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Tourist Information
There is an office in San José del Cabo
for the Los Cabos Tourism Board, open weekdays 9am to 5pm. Avoid
tour stands on the streets; they are usually associated with time-share
operations.
The Gringo Gazette, a free periodical, can be very helpful. In
Todos Santos, pick up a copy of El Calendario de Todos Santos for
information on local events. Los Cabos Guide is another free
magazine providing tourists with much needed information.
The Baja California Sur State Tourist Office is in La Paz about a
10-minute drive north of the Malecón. It serves as both the state and
city tourism office. There's also an information stand on the Malecón
across from Los Arcos hotel. The booth is a more convenient spot, and it
can give you info on La Paz, Scammon's Lagoon, Santa Rosalia, and other
smaller towns. Both offices and the booth are open weekdays 9am to 5pm.
Hwy 1 - Update of
driving
The road in the
north remains in great condition except for the usual potholes just to
the south of Catavina. The southern section is also in pretty good
shape with only a few minor problems. The ever familiar potholes
below Catavina, as you approach Guerrero Negro. There is still
some new pavement going in between Ciudad Constitución and La Paz.
Hurricane John which blew up Baja
the first week of Sept. caused some major damage to the road from Santa
Rosalia all the way to south of La Paz. Reports of damage to some
bridges and large sections of road are starting to circulate. The
road is open, - but DRIVE CAREFULLY!
Drive very carefully and schedule a few extra hours of driving time.
As of this report
there were several army check points you must go through. These stops are
manned by the army, they are looking for guns and drugs. They may
partially search your vehicle at a few of them, especially driving
north. They are, for the most part, very polite. Just relax,
be polite and let them do their job and you will soon be on your way.
Note: if your going north the army guys that man the check points much
more serious than they are when you are traveling south.
If you are
planning a drive down Baja, we strongly recommend that you check
the current road conditions with someone near the border before
attempting the drive.
Always obtain Mexican auto
insurance! Your
policy from the U.S. or Canada does not cover you below Ensenada, in Mexico. DON'T DRIVE AT
NIGHT! Keep in mind that most of the road is open range, keep your
eyes open for cattle and other animals!
Driving
in Baja
No special
permits or bonds are needed, unless you plan to continue on to Mexico's
mainland. Be sure to get Mexican insurance before crossing
the border, as your U.S. insurance is not valid in Mexico.
Do not drive in Mexico
without insurance! Keep
your gas tank as close to full as possible, even if it means extra
stops. You never know when the next gas station will be closed or out
of gas. It is a good idea to carry a gas can, with gas in
it. The roads are constantly patrolled by the Green Angels
(daytime hours only) who will help with gas and very minor repairs.
These angels of mercy will pass by eventually, although you will
probably be helped before they arrive by others passing by. The roads
are generally safe, but narrow by U.S. standards, be extra careful.
Don't drive at night unless you are curious about the real meaning of
"Road Kill". Even in the day time, WATCH FOR CATTLE!!!
Mexico's
Entry Requirements
Passport Requirements Resuming October 1, 2007:
Passengers traveling via air will again need valid passports to travel
between the United States and Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, and
Mexico, according to the US Department of Homeland Security.
Summer 2008, passports will be required for all U.S. citizens traveling
to or from the United States via land and sea, as well as air,
regardless of destination.
The
Water (Can I drink the water)?
The water supply
for all of Los Cabos is spring fed ground water. The water here is
very pure, but be careful. The pipes used for distribution of the water
supply and other factors can lead to contamination. Although many
people drink the water directly from the tap, it is not recommended.
Anywhere in the world, a change in drinking water can cause stomach
distress. We recommend that you drink only bottled or purified
water. All of the major hotels purify their water or serve
purified water. If there is any doubt in your mind, do not
hesitate to ask about the source of water in any establishment.
There should always be someone nearby who speaks English and will be
able to translate for you. If your still in doubt, ask for bottled
water. "Auga Purificado" is what you want.
Driving
in Baja
No special
permits or bonds are needed, unless you plan to continue on to Mexico's
mainland. Be sure to get Mexican insurance before crossing
the border, as your U.S. insurance is not valid in Mexico. Do not drive
in Mexico without insurance! While you are purchasing insurance,
get a map that shows the locations of gas stations. Keep
your gas tank as close to full as possible, even if it means extra
stops. You never know when the next gas station will be closed or out
of gas. It is a good idea to carry a gas can, with gas in
it. The roads are constantly patrolled by the Green Angels
(daytime hours only) who will help with gas and very minor repairs.
These angels of mercy will pass by eventually, although you will
probably be helped before they arrive by others passing by. The roads
are generally safe, but narrow by U.S. standards, be extra careful.
Don't drive at night unless you are curious about the real meaning of
"Road Kill". Even in the day time, WATCH FOR CATTLE!!!
Useful
Phone Numbers
When dialing the 5 digit (local) phone numbers you must first dial 011
52 (624) from the U.S. and Canada.
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American Consul - Mike Houston
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143-3566 |
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Canadian Consulate
San Jose del Cabo
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142-4333 |
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American Express
office (Cabo)
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143-2787 |
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Mexican Consulate in
Los Angeles
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(213) 351-6800 |
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Mexican Consulate in
San Francisco
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(415) 392-2897 |
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Mexican Consulate in
San Diego
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(619) 231-0337 |
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Vagabundos del Mar RV
& Trailer Park
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(800) 474-2752 |
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Cabo Isle Marina
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143-1251 |
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Ferry Information
SEMATUR: La Paz,
011- 52 - 612-125-3833 or in Mexico City, 011- 52 - 55- 5286-1267,
Schedule information and reservations for the ferries crossing the
Sea of Cortez.
Note: The ferries to the mainland DO NOT LEAVE FROM CABO, they
depart from La Paz.
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Public
Phone Charges
Beware !!!!, of
the phones plastered all over town, usually on the front of businesses.
The are marked "TO CALL LONG DISTANCE TO THE USA & CANADA, SIMPLY DIAL
0" The writing is in black and USA is in blue letters with
CANADA in red letters. They also have pictures of credit cards on
the signs. The phones are put there by a private phone company and are
VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE. You will probably faint when you see your phone
bill or credit card bill. It is best to use the public phone
booths (usually blue or silver) and use the number in the banner just
below. Cabo San Lucas is
on Mountain Time and observes Daylight Savings time.
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