Off to La Ventana next week. Need advice

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

I am renting a car at airport on Dec 5 La Paz for a week.
Staying at Kurt-n-Marine.
Where is a good place to buy food on the way in La Paz?
Is water ok in La Ventana?
Do I in need Peso’s over Dollars for shopping in La Paz or La Ventana?
Would a 2/3 mm full wetsuit be too much / too little? I know that Baja can be cool, been to Punto San Carlos.
How much money should one bring for a week?
Very Happy

Thanks

Anthony

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

Food- you will drive by a super walmart 2 miles north of airport. Stay right at whale's tail statue Good food selection. Pretty good super minis in el sargento/LV too
Wetsuit-2/3 or 3/4. You'll want booties due to urchins
US Cash is accepted you may or many not get current rate
Water is sold in 5 gal containers at all super minis in LV. Water is fine for brushing teeth cooking but I wouldn't drink though many do
100/day will be more than you need even if you eat out 3/day
Wells Fargo was selling pesos today for 13.2. Much better than airport ripoff exchange

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

First- breathe deep and say to yourself- "I'm going to the sun."

Stocking up on food is great, but don't go overboard- there is room at K&M for a milk crate baskets worth of dry food and shared refrigerator space (at least 3) for everyone. Store extra food in your room till its time. The tortilla girl/boy comes around every other day or so, you'll hear the loud speaker. Buy essentials- olive oil, foil, good cheese, snacks, cereal and some beer and a few bottles each of tequila, rum and whatever else looks good as well as some easy mixers, you'll find friends. Don't get cuervo!

Fresh veggies, beer and liquor as well as all staples can be bought in La Ventana. Fresh fish, shrimp, scallops and sometimes lobster you can get from the fisherman on the beach or at the pescado market up on the hill. Its tranquillo. Grab some pesos at an ATM, preferably at a sister bank to yours if possible, its always nice to pay with local money. Stash a $20 US on one side of your wallet and $100 on the other side, bribe fits the supposed crime...

Bring a big, medium and small kite and all the other toys you can stash. The crew at K&M is amazing, the palapa to cook and hang out in is superb. Pray for wind, paddle the SUP when its not blowing and thank yourself for going somewhere new.

marina · Since 16 Jan 2006 150 Posts California coast Stoked

there are farmers and fishermen that also sell local organic produce and fresh fish, shrimp, scallops weekly. They make rounds to campground and Baja Joes and prob a few others but not sure...ask kurt and marina

BRING YOUR OWN COFFEE if you don't like Folgers quality. Mexico coffee sucks.

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed

Anthony, good move coming to LV! I'm living in the campground (across the road from from 'Peusta del Sol" (aka "Pablo's") mercado.

Trust me, all is peace, love and happiness down here! You will love it!

Kurt 'n Marina's is in a good spot - Baja Joe's is downwind a few hundred yards and the campground and Playa Central upwind a few hundred yards. You'll be right in the middle of the action! If you need more social activity - just cruise through the campground anytime - esp. happy hour - to meet and greet the "happy campers".

Plenty of restaurants - 35 - 50 pesos for a great breakfast and 70 - 100 pesos for a super dinner! Ain't it sweet!

Drinking water is delivered daily in 5 gallon bottles (13 pesos) and is A-OK - no problema!

Best plan for $$$ is to hit the Banamex ATM at Wal-Mart in La Paz (get all the pesos you'll need while in LV) as you drive into La Paz - you'll get the best exchange rate that way (I got 13.92 rate 2 days ago) and can then do your cerveza/tequila/food shopping while in Wal-Mart! I highly recommend Cazadores tequila - great stuff!

Next door is Sam's Club and across the street is Home Depot. Get whatever you need before heading out for LV.

Recommended 3 kite quiver here would be 7/9/12 - 2 kite quiver would be either 7/10 or 8/11. If you can only bring one kite it would be the 9m. These sizes assume average rider weight of 170-175 lbs and of course rider ability and board, etc. Adjust accordingly.

Re wetsuit, not required this early in the season. That said, I've been wearing my ProMo 3/3 shorty lately - it's been plenty warm! This ain't PSC - much warmer and more civilized on this side!

Whatever ... you will have a great time! Saludos, Rob

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

Show up with no money, no clothes, and a gun.

Your stories will be way more interesting.

Speedo · Since 07 May 2007 262 Posts Obsessed

Be going to LV very soon as well.

Any advice for non-kiter activities? My wife and 5 and 6 year old are in tow.

Thanks Smile

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed

Speedo · Since 07 May 2007 262 Posts Obsessed

thanks unbob! great stuff.

If there are more suggestions I'd love to hear them.

Is it possible to rent a directional in La Ventana?

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

Thank you all for the great info.

Anthony