Anyone travel to Baja Recently?

[floggingmolly]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Baja, our annual trip, but we have heard quite a bit about an increase in serious crimes, my understanding is in the northern part, generally Ensenada and TJ. We go every year, and a trip like this has its risks, but I wanted people's impressions who have actually been there recently.

My sense is that the trouble is generally in Northern Baja, driving during pre dawn or night time hours, and generally along the deserted beaches (surfers, etc.)

I am of the opinion to still go, as we drive all day the first day (in the day light) to about Catavina, and I have not hear of any trouble out of the ordinary in Baja Sur.

Any recent info would be appreciated.

Edit: If anyone has opinions or tips about travelling in Baja in the VW, please, I am all ears. This is our first big trip in Molly. She has been my daily driver for the past year (bought in Feb. 2007) and no major troubles in 7K miles or so. I am doing several preventative maintenance things, as well as some long trip upgrade stuff. Any contacts in case of mechanical trouble are appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott
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'85 Wolfsburg Weekender

[914 mike]

I did Fresno to San Felipe, B.C. over thanksgiving. Went with my family. 3 westies and a motor home. We all went down seperatly and met up in San Felipe. Then, the westies caravaned back home. All in all, a great trip. No problems at all.
I too have heard the stories, but when I turn on the news at night, I hear stories as well from whats happening in my own country/community.

My advice, dont let fear control your life, you will miss too much good stuff.....

Mike
84 westy 2.2 suby

[floggingmolly]

I hear ya. There was a recent stabbing in the mall 5 minutes from my house, and certainly not an area known for crime. I have more concern with the VW making it down and back, and the local cops with their "fees". That's why we make a bee line for southern Baja.

I won't let fear control me, I totally agree with you, otherwise we never would have found the amazing places Baja has to offer. I just want to get some feedback from people who have been there recently to confirm what I suspect, and that Baja is Baja and you always have to be careful.
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'85 Wolfsburg Weekender

[psych-illogical]

Yeah, I've heard that the TJ and Ensenada areas have had an increase in violent crime over the past year or two. Mostly related to the drug trade and corruption within the local police dept. I've never cared to spend any time in either of those two towns. I'd just drive right on through and things should be just fine. I haven't been down there since last year when my wife and I camped on a beach at Bajia de Los Angeles (in our Westy). We were there for 4 days and then spent a night on a secluded beach on the Pacific side. Wonderful trip. If you end up in El Rosario around lunch time stop in at Mama Espinosas for the lobster burritos. Awesome.
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83 1/2 Westy waterboxer
'57 Beetle-sold
Coupla '81 BMW motorcycles (R80G/S; R100RS)
'96 BMW R1100GS

[DeMinimis]

Much of this increase in crime is attributable to the same stories (some true mind you) being told and re-told and reprinted. Just drove tip to toe nail in January without even a hint of an issue. Of course, we didn't invite trouble either. We crossed at TJ and beat feet past Encinada. That's the stretch everyone keeps talking about. Of course, do not drive at night. Banditos (real or imagined) do their thing at night. Plus truckers are often in your lane and livestock are on the roadways. Did you know cows' eyes don't reflect headlight light like deers' eyes do? Yea, I didn't know that either. Flying back down in a couple of weeks. See you there!
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Yes Virginia, beer can make you smarter.

'78 SB CEII In Progress.

[Tully Mars]

Hola..
I live just north of Rosarito Beach. I have seen the increased presence of the Federales and the Military in TJ, Rosarito, and down to Ensenada over the last few months. The general feeling among other gringos I know down here is that it feels a little safer.
The recent violence is targeted at rival drug dealers, crooked cops, cops that are actually after the bad guys, and rich Mexicans (kidnappings). There have been a few highly publicized car jackings of gringos that I am sure are legit.
The concept of getting south of Ensenada is a good one. Avoid driving at night. Especially LATE. If you get pulled over... make sure it is a REAL COP before you stop. If I see those red and blue light in my rear view mirror and I think something does not look right, I will just keep going to the next toll booth.
I have been stopped a couple of times lately by the Federales and they have been very courteous.

Good Luck!
Tully

[otiswesty]

I agree.

I think as long as you don't travel at night, you are OK.

Also, the high risk people are the ones in the new Suburban (lifted) pulling a trailer with 4 ATV's, a couple of motorcycles, gas cans, coolers and on and on. The old VW camper doesn't necessarily attract alot of attention. I always felt like I was travelling "undercover" to San Felipe in my 78 Westy. The wife, 3 kids and a dog, roll of firewood on the roof heighten the effect. Even last year with a Syncro camper coated with dirt, no real attention. Other campers with sand rails, ATV's and as above.
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1978 Sage Green P22 Westfalia
1988 T3 Syncro Single cab

Just a regular guy

[TopBud]

Just do not drive at night. Also carry some coolant hoses and extra parts. Help is often a ways away. I travelled down to Copper Canyon on BMW's a few years ago and had no trouble at all. I know it is not BAJA but its mexico. I also usually try to bring something from the states for the Federales when we get stopped and give it to them, like Little Debbie treats. Or something of our culture they do not have. When ever I have done that on the way North they always remember my vehicle and are more friendly.
Be street smart and do not look sketchy, also if there is an oppurtunity for something to get taken it will. I would not leave anything out side of the vw when I went for a paddle or bike ride. Good luck BAJA is awesome. I know of a killer spot to stay for a while. drop me a pm if interested. Also if you are going south of San Felipe on the gulf side, drive slow there are potholes that will eat you alive. another thing is to put those shock retaining straps on or carry an extra set of shocks. something like these. I have seen several vanagons blow out their shocks just driving a bit too fast, this was their savior:
http://www.chircoestore.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=64_347&osCsid=jcqtkjat47la2eld7olrcpcvi5
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86 bostig syncro tin top
66 convertible Karmann Ghia

[pj welch]

My father and I just leased a place in Punta Banda, just south of Ensinada. I love it down there, cant wait for the fishing to pick up. Hit the duty free stores in San Diego, exchange some dollars, ignore TJ, catch the toll road and enjoy the ride. Common sense travelling applies in Mexico just the same as it does in the US. Have fun!

[dpazos]

I haven't been to Baja for a while, nut I hear that thefts at gunpoint and kidnappings are way up. The risk level is way up as of lately. I have heard a few personal accounts from buddies of mine in San Diego that make the crossing routinely to surf.
If you do go it would be wise to read up on what to look for from others misfortunes. Ignorance is bliss, but when it comes to your or your loved ones, i would rather be prepared.
here are two stories I stumbled on recently:
http://www.surfline.com/surfnews/surfwire.cfm?id=10923
http://www.newsweek.com/id/115319

[Lanval]

Um, dangerous to a certain extent. Here's a link to some info in Texas:

http://www.newschannel5.tv/2008/2/25/987179/State-Agency-Memo--Discourage-Travelers-Headed-to-Mexico

I couldn't find it, but there was a recent article in the LA Times about this; a number of locals (SoCal Travelers who go relatively often) being held at gunpoint, etc., and refusing to go back.

There is open warfare at this point between the cops and the drug dealers in the border area of TJ, and if soldiers on the street doesn't convince you, I don't know what will.

ah, found it:

Here's an abstract from the LA Times article ~ if we have university access here, I'll try and get the whole article for you.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/1430802...h+and+dry.

In any event, travel with a considerable amount of caution, if you are not familiar with the process of traveling in Mexico.

Best,

Lanval

[DeMinimis]

Forgot to mention, the best, most up-to-date and reliable information regarding traveling in Baja that I have found is a website www.bajanomad.com Might want to give it a look. Most any question you might have has already been answered, in spades in the forums section of that site.
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Yes Virginia, beer can make you smarter.

'78 SB CEII In Progress.

[sc-surfer]

I'm headed that way next month. Instead of the usual TJ-Ensenada route I'm going to go in through Tacate, and head straight to Ensenada. Just skip the TJ area altogether. Seems most of the trouble spots can be avoided this way.

Just my $.02
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'89 Syncro Westy
Catalog of Vans at SDM 2010
Westfalia, Syncro & Tristar Reproduction decals here.
* * * Coming Soon: Washable seat covers for westy bench seat...keep the pets off the upholstery! * * *

[psych-illogical]

[DeMinimis]

Don't think I haven't thought about that. I'm gonna have a big bullseye on my back on the next trip down (however, with a 600+ mile range, I only have to stop once from top to bottom).

On the last trip, we were hauling my buggy on a car trailer. It was like we were rock stars. Adults and kids came out of the woodwork when we stopped. Not to ask for anything, but just to ask about the buggy and chat. The folks in Baja love the off-roaders, it seems. Lots of waves and smiles.
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Yes Virginia, beer can make you smarter.

'78 SB CEII In Progress.

[j_dirge]

[rockfish]

[levi]

As usual, it's the people with actual experience, repeated experience, who say everything is cool (if you are).
And in the other corner we have the folks who have heard the fear, and repeat it.
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One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way

https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40

[floggingmolly]

We are relatively seasoned travelers down there, my wife and I (5 years). The federales have been nothing but polite and friendly on every occassion, all people we have met down there come to think of it. We behave well, are respectful to all down there, and treat it as our own, often times better than the locals. We go to be quiet and relax, not booze it up and attract attention to ourselves.

I am considering the drive through Tecate to Ensenada as sc-surfer suggested.

I agree that the people who have quoted or referred to articles (and I do appreciate those guys) refer me to the same 2 or 3 articles I have read over and over. We do not spend any time above LA Bay, except for the drive and an overnight in Catavina, well south of the areas where the crimes occured.

Hopefully Baja will get a handle on this, and I think they are making an effort, because several folks we know and contacted down there say it has hurt their business. They say people have canceled due to the reported violence.

I found it interesting that one article was published in Feb 2008 (Newsweek) about a kidnapping in 2005. Seems like yellow, or at least opportunistic journalism to me, just to sell magazines.

Sea of Cortez IS where we go, except for the whales at San Ignacio, not to be missed. The blue warm water of the Sea of Crotez is what draws us there, as well as the San Ignacio Oasis.

Scott
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'85 Wolfsburg Weekender

[Lanval]