There are an infinite number of routes to drive Baja...
Some folks spend a lifetime exploring the peninsula. And its very likely after your first taste of Baja, you'll be back to explore more too. This is our recommended itinerary for first timers. It covers a lot of the big destinations, its very direct, its very safe (as is all of Baja), and we think you'll enjoy it. The minimum amount of time you should set aside for the drive to La Paz for maximum enjoyment is one week. In fact, if you have the extra time, consider staying at any of the places listed below for more than just a night. Many of these spots could be enjoyed by themselves for a week or more. I've driven Baja in as little as two days, but thats not nearly as enjoyable. Take your time, relax, and have fun! After all, a huge reason to work with us is the beautiful roadtrip to an exotic tropical destination, included with every restoration free of charge!
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Suggested Itineary:
Day 1: Cross at Mexicali and stay the night in San Felipe Day 2: Drive to Bahia de Los Angeles and camp Day 3: Drive to San Ignacio and camp Day 4: Drive to Mulege and camp Day 5: Drive to Loreto and camp Day 6: Drive to La Paz, relax you made it! Day 7: Meet up with us in La Paz, drop off your Van and fly home Many folks opt to fly in or out of Cabo as it has a major international airport with tons of flights. The airport is about 2.5 hours from La Paz, and we are able to book a reasonably priced taxi service for you for around $150. There are cheaper options, such as shuttle services, and even public transportation, but most customers opt for the ease and speed of the private taxi service.
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Below we will list some suggested campgrounds at each of the destinations above. Please note, unless stated otherwise, we have no direct relationship with any of these campgrounds. These are places we have stayed at before and have had a good experience. We highly suggested you download the app iOverlander or visit www.iOverlander.com on your computer before leaving and while on the trip. There are many other places to explore in Baja and iOverlander provides a great way to see whats what and where. It is smart to have a plan B for every destination in case the campground is closed or full (happens occasionally in high season Nov to June). Usually in many of the towns there are hotels as well.
San Felipe:
Kikis is right on the beach, close to town, and has really cool little tree house like things with every campsite. http://www.kiki.com.mx/
Bahia De Los Angeles:
Campo Archelon https://ioverlander.com/places/3779-campo-archelon
San Ignacio:
Paraiso Misional ioverlander.com/places/202056-paraiso-misional
Mulege:
Huerta Don Chano ioverlander.com/places/4212-huerta-don-chano-rv-park
Right outside of Mulege is one of the most beautiful areas in the whole peninsula called Bahia de Conception. Don Chano is a great campground, but its highly recommended you consider staying at one of the several beachside campgrounds in Bahia de Conception also for at least a night. No cell phone reception, and no groceries or gas stations, so plan accordingly.
Loreto:
Romanita RV Park ioverlander.com/places/49753-romanita-rv-park
While not the nicest campground on the list, its centrally located to much of Loreto.
La Paz:
Peace Center ioverlander.com/places/39408-peace-center
Marantha Campground https://ioverlander.com/places/4532-campestre-maranatha
San Felipe:
Kikis is right on the beach, close to town, and has really cool little tree house like things with every campsite. http://www.kiki.com.mx/
Bahia De Los Angeles:
Campo Archelon https://ioverlander.com/places/3779-campo-archelon
San Ignacio:
Paraiso Misional ioverlander.com/places/202056-paraiso-misional
Mulege:
Huerta Don Chano ioverlander.com/places/4212-huerta-don-chano-rv-park
Right outside of Mulege is one of the most beautiful areas in the whole peninsula called Bahia de Conception. Don Chano is a great campground, but its highly recommended you consider staying at one of the several beachside campgrounds in Bahia de Conception also for at least a night. No cell phone reception, and no groceries or gas stations, so plan accordingly.
Loreto:
Romanita RV Park ioverlander.com/places/49753-romanita-rv-park
While not the nicest campground on the list, its centrally located to much of Loreto.
La Paz:
Peace Center ioverlander.com/places/39408-peace-center
Marantha Campground https://ioverlander.com/places/4532-campestre-maranatha
El Triunfo, BCS
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR DRIVING BAJA:
1. Do not drive at night. Plan to be at your destination at or (better) well before sunset. Most of Baja is very dark with no street lights, and can be remote in places. Also livestock tend to forage next to the roads at night (they like the heat from the asphalt in the winter time). Between the darkness and the cows next to the road, many an accident has happened after dark. Be smart, be safe.
2. There are some stretches where gas is not available for sometimes 100 miles or more. As a rule of thumb I fill up nearly every chance that I can. The longest stretch is between Gonzaga bay and Guerrero Negro. There is some roadside gas sold near the turn off for Bahia de Los Angeles, but its sold in bottles and jugs. It might be ok, it might not be, i've never tried it. But if you fill up whenever you can, you wont need it.
3. Keep spares, and have a basic tool kit. Nowhere along this route is so remote that you will be without help for very long if you need it. But when traveling far from home in a old vehicle, its very smart to carry basic tools and spares with you. A spare alternator belt is cheap and easy to change, but only if you have it on hand!
4. There are a number of national guard checkpoints up and down the peninsula on the main highway. The military personnel there are tasked with checking for drugs and weapons. They will ask you where you're coming from, where you're going, and if you have any drugs or guns in your vehicle. Sometimes they will do a quick random search of the vehicle, and then clear you to proceed. We've always found them to be polite and any inspections super quick. Just be polite yourself and don't carry any drugs or guns in your vehicle with you and you'll be fine.
1. Do not drive at night. Plan to be at your destination at or (better) well before sunset. Most of Baja is very dark with no street lights, and can be remote in places. Also livestock tend to forage next to the roads at night (they like the heat from the asphalt in the winter time). Between the darkness and the cows next to the road, many an accident has happened after dark. Be smart, be safe.
2. There are some stretches where gas is not available for sometimes 100 miles or more. As a rule of thumb I fill up nearly every chance that I can. The longest stretch is between Gonzaga bay and Guerrero Negro. There is some roadside gas sold near the turn off for Bahia de Los Angeles, but its sold in bottles and jugs. It might be ok, it might not be, i've never tried it. But if you fill up whenever you can, you wont need it.
3. Keep spares, and have a basic tool kit. Nowhere along this route is so remote that you will be without help for very long if you need it. But when traveling far from home in a old vehicle, its very smart to carry basic tools and spares with you. A spare alternator belt is cheap and easy to change, but only if you have it on hand!
4. There are a number of national guard checkpoints up and down the peninsula on the main highway. The military personnel there are tasked with checking for drugs and weapons. They will ask you where you're coming from, where you're going, and if you have any drugs or guns in your vehicle. Sometimes they will do a quick random search of the vehicle, and then clear you to proceed. We've always found them to be polite and any inspections super quick. Just be polite yourself and don't carry any drugs or guns in your vehicle with you and you'll be fine.