Getting to Cabo Pulmo by Car
Driving through Baja is stunning, while also not as daunting as it used to be. From the Tijuana border crossingto Cabo Pulmo, is about 1250 miles. It is almost impossible to loose your way, there is only one main road, Route 1. This road traverses the peninsula, cutting through the mountains and valleys, while crossing from the Pacific to the Sea of Cortez and back on numerous occasions.
Expect the drive to take two long days from San Diego, (12 to 14 hours), or a more leisurely 3 days. With children, we would suggest taking the three day approach.
People are friendly and even those with little or no Spanish, should find getting around very easy. The golden rule to driving on the peninsula is "make sure your gas tank is always filled up". The section between El Rosario and Guerrero Negro, currently, has no gas station; making that part of the trip about 320 miles without being able to fill up. Hauling extra gas, in a couple of Jerry Cans is always recommended.
The gas stations are all state run and are called 'Pemex'. Over the last couple of years they have greatly improved the quality and the quantity of these stations. Most have clean bathroom facilities, while some even have a small Mercado attached.
Car insurance is required to drive in Mexico, there are many online companies that offer these services at very reasonable rates. A two week trip can be as little as $90. For those planing on several trips, then a year only costs slightly more, $150 or so. Your vehicle does not need to be a 4x4, but you should make sure it is in good condition. Make sure your spare tire is not flat, and just get a full service before the trip. All things that make sense where ever you travel.
Two very good pieces of equipment for your trip are these two books:
Route 1 is handily marked every Kilometer along it's entire length. This makes the Baja Adventure Book very attractive as it gives you a Kilometer by Kilometer description of the area, as well as many ideas for side trips and places to stay along the way. The Almanac is essential as it is, by far, the best 'map', providing you the latest full-color topographical maps detailing every inch of Mexico's Baja California peninsula - showing each city & town, ranch, highway, dirt road, mesa, canyon, lagoon, mountain peak and Pemex.
We have stayed at several hotels along the length of the trip, and if you have any questions about driving down, then feel free to contact us. We also try to arrange like minded divers looking at traveling down together, to either ride share or just caravan - contact us for more information.
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