inspected and we visited the border to process some paperwork – nothing too complicated since Baja is one of the ‘Free Zones’ that does not require special vehicle permits. Te Adventure Caravans staff shuttled us back and forth to the border and helped with all of the paperwork - making it very easy. Our entire route was well
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conceived and promised to provide a complete range of climate and culture found along this desert peninsula. Traveling from the most northwest point and following the coast we skirted the busy city of Tijuana and dropped into the beautiful western coast of tremendous homes and vistas. Our first overnight stop in Vicente Guererro, an easy days drive of less than 200 miles, was enjoyed with a traditional Mexican dinner… and a quick run to the grocery to see what was literally ‘in store’ - finding some items that both delighted and surprised us. Our next encounter proved to be the beginning of a series in exceptional experiences… camping along the spectacular shores of the Sea of Cortez where the beachside camping was remarkable. Restaurants and shops were just a short stroll away and the warm waters were welcoming for kayaking and fishing. A few days of relaxation and acclamation were fantastic. An opportunity to speak with locals (surprisingly easy considering we had limited knowledge of the Spanish language) and some of the freshest, fish tacos and margaritas were everything we expected. From here we headed inland to San Ignacio – through some desert ranges and wonderful displays of cactus, where we stayed in the quaint community of San Ignacio. Without question – this was a very charming community …with a wide, fertile valley filled with date palms and a spring fed lake just outside of town.
Another beautiful drive along the
narrow (and sometimes steep) roads of the peninsula brought us through the port town of Santa Rosalia and then just south of Rio Mulege (another amazing little village that is populated with several US and Canadian Citizens) we entered a wide beach area, in a protected cove, and spent 4 days exploring and enjoying this lovely area. Local vendors brought their goods to the beach and presented them for sale …some handcraſted, some fresh foods (fish, fruit and vegetables) and some manufactured items from the mainland as well. We felt very comfortable traveling with our new friends into the nearby towns and visiting with others along the beach too. Aſter beach camping we moved
on to Loreto, a larger city with more amenities, shopping and dining establishments - the street tacos were fantastic here. On our route we stopped for Purified Water from a store that filled our fresh water tanks – the caravan company knew right where to direct us. Tere are many other things to do in Loreto; including a visit to the Cave Paintings, fishing charters and golfing or tennis is just up the road in Nopolo. We also heard about a Kayak Whale Watching Adventure. Tere were a few days of short-
distance driving that took longer than we had expected. Whether the winding switchbacks and narrow roads were slowing us down, or just so many great vistas, roadside shops and little towns to stop in along the way …I just don’t know, but we were always grateful to arrive at camp to find our group of friends who were delighted to share stories from the days travel. At one stop, La Paz I believe, we took a city tour aboard an open top bus and stopped to see some of the local artists works… here we spoke with a couple of the artists displaying their craſts - which really
added to the value of our selections. We eventually made it to the southern tip, just north of Cabo San Lucas. Just a few minutes from some amazing beaches and an easy drive, or taxi, into downtown or north to San Jose del Cabo – less of a resort town, but well maintained, great shops, good food …even a French bakery. Te caravan company had chartered an amazing, catamaran boat ride around the point (tip of the peninsula) where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. We enjoyed the sea air, a beautiful sunset and all inclusive cocktails as we sang and danced our evening away. Most of us, anxious to return
to camping along the beach, were thrilled to arrive in Playa Tecolote with neighboring beaches to explore and fun activities along the dunes – even some optional boat trips from the shore. Returning north along the peninsula was just as well planned as our travels south. We had new points
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