Directions to Cantamar via the San Ysidro Border Crossing

The trip to Lomas de Cantamar consists of 2 parts:

1) Getting to the US-Mexico border

2) Going thru Tijuana on south to Cantamar

Cantamar is about 13 miles south of Rosarito. The total trip to Cantamar, assuming you are leaving downtown San Diego, is 53 miles. These directions assume you are crossing into Mexico via the San Ysidro border crossing.

The distance from downtown San Diego on I-5 to the US San Ysidro border is 18 miles. The trip to the border is usually quick, depending on the time of the day; if it is a late Friday afternoon, work traffic can be a problem. Also, recently there has been some back-up of traffic right as you approach the border crossing on the I-5 or I-805 due to the new Mexico border crossing.

Once you have reached the border, the distance from the border to the Cantamar exit off the toll road, where our house is located, is 33 miles. This segment usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, assuming good traffic in Mexico (which is usually the case).

Now, here is how to do your journey, starting at the San Ysidro border:

As you pass the Mexican checkpoint, you will receive either a Green Light or a Red Light. If you receive a red light, you must turn right into a Mexican inspection area and allow the authorities to inspect the contents of your vehicle.. If you receive a Green Light (most of the time) continue on the main road.

Mark your odometer as 0 as you cross the border.

Merge to the right hand lane, follow the sign “Rosarito/Ensenada Scenic Road” and take the bridge that goes off to the right.

From now on, always follow signs that say either “Ensenada”, or “Rosarito” or “Cuota” (which means toll road).

The road you are now on will quickly begin to parallel with the US Border and continues west toward the ocean. The road goes up a large hill, then back down the hill, and as you do this, get in your right lane. At 3 miles from the border, you want to veer to the right at a sign that says “Playas (beaches)” “Rosarito”, “Ensenada”. Continue west up a hill.

At 4 miles you want to stay on the road that follows the signs to “Rosarito Cuota”, “Rosarito”, “Ensenada”.

Get in your left lane because at 5.4 miles you want to veer to the left, following the sign “Rosarito” “Cuota”. Do NOT go to the right, which is to the “Playas”.

You will then be welcomed with a big sign that says “Bienvenidos”.

You will soon approach a tollbooth (the first of 2 tollbooths you will use on the Cuota road) at 7 miles. Be prepared to pay about $2.50 in US currency. Exact change is helpful. Keep the receipt since it entitles you to free road-side assistance while on the toll road from roaming “assist vehicles”. Immediately after passing any tollbooth, there are public restrooms and parking to the right.

Continue south on the Baja 1 toll road to Rosarito. Stay on Baja 1, which by passes Rosarito, which is on the right hand (west) side.

[Note: If you want to take the “free road” to Cantamar toward the end of your trip for scenic purposes, or to visit the town of Rosarito, you will see an exit at about 20 miles on the Cuota road, for downtown Rosarito. Take this exit, and visit the town, and either go back to the tollroad (and turn south), or stay on the “free road”, and head south down to Cantamar.]

Just south of Rosarito you will find another tollbooth (this will be at 23 miles). Be prepared to pay about $2.50 again.

Continue south on Baja 1. You will see the Fox Movie Studios (where “Titanic” and “Master & Commander” were filmed) on your right hand side. At 26 miles, you will be passing by the Calafia condo towers, and the Calafia hotel and restaurant, located on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. At 28 miles, you cannot miss the giant Jesus statue on your left hand side. Jesus is welcoming you to the area, and reminding you to not forget to go to church on Sunday, and to tip the Mexicans heavily so the Catholic churches stay alive.

At 32 miles, you will pass the locally famous Puerto Nuevo, also known as “Lobster Village.Now get in your right-hand lane, and be ready to make your exit to Cantamar, which occurs at 33 miles (which happens to be at 53 kilometers). The exit sign says “Cantamar”. Take this exit and turn right on the road (which is the “free road”), then immediately left in to the Cantamar , get into the curve which leads you to a small bridge and go straight, about 150 ft. you will turn right on stop sign and follow the street that will take you where the house is located, about 1 miles you will see the guards shed with a two arch façade, passing that, find Calle BAHIA DE BALLENAS, an the house is just on the street corner. Call for any information (661) 612-28-41.