Mexico trip
 

I'm going to be taking a quick trip to Mexico after visiting the Grand Canyon. I'm going to be near Tijuana (I want to see the Pacific) but I've heard that Tijuana smells like a port-o-john. Where can I go that's clean with good tequila and not have to worry about being hassled or thrown in a Mexicali prison?

i'm not sure where it is geographically, but i stopped by cozumel on my cruise a few years back, it was a pretty nice place. has carlos and charly's, fat tuesdays, etc.

mhm, Cozumel is nice, been there twice so far..

but it's about as far away from Tijuana as you can get in Mexico ;)

http://www.magic-bus.com/graphics/mexico.jpg

What a beautiful place. I recomend it as well. Been there twice. Some of the best scuba diving I've done.
I think you should let us know your limits as to where you can go. Are you stuck in Baja or can you go down the Eastern coast of the gulf a few hours or days? (refer to Sin's pic...) If not, I know a lot of kids from Arizona State go to Rosarita to get drunk, however I think it's pretty comparable to Tijuana just further south.

Mexico
 

Unfortunately, I'll be limited to Baja. Probably be limited to spending one night there unless something really bad, or good, happens.

Re: Mexico
 

You have my # for your one phone call, if you wake up in jail...that way I can call Shelly-Belly for you and tell her you probably won't make it to work. But then again if you call me and I call her, I bet the head cheese would want to have me arrested for corporate spying; if he doesn't already...

I used to go to Ensenada a few years back. Not to far south of Tiajuana, and it had a few nice places to eat. It's been quite a few years since I've been there though...not sure what it looks like these days.

Ok - I have your solution to this one. I live not too far away in San Diego and I am pretty well versed in this whole area. #1 Skip TJ. It sucks and it gives Mexico a very bad name.

1. Before you cross over the border, stop and get mexican Insurance. If you get in any kind of accident down there, they will throw you in Jail unless you can buy they guy a new car with cash on the spot and forget it if anyone is hurt. Mexican Insurance is less than $20. Do not skip this step

2. Cross over the border on the 5 going south at the San Yisedro border crossing. after you cross (usually no check going in to Mex) you will follow the road for about 1/3 to 1/2 mile and bear right then left to follow signs for Rosarita and Ensenada. You are looking for the Enensenada Scenic road (1). This whole tranaction will take 30-45 seconds and be pretty chaotic so just drive somewhat slow and keep your wits about you and eyes open. You don't want to miss this turn as the only well marked signs are on this road and getting back to this road is a crapshoot.

After about 5 miles (you will be drving along a sheet metal fence that is the US / Mexico Border going west) you will start heading down a hill. be ready to bear right to stay on 1 south and look for the toll road. Head toward Ensenada / Rosarito if in any doubt. After you pass the final exit for Rosarito, but just before you get to the next toll, you can (tolls are cheap and you can pay in US Dollars, just have small bills / change) exit and drive on a road that is parrallel to the toll road for the final 2-5 miles. You will know that you missed this exit if you pass by a large (the only one you will pass) gas station. It is okay if you miss this. There is an exit right at Puerto Neuvo. You just have to pay the extra toll for no reason. The village is on your right as you would expect and it is pretty well marked.

http://www.bajatouristguide.com/mapabaja.gif


Your destination is a smallish fishing village south of Rosarito. The village has been built up over the years since Fox opened a studio there to film Titanic. The place is called Puerto Nuevo. It specializes in Lobster. Killer stuff here. You can get 6 lobsters with all the fixings and as much beer as you can drink for about $30-. Less if you are not drinking heavy.

There are lots of places to go once you are there. My favorite place is on the south end of town on the end of the second or third street. I like it because you can sit on the roof that overlooks the ocean. It is a little more authentic looking (read: seedy) but the food is great and the view is the best there is. Try to avoid the "nicer" places because your experience is less authentic. Ortegas is very popular. I would not go there becuause if you do this, you may as well have stayed in the US.

Be prepared for every vendor to bug you to eat with them. They are really selling it out there. Stay the course. You will know the resturant I am talking about when you see it. There are like ropes that are decorating the deck where you eat.

Try out this web site for some ideas if you want. If you like, you can PM me and I can help you with any other questions you might have.
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