Is it safe for a girl and a guy to drive through Tijuana to Los Cabos, Mexico on a roadtrip?

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Cabochick23

Hola. I make this trip quite often by myself and I feel safe doing it. As you can imagine the media play up the incidents but really, the Baja isn't that dangerous. Just don't do stupid things on your trip. Here are my basic tips for a safe trip. Keep in mind, by the time you buy mexican insurance, gas, accoms, food, it might be cheaper to get a flight.

1. please don't drive at night. There are suicidal farm animals and drivers without headlights.

2. Make sure you bring lots of extra water. Extra gas is good too because some stations run out. I'd also recommend 2 spares, and make sure your car is in good working order.

3. The road is quite narrow and has no shoulders. You will find that a convoy of semi trucks like to drive down the middle and you may come up on them suddenly. Drive defensively.

4. Don't stop for anyone. Someone flagging you down could be a trick. Call 066 (which is 911 in mexico) on your cell phone, or tell someone at the next town about them. In certain parts of Mexico there is an emergency tourist service (we call them the green angels) that patrols the road and will come upon them and then assist them usually in a timely manner. The green angels will also assist you....so stay with your car...hazards on and hood up...and they will come by and help you free of charge.

5. Don't go off the main road. Many people are robbed if you are off on your own somewhere deserted. Also you may get stuck in the sand. Plan/book where you will be pulling over or staying over accomodation-wise before your trip.

6. Keep in mind, all signage is in SPANISH! If you don't understand the basics, you might find yourself riding over speed bumps or sailing through a stop sign! Also, we are in kilometers, not miles!

7. Lastly, you will come across Federalies at check points. They are very intimidating for those tourists that haven't seen them before. They are looking for drugs, weapons, and sometimes fruit/vegetables. They are usually young impoverished men (18) who are doing their first military stint, they carry AK's and they often 'lift' items if you aren't watching...wallets, cameras, ipods, etc. I have had things stolen many times! You can't argue with them. So to get around this, I'm usually extremely friendly and know spanish but pretend to know only the basics, and offer them all a ice cold soda from my cooler. They usually leave me alone.

Have a safe trip!

MXDiscipline.

Yes its safe but use your common sense.

whatever

You need to take into account the type of car you are driving and the type of clothes you are wearing. Also, if you have a camera, don't keep it out. Reporters are currently being targeted. You should probably check with your embassy in Mexico to get a better picture. They can also explain the specifics of the local culture to ensure that there are no unfortunate misunderstandings. What your culture views as normal could be viewed as an insult in another culture. And don't take your wallets out very often, especialy in a crowded area like a market.

Antonio Rio Grande Libre 7.0

Yes, except for tijuana, all the baja is safe, you could cross tijuana in the day, it takes like 30 mins or less to cross it.

Then please fill the tank in EVERY gas station you see, because allmost all the baja is a desert, and you could travel for hours without seeing any person or houses.

And dont worry, baja california sur, is one of the safest states in mexico.

But do not drive in the night because you could crash with a sleeping cow in the middle of the road.

Also i recommend that you spent the night in the Pinta hotel in CataviÃ±a, you will be there as 5 or 6 pm, and continue your trip just when sun rises.

Any further doubts you could send to me a message.

Regards,

Antonio :D

Liz

I agree with this guys, you should be fine. Don't make any stops in Tijuana. Drive in the day time. Check in at your embassy. Be smart. Do not argue at check points. Just like American cops, they will win. I'lll be in Cabo for New Years! How cool is that. Email if you like.

ranger_co_1_75

Just be aware that you will be risking your life. The entire Baja California is on a no travel advisory by the US State Dept. due to the number of US tourist robbed and raped in the last two years.

There have been cases of US Tourist being stopped by the police and robbed and raped at gun point. A greater number of tourist have fallen victim to street criminals.

Excursion Agencies have stopped booking trips for scuba, sight seeing, etc. south of the border because of violence towards tourist. Most recently was a US tourist was beat to death by the police, while in jail.

If you go, avoid anything that looks like trouble, and if it doesn't look like a place you would go at home, don't go there in a strange country.

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