On Saturday December 3rd, the Bajamar Christmas Bazaar 2011 took place. This annual event brings arts, crafts, food and other worthy-to-see regional attractions. From wine to fish tacos, from jewelry to hand-made dolls, there surely is something for everyone.
What you need to know to stay safe and have fun south of the border.
In 2007, violent assaults and robberies experienced by American surfers and off-road enthusiasts in Baja California rocked the avid Baja travel community in Southern California.
That news combined with the very real violence and media coverage of the drug war in Mexico caused many Baja stalwarts to abandon their lifestyle dedicated to surfing, fishing, off-roading, diving, hiking and just plain enjoying one of the world’s most spectacular natural and cultural regions.
Thankfully, the Mexican government finally responded to the surge in incidents in Baja by increasing roadside patrols and strategically combatting and reducing narco violence.
Tourists are slowly returning to Baja again.
According to Mexico’s Tourism Secretary, border tourism increased 9.4 percent this year compared to 2010.
As someone who works and plays in Baja California, I can attest to the increased security and the fact that for the most part, the majority of the peninsula is as safe as ever.
That is especially true in Baja California Sur, which is considered one of the safest states in Mexico.
Last year I took a 2,970-mile round-trip to the East Cape from San Diego with my two teenage sons.
We traveled down some of the peninsula’s most remote coastal dirt roads and encountered friendly locals, lots of smiles, great wave and cold cervezas.
WiLDCOAST, the organization I run, has an office in Ensenada. At any given time our staff can be found in some of the most remote corners of the peninsula or the most trash-infested colonias of Tijuana.
So far we have had no problems at all.
To get an update on the situation south of the border, I checked in with some of Baja’s most knowledgable and experienced travel experts who spend lots of quality time visiting Baja’s nooks and crannies.
Geoff Hill is the Vice President for Business Development for Baja Bound Insurance Services and a longtime Baja surfing and travel vet.
Susie Albin-Najera is the creator and editor of The MEXICO Report, MEXICO Travel Writers and is a Community Manager for the recently formed Mexico Today. She has been published in numerous publications including San Diego Magazine, Latin Style, Vallarta Tribune, Baja Traveler and Baja Breeze.
Angie Mulder is the Program Director for Baja Discovery, an adventure and outdoor outfitter that specializes in natural history tours of Baja California. The company’s destination eco-camp in San Ignacio Lagoon is one of the world’s premier locations for whale watching.
Kimball Taylor is the author of Return by Water: Surf Stories and Adventures, a columnist for ESPN.go.com, and a former Senior Editor of Surfer Magazine. He has co-authored books on both Pipeline and Jeffrey’s Bay. He is a longtime Baja California travel vet with many miles of deep Baja surf trips under his worn out tires.
Patch: From your perspective has the safety/security situation in Baja improved?
Geoff Hill: I really don’t feel that Baja has a safety problem as much as it has a perception problem. Every year I drive an average of 5,000 miles all over the peninsula and always have positive experiences wherever I travel. Be respectful, use common sense and Baja will treat you well. It’s not the scary place the media has made it out to be. I always look forward to being down in Baja. I love the warmth and friendliness of the people that I interact with and the rugged beauty.
Susie Albin-Najera: Baja is an excellent destination for road travel, whether it’s visiting the border territories or heading further south. The real safety issues are just simple road conditions but the toll roads are safe and constantly being improved. I’ve always felt safe driving in Baja, but always encourage people to purchase insurance and take normal road trip precautions.
Angie Mulder: After our nearly three decades of travel in Baja, times have certainly changed, but applying the rules of safe travel has not. Whether exploring the peninsula with guests or pursuing our own adventures, we do not drive alone or at night, and don’t carry a lot of cash or take along expensive electronics. Just use basic common sense. We continue to run our natural history trips without incident.
Kimball Taylor: The safety issue is a tough call. Although instances of shocking violence have decreased in Tijuana and the Rosarito to Ensenada corridor, the discovery of a massive pot farm near El Marmol indicates serious narco activity in Baja.
Patch: If tourists have a problem on the road, what should they do and who should they call?
Hill: To start with, it’s a good idea to carry a Mexican insurance policy that includes roadside assistance and towing. That will give you direct contact to assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. HDI Seguros and ACE Seguros are the two Mexican insurance companies that Baja Bound works with and they both have English-speaking representatives that are ready to assist you. You can also dial 078 anywhere in Baja which is the Tourist Assistance Hotline provided by the Secretary of Tourism.
Albin-Najera: The Green Angels also provide 24/7 free roadside assistance to visitors with mechanical problems. Tijuana, Ensenada & El Hongo toll roads: 01-800-990-3900 Tijuana, Tecate toll roads: 1-800-888-0911
Taylor: By far the most dangerous aspect of travel in Baja is Highway 1 (the trans peninsular highway). Although the highway is being widened and improved in places, it is still just one slender ribbon of asphalt with little to no shoulder and dubious engineering. With the advent of Costco and Home Depot in Cabo San Lucas, commercial traffic and semi-trucks increasingly burden the road. I would advise to keep driving to daylight hours and to refrain from the nighttime blitz drives that were popular in earlier decades.
Patch: What destinations do you recommend visiting in Baja?
Hill: Some of my favorite memories are surfing at Scorpion Bay back in the early nineties when it was still relatively undeveloped. Tucked up in a pine forest at an elevation of almost 10,000 feet is the San Pedro Martir Observatory. They have three giant telescopes at the facility and tours are available every day starting at 10 am. The views are incredible, and on the right day you can actually see the Sea of Cortez to the east and Pacific Ocean to the west. I recommend this trip in the warmer months. It can snow on the mountain during the winter. Erendira is a sleepy little farming and fishing village about four hours south of the border that has fun surf, nice spots to camp on the water, good fishing and is a beautiful area to relax and unwind.
Albin-Najera: Baja is a mecca of eco-adventure, marine life, dessert and natural beauty. There are so many ways to enjoy the Baja region. I’ve visited all of the regions in northern Baja and each area offers something special. I recommend visiting all of the areas, either on your own with a road map or via guided tour. You can have great experiences all around Baja. For example, some of the activities available are surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, fishing, cave exploration, off road riding, beaches, biking, art galleries, culinary festivals, brewery tours, world class golfing and wine tasting. I recommend the Discover Baja California website to get an idea of all of the options. Even just driving along the coastline from Tijuana to Ensenada offers stunning ocean views.
Mulder: Our favorite Baja destinations include the rugged and beautiful desert in Cataviña and San Ignacio. In San Ignacio must sees are the Mission and cave painting museum, followed by dinner at Rene’s. And of course San Ignacio Lagoon, where we spend most of our time. The whales, people, flora and wildlife make it a very special place that keeps us coming back year after year.
Taylor: I recommend a visit to San Ignacio. The town and mission represent both the romance and reality of Baja. With the famous San Ignacio Lagoon and its gray whales nearby, the oasis is also a way station to San Juanico for those heading south and Punta Abreojos for those heading north.
Patch: What are your favorite places to dine?
Geoff Hill: I am a sucker for carne asada tacos. My favorite stands are Los Traileros in El Sauzal (just north of Ensenada) and Tacos El Yaqui in Rosarito. Tapanco in Rosarito is a great option for a steak dinner, and Rey Sol in Ensenada has a unique French-Mexican fusion that is amazing. If you have never been to the wine country just north of Ensenada you are really missing out! Most people have no idea that there are over 50 wineries producing some unbelievable wines that are just now starting to gain notoriety worldwide. The region is also producing some fantastic artisanal cheeses, jams and olive oil. Most of the wineries offer tours and wine tastings for about five dollars.
Albin-Najera: Tijuana has garnered a lot of positive media attention among foodies and food editors as the new gastronomic hot spot. I could be just as happy eating at a no-name food stall in Tijuana as in a fancy restaurant. As a chilaquiles connoisseur, I am partial to La Casa de Mole in Tijuana, and lobster, Puerto Nuevo style. There are many new upscale restaurants in Tijuana though, that I’m eager to visit.
Angie: Outside of San Ignacio, we stop for chicken tacos at Quichules, the best beans ever.
Taylor: My favorite places to eat are the roadside taco stands in Ensenada, or just around the campfire.
*La Fonda, Las Gaviotas and Club Marena K38 still some of the best surfing spots in Baja.
If you are thinking in moving to Mexico, don’t think more act today. We Can Help. Call today 858-433-0561 or email Miguel Sedano info@rentinginmexico.com the perfect home is waiting for you.
Baja Real Estate Group and Naos Living hosted a networking mixer by Fidelity National Title De Mexico having AMAR conference attendees as guests on November 16th, 2011.
Guests enjoyed fine wine from Baron Balche, a winery from the Guadalupe valley and local cheese and appetizers while mingling and mixing in Naos’ luxurious showroom.
For more photos visit http://www.naosliving.com or http://www.bajarealestategroup.net
Thank you so much for attending our NAOS Living and Fidelity Title seminar.
Lucia Treviño, Pablo Martí, Juan Pablo Arroyuelo from Fidelity National Title De Mexico Team, Kathy Katz from The Baja Real Estate Group and Eduardo Rosales From E4
We hope you found it informative as well as interesting.
We expect our lovely models to be ready shortly and will invite you for a personal tour. I know you will find them outstanding in every detail and will agree that we are surpassed by no one!
In the meantime if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call our NAOS office at the numbers listed below.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely yours,
Kathy Katz
Broker
Baja Real Estate Group
CAMPAIGNS that feature hidden-camera commercials are popular among marketers seeking to change perceptions about products because they offer consumers a chance to watch other consumers share candid opinions. Examples include spots for Folgers instant coffee, Burger King, Pizza Hut and Ford Motor.
Click to see the Mexico Taxi Project videos
Beginning on Friday, there will be another arrival amid their ranks: Mexico, which is seeking to change perceptions about conditions that tourists find there. The commercials are part of a campaign for the Mexico Tourism Board, with a budget estimated at more than $30 million, that is to run in major cities. The campaign also includes online and print advertising.
The commercials blend trappings of hidden-camera spots with elements of the HBO series “Taxicab Confessions.” To underline the mash-up, the campaign is called the “Mexico Taxi Project,” a title that is echoed in the address of a microsite, or special Web site, at mexicotaxiproject.com.
The microsite will include the commercials and what is described as the unedited film from which the commercials are being created. read more »
Kathy Katz, Broker/Owner for The Baja Real Estate Group along with Max Katz, welcomes us to her weekend Open House in 169 Pelicanos Este in Las Gaviotas, a beachfront gated community in Playas de Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico.
- Description -
This home has it all…PRICE …VIEW and LOCATION More white water views then not. This 2 bedroom plus a Den or 3rd bedroom is located in just one row up from the beach and has views from almost every. The master bedroom not only has a white water view, you can hear the surf as you sleep. A garage with a work bench, a laundry room, you own private entry, dimmers on all lights, new carpeting, new tile and much more.
See the full listing at http://www.owninginmexico.com/Rosarito/Baja_California/Ho… along with other similar homes in the area.
Maday Valdenegro from The Baja Real Estate Group, Bajamar Premier Properties office, takes us on a tour of Country Club #77. A 3 Bedroom, 1 studio, 3 bathroom Villa right in the Bajamar Golf course.
- Description -
Casa overlooking the lake, the clubhouse and ocean, this hacienda style villa has all the comfort and cozy feeling that one could want. This three bedroom, three bath 2200 square ft house has been newly refurbished and tastefully decorated.
Villa de Vino looks out across the golf course, clubhouse lake and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Backyard patio invites entertaining with a stunning sunset backdrop and a pool nearby. Located on a quiet cul de sac and close to miles and miles of hiking trails or bike riding.
Twenty-four hour security with gated entrance and patrolling guards. New to market.
For more details on this real estate listing in Ensenada visit:
http://www.owninginmexico.com/Listing_33909914.html
For more Mexico Real Estate visit:
http://www.owninginmexico.com
By Larry French
I get asked a lot about what are the current documentation requirements for US citizens who are returning to the US from Mexico crossing the land ports at, for example, the San Ysidro crossing (TJ/SanDiego). Below is the best information on the topic from Homeland Security and CBP.
What Documents are required to cross back into the US from Mexico at the land crossings (Car/Pedestrian)
Starting June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, are required to present one of the travel documents listed below.
U.S. Passport – This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.
U.S. Passport Card – This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – Several states and Canadian provinces are issuing this driver’s license or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.
Trusted Traveler Program Cards – Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk. read more »
While U.S. funding to finish the expansion of the San Ysidro port of entry is not yet allocated, Mexico appears on track to complete its new southbound border crossing.
Mexico is to finish construction in 2012 of the crossing, known as El Chaparral, as well as new bridges that will be needed for the transborder traffic, said Mexican Congressman Gastón Luken on Friday during the 21st summit of the South County Economic and Development Council.
Luken, who represents Baja California, said that Mexico has allocated $55 million to finish the project as planned. The funds came from fees collected at Mexican commercial border crossings.
“The expansion project should be seen as an investment not an expense,” Luken said about the San Ysidro expansion.
The remodeling and expansion project is to be done in three phases, which together are to cost $577 million.
Phase one is under way which involves the demolition of the existing port of entry building and expansion of traffic lanes from 24 to 62.
The second phase, which is to start in 2013, involves improving the pedestrian processing facilities.
And in the third phase, the I-5 southbound lanes will be shifted to accommodate the expansion of northbound lanes. The new southbound lanes are to connect to El Chaparral.
The total San Ysidro project was to be completed by 2016 but that date is now in doubt because the U.S. Congress has not yet funded phases two and three. When pressed as to what a potential funding delay means, project managers say that the expansion will be finished, but later than planned.
What’s more, a potential delay would also affect the planned U.S. expansions of the Otay Mesa and Calexico border crossings.
The annual summit drew about 400 people to the San Diego Convention Center to hear a variety of leaders and analysts discuss the region’s economy. One panel featured elected officials from all levels of government in California, as well as Luken, speaking about “The Future of the Border Region.”
They all spoke about the importance of securing the funds to complete the San Ysidro project.
“Reducing the wait times should be the priority,” stressed Assemblyman Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, during the panel discussion.
He said that reducing wait times by one hour per day would generate an additional $7 billion in revenue per year for San Diego County.
For his part, San Diego Councilman David Alvarez said he recently visited Washington, D.C. as part of a regional delegation that included officials from both sides of the border, including Luken, to lobby members of Congress to approve the funds to complete the expansion.
“There are no funds yet, but we must make the effort to raise awareness of the importance of transforming the San Ysidro border crossing,” said Alvarez, who represents District 8.
U.S. Rep. Bob Filner, D-San Diego, said, “many people would die to live in a region like this one.” That’s why an investment should be made to make traveling between both countries easier, something that would spur economic development in both countries, he said.
If you are thinking in moving to Mexico, don’t think more act today. We Can Help. Call today 858-433-0561 or email Miguel Sedano info@rentinginmexico.com the perfect home is waiting for you.
Please install Flash® and turn on Javascript.
(619)-200-7408 &
(619)-309-9537
Spectacular Views!
Spectacular views in this spacious 5 bedroom 4 bathroom ocean front home in the privacy of Las Gaviotas. This vacation rental comes fully furnished, with appliances and even cookware. Just bring your towels. Long term and daily rates available. Book this home today!
Read more...