Here is what he suggests. This is done by the Fitosanitario. Overall, if you plan to drive through San Felipe, make sure you are in a group so you are not stranded by yourself or caught at a military checkpoint. 5 Things To Do For A Relaxing Weekend in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, Where to Stay in Valle de Guadalupe: Lumi Hotel, Where to Stay in Valle de Guadalupe: The UvaUva Eco Retreat. Home Mexico Destinations San Felipe San Felipe Driving. Apparently they water down their fuel. The San Felipe carnival has been held for more than 20 years; although it may be small compared to other famous carnivals, it is characterized by the excitement of the locals and tourists, good weather, and safety. This route takes you directly across the Baja Peninsula. So have a few pairs of pants, sweatshirts and a jacket. One of the biggest hazards is caused by vehicles losing some or all of their load. I routinely take this road to go to San Diego and it is an absolute pleasure to return to San Diego Passports and visas are not required by the Mexican authorities to enter Mexico and travel to San Felipe. The toll road to Tecate is a beautiful engineering accomplishment and rivals some of the most scenic routes through the Swiss Alps. It is only a few more hours from Loreto to wherever you are going on the Baja peninsula. If you want to split up the drive and if your rig isnt too low and you are set up to boondock, there is a great spot just south of Loreto. Parking is relatively easy on a weekday. encounter cows and other animals roaming on the highway, old vehicles Easy drive from San Diego or LA, just past Mexicali, plus it has an international airport. of which will not leave you stranded. As such, there are many great reasons to visit San Felipe. It then jogs over to connect to highway 1 after about 400 kilometers. Mex 5, between Mexicali to San Felipe is a 120 miles mostly divided highway with shoulders ramps and bridges with some intersecting streets. These results are based on the actual driving distance from Phoenix to San Felipe, Mexico, which is 360 miles or 579 kilometers. Privacy Policy Map of San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico San Felipe is a town on the bay of San Felipe in the Sea of Cortez in the Mexican state of Baja California, 120 km south of the United States border and within the municipality of Mexicali. independently owned food retailers in the nation operating over 400 stores throughout Texas and Mexico, . The main pool, La Papala, has an adjacent bar and restaurant (try their tequila and mezcal tasting!). It is 150 miles from Ensenada to San Felipe. much the same as in the US. Note that if you cross the border with a Sentri card, every passenger in your car must also have Sentri. At about kilometer (KM) 59 you enter the river area and construction zones. Continue on to KM 114 where you will enter another winding mountain area and barren wasteland. This will help you stay safe in Mexico. At the traffic light, make a left and proceed up and over the cloverleaf and into the border crossing (this is clearly marked). Great post! She will probably have a spot for you to park your RV for the night. Turns out, a LOT I went twice last year, and we didnt have any issues. Thats why I am happy to share this space, so you can enjoy Mexico fully. If you plan on buying or booking something Ive recommended, please consider using my links, which help power this site at no additional cost to you! Your email address will not be published. In my opinion, its a great quick-hit introduction to Mexico if its your first time in the country, and a good way to acclimate before you make your way a bit further south. Likewise, its geography favors the practice of ATV and all-terrain vehicle tours, hang-gliding, expeditions to the desert and mountains, camping, trekking, flora and fauna observation, or simply contemplating the night sky. Lots to see and do, lively beachfront polka-dotted by dozens of restaurants and bars and boutiques. The closest ones are San Diego (SAN) in California, and Mexicali (MXL) and Tijuana (TIJ) in Baja California. Puerto Penasco is probably one of the safest places to travel in Mexico. Xel-Ha Park: 16 Attractions Not to be Missed, 15 Romantic Getaways Near Mexico City to Enjoy with Your Partner, Guanajuato City, Mexico: Best Things to do in 2023, Chetumal Mexico: Top Things to do and Explore. As far as nature conservation and ecotourism are concerned, it is good to know that the imaginary line that crosses the sea and joins San Felipe with Puerto Peasco in Sonora marks the limit of the protected waters of the Biosphere Reserve of the Upper Gulf of California and Delta of the Colorado River. Manage Settings We spent our night 3 in Loreto at the Loreto Shores RV Park. Driving at night is challenging because there often aren't lights on the highway. Also note that the restaurant in Puertecitos is generally only open on weekends. Before my first visit to Baja on a weekend trip to Ensenada a few years ago, I was actually really nervous about the drive. After approximately 500 feet turn right for San Felipe. The Malarrimo also has a nice restaurant. For Sale 0 Skrivanek - Lot 3 Road, San Felipe, TX 77474 Listed for: $307,500 MLS#: 84437057 Escape to your own private paradise with this pristine 4.1-acre property - the perfect canvas for building your dream home! If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Mexicali and San Felipe is 199.79 km. Significant work has been undertaken in the past year to improve the road from San Luis Rio Colorado and Algodones to Mexicali. The climb up the mountains to La Rumorosa is spectacular and there are rest areas (no restrooms) where you can pull off the Cabo San Lucas is 1,700 km south of the border on a two-lane highway in varying conditions. There is currently only the 'permanent' military checkpoint at the junction with the Ensenada Road where checks for drugs and guns are always made in both directions. Rolling hills and rocky mountains that reminded me in every way of Joshua Tree and the dramatic desert landscapes in inland California. Difference between fly and go by a car is 13 km. There are so many towns to visit that it never ceases to amaze me all the beautiful places I didnt know existed. You can also drive to San Felipe from Ensenada, Mexico on Highway 3, but this highway is a lot tougher to drive. Its beaches constitute a majestic landscape of intense blue water that contrasts with the sandy soil and the arid mountains of Baja California. While traveling in Baja is not the adventure it once was, it is still not what most people are used to in the states. If you hit one of these drifts at any speed over 30 mph you stand the chance of your car overturning or drifting off the road and down the precipice onto the dry lake bed. A single solid line marked on the road centerline is intended to notify you that this is a no passing area. Shrimp fishing is so important that it has earned the shrimp capital title. Allow 1 hour for the trip. Read More Guanajuato City, Mexico: Best Things to do in 2023Continue. Continuing on at about KM 96 you will enter a small mountain area with winding roads and sharp turns. Pueblo Bonito Mazatln Beach Resort, Mazatln. The Final Verdict: San Felipe Has It All Both San Felipe and Puerto Penasco are great places to visit, but if you are looking for an authentic Mexican vacation with a small-town feel, combined with beautiful beaches and a vibrant arts and culture scene, San Felipe is a must-see vacation destination. 7 Who has the cheapest all-inclusive vacations? RFK's assassin Sirhan Sirhan is set for 16th parole board hearing today as he again pleas to be released despite Governor Newsom denying his freedom last year saying he remains a threat to the public If you are heading to Mexico from the US by road, it's a good idea to think of what do do in the event of a breakdown along the way. The road south toward Puertecitos is in excellent shape and well paved to Puertecitos. How would you describe an honorable person? Fill up in San Felipe. Baja California (Mexico) Driving Distance Calculator, calculates the Distance and Driving Directions between two addresses, places, cities, villages, towns or airports in Baja California (Mexico). Recommended Bus Take the bus from Mexicali to San Felipe 2h 37m $270 - $400 Taxi Take a taxi from Mexicali to San Felipe 3h $950 - $1200 Drive This is where Boca de Infierno or the Mouth of Hell starts. TIP: Regardless of whether you rent or take your own car, Mexico requires all travelers to have an auto insurance policy that specifically covers incidentals in Mexico. Visitors love to swim in the clear waters and sunbathe on the coast. (yellow line on map above). Then take Mexican Highway 3 south to Mexican Highway 5. of Tourism and their job is to patrol Read More Chetumal Mexico: Top Things to do and ExploreContinue, Your email address will not be published. Some of the unpaved roads in Valle de Guadalupe do get unpassable in rainy season. There has been criminal activity and violence in Baja California. There's, "But isn't the Bekaa Valley unsafe?" You can toggle between map views using the buttons above. Youve come to the right place! Baja California state Reconsider Travel Violent crime and gang activity are common. Alternatively, you may use. 17.19 Acres in Warner Springs, CA - $579,000 Casa Rock Crest. Mexico City is a melting pot of people and situations, where everyone lives in a hurry to meet their responsibilities. A left turn signal on the On the right hand side of the village is the Malarrimo Motel. Remember there is no gasoline or diesel fuel available in the 130 mile stretch from Mexicali to San Felipe. The cachanillas (a slang term for Baja locals) recommend savoring the shrimp cocktail seasoned with tomato and lemon sauce in one of the local bungalows, where you can also taste the octopus with butter and the aguachiles with avocado. (Such an inviting name). Check out my Valle de Guadalupe recommendations here. San Felipe is about 6 hours one way of driving. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The total driving distance from Phoenix, AZ to San Felipe, Mexico is 360 miles or 579 kilometers. If you ride your car with an average speed of 112 kilometers/hour (70 miles/h), travel time will be 01 hours 47 minutes. Patrol here uses Radar! While the majority of the roads you come across will be paved and maintained, some pockets of Baja (like Valle de Guadalupe) will have dirt roads youll have to maneuver. It also has had the unfortunate luck of being marked as one of the most dangerous cities to visit, but during the day (my only experience with the city), its alive with good food and friendly people. with children and schools and grandparents and pets, just like your Note that there is no SENTRI lane at Tecate. To the west of San Felipe is the Sierra de San Pedro Mrtir; in its mountains, you can find fossil fields, cave paintings, and Indian caverns. Drive during daylight hours whenever possible. If you are driving, you need to get to Calexico, California. It is located at kilometer 176 on the San Felipe-Mexicali highway. Road Conditions are Big Problem in San Felipe You can travel to San Felipe on Highway 5 coming from Mexicali. In the urban area, you can visit the municipal park, where families traditionally go on weekends. The The road between Mexicali and San Felipe is in very good condition - with the exception of the new construction zones. Not perfect but graded ! Driving Your Own Car. Be careful here because drivers here sometimes make wide turns. San Sebastin Bernal. RV's are to follow the signs for passenger cars. The end is La Paz. Here are a couple of things you should know before your drive down the Baja peninsula. There is essentially no safe place to overtake and you might as well relax and enjoy the scenery. Make a right and proceed up and over the cloverleaf and into the border crossing (this is clearly marked). What is the coldest month in Cabo San Lucas? Driving distance from Ensenada, Mexico to San Felipe, Mexico The total driving distance from Ensenada, Mexico to San Felipe, Mexico is 153 miles or 246 kilometers. For a select group of people who have found the year-round warm weather and quiet, uncrowded ranch ideal for vacationing and retirement. More recently, local resorts offer golf, gastronomic, wine sampling, and spa services. You will need to tell them your final destination. How many deaths are caused by flu each year? Now we have only the dry lake bed and it can be plagued with dust devils or small tornadoes (tolvaneras) on hot summer afternoons. However, for visitors driving across the border, passports or a passport card to re-enter the USA will be required starting June 2009. Federal highway 5 was just recently completed as of February 2020. - See 57 traveler reviews, 140 candid photos, and great deals for Las Palmas Hotel at Tripadvisor. Yes, you will see many Drive time from border to the San Felipe is approximately 2 hours. Is the drive to San Felipe Mexico safe? Go south on Highway 5 which ends in San Felipe. Right before Santa Rosalia you will see skid marks on the road. San Felipe, Baja California, Mxico. You may continue further down. If youre driving your own car, depending on where youre planning to go in Baja, Id recommend taking a car that can handle bumpy roads. highway (Mexico Highway 5) about 13 kilometers south of Mexicali. At about KM 105 is "La Ventana" which is not the sameLa Ventana del Mar of El Dorado Ranch. This first option takes you along the eastern coast of the Baja peninsula through San Felipe. Map Summary to San Felipe .PDF. If you are driving to Baja from California, we recommend using the Tijuana border crossing map. !" Just have to be patient when passing trucks, they will give you the signal when it's safe to do so. Many four lane highways have a right hand The road is scheduled to be Paved to Rancho Grande by the first of the year (2012). You can also drive to San Felipe from Ensenada, Mexico on Highway 3, but this highway is a lot tougher to drive. the border to Yuma. There are two crossing lanes for cars at this gate but no SENTRI lane. We are happy to report that this stretch of highway is beautiful and safe. San Felipe is one of various locations in Mexico which is beginning to emerge as one of Mexico's most sought-after beach locations for retirees and those seeking affordable real estate investments. Previously, the last part of the road was extremely rough and dirt. the Colorado water to Tijuana. Remember, mexbound.com is "the first choice for the smart traveler." it is safe to pass as often as it means that his car is turning left. Apply for Sentri: If you plan on crossing the border into Baja frequently, Sentri will allow you expedited clearance for up to 5 years. You can get by with a limited Spanish vocabulary as English has frequently spoken thanks to the high number of ex-pats and foreigners who live here or visit the area often. Your pre-trip preparation will vary depending on whether youre renting a car or bringing your own: In the US, not all rental car companies will allow you to take your vehicle across an international border, so be sure to check in advance with the company directly before booking. There may also be an immigration inspection but we did not experience that. Rancho Percebu San Felipe Studio Vacation Rental #7 3 guests 1 bedroom 1 full bathrooms This road is of no use to you They have a huge parking lot to accommodate an RV. If you dont get your FMM at the border, you will have to turn around and go back. like Eden in Hillcrest whose for travel to Tecate, Tijuana and San Diego without having to pass through Mexicali. Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada France Germany Ireland Italy Japan Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Portugal South Africa Spain Switzerland United Kingdom United States. people going faster than the posted speed limit but those speeds are set There are two crossing points into Mexico from here. Road Conditions are Big Problem in San Felipe You can travel to San Felipe on Highway 5 coming from Mexicali. DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM CALEXICO EAST BORDER CALEXICO TO SAN FELIPE - GOING THROUGH EAST BORDER OFF US HWY 7 Course notes from border Southbound: Set trip odometer to 0 mi at the border Left at "T" 1.5 mi Right at 2nd light (circle K on left: big white warehouse on right) 3.1 mi Left at light (overhead traffic signs for Rio Hardy and San Felipe} Visitors from the USA can be sure that locals in San Felipe are more than willing to help with directions, recommendations for restaurants and shopping, travel accommodations and more. Is It Safe To Travel To San Felipe Baja Mexico. Leave your car safely on the San Diego side of the airport and take the bridge over the border to the Tijuana side. Safe in San Felipe The towns proximity to the U.S.A. is one of the prime features which attracts foreigners, and particularly Americans, to consider the town as a place for part-time or full-time living and retirement. 2023 | MySanFelipeVacation All rights reserved | Powered by LiveRez - Vacation Rental Software | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Owner Login. Is it safe to drive through Baja California? From downtown, the access to the border crossing is now only from the East. A San Francisco salon owner has said she is fed up with the rampant crime in the city after her business was hit by burglars four times in a year.. Josie Li, owner of La Boutique salon, says she . The 120 mile stretch of highway is in good condition, which makes for fairly safe and easy travel. For 20 pesos, they spray the underside of your vehicle to kill any pests. Also keep in mind that there is a time zone change at Guerrero Negro. There is a waterfall, a security building, and two huge flags at the main entrance, one from Mexico and the other from the United States. This route takes you straight across the Baja Peninsula. Note that the new Pemex station in Puertecitos still not open. Paradisus by Melia Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo. secondary roads are another story. Repairs and pothole-filling are a constant and on-going activity but the road is in generally good condition. Back roads often have numerous Hope that helps! Welcome to the mexbound.com guide to driving to San Felipe. Use on of the gas stations in town. I pictured poorly maintained roads, nonexistent cell service, and all the usual horrors youre trained to hear from mass media about driving in Mexico as a tourist. Keeping in mind that this update is for tourists wishing to visit San Felipe - the reality is that almost none of the U.S. tourists visiting San Felipe bother with getting a Mexican tourist visa or card even though San Felipe is about 190 KM from the U.S. - Mexico border. Find great hotel prices for San Felipe (Coahuila) in Mexico or the surrounding region. Needless to say, my favorite activity in the Yucatan Peninsula is swimming in Cenotes, with Cenote Oxman being my top choice, Read More Cenote Oxman in Yucatan: Step into an Underground ParadiseContinue, Looking for a nude beach in Mexico? San Felipe highway 5 has undergone a major. Close to Puerto Escondido, there is a sign that says Juncalito. Travel time from San Felipe to Rancho Grande is approximately 2.5 Hours in a high clearance Vehicle. On this part of our drive in the Baja peninsula, we passed 1 police check point (just north of El Centenario at KM 21) and 2 more construction zones. 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