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PUERTECITOS, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
HOTELS * RECREATION * SHOPPING * RESTAURANTS * BEACHES * FISHING * TRANSPORTATION CAMPING * LOCAL INTEREST * THE GRINGO FACTOR * YOUR FIRST STOP HOT TIP * REAL ESTATE * MISCELLANEOUS *
PUERTECITOS (GPS coordinates 30'92 N ~ 114'70 W) is the end of the road...in more ways than one! Yes, this is where the blacktop from SAN FELIPE stops and the rough dirt road south to GONZAGA BAY starts as the Baja traveler heads into more remote sections of the Peninsula. However, this is also where conventional thinking stops, and almost anything goes. Puertecitos is an interesting place, and a bit difficult to describe. "Long on character" would be a good start!
This eclectic collection of mostly north American vacationers and ex-patriots is unlike any other town in Baja. For that matter, it is unlike any other town on the planet Earth! As new developement continues to grow north and south of town and seems to be taking on some form of normalcy, the core of the town seems intent on staying "out there".
Although the bay has been a stopping point on the Sea of Cortez for hundreds of years, the bay was first permanently settled in 1949 by Rafael Orozco. His daughter Clara still resides in the village, carrying on her father's tradition of hosting weary travelers at the hotel and campground on the bay. In 2003 when Carlos Fiesta ranout of gas and landed on the small airstrip in mid-town, Clara was very helpful in his quest for fuel.
There are over a hundred homes and mobile homes here, most lying on a low hill which overlooks the Sea of Cortez on the east side, and the inner bay of Puertecitos on the west side. This bay is gorgeous at high tide, and less than gorgeous at low tide. Despite all of the homes scattered around town, only about 20 gringo families live here full time. Others fly or drive in for short periods
If there are any street or road signs missing from your home town, you may very well find them here, nailed artistically to the side of someone's house! An no, that boat on top of that house at the south end of town (the "Norma E") did not float up there during an unusually high tide. Somebody actually put it up there!
There are many other interesting items to be viewed as one drives around Puertecitos. If someone is manning the 'guard house' heading up to the main residential area, you may have to pay a small fee to gain access to this part of town. You can consider this fee your small donation to help the local economy, whatever that might be!
The seaside Hot Springs at the bottom of the bluffs on the east side of town are the perfect place to soak after a hard day of exploring Baja!
Puertecitos shares the same arid climate as SAN FELIPE. An average of only 2 inches of rain falls here per year. And there are times when the area goes years without any rain!
There is a welding and machine shop just east of the main part of town, "Taller Panama", and Panama himself (Jay Denewith) is a mechanic that can probably fix whatever you can break. His services might come in handy to put your vehicle back together after the shake, rattle, and roll of the road from GONZAGA BAY! If you are headed further south, Puertecitos is your last chance to buy much of anything. As you enter town, on the left side of the road, a small plywood-sided store sells some basic items, but don't expect much. The small market "Alpha Beta" across the street is now permanently closed. Tell a friend.
The dirt airstip crammed in between the houses mid-village is actually functional, as Carlos Fiesta found out when the plane he was flying in ran out of fuel on a return trip from Punta San Francisquito! The dirt is a bit soft at the south end, but the strip is fairly level and clear of obstructions. Pilots needing gasoline can taxi to the west and park on a cement ramp just southeast of the Pemex station, which is always closed. Gas is usually available in town for $3.50 per gallon.
If you want to sneak down to the beach at the foot of the bay there is a short road that leads to the beach just past the closed Pemex station (hang left).
The road from San Felipe to Puertocitos sucks, there's no other way to put it. Yes, it starts off good for the first 20 miles and then all hell breaks loose. Road crews were working on this last stretch to the south in 2005, but nobody seems to be in a hurry to finish the job.
Despite the less than perfect road condition heading into town, almost any vehicle can make it to Puertecitos. Carlos Fiesta had made this run in an old Audi with no ground clearance, various Fords, and in 2005 in a old beat-to-death Buick with obsolutely no shocks. Vehicles with low clearance just need to take it slow.
For more good information on the area 50 miles north of Puertecitos in San Felipe visit the web site of BLUE ROADRUNNER by Randy Kerr. Good stuff!
Thinking about moving south of the border? Visit the web site of BAJA RELOCATION for a head's up for what awaits you.
For more information on what's happening in other parts of Baja check out the web sites of BAJA TOURIST GUIDE and BAJA INSIDER.
Interested in REAL ESTATE is this funky warm town? There is always something for sale!
If you would like to see what Puetecitos looks like FROM SPACE check it out!
Before you head south check out today's SAN FELIPE / PUERTECITOS WEATHER!
Puertecitos was one of the coastal stops for Carlos Fiesta on his 2,000 mile BAJA CIRCUMNAVIGATION!
For additional information on Mexico's plan to place marinas around Baja visit our MEXICO'S NAUTICAL LADDER page.
The Enchanted Islands south of Puertecitos offer raw nature and beauty few visitors are able to experience. Visit the web site of GONE TO BAJA ADVENTURES for more information!
To purchase a good map of the Baja Peninsula visit the web site of MEXICO MAPS.
Pulling up the book SEA OF CORTEZ REVIEW is a fun way to visit Baja when you don't have the time to head south!
For more information on what's happening south of the border drop by the MEXICO EXPO EVENT CALENDAR.
If you know of a company, web site or event that is not included here we would love to hear from you on our SUBMISSION PAGE.
THE GRINGO FACTOR
The population of gringos to Mexicans in Puertecitos is about 50 / 50. Most of the gringos live on hill just east of the highway that runs through town, up past the gate house. The gate house is usually unmanned and driving up througb the gringo neighborhood is quite interesting. The lack of services in town makes most gringos head further south to GONZAGA BAY or an hour north to SAN FELIPE.
YOUR FIRST STOP IN TOWN
As you slowly head into town totally amazed by the lack of continuity and planning that somehow fell together as a town, head for the bay at the south end of town. This is the perfect place to get out of your car and enjoy the view of the beautiful natural harbor and the Sea of Cortez. If you are lucky the restaurant that fronts the bay will be open. If so, pull up a chair, order a cold drink and relax. You are now in the weirdest town you will ever visit in your life.
CARLOS FIESTA'S HOT TIP: A natural hot springs on the east side of the residential hill is cooled to just the right temperature at higher tides as the incoming seas cool the boiling hot water down to perfect spa temperatures! This is a great place to relax those sore muscles and sip a cold one! Taking all of your trash when leaving is greatly appreciated by the locals.
It is obvious from the general looks of this seaside town that Puertecitos is not a 'beachy' community. The main harbor in town is does have a sandy beach, and when the weather is right this can be a nice place to relax.
Most of the better beaches are just north or south of town, accessible off the blacktop by decent dirt roads. Spectacular beaches await the Baja traveler further south in Gonzaga Bay!
For information on how to protect your skin while beaching in the hot Baja sun visit the SUNSCREEN TIPS section of Mexico Expo!
NORTH BEACHES
There are many miles of beaches which start just north of town, and head all the way up towards SAN FELIPE. They are all usually very quiet, local residents here enjoy the solitude.
PLAYA DESTINY
Located just a few miles north of Puerte, head east at the sign and take the dirt road to the Sea of Cortez.
A small, quiet beach, perfect for doing nothing!PLAYA ESCONDIDA
Located about one mile north of town, head east at the small sign and take the dirt road to the beach.
Another small, isolated beach where it is so quiet you can actually hear the hairs move on your arm.PLAYA PUERTECITOS & HARBOR
Located right in town in the harbor, on the innermost portion of the main bay.
A decent sandy beach at high tide, the sea goes w-a-y out at low tide.
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Organized camping is not big in Puertecitos, as this is not really a destination for most Baja travelers looking to camp out. With all of the camping available around and south of San Felipe, most visitors here are generally on their way to the great beaches of GONZAGA BAY, a few hours south.
This strip of coast is pretty desolate, and it is possible that certain camp areas might be abandoned from time to time, especially during the hottest months of summer.
There are two camping locations right in town on the main beach facing the bay. One is just east of the Puertecitos Hotel and the other is just 50 yards east next to the Puertecitos Restaurant. Both of these camping areas are just up from the sand and water, and at high tide the water laps just 20 feet from the camping areas.
Camping options north to south of town include:
CAMPO GARCIA
Located about 22 miles north of Puertecitos, east of the dirt road to the Sea of Cortez.
Tents / toilets / family camping.PUNTA BAJA
Located approximately 16 miles north of town, go east at the sign on the highway.
Tents / primitive camping / long beach.CAMPO TURISTICO VALLARTA
Located roughly 12 miles north of Puertecitos off of the blacktop and east.
5 palapas / concrete pads / tents welcome.RANCHO EL ZIMARRON
Located about 9 miles north of Puertecitos, head west at the small sign.
Primitive camping.CAMPO LA VIOLETA
Approximately 5 miles north of town, east at the dirt road.
Boat rentals / toilets / basic camping.JACARANDA
Just north of town about 3 miles north of Puertecitos.
Very private / tents welcome.SPEEDY'S CAMPO
Close to town, just north, about 2 miles north, then east at the dirt road.
tents / pit toilets / small store sometimes open / small cove.OCTAVIO'S CAMPO
Located one mile north of town, just east of the blacktop.
Tents / pit toilets / cold showers / pangas for rent / nice beach.PLAYA DESTINY
Located just north of town, head east at the sign.
Basic camping on a quiet beach.PUERTECITOS CAMPGROUND
Located right smack dab in town, next to the restaurant.
14 spaces / concrete pads / toilets / restaurant / store / ramp / palapas.
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The waters off of Puertecitos offer good fishing. There is a good launch ramp near the point, south east of the bay. Some of the locals own boats, and occasionally head out for half day excursions.
Organized fishing has not yet reached Puertecitos, but the Baja traveler can usually track down someone in town who will take them out for a few hours.
The Islas de las Encantadas (Enchanted Islands) south of Puertecitos is a good destination for a day excursion.
For more information on fishing in Baja drop by our extensive BAJA FISHING section or drop by our fishing section in our San Felipe directory.
For more information on obtaining the proper fishing documentation required for dipping your hook in Baja waters check with the professionals at MEXICO ADVISORY SERVICES.
Most of the fishing in the area is based out of San Felipe, just north of Puertecitos, including:
Looking for a Baja-based yacht broker? Visit the web site of BAJA CALIFORNIA MARINE.
CAPTAIN ALEX'S FISHING
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1442.
Just north of town on Golfo de California at Ruben's Camp.
Fishing charters in local waters.BAJA SPORTFISHING
Telephone (619) 523-1822.
Toll free (800) 770-2341.
U.S. (619) 523-1822.
Fax (619) 523-9896.
2707 Camulos #3, San Diego, California, 92107.
6 day fishing adventures into the sea of Cortez!CASEY'S FISHING
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1431.
255 West 2nd Street, Calexico, Ca., 92231.
Fishing charters in the waters off of San Felipe, plus local tours.CORTEZ ADVENTURES
(714) 649-3238.
P.O. Box 862, Silverado, California, 92676.
Specializing in San Felipe charter fishing.ENCHANTED ISLANDS EXCURSIONS
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1431.
Avenida Mar de Cortez north of Caliente.
Check out the fishing on the "Viento Loco" in San Felipe waters. Give Duke or Caroline a call for rates and information!FLOTA PELICANOS
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1188.
Avenida Mar De Cortez #122, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Morning trips and all day trips to Roca Consag.SEA OF CORTEZ SPORTFISHING
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1778.
U.S. (626) 333-9012.
Fax (626) 336-1966.
E-mail:bcastellon@seaofcortezsportfishing.com.
Post Office Box 5303, Hacienda Heights, California, 91745.
Fishing adventures from San Felipe to the Midriff Islands!TONY REYES SPORTFISHING
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1120.
Avenida Mar Bermejo #130, San Felipe, Baja California.
Many year experience in tight lines in San Felipe!TOMMY'S
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1120.
North end of Malecon.
Fishing charters off of San Felipe.
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There is one small motel in Puertecitos, located right on the beach at the base of the bay, called Puertecitos Hotel. It offers 4 ocean front rooms (under $50) and 4 more rooms back from the beach behind the open-air courtyard. The hotel's exterior is not very well maintained but the rooms are somewhat tidy and definately spacious.
This seaside village is mostly a collection of part-time 'permanents'
(how's that for an oxymoron?) and does not offer most Baja travelers very
much in the way of services. The only other accommodations in a 60 mile radius
are the hotels in SAN FELIPE 48 miles to the north, and the 16 "new and improved" rooms at Alfonsina's in GONZAGA BAY to the south.
The San Felipe options include: Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1455.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1280.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1702 * 011-52 (686) 577-1548.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1055.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1303.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1240.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1185.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1333.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1215.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1328 * 011-52 (686) 577-1183.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1675.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1989.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1571.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1588.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1673.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1543.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1844.
Telephone 011 52 (686) 577-1954.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1012.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1585.
Telephone / fax 011-52 (686) 577-2266.
Telephone 011-52 (686) 577-1608.
SAN FELIPE MARINA RESORT AND SPA
Toll free (800) 262-4500 * (800) 291-5397.
Fax 011-52 (657) 7-1566.
E-mail: snmarina@telnor.net.
Km. 4.5 Carretera, San Felipe Aeropuerto, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
South of town 3 miles, on the beach!
Number of rooms: 60.
Rooms and 8 private villas.
Hotel amenities: On the beach / 2 pools / beach palapas / grass area / deck / lighted tennis / fitness center / sauna / club house / restaurant / bar / market / private parking.
Room amenities: Large rooms / private patios / air conditioning / kitchenettes / telephones / room service.
Rooms are either on the ground floor (beachfront) or on the second floor (ocean view).
The nicest place to stay in San Felipe...big rooms with huge views! Quiet atmosphere and a great beach.
For a special getaway try Villa #138. This private bungalow sits right on the beach with no adjoining rooms, and features it's own private patio and sunken Jacuzzi. A great place for a margarita party!
LAS MISIONES HOTEL AND SUITES
Toll free (800) 336-5454 * (800) 464-4270.
Fax 011-52 (657) 7-1283.
Avenida Mision de Loreto #2622, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
One and a half miles south of town, on the beach.
Number of rooms: 185.
Rooms and suites.
On the beach / 2 pools / swim up bar / air conditioning / telephones / satellite televisions / tennis / basketball / volleyball / restaurant
/ bar / gift shop / room service.
Two steps above Motel 6 at twice the price, nice beach.
COSTA AZUL HOTEL
Fax 011-52 (686) 577-1549 * 011-52 (686) 576-3991.
Avenida Mar de Cortez, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Located on the main beach at Mar de Cortez.
Number of rooms: 140.
Rooms and suites.
On the beach / pool / swim up bar / air conditioning / satellite television / telephones / bar / volleyball / shops / huge oceanfront party deck / ocean front restaurant / private parking / market across the street.
If you are looking for an above average hotel in a super convenient location to downtown action, this is it!
EL CORTEZ MOTEL
Avenida Mar de Cortez, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Located a half mile south of town.
Reservations: Post Office Box 1227, Calexico, California, 92232.
Number of rooms: 102.
On the beach / pool / air conditioning / sports bar / barefoot bar / boat launch / palapas / restaurant / beauty shop / boutique / water sports rentals.
Dining at the Beach Terrace Restaurant, and cocktails at the upstairs Taberna Bar.
By San Felipe standards, this large hotel is on the upper end.
EL CAPITAN MOTEL
Avenida Mar De Cortez #298, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Post Office Box 298, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, 21850.
U.S. address: Post Office Box 1916, Calexico, California, 92232.
Located near the corner of Mar de Cortez at Manzanillo.
Number of rooms: 40.
Pool / air conditioning / satellite television / restaurant / bar / private parking / walk to beach.
Economy hotel in good condition, just a short walk to the beach, walking distance to the downtown action.
CHAPALA MOTEL
Avenida Mar de Cortez #142, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Located in central San Felipe at the south end.
Number of rooms: 33.
Air conditioning / satellite television / kitchenettes / private balconies / laundry service / walk to beach.
Upper economy class, central convenient location, secure parking.
RIVERA HOTEL
Fax 011-52 (686) 577-1185.
Avenida Mar Baltico #142, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Located in central San Felipe on the hill off of Mar Baltico, south side.
Number of rooms: 44.
Pool / air conditioning / satellite television / restaurant / bar.
An average hotel in less than perfect condition, 12 minute walk to beach.
LAS PALMAS FORTE TRAVEL LODGE
Fax 011-52 (657) 7-1382.
Avenida Los Cedros, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Located on Los Cedros at Mar Baltico.
Up on the hill west of town, north side of the street.
Number of rooms: 50.
Pool / air conditioning / satellite television / restaurant / bar / tennis / volleyball.
A decent hotel in average condition, 12 minute walk to beach.
PLAYA BONITA CONDO SUITES
Golfo de California #787, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
One mile north of town, off of Avenida Mar de Cortez.
Number of rooms: 8.
One bedroom units / kitchenettes / rooms sleep 6 / on the beach!
EL PESCADOR MOTEL
Calz. Chetumal and Avenida Mar de Cortez.
The perfect San Felipe location, if you want to be right in the middle of all the action!
Located in central San Felipe on Chetumal at Mar de Cortez, running right through to the waterfront at Paseo Malecon.
Number of rooms: 12.
Air conditioning / beach-view patio / parking / televisions / walk to beach-shopping-bars.
The rear patio of this sleepy motel faces all the action in San Felipe! The fact that the hotel adjoins the wonderful Baja Mar Seafood Restaurant is the icing on the cake! Economy rates. Carlos Fiesta loves this little motel!
Room number 5 is the largest, has 3 beds, an ocean view and a small kitchenette area for about $65.
CAREYES DEL GOLFO CONDOMINIUMS
Avenida de las Palmas S/N, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Private condominiums for nightly rentals.
VILLAS DEL CORAL CONDOMINIUMS
Camino del Sur #218, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Private condominiums for rent.
All the comforts of home!
LA HACIENDA RED LOBSTER
Calz Chetumal #121, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Located in central San Felipe.
Number of rooms: 17.
Air conditioning / satellite televisions / restaurant / bar / walk to beach!
VILLA LOS ARCOS MOTEL
Calz. Chetumal, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Located in central San Felipe across from the arches.
Number of rooms: 12.
Pool / air conditioning / televisions / BBQ / kitchenettes.
Economy prices, and a long walk to the beach.
JOSEFINA SUITES
Avenida Mision de Santo Tomas, San Felipe.
Located off the airport road, south of town.
Number of rooms: 10.
Kitchens / television / beach access.
POSADA DEL MAR
Golfo de California #555, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Located north of town.
Number of rooms: 13.
Air conditioning / one block to beach!
TERRAZA MOTEL
Avenida Mision de Loreto, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Very affordable, short walk to beach and shopping.
VISTA DEL MAR B & B
Avenida Baltico #354, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
More than just a hotel, a quaint place to stay in San Felipe.
CAMPO SAN FELIPE
Avenida Mar de Cortez #301, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Located right next to Costa Azul Hotel.
Number of rooms: 4.
If you are looking for an inexpensive room to stay within a very short walk to the shops, restaurants, and fish taco stands...this is a great choice.
The secret place to hang your hat in San Felipe!
CAPRICHO D' MARMOL BAJA RESORT
U.S. (714) 223-3809.
E-mail: capricho@mindspring.com.
Located south of town on the airport road, head east towards the Sea of Cortez at Mision St. Thomas Street (at the corner of the Las Brisas Hotel).
A secluded retreat of decorated custom suites. Some complaints of lack of upkeep...walking through before checking in might be a good idea.
LA POSADA DE DON JESUS MOTEL
E-mail: donjesus@telnor.net.
Avenida Mar Baltico #735, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Very small, very quaint, very cheap. 3 blocks to the beach.
Jose Ernesto Coronel Robles is your gracious host!
PELICANOS HOTEL
Avenida Mar de Cortez, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Very affordable and clean.
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Of all of the 'claims to fame's' offered by Puertecitos (and, believe me, there are very few), the hot springs tend to be the one most Baja travelers enjoy the most. And for a good reason. After hours on end of sitting in a vehicle heading north or south through the Baja desert, the muscles can really tighten up and get sore.
Relaxing in these natural springs at the water's edge can be a 'peak experience' that even Abraham Maslow would have appreciated.
Caution! If the tide has been out for a while, the pools can get boiling hot, and soaking is not recommended until the incoming tides cool the water temperature.
The Enchanted Islands south of Puertecitos offer raw nature and beauty few visitors are able to experience. Visit the web site of GONE TO BAJA ADVENTURES for more information!
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Puertecitos offers most of the same water sports opportunities that many other Baja towns offer, as long as you bring your own toys and equipment. And the off road opportunities just outside town will test the endurance of any man or woman.
Whether you head out over the land or sea, remember that mechanical breakdowns or equipment problems can be a very serious event, because of the extreme remoteness. It's always a good idea to let someone know where you are planning to go, and when you are planning to return.
Drop by the BAJA OFFROAD web site for additional information on getting off the blacktop in Baja!
Visit the web site of WIDE OPEN BAJA for awesome buggy tours of the Baja Peninsula.
Two good web sites to review for RVer's who want to tour the Baja Peninsula in an escorted RV caravan include BAJA WINTERS and BAJA AND BACK RV TOURS.
For information on how to protect your skin while playing in the hot Baja sun visit the SUNSCREEN TIPS section of Mexico Expo!
For more information on recreation in Baja drop by our main BAJA RECREATION section!
DIVING
Scuba diving activity is limited because of the lack of facilities providing air fills. The Enchanted Islands south of town offer interesting diving. Snorkeling around the rocks at the south and east end of the harbor can be fun at high tide. Be careful, the small fish near the rocks like to nibble on exposed toes.
KAYAK
For the die hard kayak fans who did not put in at San Felipe, this is the last place to launch with access to a good road. The kayaking from here south to Gonzaga Bay and on to Bahia de los Angeles is some of the most beautiful and desolate available. Light kayaking from the harbor around the point and a bit south can be fun for a short excursion or picnic.
OFF ROAD
Puertecitos is the end of the pavement. From here south, all the way down to Baja Highway One, nature offers a terrain unlike anywhere else on the Peninsula. The rocks on the graded roads can be v-e-r-y sharp, and shredding a tire is a common experience. Side routes off of the main road are just as bad, and the terrain is generally very steep. Conditions improve the as the road approaches Gonzaga Bay. The road becomes straighter, the rocks are not as razor sharp, and some degree of civilization kicks in as you near 'G' Bay.
WINDSURFING
At high tide, launching in the harbor is easy. It's usually a port tack all the way out. Winds usually remain calm in the harbor, and pick up past the point. When the screaming northern winds drop by in Spring and Fall, wave hopping can be fun. Equipment breakdowns far from shore could be fatal.
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There are two restaurants in town. One is located right on the beach on the harbor in town called Puertecitos Restaurant. It is sometimes open and often closed.
The Cow Pie Cafe is located just north of town about a mile on the west side of the road. It offers a small menu and cold drinks. Sorry, no cow pies.
If you are real hungry, and the restaurants happen to be closed, the small market is your only hope for snacks. The next restaurant south is Papa Fernandez Camp, 2 to 3 hours away, depending upon the road and the type of vehicle being driven.
Baja Cookbooks by Ann Hazard and other fun Baja information can be reviewed on her web site at BAJA MAGIC.
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As time goes on the little market Las Palmas on the main road (east side) features
a little bit bigger selection than the year before. Still, don't expect
much. The next market south at Rancho Grande is called San Luis Market and is 60 miles away on the gravel road, offering
a bigger selection of goods from tampons to tequila!
Nick-nacks and patty-whacks are available in the small store area inside the Puertecitos Restaurant, just up from the main beach in town. It tends to be closed 90% of the time.
Cold cervesa and light snacks are available at the Tecate store up on the small hill east of the main road.
Visit the web site of JOHN RAMOS to review his unique and colorful Mexico art work.
For further shopping opportunities grab your credit card and head for the web sites of Baja fanatics BAJA BOB.
ALPHA BETA
Located on the right hand side of the road, as you enter town from the north.
A small market with just the basics. If you can't find what you want here, try "Las Palmas" on the other side of the street, as you enter town.
Probably closed when you get there...tell a friend.LAS PALMAS
Entering town from the north, Abarotes Las Palmas is on the left hand side of the street, before the airport.
The newest shopping location in town, with an increasingly larger selection of goods. Also selling beer and ice!TECATE MARKET
Entering town from the north the Tecate store is on the left hand side of the street past the airport up the hill.
Beer and a small selection of snacks.PUERTECITOS RESTAURANT STORE
Located just up the beach from the main cove, inside the Puertecitos Restaurant.
The kind of stuff for sale you really don't need.
No wonder it's usually closed!
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MEXICO EXPO TRAVEL GUIDE
BAJA EXPO
The gasoline situation in Puertecitos is iffy. Sometimes they have it, sometimes they don't. If they do have it, the place to look would be the PEMEX station on the left side of town, as you enter from the north. Not that there will be any gas in the pumps, but there may be gas available in 50 gallon drums nearby at about $3.50 per gallon. The residual gasoline left in one's mouth after an adventure with the siphoning hose does wonders to remove that unwanted plaque from the teeth. We're still not sure what affect this has on gums. The price of gasoline here is generally higher than gas purchased in San Felipe.
Two good web sites to review for RVer's who want to tour the Baja Peninsula in an escorted RV caravan include BAJA WINTERS and BAJA AND BACK RV TOURS.
Puertecitos also has a dirt airstrip, but it's not for weekend pilots. It is located right in town, with mobile homes, fences, dogs and dune buggies on all sides. It would be advisable to inquire at the airport of entry in San Felipe about current landing conditions. The runway surface starts to get soft towards the very south end, but nothing you can't throttle through on taxi. A small dirt hill on the southwest end can be taxied up to get closer to the Pemax station, which is never open. Gas can be obtained from the Orozca family near the south end of the runway. They will also provide the form you need to fill out if you land here. There is no landing fee.
For more general information on transportation in Baja check out our main BAJA TRANSPORTATION section.
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MEXICO EXPO TRAVEL GUIDE
BAJA EXPO
This whole town is miscellaneous! Don't take my word for it, go check it
out for yourself. If your not 100% satisfied that this is the strangest place in the
Milky Way, Carlos Fiesta will buy you a margarita. Blended or on the rocks.
PUERTECITOS LIBRARY
Located just up from the beach behind the Puertecitos Restaurant.
This is not only the smallest library in Baja, it is the smallest library in the world!
A fun collection of paperbacks and some hard covers as well.
Grab a book and head on down to the beach!TOP OF PAGE MEXICO EXPO TRAVEL GUIDE BAJA EXPO 
Puertecitos real estate is one-of-a-kind. It offers some of the most unique real estate in Baja. Home range from converted trailers, mobile homes, plywood dwellings, and a few dwellings are actually built with concrete and block. There are no real estate brokers in town, so most buyers and sellers seem to work out sales pretty much on their own.
Baja aficionados interested in building or buying a home near the Baja coastline might be interested in the web site of MATRIX UTILITIES for some good ideas on desalinization, energy options and waste disposal.
Thinking about moving south of the border? Visit the web site of BAJA RELOCATION for a head's up for what awaits you.
For extensive information on Peninsula real estate visit the web site of BIENES BAJA REAL ESTATE.
Visit the web site of BAJA BUSINESS CONSULTANTS for a review of the legal end of living or doing business in Baja.
HOMES FOR SALE
OCEAN VIEW HOUSE FOR SALE
Telephone (805) 250-1374.
E-mail: PEllis318@aol.com.
2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 750 sq. ft.
Why only visit Paradise when you can live here?TOP OF PAGE BAJA EXPO CABO EXPO CABCUN EXPO MEXICO EXPO