We are 2 couples considering taking a driving trip down the Baja peninsula in conjunction with our attendance at a meeting in LA in October. We have about a week for the Mexico trip. We've been to Mexico but not to this area.

The travel alerts about violence toward Americans along the border give some pause. Is it practical to drive down to Cabo, stopping about midway? Does it make more sense simply to fly to someplace in the middle, rent a car there and take day some day trips? Any advice and suggestions are welcome.

First of all the drive down the Baja is about 4 wheel, maximum off road experiences. There used to be (and maybe still is) a off road race called the Baja 500. Truly grueling. And in October you will either get hot or rainy. Depends on whether or not there are Pacific Hurricanes.

Driving down the baja you are a long way from nowhere and if trouble breaks out you are truly in a bad place with bad people.

Fly, take day trips, and listen to the hotel concierge.

Kidnapping is Mexico's new national past time.
You could drive and have a great time but why risk it? Flights from LA on Mexican airlines are cheaper than cheap.

I agree with Rome Addict, I found this article I had read back in January. I cant believe whats happened to this area. 20 years ago I didnt think twice about driving down to Rosarito for a day of lobster burritos with my girlfriends.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22527971/

You can get really cheap fast flights from LAX to Cabo. And you dont need a car either.

Laurie

The road to Cabo is not a 4 wheel drive road. It's a paved 2 lane highway all the way unless the road gets washed out. October is a nice time of the year in Baja. The problem that still exists is your safety. I live in San Diego and WILL NOT cross the border. Years ago yes, but no longer.

Thanks all for your advice. With the news this morning of the brazen murder of Mexico City's police chief, I know you're not being alarmists! I will indeed follow your advice to skip the drive and fly someplace down the coast. Now to think about the weather . . .

quote:

Originally posted by JM:
Thanks all for your advice. With the news this morning of the brazen murder of Mexico City's police chief, I know you're not being alarmists! I will indeed follow your advice to skip the drive and fly someplace down the coast. Now to think about the weather . . .

Weather will be gorgeous in October. You'll have wonderful, sunny beach weather. When we used to go to Mexico October was our favorite month. Also if you are into fishing October is a great time to go. A sight seeing adventure is the gray whales that migrate into the Gulf of Mexico. Be careful though - a lot of the guides don't follow international guidelines and harass the whales by getting too close. The mothers are calving and are protective. You aren't in danger but the animals could be. You could drive the baby away from its mother or vice versa.

If you are looking at other options, I love Puerto Vallarta. So different from Cabo, Cabo is desert, geared more for fishing so if thats what you like and its till real nice. but PV is only half an hour further south with its tropical location, its also a foodie town, A lot of new US chefs go down there and open up restaurants becuase it so cheap.

Skip Mazatlan, its kind of dirty an old

Laurie