- Will I need Mexican Pesos and will I have ATM access?
While most businesses will accept US Dollars, you can easily obtain pesos from the ATMs located in La Paz and Loreto. Be prepared to pay a fee on both ends for these transactions (typically under $10).
- Will I be able to recharge my batteries during the trip?
No charging services are available while on the trip. Make sure to charge up in your hotel room before departing, or bring spare batteries if you will need them.
- Will I have cell phone reception or access to email?
Cell phone service is limited while in most locations, and no internet service is provided while on the trip. If you find that you do have a cellular signal, we request that you respect other travelers and limit any use to area defined by your guides.
- Is it safe to travel in Mexico?
The state of Baja California Sur is far from the violence reported in the news in other regions of Mexico. La Paz and Loreto are noted for their tranquility and safety. You can feel comfortable in either city walking at night. Tourist police abound in these cities, and are more than willing to help answer any questions you have.
- Is it safe to drink the water and ice?
While you may feel more comfortable drinking out of disposable plastic water bottles, rest assured that any water you are served is potable. Almost everyone drinks water from a garrafón, 5 gallon blue plastic water bottles. Cubed ice is made from potable water.
- How much should I tip?
It is customary to tip between 10% and 15%.
- Do I need a visa? Should I carry my passport?
If you purchase your air ticket in the US, your tourist visa is included in the price (around $20). You will be asked to fill out a visa form before you land. If traveling from Tijuana or another Mexican city, you will need to purchase the visa in the airport. If traveling by land, you can purchase the visa at the border. Make sure to keep your visa documents with you and your passport or a copy at all times.
- Should I purchase traveler's insurance?
We recommend you purchase traveler's insurance. We can recommend a provider if you do not have one.
- Will my special dietary needs be accommodated?
Absolutely! Our chefs pride themselves on meeting culinary challenges. Please indicate on your pre-trip departure forms if you are Vegetarian, Vegan, or have any food allergies or special dietary needs.
- Can RED arrange my airline travel?
RED does not directly arrange air travel. We can recommend a travel agent.
- How much luggage can I take?
As you will be traveling by boat (or mule fore some of our trips to Sierra de la Giganta), we request that you limit luggage to one suitcase or duffel and a backpack or other type bag. A small backpack is handy for carrying cameras, water bottle, books, hats, etc. If you have excess luggage, you can leave it with us.
- What clothes and gear should I pack?
Clothes:
-
Sun hat (preferably with strap)
-
Windbreaker or rain jacket
- Warm jacket (for trips Nov-May)
-
Shorts and long pants
Long-sleeve shirt for the sun
-
T-shirts or light button downs
-
Swimsuit
Jacket, fleece, or sweatshirt
-
Socks, underwear
-
Long underwear, gloves, warm cap (for trips Nov-May)
-
Sleepwear
-
Tennis or walking shoes (they might get wet, consider bringing spares)
- Water-friendly sandals (flip-flops, Tevas)
-
Sunglasses
Gear:
- Sunblock, SPF30 minimum
-
Camera with case, film, extra batteries
-
Dry-bag
Day pack
-
Dirty clothes bag
-
Binoculars
-
Contact lenses, solution, glasses
-
Headlamp or flashlight
-
Travel alarm clock
-
Pen and notebook
-
Money
-
Passport
-
Water bottle or canteen
-
Toiletries (please bring only biodegradable soaps and shampoos. We provide towels)