One of the most common questions we get is: *Do you feel safe in Baja?* We recently dedicated an entire episode of our YouTube podcast to answering this, and the short answer is *yes*. We felt safe during our entire two-month journey. Every interaction with the military was pleasant, we were never extorted, and the locals were some of the kindest and most hospitable people we've ever met. Despite the rumors, we never had a run-in with the cartel.
Many people assume that visiting Baja will feel like stepping into an episode of *Narcos*, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, our biggest challenge was crossing the border.
The Border Crossing: A Chaotic Introduction
Crossing into Mexico can be a bit of a dumpster fire. There are no clear standard operating procedures, and it quickly became clear how little Spanish Amanda knew as she fielded questions from non-English-speaking border officers. One officer admitted he pulled us aside for additional inspection just to check out our "cool truck." The biggest frustration came when we were left to navigate the process of obtaining our TIP (temporary vehicle import permit) and FMM (tourist visa) alone.
We mistakenly missed a crucial turn, only to be waved forward by a military vehicle with a mounted gun. Unfortunately, in this situation, there's no turning back. While the TIP isn’t required for Baja, we had originally planned to go to the mainland, where it is necessary. That small moment changed our trip, but we’re big believers in "everything happens for a reason."
Military Checkpoints: No Issues at All
Before entering Baja, we were terrified of the military checkpoints due to the horror stories we’d heard. However, every experience we had was smooth. The key? Take off your sunglasses, smile, say hello, and answer questions directly.
Even the notorious San Ignacio checkpoint was a breeze. We made it clear that we didn’t speak Spanish (this isn’t the time to pretend if you only know a few words), ensured our vehicle contained nothing questionable (pocket knives, alcohol, drugs), and remained respectful at all times.
Many of the negative stories we heard about these checkpoints involved travelers who had something they shouldn’t have. We also noticed that having kids in the car made a huge difference. Mexico is a very family-oriented culture, and officers often let us pass quickly after noticing our children.
Theft Concerns: Not Our Experience
Before arriving in Baja, we were warned that anything left outside overnight would be stolen. That never happened to us. We left gear out every night except when staying in La Paz’s Sol RV Park, due to its busier location.
Cartel Concerns: A Non-Issue for Us
While we did see individuals who were clearly involved in illegal activities, they had zero interest in us. They didn’t seek us out or try to engage in any way. However, we made a point to avoid border towns, which we recommend to others as well.
If you're concerned, our advice is simple: cross the border with a full tank of gas and head south a couple of hours. Our first stop was in San Felipe, and we had no issues.
Every Experience is Different
While we had an amazing and uneventful trip (in all the best ways), we recognize that every traveler’s experience is different. If you're new to international travel, what we consider common sense might not be obvious. We’re always happy to dive deeper into how we navigated Baja.
The Political Climate and Our Decision to Leave
During our time in Baja, President Trump took office, bringing political shifts that affected Mexico significantly. While we personally never felt unsafe, we chose to leave out of an abundance of caution—especially since we were traveling with kids. Our risk tolerance is much lower when their safety could be at stake.
Looking Ahead
Our hope is that travel conditions continue to improve so we can return. Baja’s people, landscapes, and culture have truly stolen our hearts. If conditions remain stable, we'd love to make Baja our go-to winter escape every year.
For those still on the fence about visiting, we hope our experience gives you some peace of mind. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to share what we've learned!
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