The boulder fields of Catavina offer a unique bit of Baja. Set smack in the middle of a 180-mile gas-free stretch between El Rosario and Villa Jesus Maria, the hamlet of Catavina is easy to pass by. Our advice is to spend the night. The boulder fields and an astonishing array of cactus combined with stunning sunsets make for a pleasant stop along the way.

As most of us are currently self-quarantining at home I just wanted to share with you some of our favorite photos of the area to whet your travel juices for a later date.

Driving Baja? The best bit of advice for a night in Catavina is to make sure you are well gassed up. The long-closed gas station has allowed creative locals to offer gas from 50-gallon drums while the new gas station is a mere tease.

You might even make a new friend…. or, better advice, be careful of your step. 

The good news, Catavina may be getting closer to an operating Pemex with the mini-mart fully stocked. The dream continues.

The fanciest place to stay is the Hotel Mision Inn. The rooms are pleasant, they allow campers to camp behind the hotel for free, and the restaurant is decent if a bit pricy.

If you’re camping we suggest you check out Rancho Santa Inez. The setting is spectacular and the family that runs it very friendly. Facilities have improved in the last year and they offer a decent 100peso dinner. And Ralph, an American ex-pat loves to come by and make sure you have everything you need.

Wherever you are we send out cyber hugs. The world is a new place these days and all of our travel dreams are on hold but this, too, shall end, and once again we will be free to roam the world.