Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should we choose Baja Amigos RV Caravan Tours over others?

2. Why not just go on our own?

3. What if we want to stay somewhere longer?

4. How is the weather?  Are there better months than others?

5. We are concerned about safety, is Baja safe?

6. Are the campgrounds safe?

7. We’ve heard the roads are terrible!

8. How much is gasoline and diesel and is it always available?

9. Is Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) available on Baja?

10. What are the consequences of using Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) in a Canadian or American engine built after 2006?

11. Where do we get Mexican Insurance?

12. What kind of permits will we need?

13. Can we tow another vehicle?  Do we need to?

14. Do we need special shots or health insurance?

15. Can you drink the water?

16. How is the food?

17. What happens if my RV breaks down?

18. Is there access to the internet?

19. What are the people of Mexico like?

20. Can we bring our dog or cat?

21. What money or credit cards should we bring?

22. What things do we need to bring with us?

23. Do we need to speak Spanish?

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1. Why should we choose Baja Amigos RV Caravan Tours over others?

We focus on personal service and delivering a superior experience at a competitive price.  That is why our caravans include all Mexico camping fees, membership in DISCOVER BAJA Travel Club, pre-paid FFMs (Tourist Cards), are limited to 14 people maximum and much more.  That can be 7 RVs including the WagonMasters with 2 persons each or can be more RVs with singles or less RVs with families.  We utilize a 14 passenger shuttle van for planned optional on-tour excursions which are specifically designed to empower you with the tools necessary to comfortably drive, camp and explore Baja on your own in the future.

2. Why not just go on our own?

That is definitely an option and we have links on our website that will connect you to helpful resources.

Traveling with our caravan on your 1st driving trip into Mexico minimizes stress and anxiety, maximizes the enjoyment of your RV camping experience, ensures you visit the important sites, provides reserved and paid camping, takes you to excellent locations to shop & eat; every day we share our experience and knowledge of camping in Mexico and Baja.

The major benefits of a Baja Amigos RV Caravan include traveling with experience, security in numbers, no planning required, 1000 km of van excursions, ability to drop off and pick up again, built in camaraderie and the added benefit building the confidence to return to Baja on your own or with friends in the future.

3. What if we want to stay somewhere longer?

You always have the option of dropping off and returning to any of our Caravans tours in season, just let us know when and where, we only require reasonable notice.

4. How is the weather?  Are there better months than others?

November is often very warm. December/January are the cooler months, but still balmy in the Southern Baja.  February /March are warmer and the best time for whale watching.  Rarely any rain, particularly in Baja Sur and then only in hurricane season in September and early October!

5. We are concerned about safety, is Baja safe?

Most trouble spots are along the US/Mex border involving drug lords & gang members, not unlike cities across Canada and the US.  We don’t stay along the border.  The Mexicans are a very peaceful people.  Like anywhere common sense goes a long way.

FACT: Mexico is certainly not immune to crime committed against visitors however you are statistically 20X  more likely to meet a violent death as a tourist in the United States then Mexico!

STATISTICS: Mexico is Safer than the United States  Date: Tue 07/20/2010 @ 02:38

International Crime Stats statistics show the United States as the country with the most crimes globally.  According to Nationmaster, an International Statistics source the US is #1 in the world for crime and Mexico is #12.

6. Are the campgrounds safe?

Yes!  Most of the RV parks are gated with caretakers on site.  Beach camping is safe in numbers (another reason for caravans) and everyone looks out for each other.  We have never had anything stolen from us camping in Mexico for over 20 years!

7. We’ve heard the roads are terrible!

Parts of the highway are narrow, but certainly safe to drive.  Road widening is always ongoing, along with new bridges and fresh line painting.  The roads have improved dramatically since we first drove Mex 1 to Cabo San Lucas in 1985.  There is now a 4 lane divided freeway from La Paz to Todo Santos (Hwy 19) and they are working on the next freeway extension from Todo Santos to Cabo San Lucas.

8. How much is gasoline and diesel and is it always available?

Gasoline is usually always available throughout Baja now.  There is one stretch of highway between El Rosario and Villa Jesus Maria (just north of Guerrero Negro) where there is no operating Pemex Station on Mex 1 for almost 350km.  RV’s with limited fuel capacity should either carry a spare full gas can or be prepared to pay premium prices at the Bahia de los Angeles junction pumped from barrels.  In March 2010 gas was approximately .75cents/litre CDN.  Diesel & Propane are also widely available at equally reasonable prices.

9. Is Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) available on Baja?

Generally speaking ULSD is only available in Northern Mexico and that includes Northern Baja.  Some RV Caravan Tour companies tell clients that it is universally available on Baja, this is incorrect, PEMEX in Baja Sur (Southern Baja) imports only LSD diesel fuel from the mainland ! Please note it has been widely reported that LSD is still found at many fuel stations in the US. Also see: http://www.bajaquest.com/fuel/

10. What are the consequences of using Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) in a Canadian or American engine built after 2006?

This is likely the most controversial topic amongst RVers with diesels on Baja.  We have spent endless hours discussing this with experts, manufactures and owners.  In summary, this is a warranty issue and really not a performance or operational issue.  The difference between diesel vehicles sold in Mexico and the US & Canada are the exhaust systems, the engines are identical.

We have encountered many 2007 diesal vehicles, including brand new RVs and trucks on Baja, who happily report no problems whatsoever with the fuel.  We are told by Diesel Techs running 3000 or 4000 km of LSD is of little consequence for a ULSD  engine (however 35,000 km straight may be) and many operators simply their change their oil and filters when they return to the U.S.  We know first hand that some manufactures will take the first opportunity to void a warranty if they are made aware of the use of LSD in a ULSD engine (although this seems specific to Mexico not the US).  We have also learned that using LSD in a GM may only void the warranty on components in the exhaust system, like the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), not the drive train or other items under warranty.  Many RVers we have spoken to still under warranty on Baja have simply chosen not to inform the manufacturer of their travels in Mexico.  At the end of the day an RVer must make an informed decision regarding this issue.  We suggest you contact those you know in the industry and check out the various forums regarding this subject.

Jason “NitroMan”,  Industry Performance Lubricant Guru, from NITROLUBE, has kindly offered to respond to any inquiries  you may have on this issue.  Jason can be contacted at info@nitrolube.com

11. Where do we get Mexican Insurance?

There are many carriers of Mexican Insurance.  We are members of Discover Baja Travel Club and purchase our insurance from them at a discounted rate.  Membership in Discover Baja is included for all clients of Baja Amigos RV Caravan Tours. We find insurance is most economical to purchase yearly.  There are many other alternatives that you can access through our Links page on our website.

12. What kind of permits will we need?

All that is required (other than Mexican car insurance) is a Tourist Permit (FMM).  If you plan to fish you will also have to purchase a fishing license. The Tourist Permit can be obtained at any Immigration Office at the border.  As members of Discover Baja Travel Club we purchase our Vehicle Insurance at a discounted rate and pre-purchase our FMMs.  You can also purchase our a  fishing license from Discover Baja  or by contacting the Mexican Department of Fisheries in San Diego (619-233-6956).  Baja Amigos clients cross at Tecate, Mexico.  We will go as a group to process our Tourist Permits, this provides you the experience  first hand and you will know how it’s done for future trips.  Passports are required.

13. Can we tow another vehicle?  Do we need to?

Yes you can bring a tow car(toad) and it will also need insurance.  An advantage of Baja Amigos is we have a shuttle van for on tour excursions to sites, events out  and basic needs, so the need for a tow car is up to you.

14. Do we need special shots or health insurance?

There are no mandatory shots, but we recommend the “Twinrix” Hep A & B and Tetanus(if you haven’t had in the last 10 years).  Health Insurance is always a good idea.  We use BCAA, but Medi-pac is also a good option.

Although access to good medical help in Mexico is always available for very reasonable rates, remember you will be traveling through the United States.

15. Can you drink the water?

Some Baja water comes from underground springs and potable, but for peace of mind purified bottled water is best.  It is available everywhere, always used in restaurants and for ice cubes.  The cost is very inexpensive.

16. How is the food?

We have always found the food fantastic!  We have many favourite restaurants including great Chinese food in Mulege.  There are many independent and chain grocery stores across the Baja, some you will even be aware of such as Walmart and COSTCO.  Groceries are generally less expensive than in Canada, however some specific American products can be more expensive.

17. What happens if my RV breaks down?

There are many resourceful and talented Mexican mechanics across the Baja with access to a wide variety of parts, new and used should any unforeseen breakdown occur.  The Mexican government maintains a large fleet of green trucks called Green Angels that patrol the main roads on Baja looking for motorists with mechanical problems.  In Baja they patrol Mex 1 twice a day with 2 men per service vehicle speaking some English with a lot of mechanical aptitude.  The service they provide is free and the normal practice is to tip them for any help they give.

When traveling in our caravan we will assist you in getting your RV to a reliable mechanic.  Depending on time lines for repairs, will determine how you continue with the tour.  You will be required to have your RV serviced and certified as mechanically sound before you join us at the rendezvous location.

We have met RVers with other caravans that were left on their own because of a mechanical breakdown. We leave no one behind! If you have a  breakdown on the last tour and unable to continue with the caravan we will ensure you are escorted back to the US when you are ready.

18. Is there access to the internet?

Almost all RV campgrounds have WIFI.  There are internet cafes in every town, so if you don’t have a laptop, not to worry.  We have SKYPE in the event it is urgent for you to talk to someone back home.

19. What are the people of Mexico like?

Mexicans are a very warm, friendly, happy people.  They will do anything to help someone out.  Your business is very much appreciated and they will always try to make your stay a pleasant one.  In 1985 we met Antonio Resendiz (Campo Archelon) in Bahia De Los Angeles and were invited to his parents house in Mexico City. This was an unforgettable experience and we have remained good friends with Tony & Betty.

20. Can we bring our dog or cat?

Yes, pets are welcome, we travel with a dog (Jitterbug), who we adopted off the beach on Baja in 2009.  You will be required to have had the appropriate shots documented and brought with you.  Be aware that Baja Mexico is a heartworm area.  Check with your Vet what you should use.

If your pet is a fussy eater it can be a good idea to bring along enough food for the duration of your trip.  The big supermarkets in most of Mexico’s larger cities carry dog and cat food, but they may not carry the brand you pet has a hankering for. When in doubt, bring it south. Only unopened dry food can cross into the United States.  Many Mexican stores carries Pedigree brand dry dog food.

In some of Mexico’s villages and towns food laced with poison is occasionally distributed around town to thin out the growing population of stray animals. It’s only natural for pets to try to eat these treats without understanding the dire consequences.  Keeping your pet on a leash is one way to prevent such an accident.

21. What money or credit cards should we bring?

American dollars are accepted everywhere, but you will pay a premium when using them, so Pesos are best.  ATM’s are available everywhere and our experience is they provide pesos at a reasonable exchange rate.  Visa & Mastercard are accepted at most grocery chain stores.  We have always paid cash for gasoline, propane and most RV Sites or camping spots.  Traveller’s cheques are no longer a viable option.  Bank/Credit cards are the safetest way to go.  Be sure to check your expiry dates on all Credit Cards including your Bank Card.  Write down your account numbers in case you lose your card.  Have more than one Credit /Bank Card. We recommend you purchase some Pesos prior to your departure at any local money exchange – large quantities may take a few days to come in.

22. What things do we need to bring with us?

When you sign up for one of our Caravan Tours, we will send you an itemized check list of what is required and lots of other good suggestions.  If you have any questions you can always email us anytime.

23. Do we need to speak Spanish?

This is not a necessity however this will make your trip more interesting if you learn a few basics.  In a Baja Amigos caravan you have the option of learning some basic words and simple phrases such as Please, Thank You, Where is the: bathroom, bank, beach etc., How much is, Beer, Wine, your favourite drink, etc.  The Baja Camping book provided by Baja Amigos will have road signs in the back for you to refer to.  You will find that written Spanish is quite easy to figure out.  Have fun with it!  Mexicans really appreciate it when you try!!

We hope that this has answered most of your questions…if not please feel free to contact us for more information.