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RV Parks
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Baja Update Roads, RV Parks and General Conditions Travel
Update to the Baja
Update to this report as January 1, 2004 Road conditions have not improved greatly since this Early December report, although work is ongoing. Dengue fever has abated throughout the southern peninsula, but most of the long time residents still advise common sense and caution...use Deet when in areas where mosquitoes are apparent. A complete update on RV parks on the Baja (prices, conditions and more pictures) will be available mid January November 18th update First road washout outside of Santa Rosalia. The beginning of things to come. We have heard numerous unsubstantiated reports while traveling south on Highway 1 regarding road, RV park and beach conditions. Additionally we have heard conflicting 3rd hand reports of the Dengue outbreak. We have done our best to gather reliable information that may assist you in your travels.
Road Conditions: The roads from Tijuana through to Santa Rosalia are good and clear with only one washout just before entering Santa Rosalia. The road to Bahia de los Angeles, which is usually 60 kms of potholes glued together with asphalt is now in great condition for 40 kms towards the coast and in ok condition for the remaining portion.
Due to recent hurricanes, there are approximately 20 washouts with rough road between Santa Rosalia to Cabo (taking highway 19 from La Paz to San Jose). They are generally in a dip or “vado” or in a creek bed.
All other washouts are generally short – less than 50 yds
or meters in length. They are without exception, well marked with orange and
black striped warning signs. However the state of repair can be good to
horrible. Extreme caution is advised and only drive during daylight hours to
ensure adequate visibility of all hazards.
RV Park Conditions RV Parks in the hurricane areas between San Ignacio and La Paz are in full operation with minor repairs ongoing. Operators report back to normal conditions.
The Oasis in La Paz has had some damage to their wall; the pool, restaurant, laundry are all closed. The Aquamarina lost a few trees and their dock, but is otherwise looking as beautiful as ever. In Todos Santos, the San Pedrito RV Park is completely washed out. During the hurricane, the waters swept down the riverbed and decimated the main beach area. All the hookups were hit hard and are now completely unusable.
Campers are advised to avoid this camp completely until further notice. The owners have neglected to mark this campsite as closed and it is hazardous to drive the 3kms or so to the coast. The road to the camp is washed out in many spots and in others is 6-8 deep in dry sand. Two vehicles were stuck when we explored the area.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever has been reported in the wake of the hurricanes that hit the Baja in late September. There have been cases of both type 1 and the much more dangerous type 2 or hemorrhagic version. It is spread by daytime mosquitoes. Caution is advised; wear light colored long sleeve pants and shirts; use a repellant with Deet and apply often; ensure windows are screened. In general, communities are spraying; crickets are eating; the weather is co-operating and the mosquito population is declining if not eradicated. No-see-ums in some communities continue to be an annoyance but do not carry Dengue. These populations too will decline as the weather and other environmental conditions change. (We read that there are similar Dengue conditions on the coast of Sonora State. South of Sonora there have been no known or reported outbreaks. According to one RV operator – the “Coast is Clear” from Los Mochis on south to Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta etc.)
Community by Community Report Bahia de los Angeles The IMSS clinic reported no cases of Dengue at the Bahia de los Angeles.
The first instances of Dengue going south are in San Ignacio. RV park owners report a few cases in October but are unaware of any new cases. Extensive spraying has taken place. Santa Rosalia Red Cross Officials in Santa Rosalia said that the epidemic of Dengue immediately following the hurricane Marty has subsided. 17 people died in October in Santa Rosalia. They expect mosquitoes and no-see-ums to disappear with the dryer and cooler weather. RVers just south of Santa Rosalia reported high numbers of mosquitoes but no instances of Dengue. Mulege In Mulege, extensive spray efforts have abated mosquitoes and Dengue. There were numerous incidents in October with pooling waters in this oasis community. Residents say that the Mulege river itself rose nearly 3 meters in 15 minutes during the storms – flooding several RV Parks and Motels and houses. Loreto Loreto was hit hard with several deaths reported in October. According to RV Park operators, the area has been given a clean bill of health by the medical officers at the beginning of November. La Paz La Paz had its fair share of Dengue and shouldered the overflow sick from neighboring communities. RV park owners say that fumigation efforts seem to have worked well.
The red arrows indicate our travels thus far in our 2003-2004 trip.
General Observation Dengue fever follows from the pooling and tremendous displaced water that result from a hurricane. Rumor and innuendo; reports from boat radios, RVers and the internet were the only sources of information. Mexicans appear reluctant to discuss the situation. There were no specific alerts on the CDC website for Mexico and specifically this region. Arguably as travelers, we should expect better warnings and information. However, most on-the-ground sources, including those with no vested interest in the tourism industry, agree that Dengue fever mosquito populations have either been seriously curtailed or eradicated and that the likelihood of infection will diminish as time and the weather changes.
Other Changes on the Baja We noticed many new improvements. In Baja Sur we have noticed large blue garbage cans “basura.” We have also seen rough but more defined pullouts for emergency parking. Often new roadwork has illumination reflectors. More English translations are available on tourist signage.
Inspections Military checkpoints are much more thorough. Many last up to 5 minutes. At Highway 3 & 5 intersection checkpoint, extensive vehicle searched are reported. Immigration officials at the Baja California and Baja California Sur Border just north of Guerrero Negro check tourist visas. Agriculture inspectors are now entering your vehicle at this location. Note they are enforcing the ban on specific vegetables and fruits: potatoes, mangos, oranges, and avocadoes to name a few.
Pemex Catavina Reports of the Pinta Hotel Pemex have been greatly exaggerated. Reliability on days and hours of availability continue to be erratic at best. It remains completely unreliable. Continue to fill up at either at El Rosario going south or Guerrero Negro going North.
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Mexico Road Logs & Driving Guides - Click Here
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