COVID-19 Updates for Baja California
-The U.S.-Mexico temporary land border restrictions were extended until at least April 21, 2021. U.S. Citizens and Canadian Citizens have been allowed to cross back north into the U.S. and have had no problems crossing south into Mexico from the U.S.
-Mexico has instated a national “stoplight” system which sets the safety levels for the region and is evaluated on a weekly basis. Both Baja California (norte) and Baja California Sur currently have “yellow” light designations with businesses operating at limited capacity. We recommend that you call ahead to any business that you plan on visiting to find out about current hours and COVID regulations.
-Some of the California/Baja land borders are operating on reduced hours. The following are the current hours for border crossings:
San Ysidro: open 24 hours
(PedWest is closed but PedEast remains open 24 hours)
Otay Mesa: open 24 hours
Tecate: 6am-2pm Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm Saturday-Sunday
Calexico West: open 24 hours
Calexico East: open 6am-2pm
Andrade: open 6am-2pm
-For up-to-date information about COVID-19 in the state of Baja California (norte) please visit the Baja California COVID-19 page. For up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Baja Sur, please visit the BCS COVID-19 website.
-For Emergency Assistance for U.S. citizens in Mexico, call 55-8526-2561 from Mexico or 1-844-528-6611 from the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has put together a COVID-19 webpage or you can follow them on Facebook for updates.
-You can find the latest updates on our Road Conditions Page. Call the DBTC office at 800-727-2252 for more information about U.S. travelers crossing the border.
Now Taking Preorders for New Baja California Road & Recreation Atlas
There’s a new Baja Atlas hitting the market and we’re so excited for you to have this invaluable tool for your future Baja explorations! The Baja California Road & Recreation Atlas is a large-format, full-color atlas that covers the entire peninsula with detailed maps and recreation guides that highlight campgrounds, parks, natural wonders, beaches, historical sites, and more. Published by Benchmark Maps and edited by Baja author and aficionado David Kier, this is a must-have for all Baja travelers. Click here for more information and to preorder your copy today!
Road Scam in Mexicali
We’ve had a number of members warn us about a scam happening in Mexicali. Travelers are waved over by a passing car and when the travelers pull over they are accused of hitting the car and are pressured to give money for reparations. Please do not pull over for any cars in Mexicali that are not police officers and do not hand over money in any situation.
Photo courtesy Baja Club Hotel
New Baja Club Hotel in La Paz
Grupo Habita has opened a new hotel along the La Paz malecón called Baja Club Hotel. Housed in a colonial building, the chic new hotel features 32 rooms, a full-service restaurant, pool, spa, and rooftop sunset bar with Sea of Cortez views. Rooms cost from US $230 to $565 a night. To book or for more information, please visit the Baja Club Hotel website.
Baja California’s Certified Hiking Trails
There’s been a recent trend to get out and get hiking in the state of Baja California. Baja California officials have embraced the movement by certifying a growing number of trails by installing maps at trailheads, putting information online, maintaining trails, and placing signs throughout trails to assure hikers they are on the right path. The state now has 12 certified trails. Baja California is also in the process of certifying what will be the longest hiking trail in Latin America, running 68 miles across the state and along the ocean all the way down to Baja California Sur. You can check out more hikes along the peninsula in the Discover Baja hiking archives or in this SD Union Tribune article.
El Triunfo Cultural Center Inaugurated
Governor Carlos Mendoza officially inaugurated the new Cultural Center and Museum in El Triunfo. Located 30 minutes south of La Paz, El Triunfo is a charming little colonial town that was once a booming mining town and cultural enclave. You can learn more about the Museo Ruta de Plata on their website and you can learn more about visiting the small charming town of El Triunfo in our article here.