Directions / Maps:
THINKING ABOUT DRIVING DOWN? HERE'S HOW:
Driving down in Mexico is the same as the U.S. Obey the posted signs and you will be fine. The coastal route from San Diego to Ensenada has 2 options: Free road (Free) or the Toll road ($7.50 each way).
Toll Road INSURANCE
Did you know when you pay a toll you are automatically covered by the insurance provided by Caminos y Puentes Federales? When you receive the receipt from the toll booth (make sure to keep it in a safe place you will need it to file a claim) read the back of it. It may say something like this: "El seguro cubre responsabilidad civil, gastos medicos y ultimos gastos." English translation: "Insurance covers civil liability, medical payments and funeral expenses." This insurance has always been somewhat of a mystery to people. What exactly does it cover? Here we explain what it does (and doesn't cover) while you are on the toll road.
TOLL ROAD INSURANCE COVERAGE:
The insurance covers two different situations. One, if you are at fault it will cover the following:
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Damage to the road
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Damage to other vehicles including medical payments for occupants and pedestrians
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Medical payments and funeral expenses for occupants of your vehicle
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There is no deductible if you are driving a car, but there are deductibles if you are driving a bus or a small bus or larger vehicl
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The insurance will not cover damage to your vehicle if you are at fault
Secondly, if you are not at fault, it will pay for :
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Damage to your vehicle including towing expenses
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Medical payments for occupants of your vehicle including land ambulance to the nearest medical center
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The above will be covered as a consequence of landslides, objects within the asphalt, holes, and substances that have been spilled on the road.
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If tires have been damaged, lights broken, or glass breakage has occurred to the vehicle, the insurance will only cover the damage if it is due to loose pavement on the road due to maintenance of the road.
DIRECTIONS TO TECATE FROM SAN DIEGO (approximately 1hr)
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Take 94 east (approx 25miles/30mins)
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Take a right on to CA-94/Campo Rd (approx 23mils / 25mins)
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Turn right onto CA-188 south
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Slight right towards CA-188
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Slight right onto CA-188
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Notice the signs to either stay in the "Nothing to Declare (Nada que declarar)"
lanes or to take the "Something to Declare (Autodeclaración)" lane to the right. -
Next you will take a sharp left and line up in whichever line you wish.
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Get ready to cross. Wait for the green light to let you enter.
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Then you will pull up and wait for your green or red light to proceed.
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Proceed to exit the customs facility and take note of the signs.
ONCE INTO MEXICO:
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Go straight continuing on Presidente Lázaro Cárdenas
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That's it... you'll run right into the race!
DIRECTIONS TO ENSENADA FROM SAN DIEGO (Approximately 1.5hrs)
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Take 5 south
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Heading south on the 5 or 805, continue as if you will be crossing the
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old border crossing at San Ysidro (Puerta México).
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At the old border crossing the road takes a sharp, more than 90 degree right turn.
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Next, you will drive down the new, but temporary road that takes you to the crossing.
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Notice the signs to either stay in the "Nothing to Declare (Nada que declarar)"lanes or to take the "Something to Declare (Autodeclaración)" lane to the right.
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Next you will take a sharp left and line up in whichever line you wish.
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Get ready to cross. Wait for the green light to let you enter.
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Then you will pull up and wait for your green or red light to proceed.
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Proceed to exit the customs facility and take note of the signs.
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The exit to Avenida Internacional (aka Vía Internacional or Internacional) that leads to the Tijuana-Ensenada toll road is to the far right. There are also exits to Zona Río and to the Vía Rápida/Otay airport.
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Merge onto Avenida Internacional to head toward the coast and the toll road.
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Follow signs for Ensenada
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After your 3rd toll booth, you continue following the coast until your reach the city limits (approx. 15mins).
DON'T FORGET YOUR MEXICAN AUTO INSURANCE
