THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO YOUR BAJA CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP
Get prepared for your Mexico road trip.
Planning an international road trip can be intimidating since you will encounter language barriers, new roads, and currency exchanges. However, once you get past the unfamiliar parts, taking a road trip through Baja California will be the experience of a lifetime. From enjoying delicious cuisine by the ocean to adventuring through the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, this will surely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We’ve put together a guide to help you navigate traveling the Baja Peninsula that covers everything you need to know, including:
Best time of year to visit
Documents needed to travel
Best hotels, beaches, and activities
Tips for driving
Currency information
And more!
Continue reading for more information on preparing for your Baja California road trip.
What time of year should I plan to travel for my Baja California road trip?
The best time to visit Baja California, Mexico, is between November and April. While road trips through Baja are incredible all year round, we recommend visiting in the winter months for the following reasons:
Weather: the average monthly temperatures during this time range from 72°F to 82°F. Winter is the perfect time for camping–the summer temperatures can be unbearably hot. The average sea temperature in the winter ranges from 67°F to 76°F, which is ideal for swimming and water sports.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing: wind sports, such as kitesurfing and windsurfing, are very popular in Baja California. Winter offers excellent conditions for these activities, including warm water and good wind. It’s the best time of year for beginners to learn and for experts to improve their skills.
Whale watching: Whale watching is one of Baja California's most incredible winter activities. Humpback and gray whales migrate south during these months, often seen from the beaches or a tour boat.
Whale shark tours: A favorite Baja activity amongst our customers is taking a whale shark tour with On Board Baja. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you will snorkel with the world’s largest fish. Peak season is from October through April!
Turtle hatchlings: peak turtle hatchling releases occur in November and December. Our favorite spot to see this in action is Todos Santos. Learn more here.
Escaping the cold: we love making the most of our short Seattle summers, so we prefer to schedule our trips to warmer destinations during winter. What better way to escape the grey than taking a camper van road trip through sunny Mexico?
What documents do I need to enter Mexico?
Traveling from the United States to Mexico is very simple. Whether you’re flying in or driving across the border, there’s just one primary document you’ll need:
Passport: if you don’t have a passport, visit a customer service center to apply. You’ll need a copy of your birth certificate, a passport photo, an ID, and payment for your fees.
What Baja California airport should I fly into? What airlines fly to Cabo and La Paz?
If you’re planning a road trip through Southern Baja California, we recommend flying into Los Cabos International Airport or La Paz International Airport (SJD). Many airlines fly to both destinations: Alaska, Delta, United, and American. While La Paz is more convenient for a Peace Vans vacation, flying into the Cabo airport can be cheaper, and you’re less likely to have a layover.
How do I pay for things in Mexico?
The Mexican peso is the standard currency in Baja California Sur, so you’ll need to remember this when planning your travels. Here are some tips we have:
When you take money out of an ATM, it will ask you to accept their rate, but you don’t have to. If you press “no,” you’ll get the more standard (usually better) exchange rate.
We recommend getting pesos for smaller restaurants and local markets in town.
You can usually use a credit card at gas stations and more prominent restaurants, but always ask if they are accepted.
Use a travel credit card (if you have one) to earn extra points. Ensure it has no international fees, and let your bank know you’re traveling.
Do not exchange USD for pesos at airports. Use a bank in Mexico or exchange them before leaving the United States.
Avoid paying in USD if possible–you’ll get a worse exchange rate, so pay in pesos.
What should I know about driving in Mexico?
The rules and standards for driving in Baja are slightly different than in the United States. Luckily, we’ve driven all over the Baja California Peninsula and are here to help. Here are some things you should take into consideration before embarking on your road trip:
Go slow and be aware of your surroundings–avoid potholes and watch for unmarked speed bumps.
When a car in front of you puts on its left blinker, it signals you to pass it–this only happens on the highway, not in town.
Avoid driving outside the city at night, as cattle and other animals frequently sleep on the road.
Workers at gas stations will pump your gas and clean your windshield–tip small (10-20 pesos) if possible.
When filling up gas, ensure the pump starts at 0 so you don’t accidentally get scammed into paying for the person before you.
Watch for one-way roads, as there is little signage–watch what other cars are doing.
Many local drivers don’t come to a complete stop at stop signs–watch out for this.
Do not use your phone while driving; it is illegal.
If you encounter a security checkpoint, don’t worry–they’ll just ask you a few questions and send you on your way.
Download any maps you need before hitting the road in case you lose service.
Regarding the last point, contact your cell phone provider to ensure you have data before your trip.
Which Baja California hotels should I stay at before or after I start my road trip?
Whether you prefer a quaint boutique hotel or an all-inclusive resort, Baja California Sur is known for its incredible hotel accommodations. If you take a self-guided road trip with Peace Vans, we recommend arriving in Mexico a night or two early to explore the peninsula before picking up your van. Here are some of our favorite Baja hotels we recommend staying at:
Hotel San Cristóbal (Todos Santos): This hotel is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range and offers many amenities, from an on-site restaurant to an exclusive swimming pool.
Baja Club Hotel (La Paz): This unique hotel is on the Malécon, a coastal boardwalk in the center of La Paz. The Baja Club Hotel is a restored colonial-style villa offering 32 comfortable rooms, a spa, a rooftop sunset bar, and more. Peace Vans’ hub is in La Paz, so this is the best choice if you want to be close to your van’s pick-up spot.
Hotel Riu Palace (Cabo San Lucas): This is one of the most popular resorts in Cabo San Lucas, and for good reason. This stunning hotel overlooks a vast white sand beach and offers all-inclusive 24-hour-a-day service. If you want to stay somewhere that includes everything you could need and has more of a “resort vibe,” this is the place.
What are the best beaches in Baja California?
The Baja Peninsula is known for its stunning white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters. There are many, including:
Playa Balandra: this beach is on the eastern side of the Baja Peninsula near La Paz. If you’re starting your road trip in La Paz, then Playa Balandra is a perfect stop for the first day of your trip. It's known for its calm turquoise waters and distinctive rock formations.
Playa Cerritos: this beach is known for its consistent surf breaks, being one of the best spots in the world for surfers of all skill levels. It’s also adjacent to Cerritos, so you can take a break from the water to grab a bite.
Playa El Arbolito: located in Cabo Pulmo National Park, this secluded beach has excellent recreational activities, including swimming, kayaking, beachcombing, and more. It’s especially great for snorkeling, featuring rich coral reefs with sea turtles and large schools of fish.
Playa La Cachora: situated on the western side of the Baja Peninsula, this beach is known for its solitude. The road to the beach is a little rough but worth it–this is the perfect place to unwind and listen to the waves crash.
For more information about our favorite destinations in Baja California, click here.
Will I be safe leaving the tourist areas in Mexico?
Yes–Southern Baja is the safest area in all of Mexico. We recommend you exercise caution and common sense like you would anywhere else. Refer to our driving tips above to avoid any surprises on the road.
Peace Vans offers self-guided van tours out of La Paz, which we highly recommend if you’re nervous about safety on the road. Our professional travelers have driven and vetted our curated route countless times. We provide all the information needed to stay safe and send you to campgrounds where we know the owners. If you’re still hesitant, we also offer guided trips where you’ll travel in a group with other nomads and Baja locals.
Now that I have all the information, I’m ready to hit the road. what’s the best way to road trip through Baja?
While we enjoy staying at the beautiful hotels in Baja, we have a preferred method of travel: a camper van. Taking a road trip through Baja California in a van gives you a level of freedom that you can’t experience any other way.
Peace Vans offers adventure vans out of La Paz from November through April each year. You’ll take a self-guided tour on our professionally curated itinerary, which passes through deserts, mountains, and stunning coastlines.
Ready to hit the road? Click the link below for more information and to book your trip.
