AboutDenny Beroiz Expertise I can provide current information on hotels, beach houses, surfing spots, golfing, transportation and restaurants in Northern Baja, Mexico. I can provide Internet links to Northern and Southern Baja lodging.
Experience Baja California questions, please. I have travelled the Baja for 38 years. I have driven the length of Baja more than once and know the cities of Rosarito Beach, Ensenada, Guerrero Negro, San Ignatio, Santa Rosalia, Mulege, Loreto and La Paz. I have not spent much time in San Felipe.
Question Denny
My husband I have have an opportunity to visit family in Loreto in Jan/09.
Likely our one and only trip there. Would like to see the country instead of
just flying over. We would fly from Canada likely to LA (or other if
recommende by you) and then would like to bus to Loreto. Any and all info
appreciates. We are not seasoned travellers so don't take anything for
granted. Many thanks
Patricia
Answer Greyhound Bus lines go from downtown Los Angeles to the bus depot in Tijuana where you can catch a bus to Loreto. For your stay in Baja, you will need FM-T visas.
There is no website that lists the times for baja bus service. There are two buslines that travel the length of Baja, Pacifico and Aquila (ABC). They run about 3 buses each, every day. Departures normally run 8 am noon and 6pm, but I don't have surrent info. It is a 10-12 hour ride from TJ to Guerrero Negro.
The best numbers I can find are:
011-52 664 621-2983 for Pacifico
011 52 664 621 2424 ext. 121 for ABC
--If you haven't had a chance to learn Spanish, give yourself some extra time to make your reservation and buy your tickets, etc. The bus lines are not particularly oriented toward tourists, so you might need to ask for help.
--The buses are air conditioned, with a restroom in the rear, and the seating is very comfortable, something like an airliner, but with a tad more leg room.
--Take a baseball-style cap. The side windows of the bus go very high, and the sun can pour down on you if you leave the curtains open to enjoy the view.
--Take a good set of ear plugs. You will want to sleep during an overnight run, and several “in-flight” movies are played very loudly, one after the other. Be prepared for movies of such interesting subject matter as animated turtles and dancing lemurs, or norteño music featuring songs that rhyme “pollos” with “arroyos.”
--Try to sit between seats 20 and 30, about in the middle of the bus. Too far up front, and you can’t see much because of curtains going entirely across the front of the passenger deck. Too far in back, and you’re subject to engine noise and sometimes heady fumes emanating from the restroom toilet.
--In addition to your identification, Passport (or birth certificate) make sure you have a valid Mexican tourist card. You will need to show it several times during your trip. No exceptions.
--Keep track of your baggage claim check. You will definitely need it.
--Pack your baggage so it can be easily inspected. On northbound runs, at least, you may be asked to open your bags several times at military checkpoints.
--Take some light snacks and drinking water.
--Except for holiday periods, busses typically run with plenty of spare seats, but if you want a window, it’s best to make a reservation, which you can do when you buy your ticket at the station.
--You are allowed 25 kilograms (about 55 pounds) of checked baggage, plus any amount of reasonable carryon luggage. Ice chests are allowed
