I know before my big bhaja road trip

I have taken a lot of road trips in Mexico. But continuing my mind is a month’s journey, and I went back to the entire Baja Peninsula, from Cabo to Ensenada. I tell you – this is one of the most incredible road trips of my life. Coarse terrain, untouchable beaches and roadside taco stands became an unforgettable adventure. But I will be honest: I am completely blind. I don’t know what to expect or what to plan.

If you are planning to drive the Baja Peninsula, here are some of the things I knew before leaving.

You don’t need 4 × 4, but you will like one

You can drive bhaja completely without 4 × 4. The main highways are on the sidewalk and decent, and you will see some more jaw-free scenes. But if you want to get off the attacked path – believe me, part of Baja’s mantra is distant, wild places – you will need 4 × 4. Washboard should deal with dirty roads, sand trails or rocky paths for some of the best places like hidden beaches or distant villages. If your dream is to land on the beach with no one else, you need a vehicle that can handle the journey.

Sometimes the driver has nothing

Baja’s terrain is green, rude, and amazingly beautiful. But the lengths of the highway are felt endless. In particular, drivers between San Ignacio and Kurreo Negro, then up to the Kero Negro, have no long, dilapidated and cell welcome. The scene is stunning-the bargain desert, aloe forests and wide open sky-but after several hours, you will be grateful to a solid playlist. Download your music because there are no radio stations in these distant areas. Download the map also – if you rent that 4 × 4, if you want to get down on a dirty road.

Fill as always as you can

I really had never left the gas, but I had a few panic-sparkling moments, where I thought I would come to the next station. Gas stations are very low in the bhaja, so whenever you see one, fill in. Although you are in half the tank. Sorry than sorry.

It is difficult to get real -time road conditions

One of the biggest challenges I have faced was to get real -time information about road conditions. Baja is subjected to hurricane, flash floods and unexpected road closure, and it is not easy to find update information. Half of my journey, I found out Baja Over Landing Facebook team, it was a game converter. The community shares posts on road conditions, gas availability and any hiccups.

A perfect example: The hurricane was cut through the peninsula during my journey and destroyed parts of the main highway. I was trapped in Ennsenada for five days and waited for the updates of when the roads could go back. If I knew about the Facebook group before, I could have been better planned and avoided some of that stress.

Take your time

If you want to make a bhaja in a week, you will lose so much. This is a road trip, where travel is just as important as the goal. Avoid hidden beaches, local restaurants and spontaneous alternatives. I spent a month to analyze Baja and it didn’t even feel like enough time. If you can, plan at least two weeks.

Be prepared for military checkpoints

Throughout the Baja, you will face military checkpoints, especially when you go between states. These are completely regular and nothing to worry about. Sometimes, they shake you. Other times, they may ask you to quit when they check your vehicle. Keep silent, be polite, keep your documents – license, car rental contract and passport – available immediately. This can be a little insecure for the first time, but after some, you will take advantage of it.

Bonus Tip: Rent a car in San Jose Dell Capo

I rented my car at San Jose Dell Capo Cactus carI suggest them very much. In Mexico, all the necessary insurance you need to drive, ie no hidden fees or surprises when you take your car. Rental car insurance in Mexico would be tricky, so it was a pleasure to keep everything before.

Driving the Baja Peninsula is one of the best and beneficial adventures I have taken. Of course, I was blind, and some lessons learned in a difficult way, but it is a part of fun. If you are thinking about traveling, I can’t recommend it enough- go in ready position. Fill your tank, download your playlists, join the Baja Road conditions group, and, most importantly, take your time. Baja’s magic is on the journey, trust me, this will never forget you.

Meien drill A New York Native, he wrote about Mexico for the last 15 years. Puerto Vallarda is his home site when he is on the road to work mostly. Follow his travels on Instagram Ardrillinjourneys Or by his blog trillinjourneys.com