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Baja California, Mexico

Baja California, better known as Baja, is one of the unique travel destinations in the world. Located south of the border from California, with more than 2,000 miles of amazing coastline and incredible beaches, forests, and deserts, Baja California has the influence of both Mexico and the United States. Because of its proximity to the United States and distance from Mexico mainland, Baja has become a blend of Mexican and American cultures bringing together the best of both countries.

Baja is the ideal place to experience and discover new places where you can enjoy spectacular surroundings and exquisite views. Gray whale watching, surfing, diving, camping beachside, and great seafood are just some of the experiences that are waiting for you just a few miles away from San Diego. Baja is also the home of some of the best resorts in the world, enchanting fishing towns, economical hotels, sustainable tourism, and a preferred destination for some of the best chefs in the world perfecting meals of magnificent seafood, cheeses, and wines.

baja rock formation

Baja provides remarkable experiences while traveling the wine route, where 90% of Mexico's wine is produced. It also boasts the route of the Missions, amazing beaches, a bike ride along the scenic route between Rosarito and Ensenada, and so much more as you drive down the peninsula all the way down to Los Cabos. The waters around the middle of Baja host the most spectacular event every year with the birth of gray whales, and later, their migration to northern waters. This takes place between January and March in the surroundings of Guerrero Negro in the Laguna Ojo de Liebre.

The most traveled route is crossing at Tijuana from San Diego, California and driving down the highway from Tijuana to Los Cabos on Highway Mexico 1. There are over 1,000 miles of amazing views and one of a kind experience. Let Baja enamor you with its beauty!

There are many ways to visit Baja, but driving is by far the best way to travel this great state. By driving, you will enjoy the magnificent views of the coastline, visit small towns along the way, and discover wonderful beaches.

Driving into Baja

If you are driving to Baja from California, we recommend that you cross in San Ysidro to Tijuana. You will avoid crossing the city of Tijuana encountering unnecessary traffic if you are not planning to spend time in Tijuana.

Before crossing the border, make sure to fill up your gas tank in San Ysidro, exchange your money, and as well as purchase your Mexican insurance policy. It is best to cross early in the morning and take advantage of driving during sunlight, especially if you are planning a trip south of Ensenada.

TOURIST PERMITS

US and Canadian citizens who visit the border zone or the city of Ensenada don't need to obtain a tourist permit if the length of stay is less than 72 hours. If traveling beyond Maneadero on the Pacific coast or south of Mexicali on Highway 5, it is required to obtain a tourist permit for each traveler of all ages.

If you are not a Mexican citizen and will stay more than 7 days in Mexico, you have to pay a non-immigrant fee (DNI) in the amount of $294.00 pesos, around $23.00 USD at a local Mexican Bank. If you are a Mexican citizen or staying less than 7 days, you are exempt from paying this fee.

The Tijuana Immigration office is open 365 days a year 24 hours a day.

MEXICO INSURANCE

Your US auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. You are required to have Mexican Auto Insurance coverage at least for liability while driving in Mexico.

Sanborn's Mexican Insurance offers daily, six-month or annual policies. Claims are settled in US Dollars and repairs are paid based on US labor rates. You can choose to have your vehicle repaired in Mexico, US or Canada.