how long is the drive from los angeles to cabo

[Jtds2713]

Hello! My sister and her family would like to drive from Los Angeles to Cabo. How long is the drive? Is it safe? Would you recommend it? I would appreciate your input and advice.

 

Many thanks in advance for your help!

 

Jessica

[starchild]

I've never done it myself because of the bad firsthand stories I've heard and the elevated levels of crime throughout various parts of Baja, particularly right now. But, I also know people who drive up and down Baja to surf and whatnot without incident so I guess it's up to luck. Does your sister and her family speak Spanish? That would be a major plus. If they don't want to fly or drive themselves, they can cross the border into Calexico or Tijuana and take a Mexican bus line (sort of like greyhound) down to Cabo. (although I do know someone who was on a tour bus that was pulled over and robbed along with the driver, nobody who cooperated was hurt though...and this was like 5 years ago).

 

Anyways, I would strongly suggest flying because driving can easily take like 13 hours without stopping, but if it's not an option just make sure they do their research and be very cautious on the road. It's guilty until proven innocent there, so even if someone hits their car (for example) they may all end up at jail until it is sorted out.

 

Check this out if they decide to drive:

Cabo San Lucas,Mexico: Cabo Expo - Driving to Cabo

Cabo Driving

[cabochick79]

We drive down the Baja every year for the off road races. It is the best experience ever you will come accross the most beautiful places. I do recommend going with a group. We always have at least 2 cars. The roads aren't that great but you can do it just fine. We are chasing a race in november from san diego to cabo, I've done it 3 times and never had a problem. If u have any questions just ask I know some really cool place to stay at.

[Jtds2713]

Thank you CaboChick79 and Starchild for the information! I appreciate it very much!

 

Jessica

[MERRYME]

Hubby and I have done it several times. No problems. Just drive safely and take your time!!

 

Tips: cooler full of sodas, chocolates and cookies. When anyone stops you. Military stops - I think there are about 3 or 4 down the baja. We always act very dumb and offer them a snak or a drink. Poor guys most of the time they are very young and are camping in the middle of nowhere for weeks. They are harmless they will ask where you are coming from and where you are going to. They may ask you to get out of the car and trhey may search it. They just look under seats etc... Not a big deal and nothing to get exited over. More info and tips on this web page www.bajainsider.com

 

We go on the first day to Ensenada (4hrs +/-) or San Quintin (5-6 hrs +/-) or El Rosario (6-7 hrs +/- this is my favorite) spend the night there. Times will depend on what time you cross the border. Best times to cross any time between 8-11 am as most people are trying to come across from TJ to SD. Another option is going through TECATE to Ensenada, this way you do not go through TJ. The road is a two lane highway. Some people like to do the TJ route because from TJ to Ensenada there is a 4 lane highway. It is a toll road so be preared with change. They do accept dollars. I do not remember how much it was.

 

The road from El rosario to Guerrero negro (5-6 hrs) is pretty desolate and I do NOT recommend you STOP to help anyone. Gorgeous scenery. You can make short pit stops but if a car stops get in your car and drive off. I have friends that were held up by someone that was asking for help with a broken down car. This was 5 years ago.

 

I normally do not like to spend the night in guerrero negro and have gone all the way to Santa Rosalia (from guerrero negro 2-3 hrs) or mulege (from santa Rosalia 2 hrs).

 

Right before Santa Rosalia there is a huge mountain that you have to drive down be careful just go slow. There are lot's of turns. If you look to your left you will actually see a geiser!! You can also drive to it. I think the sign says Hydrotermal something or other.

 

Mulege is gorgeous. Very small town slightly inland that borders a river. There are several small little Hotels.

 

After Mulege there is Loreto (2 hrs ) Gorgeous Beaches right after Mulege with small huts for rent in gorgeous small bays. Cristal clear waters!! I love to spend a whole day or nights there.

 

From Loreto to La Paz (5-6 hrs) then to cabo abot 2 hrs through Todos Santos.

 

It is a fun and very scenic drive. Make sure you fill your tank at EVERY gas pump you can. You never know if the next town will have gas or not. I usually do Ensenada, San Quintin, guerrero Negro, Santa Rosalia, Mulege, loreto, Constitution, La Paz.

 

Let me know if you have any more questions.

[starchild]

Great info Merryme!!

[Jen M]

Hi Jessica,

I've done that drive, though it's been many years. I remember it being not so great. And pretty unsafe. There's a big section where you are on the the side of mountains and there is cliff going up on one side and cliff going down on your other side. The only thing separating you from driving off the cliff was a little ditch and there's not really any shoulder room. Also, you never know when you are going to turn a corner an see a cow in the middle of the road. Also, not much in the way of towns or gas stations, so you have to be prepared for that. If you got a flat or something happened to you car on the way- you're kind of screwed. They had a group of people called "The Green Angles" that I saw every now and then (In a big green truck full of car parts). They drive up and down that road to help people in need. Also, not that beautiful of a drive and it took us more than 24 hours.

 

Like I said it's been years since this trip (approx. 20) and things may have changed since then. However, I was down in Cabo San Lucas 2 years ago and drove up to Todos Santos (about 1 1/2 hours north of Cabo) and the roads were looking pretty much the same and we even saw a cow standing in the road.

 

If you are set on doing it. Please just don't drive at night, bring an extra full gas can with you, get Mexican Insurance (you can get it at almost any gas station in San Ysidro just before the border), put some extra blankets and food in the car, and don't rush.

 

Good Luck!