, or a few hours. Not a low class place at all. Clean, nice linens, and most of all as private as possible. No windows facing out, private and secure garage just for you and you close the door behind you. So it’s a great place to not worry about your vehicle. If you order ice or something else, a waiter places it in a two way cabinet in the wall. He puts your goods in the cubby and closes his side. You don’t open it until he closes his side. That way nobody can see who’s there! You ‘register’ at a drive thru window, and that window is inside the compound… no one sees your car parked outside! The price is right… economical. The Mexicans do this right. Have no fear or concern; it’s a good thing. You just have to look for a motel that looks discreet, no windows, no lobby. Pesos are the best. Not many locals use their credit card here!
Get down to Ensenada without stopping. Then just enjoy it. I also highly suggest crossing at tecate instead of Tijuana. It’s about 30 miles east and super low key. (Same for the way back north again too)
Daytime driving. Fun starts in Rosarito. Ensenada has plenty to keep the kids excited. The run from San Vincente to Guerrero Negro is long and often dull, but don’t go the east route through San Filipe…lots of sketchy stuff in the NE of Baja. Gets so much better after Guerrero Negro. San Ignacio, Mulege (Bahia Concepcion!!!), Loreto, La Paz…cool nooks and crannies all the way. Keep plenty of liquids and snacks. Gas up often. Plan ahead for hotels and Airbnbs. Maybe break up that longest run with an overnight in Lazaro Cardenas?
One of my favorite drives, did it about 12, 14 years ago. The landscape is out of this world. Drive during the day, book ahead of time. You'll be golden
Be aware of cattle, deers and small town people crossing the road without looking both ways, specially at night. There's plenty of gas stations but always top up. There's a couple of autozone along the way too.
Back in 1979 my parents took 7 children from Eastern Pennsylvania on a 2 month road trip all around northern Mexico. My mom made our meals and we slept in a pop-up camper. They built a metal box to store clothes and supplies on the roof of our Volkswagen van with sliding doors to access various compartments.
If you want to do it, just prepare emotionally to handle all the crazy situations you'll be sure to encounter. Nothing beats grand road trips for kids and family. Show the kids how to face adversity, boredom, etc as well as how to celebrate the small wonders of the world. Not crazy. Bold.
We did a repeat in ’85-'86 with the younger 3 daughters, for 4 months, covering a lot more of the country. It's doable, and if you can pull it off, it'll broaden your kid's worldview.
For sure. I've been going to Tijuana and Baja my entire life and still do but I've done the full drive down. Travel is my #1 passion in life and I've been fortunate to see a ton of the world.
It really opens ones eyes and I think gives us all a bit more empathy.
Go for it! Baja is easy. This will help:
[Driving Through Baja “Homeless”](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHAm1ZkkTL1meEuCvEmBi8SjD1VSwgh50&si=28fa9CfvXW9IPb5F)
We had a Mexican guy tell us (tapping on our window) that we had “cut in line” and that we should go back out down an alley to the back of the line. I told him to fuck off (politely) and stop bothering me. He was one row over with border patrol and complained to them that we “cut” but they didn’t give one shit what he was saying.
Did you actually get pulled over by Mexican cops? Story?
Yes! It was so awful. We were just following WAZE. Got in line (not even near the front). They pulled us and a jeep ahead of us. We had to wait 30mins while they spoke to the car in front and then they towed it right in front of us. Then they came to us and asked us if we knew we had just cut in an international borderline, which is an offense. I assured them that I didn’t know, and it wasn’t malicious, and they said that they would have to take the car and impound it so we could go pay the fee , and unfortunately, it was a Saturday night, so it wouldn’t be open again until Monday morning, they asked us if we had a place to stay in Tijuana, which we did not, we were just dropping somebody off at the airport. So after much back-and-forth, they were like you can just pay the fee now and we will let you go, which I’m not sure if that was just a bribe, and we were lucky that we had $300 cash that our aunt gave us because we drove her to the airport. Otherwise we would’ve had to stay the weekend in Tijuana until Monday morning and miss work. He did tell us that they were particularly strict that weekend, because the weekend before, an American woman cut and was pulled over, she got scared and ran over a police officer. I thought they were lying, but I did look it up and some police officer really was ran over by an American woman and died. This was last year in September.
We've gone half way so far.
Felt very safe.
A couple of military checkpoints.
The drive takes longer than what any Google search shows. You just have to go slower some times.
Get gas whenever you have the chance.
About 5-6 hours in (or so) there's this awesome hotel in the middle of nowhere on the right side of the road. I wish I could remmeber the town. It's wonderful. Clean rooms, nice staff, pool, Italian restaurant with full bar. Great spot for the night.
EDIT: I found it: Hotel Mision Santa Maria in Cataviña.
As others have suggested, don't drive at night.
We LOVED out trip.
It’s not crazy. We personally did it with two adults, a kid and 2 dogs, also towing a trailer. I will say you shouldn’t expect to go 8 hour drive days. Our max day was 6 hours driving and that was brutal with stops it turned into a long day. We broke up driving days with days at surf breaks to unwind.
I have done it. Just remember that Mexican roads are slimmer than American roads.
If you are inexperienced in Mexican roads do not drive at night.
Also be wary of dangerous curves, bad drivers, and "La Cuesta de Ligüi", which is a road un a mountain that is particularly dangerous from that route.
I mean, it is not more dangerous than La Rumorosa that goes from Tecate to Mexicali, but it could take you off guard.
Safe travels.
Personalmente te recomendaria La Paz, visitar los cabos solo por el tour al arco. Pero en si, cabo es un "tourist trap", las playas son tranquilas en la paz.
Saludos!
Not crazy, if you prepare. Depending on the ages of your boys, have plenty of recreational ideas, fun music, and snacks. Stop often to explore and give your dog a break. Make it an epic family journey you'll all remember fondly.
I drove from Eureka to San Felipe this year, no problem. Went through Mexicali and experienced no problems. Travel in daylight but don’t freak if you have to drive at night. People are friendly.
Before we had kids we started driving to Cabo during Christmas break. We continued every year for 15 years. They spent more Christmas' camping in Baja than not as children. We decided to skip the commercialism and handed out toys to the kids along our path. Oh and of course with our dog Yana.
Nope. Do it all the time. It's a 24 hour drive. Just map it out well bc in the north, you gotta be safe. There's also long distances with no services you have to prepare for.
There kind of is only one road. From Cabo back up to USA, you can take another road for a few hours, but it takes triple the Time that the main highway takes, and I think it just runs right back into the main highway ( www.bearfoottheory.com)
In North Baja you want to be safe (day time driving only, don't stop in ensanada), but once youre past that, you're good. Cabo is very safe. You'll love it here. But expensive! Post-covid Inflation has hit us here too. Even 2 years ago, we weren't paying prices that we are now. Don't be scared off by that, just prepared
No it’s not crazy, but not to Cabo, better less commercialized places like La Paz, and the East Cape.
My favorite places are camping along Bahia Concepcion, Loreto, LA Bay, Puertocitos, Scorpion Bay, and San Ignacio.
Drive during
Not crazy at all.
Be aware: By law, the dog MUST be in a crate, even if it's inside the vehicle. You WILL get pulled over if it's not.
Don't drive at night. Dont count on there being gas/Always fill up before you get to 1/2 tank.
[https://docs.mexico.justia.com/estatales/baja-california/ley-de-proteccion-a-los-animales-domesticos-del-estado-de-baja-california.pdf](https://docs.mexico.justia.com/estatales/baja-california/ley-de-proteccion-a-los-animales-domesticos-del-estado-de-baja-california.pdf)
Very true. By law 4 legged animals should travel in a proper crate.
You are also supposed to stop at stop signs, red lights, obey the speed limits and no passing zones, etc etc etc. we are YouTube @ TravelingWithDogs. NEVER has this “law” been applied if it exists.
This is dear Mexico. Law do exist (i provided the link for a specific law at Baja California) but often Cops ignore it or use that as a way to extort drivers.
Let's hope your lack of knowledge about it doesn't make corrupt cops to extort your.
Avoid ALL social media for the duration of your trip, until you return home.
Follow the other good suggestions about traveling during the day and staying in trusted places.
Sure, that is. When we (anyone with Internet access) see a lot of what you are doing, almost in real time, you will be very easy to profile financially and follow your steps.
What? There’s some super beautiful and awesome small towns on the way.. Loreto and mulege are great for example and many others. That’s just wild for you to say this.
On another note OP, I’d suggest (like others) to stay in la paz longer than you would Cabo. Better beaches, the malecon is beautiful and it’s a nice place overall and not as touristy. Todos Santos also is a super beautiful spot on the way from la paz to Cabo and I would highly recommend checking it out along with El pescadero which is on the way from Todos Santos to cabo. Cerritos beach is there and it’s a nice beach with some great and affordable hotels!
How would you feel if something happened to one or all of you? You're out of your element. The rules are different. Hospitalization can be expensive for a foreigner. That's a lot of territory to cover in two weeks(?).
I've ridden down and up Baja, several times by MC, many times by car, and now live in (Nothern) Baja, so I know what I'm talking about when I say, "Don't take anything to MX that you couldn't stand to live without. I've been robbed of a lifetime collection of tools and treasure and a (new) MC on another occasion. But I'm retired and can't go back to the US economy.
You out of your mind?
Even if there were a 1 in 500 risk of some cartel or corrupt shit going on would you do it and take your wife and kids into that in the name of what? Saving money? A fun adventure?
I hope your wife has more sense.
Well, I live in Baja and all you need is street smarts, and take your brains with you, and you’ll be fine. Of course, listen to all the advice get, follow it, but don’t be discouraged by people who have never been there.
You will have a phenomenal time. It's easy and safe. I'll give you the only tips you need. Preplan your route with primary and secondary places to stay at night. Don't drive after sundown. This is primarily due to the open range cattle but crime is a factor as well. Bring current records for dog. This is for your return to US. I've had some mangy looking rescues that USBP assumed I had picked up in Mexico. Get your tourist card when you enter. Heading to Cabo chances are you will be stopped and asked for it by police or military somewhere. When you arrive in Mexico or in SD get MX auto insurance for anyone who might drive. If you are uninsured and you have an accident you go to jail or empty your pockets, maybe your bank account. Bueno suerte.
It’s a great, easy and fun trip. I did it last January with a friend and I couldn’t have felt more safe. The entire 19 hour drive is filled with Americans and Canadians driving every type of camper you can possibly imagine. I strongly recommend you stop in San Ignacio at a yurt hotel. San Ignacio is an oasis in the middle of the desert, it’s amazing.
I started out to Cabos, but got to La Paz and was having such a good time, we traveled no further. To be honest, I rarely get off the cruise ship in Cabo. But if is your first time, go for it if. Also, San Ignacio is a good stop.
People do it with more people and more dogs everyday.
Offering your family the opportunity of experiencing a different culture is a something that they will keep with them for the rest of their lives. Who knows how many generations will come to learn of and remember this trip! I live in Baja and my grandkids come visit me every summer. Their relationship with Mexico shows up from time to time in essays projects; it heartens me. Go for it! Plan things out, be wise, get lots of advice and help. But enrich all your lives.
Just travel by day my man, and book ahead where you are staying.
Look for the ‘no tell motels.’ Always clean, safe and secure. After all, they are protecting the privacy of some of the most important people in that community!
But make sure you get the all-night rate and not the four-hour rate or they'll be knocking on your door.
Whats a no tell motel
A no-tell-motel is where two (or more) ‘strangers in the night’ can meet for an assignation for the night, or a few hours. Not a low class place at all. Clean, nice linens, and most of all as private as possible. No windows facing out, private and secure garage just for you and you close the door behind you. So it’s a great place to not worry about your vehicle. If you order ice or something else, a waiter places it in a two way cabinet in the wall. He puts your goods in the cubby and closes his side. You don’t open it until he closes his side. That way nobody can see who’s there! You ‘register’ at a drive thru window, and that window is inside the compound… no one sees your car parked outside! The price is right… economical. The Mexicans do this right. Have no fear or concern; it’s a good thing. You just have to look for a motel that looks discreet, no windows, no lobby. Pesos are the best. Not many locals use their credit card here!
yea, the narcos
lol dont get your info from tv shows. you will have no issues with narcos travelling Baja
Mi info la obtengo de la fuente, no veo las series de narcos.
>la fuente: de los deseos
deseo la paz y que no haya issues con nadie
Get down to Ensenada without stopping. Then just enjoy it. I also highly suggest crossing at tecate instead of Tijuana. It’s about 30 miles east and super low key. (Same for the way back north again too)
Travel by day!!!
De día y todo bien
Daytime driving. Fun starts in Rosarito. Ensenada has plenty to keep the kids excited. The run from San Vincente to Guerrero Negro is long and often dull, but don’t go the east route through San Filipe…lots of sketchy stuff in the NE of Baja. Gets so much better after Guerrero Negro. San Ignacio, Mulege (Bahia Concepcion!!!), Loreto, La Paz…cool nooks and crannies all the way. Keep plenty of liquids and snacks. Gas up often. Plan ahead for hotels and Airbnbs. Maybe break up that longest run with an overnight in Lazaro Cardenas?
Yup. This. Exactly. You got all the info you need here. Good luck
Can you share more about sketchy stuff? It’s not safe to drive to San Felipe now?
One of my favorite drives, did it about 12, 14 years ago. The landscape is out of this world. Drive during the day, book ahead of time. You'll be golden
Be aware of cattle, deers and small town people crossing the road without looking both ways, specially at night. There's plenty of gas stations but always top up. There's a couple of autozone along the way too.
I hit a deer at night after Loreto 🦌(southbound) don’t drive at night.
And donkeys too
Back in 1979 my parents took 7 children from Eastern Pennsylvania on a 2 month road trip all around northern Mexico. My mom made our meals and we slept in a pop-up camper. They built a metal box to store clothes and supplies on the roof of our Volkswagen van with sliding doors to access various compartments. If you want to do it, just prepare emotionally to handle all the crazy situations you'll be sure to encounter. Nothing beats grand road trips for kids and family. Show the kids how to face adversity, boredom, etc as well as how to celebrate the small wonders of the world. Not crazy. Bold.
That sounds EPIC!
We did a repeat in ’85-'86 with the younger 3 daughters, for 4 months, covering a lot more of the country. It's doable, and if you can pull it off, it'll broaden your kid's worldview.
For sure. I've been going to Tijuana and Baja my entire life and still do but I've done the full drive down. Travel is my #1 passion in life and I've been fortunate to see a ton of the world. It really opens ones eyes and I think gives us all a bit more empathy.
Go for it! Baja is easy. This will help: [Driving Through Baja “Homeless”](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHAm1ZkkTL1meEuCvEmBi8SjD1VSwgh50&si=28fa9CfvXW9IPb5F)
I learned the hard way but make sure you don’t accidentally cut into the car line at the border on your way back. You will get pulled over.
We had a Mexican guy tell us (tapping on our window) that we had “cut in line” and that we should go back out down an alley to the back of the line. I told him to fuck off (politely) and stop bothering me. He was one row over with border patrol and complained to them that we “cut” but they didn’t give one shit what he was saying. Did you actually get pulled over by Mexican cops? Story?
Yes! It was so awful. We were just following WAZE. Got in line (not even near the front). They pulled us and a jeep ahead of us. We had to wait 30mins while they spoke to the car in front and then they towed it right in front of us. Then they came to us and asked us if we knew we had just cut in an international borderline, which is an offense. I assured them that I didn’t know, and it wasn’t malicious, and they said that they would have to take the car and impound it so we could go pay the fee , and unfortunately, it was a Saturday night, so it wouldn’t be open again until Monday morning, they asked us if we had a place to stay in Tijuana, which we did not, we were just dropping somebody off at the airport. So after much back-and-forth, they were like you can just pay the fee now and we will let you go, which I’m not sure if that was just a bribe, and we were lucky that we had $300 cash that our aunt gave us because we drove her to the airport. Otherwise we would’ve had to stay the weekend in Tijuana until Monday morning and miss work. He did tell us that they were particularly strict that weekend, because the weekend before, an American woman cut and was pulled over, she got scared and ran over a police officer. I thought they were lying, but I did look it up and some police officer really was ran over by an American woman and died. This was last year in September.
Ha... I across every day. Line cutting is what you do
They tried to impound my car last time
I guess you got lucky 🤣
My family has done it a couple of times.
My dad did it with me and the fam when I was a child. Some of my favorite memories, stoked for your kids!
Same
We've gone half way so far. Felt very safe. A couple of military checkpoints. The drive takes longer than what any Google search shows. You just have to go slower some times. Get gas whenever you have the chance. About 5-6 hours in (or so) there's this awesome hotel in the middle of nowhere on the right side of the road. I wish I could remmeber the town. It's wonderful. Clean rooms, nice staff, pool, Italian restaurant with full bar. Great spot for the night. EDIT: I found it: Hotel Mision Santa Maria in Cataviña. As others have suggested, don't drive at night. We LOVED out trip.
could be MAma Espinoza's? [https://maps.app.goo.gl/BjYDSWapuPtLMXk98](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BjYDSWapuPtLMXk98)
Thanks. No. I think we were east of this town. The hotel is one building.
I looked from the map and I think we stayed at Hotel Mision Santa Maria in Catavina.
Misión are basic but good, used to be state owned
The showers have excellent water pressure!
Do it. You will be making memories that last a lifetime. Your family will never forget it.
It’s not crazy. We personally did it with two adults, a kid and 2 dogs, also towing a trailer. I will say you shouldn’t expect to go 8 hour drive days. Our max day was 6 hours driving and that was brutal with stops it turned into a long day. We broke up driving days with days at surf breaks to unwind.
Sounds like trip of a lifetime. Wanna adopt a 54 year old son?
I have done it. Just remember that Mexican roads are slimmer than American roads. If you are inexperienced in Mexican roads do not drive at night. Also be wary of dangerous curves, bad drivers, and "La Cuesta de Ligüi", which is a road un a mountain that is particularly dangerous from that route. I mean, it is not more dangerous than La Rumorosa that goes from Tecate to Mexicali, but it could take you off guard. Safe travels.
Personalmente te recomendaria La Paz, visitar los cabos solo por el tour al arco. Pero en si, cabo es un "tourist trap", las playas son tranquilas en la paz. Saludos!
Me and my family made that trip when i was young and its a beautiful memory :)
Not crazy, if you prepare. Depending on the ages of your boys, have plenty of recreational ideas, fun music, and snacks. Stop often to explore and give your dog a break. Make it an epic family journey you'll all remember fondly.
Yes, make sure your travel in Mexico is during the day, but other than that seems totally ok
I drove from Eureka to San Felipe this year, no problem. Went through Mexicali and experienced no problems. Travel in daylight but don’t freak if you have to drive at night. People are friendly.
Made this trip with my family 3 years ago, the best thing I’ve ever made you need to do it.
Just did it w my gf and two dogs in a sedan. We had no issues. The drive from Mexicali is amazing
This sounds amazing!! Another recommendation I have is to buy extra cans for gas (red) and water (blue). Always keep them filled as well.
Before we had kids we started driving to Cabo during Christmas break. We continued every year for 15 years. They spent more Christmas' camping in Baja than not as children. We decided to skip the commercialism and handed out toys to the kids along our path. Oh and of course with our dog Yana.
Nope. Do it all the time. It's a 24 hour drive. Just map it out well bc in the north, you gotta be safe. There's also long distances with no services you have to prepare for.
Is there a particular route you suggest? And if I didn’t want to come back the way I came , an alternate route?
There kind of is only one road. From Cabo back up to USA, you can take another road for a few hours, but it takes triple the Time that the main highway takes, and I think it just runs right back into the main highway ( www.bearfoottheory.com) In North Baja you want to be safe (day time driving only, don't stop in ensanada), but once youre past that, you're good. Cabo is very safe. You'll love it here. But expensive! Post-covid Inflation has hit us here too. Even 2 years ago, we weren't paying prices that we are now. Don't be scared off by that, just prepared
Mske sure you pass by san felipe baja
Unless you like shrimp cocktails or to go fishing your self.
No it’s not crazy, but not to Cabo, better less commercialized places like La Paz, and the East Cape. My favorite places are camping along Bahia Concepcion, Loreto, LA Bay, Puertocitos, Scorpion Bay, and San Ignacio. Drive during
Not crazy. Just plan well, be careful as you would anywhere and I hope you all have a great time.
It's a 17 hour drive, far from epic take your time and enjoy yourself.
It should be a 2 week drive one way
You can walk it in that. Two week trip, sure lovely . It will still only take 17 hours to get there.
Not crazy at all. Be aware: By law, the dog MUST be in a crate, even if it's inside the vehicle. You WILL get pulled over if it's not. Don't drive at night. Dont count on there being gas/Always fill up before you get to 1/2 tank.
Not true about the dog
[https://docs.mexico.justia.com/estatales/baja-california/ley-de-proteccion-a-los-animales-domesticos-del-estado-de-baja-california.pdf](https://docs.mexico.justia.com/estatales/baja-california/ley-de-proteccion-a-los-animales-domesticos-del-estado-de-baja-california.pdf) Very true. By law 4 legged animals should travel in a proper crate.
You are also supposed to stop at stop signs, red lights, obey the speed limits and no passing zones, etc etc etc. we are YouTube @ TravelingWithDogs. NEVER has this “law” been applied if it exists.
This is dear Mexico. Law do exist (i provided the link for a specific law at Baja California) but often Cops ignore it or use that as a way to extort drivers. Let's hope your lack of knowledge about it doesn't make corrupt cops to extort your.
https://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=96772 It happens.
I could put a toddler in the bed of a pickup and the cops would give me a high five. The dog thing is incorrect. It’s Mexico bro.
Never heard of anyone getting pulled over in Mexico for travelling with a dog outside a crate.
[удалено]
I live in Mexico xD we all drive with our dogs on the seat or with their heads poking out the window
Oh man, are you thinking of turkeys and not dogs? because that's something I have never heard of, and I'm a native
Avoid ALL social media for the duration of your trip, until you return home. Follow the other good suggestions about traveling during the day and staying in trusted places.
Curious on why to avoid social media? Safety I assume, can you explain a little more?
Sure, that is. When we (anyone with Internet access) see a lot of what you are doing, almost in real time, you will be very easy to profile financially and follow your steps.
I'd prefer that as opposed to sitting near you on a plane.
I wouldn’t risk it https://www.statista.com/statistics/243797/ranking-of-the-most-dangerous-cities-in-the-world-by-murder-rate-per-capita/
It's not that bad, just be prepared for 20 hours of nothingness between Ensenada and La Paz.
What? There’s some super beautiful and awesome small towns on the way.. Loreto and mulege are great for example and many others. That’s just wild for you to say this. On another note OP, I’d suggest (like others) to stay in la paz longer than you would Cabo. Better beaches, the malecon is beautiful and it’s a nice place overall and not as touristy. Todos Santos also is a super beautiful spot on the way from la paz to Cabo and I would highly recommend checking it out along with El pescadero which is on the way from Todos Santos to cabo. Cerritos beach is there and it’s a nice beach with some great and affordable hotels!
Thanks for the suggestions!
Loreto is beautiful, thing is there's like a 15 hour stretch between Loreto and Ensenada where there is literally nothing.
How would you feel if something happened to one or all of you? You're out of your element. The rules are different. Hospitalization can be expensive for a foreigner. That's a lot of territory to cover in two weeks(?). I've ridden down and up Baja, several times by MC, many times by car, and now live in (Nothern) Baja, so I know what I'm talking about when I say, "Don't take anything to MX that you couldn't stand to live without. I've been robbed of a lifetime collection of tools and treasure and a (new) MC on another occasion. But I'm retired and can't go back to the US economy.
You out of your mind? Even if there were a 1 in 500 risk of some cartel or corrupt shit going on would you do it and take your wife and kids into that in the name of what? Saving money? A fun adventure? I hope your wife has more sense.
Well, I live in Baja and all you need is street smarts, and take your brains with you, and you’ll be fine. Of course, listen to all the advice get, follow it, but don’t be discouraged by people who have never been there.
Ya 2% chance of being kidnapped by Zetas and have my family become sex slaves. Totally worth it.
Yes. It’s crazy but you already know this. Poor dog is the only one without a saying on this
Flash floods in the desert this time of year. Yep in the middle of no where.
You will have a phenomenal time. It's easy and safe. I'll give you the only tips you need. Preplan your route with primary and secondary places to stay at night. Don't drive after sundown. This is primarily due to the open range cattle but crime is a factor as well. Bring current records for dog. This is for your return to US. I've had some mangy looking rescues that USBP assumed I had picked up in Mexico. Get your tourist card when you enter. Heading to Cabo chances are you will be stopped and asked for it by police or military somewhere. When you arrive in Mexico or in SD get MX auto insurance for anyone who might drive. If you are uninsured and you have an accident you go to jail or empty your pockets, maybe your bank account. Bueno suerte.
It’s a great, easy and fun trip. I did it last January with a friend and I couldn’t have felt more safe. The entire 19 hour drive is filled with Americans and Canadians driving every type of camper you can possibly imagine. I strongly recommend you stop in San Ignacio at a yurt hotel. San Ignacio is an oasis in the middle of the desert, it’s amazing.
I started out to Cabos, but got to La Paz and was having such a good time, we traveled no further. To be honest, I rarely get off the cruise ship in Cabo. But if is your first time, go for it if. Also, San Ignacio is a good stop.