When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Took my 2020 Defender into Baja for a week. 2300 miles round trip! I have the full Front Runner rack, Overland Pros Anza 2000 roof top tent and Overland Pros Wraptor 4K 270 degree awning. Packing was tight with 5 people and limited space in the rear. Definitely not as big as the LR3 or old 110. 4 Front Runner cub boxes stacked nicely. I also ordered the Front Runner pro chef table but it got lost in the mail. Really angry it didn't show up.
Drove to San Diego for the night then crossed border in Tecate in the morning. Got FMM stamped to be 'official' as the Mex car insurance said u need to for a valid policy.
Headed south to Guadalupe Valley wine region near Ensenada. Beautiful valley with lots of wineries. Camped at El Valle RV Park for the night. Clean restrooms, showers but dogs barking all night.
Days, headed into Ensenada for fish tacos at El Fenix and then to La Bufadora the tourist trap blowhole. But we had kids with us so they enjoyed the scenery and all the vendors.
Before crossing the border Bodegas F Rubio winery El Valle RV park Best fish tacos in Ensenada La Bufadora
Saw an awesome last edition 2016 D90, 2 of 10 in a grey (Carpathian?) color at Bodega F Rubio winery.. Guy was super cool, from Tijuana and out wine tasting.
Stayed in Catavina at the hotel as we rolled in later. Headed further south to Guerrero Negro for whale watching. Camped right on the beach at Campo Esmeralda and had the beach to ourselves.
We then headed to Bahia de Los Angeles (BOLA) and camped on the beach at Campo Archelon. Went fishing for some yellowtail and cod eventhough it is off-season. Caught 6 yellowtail and a bunch of cod. My sons first offshore fishing adventure!
Stopped by to say hi to Coco, an icon with the Baja racing community. The new highway diverted all traffic away from his eclectic Cocs Corner but he is moving soon to be closer to the highway. Then to Bay of Gonzaga for a last night camping on the beach. Punta Final was full but we stayed at Campo El Sacrificio and it was a calm night for the kids to go paddleboarding. On the trip, we had 4 vehicles, my 2020 Defender, a 1994 Defender 110, Lr3 and a sportsmobile van. 6 adults and 6 children. Always felt safe and the Mexican people were open and gracious and the food was excellent.
Looks and sounds like a memorable trip that your kids will cherish forever, well done! That 2016 D90 is to die for, but yours is no slouch either, it looks kitted to perfection for overlanding. Baja is quite a spectacular region, been there many times (I actually have family living in Ensenada.) Thanks for sharing, great photos.
Defender in Baja
