Baja advise

beevee · Since 06 Jun 2009 47 Posts

So Im heading to Los Barriles for the first time and wonder if anyone can help with a few questions. Im flying into SJD and will try and get a shuttle from there. I understand that it is possible to do the bus route but dont think Im that adventurous for this first trip. Perhaps next time. Ive been looking at this shuttle http://www.ecobajatours.com/principal.aspx and wonder if anyone has used them before?
Im also wondering about what kind of funds to bring. Can I bring travelers cheques to L.B.? Are there any banks in the area? Ive heard that some ATM charge huge fees. What do you recommend?
Also, having looked at a few menus of the local resteraunts, dinner prices seem really steep ($20-$30). Are there cheaper places to eat and do the supermarked have ample supplies to take care of breakfast and dinner? Cant wait!

Thanks!

jblum · Since 13 Jul 2008 306 Posts The Gorge Obsessed

Eco tours is fine. You can share a shuttle to LBS for $80
For up to 4 people. Also check out the Baja Pony Express newsletter as they have a carpool listing for east cape residents.

Cheapest/easiest exchange is to use your debit card at the ATM in LBS. There are a few in town and you'll get the best rate with the lowest risk and lowest fees. Between their bank and yours, you'll pay about $5/transaction. The exchange rate is fine and you'll save yourself all the bs of needing to deal with travelers checks. Alternatively, most places in LBS will take us$ but they'll give you 11 or 12 when the going bank rate is 13.

There are two good supermarkets in town and cheap food doesn't exist. Expect to pay what you would in Hood River. Tacos are $1-2 each, beers are a few bucks and a nice dinner will cost 15-20. It's a great place. Enjoy.

jblum · Since 13 Jul 2008 306 Posts The Gorge Obsessed

Oh, and its not "really" Mexico. You can get anything there you can get here, from new kite boarding gear to Italian food. Maybe it's a little rougher, but its nothing like mainland Mexico in LBS. If you're looking for a more authentic experience head further north to la Paz or go to the non-touristy parts of San Jose.

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 617 Posts Addicted

what he said is mostly right on, you don't even need to speak spanish here if you'd rather not although the locals appreciate the try and the laughs.
just don't say "no habla engles", they hear it all the time and it means "you don't speak spanish" and they are pretty sure they do.
travelers checks are useless here, dollars or pesos, 2 banks and lots of cheap taco stands if you poke around.
and from all of us (OK, most of us) here:
go to Ventana, the wind is better, blows more often, blows harder water is warmer and smother, waves are better, food is cheaper, beer is cheaper, more night life, people are younger and nicer, hell everything is better there. or so they always tell us. bien viaje.

wylieflyote · Sat Dec 01, 12 8:10 am

I concur with the La Ventana preferred option if you still have time to change your plans. Do Not bring Travelers Checks to Mexico. ATM is the only way to go, and I think they were finally putting one in at La Ventana (need verification on this). You can aloso opt to use an ATM at the San Jose del Cabo airport, or the La Paz airport. Casa Verde in LV has teepees that are very clean almost like rooms for $50 with room for 2 paying to share. Cheap great burritos on the streets for a dinner under $5 USD. WiFi everywhere.

Chipotle · Since 26 Mar 2011 70 Posts

spent three days in Los barrilles, a couple in La Ventana. Loved the town of LBS, super easy to park your car for the week (we had to rent one as we were there for a wedding) and walk to beach, food, groceries. Megan with Exotikite has amazing studios on the beach with kitchenettes for $90/night, can't really beat the location but you could probably find cheaper lodging options without the luxuries. La Ventana is about 3-5kts windier on a typical day due to the venturi effect of the island 11mi offshore, but Los Barrilles definitely has better waves thanks to the longer upwind fetch (we were there on a day with overhead offshore break). I did prefer the wider beach of Los Barrilles, too. If you just want to kite and not think about anything, La Ventana is probably better due to the higher winds, and most of the lodging is B&B style (with lunch)... there is less of a "town." But in case there's a no-wind day, and you like the idea of going out and trying a few different restaurants/bars, LBS probably has more options for you day and night.

As for the whole "true mexico" thing, I can't really comment on that because it was my first time and it is called Baja California for reason... But, considering the wedding we attended was in Cabo San Lucas, our kite spots (and driving) felt like 3rd world countries at times and we loved it. We felt safe, comfortable, met some amazingly friendly and fun locals and expats. We're ready to go back, enjoy!

tonyb · Sat Dec 01, 12 11:20 am

I'll second the forget the travelers checks tip. Not worth the hassle. I've always had good luck with the ATM's at the banks and the airport. Better exchange rate than what you get at the walk up exchange places or even going inside the bank. Take out $3,000 pesos or more if it will let you. I don't recall if there is an ATM in LV yet but there are a couple in LBS.

Tony

beevee · Since 06 Jun 2009 47 Posts

Great info! So the trip was already booked for L. Barriles. It was too late for L.V. in my budget although I was trying to get there. It turned out that I got something very reasonable that included my own cooking facilities. I would love to have a car and be able to hit both locations, as well as explore other areas but I understand that rentals and insurance are insane at christmas. Perhaps if there are buses or I hook up with someone doing a raodtrip, then I'll get there.
So Im bringing my 9m, and 7m but should I also bring my 11? (155lbs). Also, can you buy an impact vest down there?
Thanks again.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Yes on the 11m. Why not buy the impact vest here and save space by wearing it on the plane!