Recently one of my friends took a 2 month driving trip through Mexico.  She was kind enough to share her trip with us and allow us to share her comments on this blog.  The following are her notes of their trip.

We left Nogales, Arizona at 6:00am April 26th, 2010 and our goal was Mazatlan by evening.  This drive is a toll road all the way and you do have to drive thru some of the towns along the way.   The only stops we made were for gas and restrooms.   We experienced no problems along the way.

After spending 17 nights in Mazatlan we headed for Puerta Vallarta which is a toll road to TEPIC and then a smaller two lane road.  This road has alot of buses and large trucks so the drive is much slower, but there were no problems, other than getting stopped because we went thru a red light.

We spent one night in PV and headed to Manzanillo which once again is a two lane road with lots of curves.  We experienced no problems and were not stopped by anyone.

After spending 4 nights we headed back to PV and spent 16 wonderful nights with family and friends.  We drove into the countryside and up to the Punta de Mita area where there is a 4 seasons resort.   We had a great (expensive) lunch there and visited a small village north of there with great shops and restaurants right on the ocean.

We headed back to Mazatlan for an additional 3 nights before heading back to the US.  We were stopped 2 times asking if we had any fruits or vetables, one time where they ran our luggage thru an xray machine, another time where they just ask us where we had been and where we were going.

It was a wonderful trip and I would not hesitate to do a repeat.

Claudia

If you want to “Live the Experience” book a special tour with High Tide Los Cabos.  Listed below are scheduled tours, however High Tide Los Cabos will custom design any tour to your desire.

Surf Lessons at Cerritos Beach in the Winter

This world renowned surf spot with a beach break is exposed to west swells that can light up for days on end with super clean conditions.  It’s a great spot seasoned surfers and beginners alike.

2 Bay Kayak and Snorkel Tours

Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay are the best bays in Cabo for swimming and snorkeling.  Santa Maria is surrounded by craggy cliffs and you might see many species of tropical fish and gorgonians lining the rock walls.  East of Santa Maria is Chileno Bay.  Tidal pools towards the eastern bluff are great to explore.  You will take a Kayak from Santa Maria to Chileno Bay and enjoy a protected finger reef, teeming with tropical fish, eels, starfish and urchins in calm shallow water.

Kayak and Snorkeling to the Arch

The famous arch is an ideal habitat for marine birds and multicolored fish.  This landmark has overwhelming beauty and an amazing rocky formation.  It brings together the crystal blue Sea of Cortez and sparkling Pacific Ocean.  The emerald waters hid a cascade of sand with a spectacular, never-ending drop.  Enjoy the sunset, the sea lions’ colony and enjoy a walk at Lover’s Beach.

Surf Lessons at Costa Azul in the summer

Summer and fall are the best seasons to catch waves in Cabo as the water temperature is perfect for surfers.

Surf Lessons Todos Santos

Another popular place where the surfers hang!

Jeep/ Hummer Expeditions

Explore the back roads of southern Baja and enjoy views of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains while following the river bed into the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.  Each expedition includes a bilingual guide, driver, sunset drinks and snacks and dinner on the beach.

Art Walk in old San Jose del Cabo

Enjoy a night’s stroll through the beautiful streets of San Jose.  Walkers may choose to purchase or just appreciate the quality of the works shown while savoring a glass of wine.  This tour includes round trip van ride, bilingual guide, glass of wine, bottled water and sodas.

Hiking Tour to Fox Canyon

This hiking tour will take you to a river across the mountains to a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert. The hike starts down hill with a swim in the natural pool nested next to a great waterfall.

Organic Market and Estuary Tour in San Jose del Cabo

The Organic Market downtown has become a popular place for the locals.  Join this tour of the market, estuary and Cacti Mundo (Cactus World) for a glimpse of los Cabos in its natural and cultural essence.

Custom Tours are crafted to meet each person’s wishes.  Recently a group requested a bird watching tour which was arranged by Hightide.   A photographer visiting Cabo asked for a “photo shoot” tour to capture the best of Los Cabos and it was truly a success.

For any of these tours or to request your custom tour contact:

Karen

www.Hightideloscabos.com

info@hightideloscabos.com

624-142-0424

****Be sure to tell them Baja Sur Vacation Rentals and 2 Cabo Tours sent you!

Calgary                                    1949

Chicago                                    1814

Dallas                                       1034

Denver                                     1188

Detroit                                      2028

Edmonton                                 2115

Houston                                   1016

Los Angeles                             919

Miami                                       1859

Newark                                    2313

New York                                2397

Phoenix                                    732

San Diego                                807

San Francisco                           1265

Seattle                                      1833

Toronto                                    2230

Vancouver                                1951

One of our favorite restaurants in San Jose del Cabo is Damiana located at Plaza Mijares in downtown San Jose.  Serving excellent Mexican cuisine and signature “Gourmexican” delicacies since 1983 this is one place you don’t want to miss.  Damiana offers Mexican hospitality in a romantic 18^th century hacienda patio which is unique and magical.  Check out the largest bougainvillea tree I have ever seen that covers the patio in a special atmosphere.

Open Monday-Sunday  10:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Phone: (624) 142-0499 / (624) 142-2899

www.damiana.com.mx

CABO

Beach lovers, professionals and families that want easy access to modern amenities.

Tourist town perks

Residences with exclusive arch views and dramatic Pacific Ocean views

Unbeatable sunsets every night over Land’s End

SAN JOSE DEL CABO

Upcoming artists, gourmands and professionals who are known to show up at work still wet from surfing.

Walkable Art District

Microbrewery

Several organic farms and markets

Twilight nature walks through the Estuary

Renovated town square and new City Theater feature family friendly live music, shows and movies year round

LA PAZ:  Capital of the state Baja California Sur

Retirees, students, culture junkies, government professionals and career cruisers

Top marine research university

Gridlike downtown with well kept seaside malecon where locals walk, bike and eat ice cream

Several marinas

Gorgeous natural resources such as Balandra Bay, Isla de Espiritu Santo and more just beyond town.

Outlying suburbs are equally modest in pace and price

Road paving project partly complete connecting La Paz to cities south with a four-lane highway (Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Beautiful Sea of Cortez Views

CERRITOS BEACH, EL PESCADERO & TODOS SANTOS

Retirees, especially retired writers, musicians and artists seeking a simple life to live, play and make art.

Cerritos Beach Club (surf and swim)

The original Charles Stewart home and gallery.

Art & Beer (You must experience this!)

Galleries galore in Todos Santos

Steak night at La Cañada del Diablo

Pacific Ocean breezes keep the temperature cooler year-round

Turtle nesting is an exciting annual event

LOS BARRILES, LA RIBERA & BUENA VISTA (East Cape)

Retires, developers, and small town homesteaders who like the idea of taking an ATV to do grocery shopping.

Fabulous Sea of Cortez panga fishing

Miles of white sand beaches

Sunrise views

Knowing all of your neighbors names

Flying manta rays

East Cape resorts provide access to the renowned Gordo Banks fishing spot

LA PLAYITA TO ZACATITOS (Southeast Cape)

Millionaires who want prime views on the new marina, Puerto Los Cabos

Fishermen

Retirees

Anyone with a 4 wheel drive and love of the sea

Puerto Los Cabos Marina and village

Unspoiled beaches

Impeccable, practically private summer surf spots

Funky gems like roadside fresh clams

Live music at the Crossroads Country Club