MEXICAN BORDER TO SAN FELIPE
Nearly one year ago we left Mexico for the USA after 2 years exploring Mexico. Time to return for some Taco’s, R&R and great Mexican music. Mexico the third largest country in Latin America after Brazil and Argentina. Mexico is like many third world countries characterized by extremes. From wealthy people to poor people and a small middle class. The Baja peninsula in northwestern Mexico is an isolated strip of extremely arid land extending between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.
We entered Mexico from Mexicali in the lowlands. At the head of the Gulf of California is a delta and the mouth of the Colorado river; this is where we camped the first few nights.
The peninsula is nearly 1,300 km long but never more than 160 km wide. The central part of the Baja has mountains 2,700 metres high. The Sonoran Desert where we had our last bush camp before entering Mexico extends onto the Baja along the northern end of the gulf.
This area offers great remote off-road driving and amazing remote wild camping both in the desert and along long white beaches with no one around. But be aware of the rattle snakes, coyote’s, scorpions and the odd mountain lion
With over 3200 kilometres of coastline with many islands off the coast. there are sheltered bays and lagoons all great for off the grid camping.
We found a great spot on the beach around 30 kilometres north of San Felipe. This is where the arid desert landscape meets the beach and the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. We enjoyed the beaches with clear sands and small waves. Spectacular high and low tides made us walk up to 1 kilometre to the water at low tide
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Weekend means Party time in San Felipe and we found a nice spot just out of town. On another pristine beach of the Sea of Cortez. While Mexico boasts many great coastal destinations, Boutique village San Felipe remains a well-kept secret, cherished by those who seek tranquillity away from the tourist crowds. The marina and hotels can arrange sportfishing excursions, motorboats, yacht rides, water skiing, and hang gliding. There also is an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. This area also includes a tennis court, swimming pools, pickleball courts, restaurants, and a private beach.
The Malecon is the San Felipe’s meeting place, with lots of street sellers, the village beach, food stalls etc. A fun place to experience on a weekend night, when locals come to enjoy the beautiful beachfront that’s buzzing with lots of energy.
San Felipe has lots of bars, restaurants and shops to cater for the many US and Canadian snowbirds and permanent US residents living north and south of the town.
Next stop was the Baja Gonzales and Punta Final, the southernmost part of the Bay of Gonzales. On the way south there are plenty of spots for free camping on the beach
TIME to start moving south towards the Punta Final
this hidden oasis offers a unique and unforgettable escape for those willing to travel outside the snowbird season to immerse themselves in the rich culture of the Baja California peninsula.
