Is it safe to drive from TIjuana, Mexico to Cabo San Lucas?

Question

My friend and I are planning to drive from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, does anybody have any advice?

Answer 1

Here is a site with detailed info on that drive.

Answer 2

Cabochick is spot on!  The only thing I would add would be making sure to pick up your tourist card in Ensenada!  It may save you some troubles down the line.  VERY important to get it!

Good luck!  The drive is beautiful!

Answer 3

I would suggest to bring someone who speaks some spanish. Also, don't drive too fast.

Answer 4

Hola!  I have made this trip many times and there are several things you have to know before you attempt this trip.

First, you must buy mexican auto insurance at the border as you cross. Some people are surprised by this extra cost.

1. please don't drive at night. There are suicidal farm animals and drivers without headlights.

2. Make sure you bring lots of extra water. Extra gas is good too because some stations run out. I'd also recommend 2 spares, and make sure your car is in good working order.

3. The road is quite narrow and has no shoulders. You will find that a convoy of semi trucks like to drive down the middle and you may come up on them suddenly. Drive defensively.

4. Don't stop for anyone. Someone flagging you down could be a trick. Call 066 (which is 911 in mexico) on your cell phone, or tell someone at the next town about them. In certain parts of Mexico there is an emergency tourist service (we call them the green angels) that patrols the road and will come upon them and then assist them usually in a timely manner.

5. Don't go off the main road. Many people are robbed if you are off on your own somewhere deserted. Also you may get stuck in the sand. Plan where you will be pulling over or staying over.

6.  Keep in mind, all signage is in SPANISH!  If you don't understand the basics, you might find yourself riding over speed bumps or sailing through a stop sign!  Also, we are in kilometers, not miles!

7. Lastly, you will come across Federalies at check points. They are very intimidating for those tourists that haven't seen them before. They are looking for drugs, weapons, and sometimes fruit/vegetables. They are usually young impoverished men (18) who are doing their first military stint, they carry AK's and they often 'lift' items if you aren't watching...wallets, cameras, ipods, etc. I have had things stolen many times! You can't argue with them. So to get around this, I'm usually extremely friendly, and offer them all a ice cold soda from my cooler. They usually leave me alone.

Have a safe trip!