Baja Road Trip Guide: The Best Routes for the Ultimate Adventure

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Baja isn’t a place you visit. It’s a place you explore. The peninsula’s unique geography creates a driving playground unlike anywhere else. The further south you go, the wilder it gets, and that’s exactly the point. It’s literally going to be the highlight of your Mexico backpacking trip, and that’s exactly why you need a car!

Here’s why Baja should be your next road trip fix:

1. Epic Diversity – One minute you’re driving through a Martian desert, the next you’re swimming with whale sharks in turquoise waters.
2. Endless Beaches – Over 3,000 kilometres of coastline means you’ll never run out of pristine spots to camp
3. Sunsets and Stars for Days – Baja nights are something else. Think campfires on remote beaches and skies so clear, they punch you in the soul.
4. Authentic Culture – Skip the tourist traps and dive into real Mexican culture in fishing villages and desert towns.
5. Adventure Access – World-class surfing, diving, fishing, and hiking are just a dirt road away from the main highway.
6. Van Life Heaven – Wild camping is not only allowed but encouraged, with countless free beachfront spots.

With your own wheels, you’re free to follow whale migrations, chase perfect surf breaks, and discover hot springs that don’t appear on any map. Baja rewards the curious driver with experiences money can’t buy.

Baja 1000 Route – 10 Days

The Cape Loop – 4 Days

Sea of Cortez Serenity Route – 3 Days

Baja’s Hidden Heart – 5 Days

Driving in Baja is an adventure – part meditation, part adrenaline rush. The famous Highway 1 is mostly paved and well-maintained, but don’t expect Interstate standards.

You’ll encounter everything from smooth stretches perfect for cruising to sections that’ll test your suspension and patience. So, expect a mix of sealed roads and dirt tracks, especially off the main highways. The beach towns you’ll get to will be well worth it, I promise!

Fuel up whenever possible – gas stations can be 200+ kilometres apart in remote areas. Signage is decent, though GPS can flake out, so download offline maps before heading off-grid. Traffic is generally light outside major cities, but watch for livestock, cyclists, and the occasional military checkpoint.

This isn’t a place for nervous drivers. You’ll need confidence for narrow mountain roads and the ability to laugh when things don’t go perfectly. Taking a road trip in Baja is one of those life-changing travel experiences.

Renting a Vehicle in Baja

Stick to major hubs for renting a car for Baja. Most travellers pick up their ride in Tijuana for northern routes or Los Cabos for southern adventures. Tijuana, Ensenada, La Paz, and Los Cabos also offer the best selection from international brands like Hertz and Budget.

Local rental companies frequently offer better deals and more flexible terms, especially for longer trips. They’re also more understanding about the realities of Baja driving (expect some dust and minor scratches).

Make sure to book ahead during peak season (November-April) when snowbirds descend en masse.

Before renting, you should be aware of the following things before picking up your car:

• Age Requirements & Surcharges: Drivers under 25 may face extra fees or be refused altogether.
• Deposit & Bond: Most companies hold a credit card deposit, typically $200–$1,000, depending on vehicle type. Some accept debit cards with restrictions.
• Extra Drivers: Adding additional drivers costs $5-15/day, but it’s worth it for long hauls down the peninsula.
• Insurance Options: Mexican liability insurance is legally required. Your home policy likely won’t cover you here, so it’s better to get full/comprehensive coverage.
• Border Crossing: If crossing from the US, ensure your rental agreement allows Mexico travel, as many don’t.

Road Rules in Baja

Mexico drives on the right side, and most road signs are in Spanish (learn “alto” = stop). The vibe is generally relaxed – speed limits exist, but enforcement is sporadic outside cities. International Driving Permits aren’t technically required for tourists staying under 180 days, but bring your license and passport.

Don’t expect GPS accuracy in remote areas. Download offline maps and carry physical backups. Topes (speed bumps) appear without warning in towns, designed to destroy unsuspecting undercarriages.

Horn honking serves multiple purposes: greeting friends, warning of passing, celebrating goals, or just expressing joy.

Military checkpoints are common. Stay calm, be polite, and have documents ready. They’re usually quick and friendly, often asking about your destination rather than searching for vehicles.

Mordida (bribes) for traffic violations still exist, but are less common with tourists. If stopped, stay respectful and patient. Most interactions end with warnings rather than fines.

Locals know their roads well and so will not always indicate. Expect everything from cows to wild curves. Night driving isn’t recommended for these reasons. Slow down in towns and when in doubt, follow local traffic patterns rather than posted signs.

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Ready to hit the road? These routes showcase Baja’s best, from weekend escapes to epic day-long adventures.

• From: Tijuana
• To: Cabo San Lucas
• Total Distance: 1,000 miles / 1,600 km
• Days: 10
• Top Road Trip Stops: Valle de Guadalupe, Bahía de los Ángeles, Loreto, Cabo Pulmo National Park

This is the ultimate Baja adventure – a legendary 1,000-mile journey, minus the off-road racing chaos (unless you’re into that). This road trip follows the famous Baja 1000 race route, starting from the US border in Tijuana and snaking all the way to Cabo San Lucas.

You’ll experience everything that makes Baja magical: world-class wine country, pristine desert wilderness, colonial charm, and some of the planet’s best marine sanctuaries. Perfect for adventurous souls who want the full Baja road trip experience, this route takes you through a dramatic landscape. From Mediterranean-style valleys to Sahara-like deserts to tropical paradise.

Road Trip Highlights:

• Sip bold reds with sweeping vineyard views in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s premier wine region.
• Watch whale sharks in sparkling waters and experience peaceful isolation in Bahía de los Ángeles.
• Visit the charming colonial town of Loreto and go sea kayaking and see the Mobula Ray migration in the Sea of Cortez.
• Explore the Cabo Pulmo National Park and snorkel with sea lions.
• Drive through the epic stretches of Vizcaíno Desert and Valle de los Cirios

Day 1: Tijuana to Valle de Guadalupe (2 hours)

Escape the border chaos and head straight to Mexico’s wine wonderland to start your Baja odyssey. The drive takes you through rolling hills that could be mistaken for Tuscany, with endless rows of vines stretching toward granite peaks.

Valle de Guadalupe has exploded onto the international wine scene, producing bold reds that rival anything from Napa. Spend your afternoon hopping between boutique wineries, then settle in for an epic farm-to-table dinner as the sun sets over the vineyards.

• Best Stops: Museo de la Vid y el Vino (Museum of the Vine and Wine, Monte Xanic Winery, Adobe Guadalupe Vineyards & Inn
• Where to Eat: Deckman’s en el Mogor
• Where to Stay:
  • Hotel Frontiere Tijuana
  • QUARTZ HOTEL & SPA

Day 2: Valle de Guadalupe to Ensenada (1 hour)

Wake up among the vines and drive to Ensenada, Baja’s culinary capital and working port city. This isn’t just a tourist stop; it’s where real Mexican culture thrives alongside incredible food.

The famous Wine Route, the Ruta del Vino, continues here, but the real magic happens in the city’s street food scene and craft breweries. Spend your day exploring the bustling markets, sampling fish tacos that’ll ruin all other fish tacos forever, and preparing for the long desert stretching ahead.

• Best Stops: Mercado Negro, Avenida López Mateos, Cervecería Wendlandt
• Where to Eat: Tacos El Fenix, La Guerrerense
• Where to Stay:
  • La Villa de Adelina
  • The Studios 22800

Day 3: Ensenada to San Quintín (4 hours)

Leave the last vestiges of civilisation behind as you head south into Baja’s wild heart. The landscape transforms from Mediterranean coastal hills to dramatic desert valleys dotted with massive cardón cacti. It’s like a scene out of a dystopian movie.

San Quintín feels like the end of the world, but in the best possible way. This farming and fishing community sits on a massive bay perfect for oyster harvesting and storm watching. Stock up on supplies here and keep your camera handy – you’re entering the real Baja now.

• Best Stops: Misión San Fernando Velicatá ruins, Volcán San Quintín viewpoint
• Where to Eat: La Ostionera de Bahia Falsa, Jardines Baja Restaurant
• Where to Stay:
  • Hotel La Pinta San Quintín       

Day 4: San Quintín to Bahía de los Ángeles (6 hours)

On day four, you’ll cross the peninsula’s spine through the otherworldly Valle de los Cirios, where 60-foot boojum trees create a magical landscape.

The road winds through boulder fields and past ancient volcanic cones before dropping down to the Sea of Cortez. Bahía de los Ángeles is your reward. This pristine bay, dotted with islands, is where whale sharks gather seasonally. The fishing village operates on island time, perfect for slowing down and soaking up the desert-meets-sea vibe.

• Best Stops: Valle de los Cirios, Misión San Francisco de Borja
• Where to Eat: Guillermo’s Restaurant (waterfront dining)
• Where to Stay:
  • Los Vientos Hotel

Day 5: Bahía de los Ángeles Rest Day

A word of advice: do not rush this magical spot, especially if you’re interested in diving in Baja. Spend your day exploring the bay by kayaking, snorkelling with sea lions, or taking a boat tour to spot whale sharks (seasonal). The surrounding desert offers incredible hiking through cardón forests and hidden cave paintings.

This is Baja at its best: no crowds, no commercialisation, just pure natural beauty. End your day watching the sunset paint the islands in shades of gold and red.

• Best Stops: Isla Ángel de la Guarda (Archangel Island) boat tour, Playa La Gringa
• Where to Eat: Restaurante Brisa Marina (beachfront seafood)
• Where to Stay: Same as Day 4

Day 6: Bahía de los Ángeles to Loreto (5 hours)

The road south takes you through more incredible desert scenery before reaching Loreto, Baja’s first colonial settlement and current adventure sports capital. Founded in 1697, this UNESCO World Heritage site sits on the Sea of Cortez with the dramatic Sierra de la Giganta mountains as a backdrop.

The mission here was the first in California, making this a pilgrimage site for history buffs. But modern visitors come for world-class fishing, sea kayaking, and diving in the protected waters in one of the best beaches in Baja.

• Best Stops: Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto, Isla del Carmen boat tour
• Where to Eat: El Rey del Taco (Calle Benito Juárez)
• Where to Stay:
  • Casa La Castañeda
  • Depa del Carmen

 Day 7: Loreto to La Paz (4 hours)

Continue south through tropical landscapes to reach La Paz, Baja’s laid-back capital. The city sits on a protected bay famous for its swimming-with-whale-shark opportunities, epic eco tours, and spectacular sunsets.

La Paz perfectly balances urban amenities with natural wonders. You can explore art galleries and restaurants in the morning, then snorkel with sea lions in the afternoon. The malecón (waterfront promenade) is perfect for evening strolls and people-watching.

• Best Stops: Isla Espíritu Santo, Balandra Beach
• Where to Eat: Bismark-cito (seafood institution)
• Where to Stay:
  • Hotel Plaza De La Paz

Day 8: La Paz to Todos Santos (1.5 hours)

Head west across the peninsula to reach Todos Santos, a UNESCO-designated Pueblo Mágico that’s become Baja’s bohemian heart. This artistic community sits between desert and ocean, attracting surfers, artists, and anyone seeking a slower pace. The town’s colonial architecture houses galleries, organic restaurants, and boutique hotels.

Spend your afternoon exploring the famous Hotel California (maybe the Eagles’ inspiration, maybe not) and catching waves at the consistent surf breaks.

• Best Stops: Misión Santa Rosa de Todos Santos, Playa Los Cerritos
• Where to Eat: Hierbabuena (farm-to-table Mexican)
• Where to Stay:
  • Casa Flores Casitas

Day 9: Todos Santos to Cabo San Lucas (1 hour)

Your final day takes you to Land’s End, like literally. Cabo San Lucas sits at the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. The town has evolved from a fishing village to a resort destination, but the dramatic landscapes remain unchanged.

The famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas marks the end of your journey, a granite landmark that’s been guiding travellers for centuries.

• Best Stops: El Arco boat tour, Lover’s Beach, Cabo Pulmo National Park
• Where to Eat: Edith’s Restaurant (upscale Mexican)
• Where to Stay:
  • Castillo Blarney Inn

 Day 10: Cabo San Lucas Exploration

Celebrate completing your epic Baja 1000 road trip! Spend your final day exploring Cabo’s marine wonders. Snorkel at the amazing marine park, Cabo Pulmo National Park, take a sunset cruise to El Arco, or simply relax on Medano Beach.

You’ve just completed one of the world’s great road trips, crossing 1,000 miles of desert, mountains, and coastline. Tonight, raise a margarita to your achievement and start planning your return – because Baja always calls you back.

• Best Stops: Cabo Pulmo National Park, El Arco sunset cruise
• Where to Eat: Flora Farms (farm-to-table experience)
• Where to Stay: Same as Day 9

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• From: La Paz
• To: Cabo San Lucas (circular route)
• Total Distance: 250 miles / 400 km round trip
• Days: 4
• Top Road Trip Stops: Todos Santos, Sierra de la Laguna, Balandra Beach, Cabo Pulmo National Park

Short on time, but still want a slice of Baja magic? The Cape Loop is your jam.

This perfect long-weekend escape showcases southern Baja’s greatest hits in one easygoing circular loop. Starting from La Paz, you’ll journey through desert mountains to the bohemian surf town of Todos Santos. Then carry on down to the party capital of Cabo before returning via the world-renowned Cabo Pulmo marine sanctuary.

It’s the ideal introduction to Baja’s diversity – colonial charm, artistic communities, pristine beaches, and marine adventures all packed into four unforgettable days. Ideal for backpackers, couples, or digital nomads in need of a quick-but-mighty escape.

Road Trip Highlights:

• Visit the town of Todos Santos – UNESCO Pueblo Mágico filled with galleries, organic restaurants, and legendary surf breaks.
• Swim with whale sharks and see magical seaside sunsets at La Paz Malecón.
• Discover a hidden mountain oasis and waterfalls in the Sierra de la Laguna.
• Experience snorkelling at Cabo Pulmo National Park.
• Spend time at the picture-perfect Balandra Beach.

Day 1: La Paz to Todos Santos (1.5 hours)

Start your Cape adventure in La Paz, then head west toward the Pacific. The drive takes you through classic Baja desert scenery – towering cardón cacti, rolling hills, and distant mountain peaks.

Todos Santos appears like a mirage. Its colonial architecture and palm-lined streets are a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. This UNESCO-designated Pueblo Mágico is Baja’s bohemian heart, attracting artists, surfers, and anyone seeking authentic Mexican charm mixed with international flair.

• Best Stops: Misión Santa Rosa de Todos Santos, Charles Stewart Gallery, Playa La Cachora
• Where to Eat: Hierbabuena (farm-to-table Mexican cuisine), Jazamango
• Where to Stay:
  • Hacienda Todos Los Santos
  • Guaycura Boutique Hotel, Beach Club & Spa

Day 2: Todos Santos Exploration + Sierra de la Laguna

Spend your morning exploring Todos Santos’ artistic soul. Browse the art galleries, sip mezcal cocktails, or take a yoga class in town. If you’re lucky with the timing, browse the Saturday market, and learn about the town’s sugar mill history. In the afternoon, hike into the Sierra de la Laguna mountains for a refreshing waterfall dip.  Todos Santos has an energy that invites you to slow down and reconnect.

• Best Stops: Galería de Todos Santos, Playa Los Cerritos surf break, Canon de la Zorra waterfall hike
• Where to Eat: Ristorante Tre Galline (Italian Mexican fusion)
• Where to Stay: Same as Day 1

Day 3: Todos Santos to Cabo San Lucas (1 hour) + Cabo Pulmo National Park

Come morning, leave the sleepy vibes behind and cruise into Cabo San Lucas, a full on flip- beach, bars, and boat rides.  But don’t get caught up in the resort scene just yet – your real destination is Cabo Pulmo National Park.

One of the world’s most successful marine conservation stories. This protected reef system is a snorkelling and diving paradise teeming with tropical fish, rays, and even whale sharks. Stop along the coast for panoramic Pacific views, then check into your digs and hop on a water taxi to El Arco, the iconic sea arch.

• Best Stops: Cabo Pulmo reef snorkelling, Playa Los Frailes, El Arco boat tour
• Where to Eat: Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort Restaurant (beachfront dining)
• Where to Stay:
  • Casa Palo Verde
  • Hotel Maria Elena

Day 4: Cabo San Lucas to La Paz via East Coast (3 hours)

Complete the Cape Loop by taking the scenic eastern route back to La Paz, hugging the Sea of Cortez coastline. This drive offers stunning views and access to pristine beaches.

Stop at Balandra Beach, consistently rated among Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, for a final swim in the incredibly clear, shallow waters. The protected lagoon creates a natural infinity pool effect that’s pure Instagram gold!

End your Cape adventure back in La Paz with a sunset stroll along the malecón and a celebratory dinner.

• Best Stops: Balandra Beach, Tecolote Beach, Playa Pichilingue
• Where to Eat: Bismark-cito (Altamirano y Domínguez, La Paz seafood institution)
• Where to Stay:
  • Hotel Casa Coronel

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• From: San Felipe
• To: Gonzaga Bay
• Total Distance: 150 miles / 240 km
• Days: 3
• Top Road Trip Stops: Puertecitos hot springs, Valle de los Gigantes, Gonzaga Bay

Craving a quiet coastal escape sprinkled with desert drama and natural hot tubs by the sea?

This short but sweet adventure takes you down Baja’s eastern coastline, where the Sea of Cortez creates some of Mexico’s rarely visited paradise. Starting from the fishing town of San Felipe, you’ll drive through desert landscapes dotted with massive cardón cacti before reaching the natural hot springs of Puertecitos.

The journey culminates at remote Gonzaga Bay, a stunning crescent of white sand where you might be the only humans for miles. This road trip is perfect for travellers seeking solitude, incredible stargazing, and that authentic desert-meets-sea Baja magic.

Road Trip Highlights:

• The scenic beauty of the forest of ancient cardon cacti, Valle de los Gigantes.
• Bathe and soak in the natural thermal pools of Puertecitos Hot Springs.
• Camp at the pristine crescent beachside cove of Gonzaga Bay.
• Marvel at the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez.
• Enjoy clear, free-from-light-pollution skies and free camping.

Day 1: San Felipe to Puertecitos (2 hours)

Leave behind San Felipe’s dusty streets and head south along the Sea of Cortez. The paved highway gives way to graded dirt as you enter the Valle de los Gigantes, home to some of the world’s largest cardón cacti. These ancient giants create a surreal landscape that feels like stepping onto an alien planet.

When you reach Puertecitos, you are rewarded with natural hot springs bubbling right at the ocean’s edge. There’s nothing quite like soaking in thermal waters – and don’t worry, no one’s checking your phone out here.

• Best Stops: Valle de los Gigantes, Puertecitos hot springs, Playa Puertecitos
• Where to Eat: Campo Puertecitos Restaurant, El Cortez (San Felipe)
• Where to Stay:
  • Camping at Campo Puertecitos
  • Puertecitos Sunset RV Park

Day 2: Puertecitos to Gonzaga Bay (1.5 hours)

The road to Gonzaga Bay is an adventure in itself. The landscape turns more remote, the road quieter, and the beaches open up. No tourists, no tan lines, just you and crashing waves.

Watch roadrunners, desert bighorn sheep, and endless varieties of cacti as you make your way to Gonzaga Bay. The crescent of white sand beach is backed by towering mountains – a truly spectacular scene. The place has wild camping at its finest, where your biggest decision is whether to pitch your tent facing the sunrise or sunset.

• Best Stops: Gonzaga Bay beach, Isla Willard viewpoint, fishing spots along the bay
• Where to Eat: Bring your own food (no restaurants) or fresh fish from local fishermen
• Where to Stay:
  • Beach camping (free, bring everything)
  • Rancho Grande camping area (basic facilities)

Day 3: Gonzaga Bay Exploration + Return to San Felipe (3.5 hours total)

Spend your morning exploring Gonzaga Bay. The fishing here is legendary – yellowtail, dorado, and roosterfish are common catches. If fishing isn’t your thing, the snorkelling around the rocky points reveals colourful tropical fish and rays. Catching your dinner sure is one way to stick to your travel budget and still live well!

Take a hike up the surrounding hills for panoramic views of the bay and distant islands. The return journey to San Felipe offers one last chance to take in the desert scenery and spot wildlife.

• Best Stops: Morning fishing trip, snorkelling at rocky points, desert hiking trails
• Where to Eat: Mariscos La Botana (San Felipe), La Vaquita
• Where to Stay:
  • Hotel El Cortez (San Felipe)
  • Apartamento Tony Chumpos

• From: Cataviña
• To: Bahía Asunción
• Total Distance: 350 miles / 560 km
• Days: 5
• Top Road Trip Stops: Valle de los Cirios, El Rosario, Guerrero Negro, Laguna Ojo de Liebre

The drive through this route is surreal. This journey takes you through Baja’s most otherworldly landscapes and ends up at one of its most authentic fishing villages.

Starting in Cataviña, you’ll cross the peninsula through the surreal Valle de los Cirios, with 60-foot boojum trees creating a Dr. Seuss-like landscape. The route passes through whale-watching central in Guerrero Negro before reaching the sleepy Pacific coast village of Bahía Asunción. One of the few places left in the world where time moves at the pace of the tides.

This Baja road trip is perfect for travellers seeking authentic Mexican culture, incredible desert scenery, and some of the world’s best whale watching opportunities.

Road Trip Highlights:

• Marvel at the otherworldly forest of boojum trees in Valle de los Cirios.
• Watch gray whales in Guerrero Negro.
• See incredible wildlife at Laguna Ojo de Liebre.
• Unwind at the authentic fishing village of Bahía Asunción.

Day 1: Cataviña to El Rosario (3 hours)

You’re crossing into Mars–cactus city, surreal cliffs, and that lava-like desert vibe. This road trip starts in Cataviña, where massive granite boulders create a natural sculpture garden among forests of cardón cacti and cirio trees.

You drive through to El Rosario,  which marks the end of the northern desert and the beginning of Baja’s agricultural heartland. This small town is famous for its lobster fishing and as the last fuel stop before serious desert crossings.

• Best Stops: Cataviña boulder fields, Desert Museum, Misión Nuestra Señora del Rosario ruins
• Where to Eat: Mama Espinoza’s Restaurant (famous lobster burritos)
• Where to Stay:
  • Hotel Misión Santa Ma “Cataviña”
  • Los Vientos Hotel

Day 2: El Rosario to Guerrero Negro (4 hours)

Day two’s drive crosses the Vizcaíno Desert, one of Baja’s wilderness areas. The landscape becomes increasingly surreal as you enter the Valle de los Cirios, where towering boojum trees (cirios) create an otherworldly scene. These bizarre succulents can live over 500 years and grow nowhere else on Earth except here and in a small area in Sonora.

Guerrero Negro appears like an oasis after hours of desert driving, marking your arrival at whale-watching central in Baja California.

• Best Stops: Valle de los Cirios viewpoints, Vizcaíno Desert wildlife viewing, Salt flats tour
• Where to Eat: Restaurant Malarrimo, Tacos El Muelle
• Where to Stay:
  • Hotel Los Caracoles
  • The Halfway Inn

Day 3: Guerrero Negro Whale Watching Day

Dedicate your entire day to one of the planet’s most incredible wildlife spectacles, Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammon’s Lagoon). This is the primary breeding ground for Pacific grey whales and is home to sea lions, dolphins, and over 100 bird species. Local pangas take you close enough to actually touch these gentle giants.

• Best Stops: Laguna Ojo de Liebre whale tours, Salt Museum, Guerrero Negro town exploration
• Where to Eat: Restaurant Malarrimo, Tacos El Muelle
• Where to Stay: Same as Day 2

Day 4: Guerrero Negro to Bahía Asunción (2.5 hours)

Time to leave the whale watching crowds behind and head southwest toward the Pacific coast. The road to Bahía Asunción is another adventure, passing through landscapes that few visitors ever see.

As you approach the coast, the desert gives way to scrubland and finally to the dramatic clifftop setting of Bahía Asunción. This fishing village has barely changed in decades – no resorts, no tourist infrastructure, just genuine Mexican coastal culture.

• Best Stops: Desert wildflower viewing (seasonal), Rancho San Ignacito, First glimpse of the Pacific Ocean
• Where to Eat: Local seafood cooperative (fresh catches of the day)
• Where to Stay:
  • Camping on the beach (free, basic facilities)

Day 5: Bahía Asunción Exploration

No driving today, just immerse yourself completely in the rhythm of this fishing village. Start early, walk the tidepools, comb fossil-rich beaches, or hop on a panga to visit Asunción Island’s sea lions.

The Pacific waters here teem with abalone, lobster, and various fish species that support the local economy. Hike the coastal cliffs for panoramic ocean views and potential whale spotting (seasonal). This isn’t a place to rush – let Bahía Asunción ease you into good moments of peace and calm.

• Best Stops: Morning fish market, tide pool exploration, coastal cliff hiking
• Where to Eat: Cooperative restaurant (whatever the fishermen caught)
• Where to Stay: Same as Day 4

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Here’s a packing list for your Baja road trip, blending practicality with off-grid essentials. This packing list works whether you’re cruising in a rental or living that van life:

Essentials

1. Driver’s license + passport
2. Mexican auto insurance documents (printed + digital copy)
3. Offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline)
4. Cash (MXN pesos), as many remote areas are cash-only
5. Reusable water bottle (insulated if possible)

Product

Description

First Aid Kit

Even if you don’t plan on doing anything extreme on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. You could cut yourself while cooking, smash a finger in a car door, or burn yourself on a hot radiator. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

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Aux Cord

One of the only things to do on a long car ride by yourself is to listen to music or a podcast. Since most people use their phones as an MP3 player these days, an auxiliary cord is crucial to preserving your sanity. If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker.

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Phone mount

It’s very dangerous to be looking down at your phone while driving. If you need to have access to your phone, for maps and whatnot, buy a mount for it. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone won’t be far from your field of view.

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Headtorch

Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth-polluting batteries.

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Roadside Emergency Kit

Just like you never know what could happen to yourself, one never knows what can happen to their car. A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and then some. Most emergency kits include a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties.

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Toiletry Bag

I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

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For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out our full road trip packing list.

From cactus-lined deserts to sparkling coastlines, Baja is made for the open road. Whether you’re cruising the legendary Baja 1000 route or soaking in hot springs along the Sea of Cortez. There’s a road trip here to match every kind of traveller.

Want wild and remote? Try the Baja’s Hidden Heart. Prefer surf towns and chilled vibes? The Cape Loop’s calling your name.

Baja is best explored behind the wheel – no rigid itineraries, no crowded tours, just endless freedom. You’ll meet locals, discover hidden beaches, and camp under some of the clearest skies on Earth.

So what’s it gonna be? Choose your route, load up your cooler, and hit the gas!

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links, since we’ve decided to keep the site ad-free. So here it is!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂