FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)

GETTING THERE

How do I get to San Felipe?

San Felipe is approximately 2 hours south of the border towns of Mexicali, MX and Calexico, CA on Highway 5.

Click here for directions through Mexicali to San Felipe.  (To view this documents and others on this website you will need Adobe Reader.  You can download Adobe Reader by clicking here.)  There is some construction that you may encounter but most of the construction is complete with a brand new 4 lane highway.

How do I get to La Hacienda?

La Hacienda is located approximately 5 miles south of central San Felipe on the road to Puertecitas. It is also located approximately one mile from the airport. Follow the signs that direct you to Las Casitas.  Click here for driving directions to La Hacienda.

LA HACIENDA

How do I get the keys to Casa Sonora, Casa Baja, or Casa Monterrey?

Arturo Aguirre is the local property manager for Casa Sonora, Casa Baja, and Casa Monterrey. When possible, he will meet you at La Hacienda with keys to the home.  Those arriving when he is unavailable will be given the code to a lockbox located at the front gate of each home.

 

Mike Sperry, the owner of Casa de Esperanza, lives next door and will be available when you arrive.  Those arriving when he is unavailable will be given the code to a lockbox located at the front door of the home.

 

Can I drink the water?

La Hacienda has its own water system that is fed from a well and storage tank.  Most people can drink the water from the tap with no side effects. 

What do we need to bring?

All of our homes are well equipped with most of the amenities included in any home. Click here for a typical inventory list.  Please plan on bringing beach towels, chairs, umbrella, etc. for use at the beach.

What about television?

Each home has satellite television with local Phoenix channels (Casa de Esperanza has local Los Angeles stations).

Telephone?

Our homes do not have telephone service.  Some US cell phone companies provide service in Mexico (AT&T for example). You should call your cell phone service provider for more information and rates.

Internet access?

Casa de Esperanza is the only home with internet access at this time.  There is an internet café (The Net) one block off of the Malecon in San Felipe.  In addition, there are several WiFi hotspots in town including Rice and Beans, Bar Mira Mar, Playa de Oro, and El Dorado Ranch to name a few.

Are there laundry facilities?

Casa Sonora, Casa Baja, and Casa Monterrey do not have laundry facilities available to guests.  Casa de Esperanza does have laundry facilities available to guests.  For guests staying 6 days or longer in Casa Sonora, Casa Baja, or Casa Monterrey, the housekeeper will be glad to launder one load of clothes during her mid stay cleaning.

How do we get to the beach?

You can take the main street in La Hacienda towards the ocean until the street ends.  A staircase will then take you down to the beach.  All of the homes are within walking distance to the beach.

When will I get my deposit back?

After an inspection by the property manager, a check will be sent to you for your deposit.  You should receive your deposit within 10 business days.

Can we bring pets?

Well behaved pets are welcome at Casa Sonora, Casa Baja, and Casa Monterrey.  We do assess an additional cleaning fee for pets.  Please check the rates and availability page for the amount.  Please check with your veterinarian for required immunizations and check with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for requirements for bringing pets back across the border.

What do we do if we have a problem?

While staying at Casa Baja, Casa Sonora, or Casa Monterrey, please contact our local property manager, Arturo Aguirre.  His contact information will be provided to you after your booking is confirmed.  For those staying at Casa de Esperanza, please contact Mike Sperry next door.

MEXICO AND SAN FELIPE

Do I need a passport to enter and return from Mexico?

Go to www.travel.state.gov for the latest information on passport requirements.

Do I need special automobile insurance?

You will need to purchase Mexican automobile insurance prior to entering Mexico.  You can purchase the insurance at any of the insurance agents located near the border or get it in advance online.  Our favorite is Mex Insure. Make sure you let them know if you are towing any kind of trailer.

Motorcycle and watercraft/boat insurance is also available.  You need to remember that if you are in an accident with your motorcycle or watercraft, your vehicle can be impounded and you can be detained until your financial obligations are settled.  Insurance can be very helpful in these cases.

What types of currency are used in San Felipe?  Will I be able to use my credit/debit card?

Cash (US dollars or pesos) is king but there are many restaurants, shops, and gas stations that will take credit/debit cards.  Make sure you ask ahead of time.  There are ATMs available at banks or the 7/11 that dispense pesos.  We suggest you call your bank prior to departing to tell them that you will be travelling in Mexico to avoid any problems. 

 

Small bills ($1’s and $5’s) are a good idea to have to pay vendors.  You will tend to get a better value if you exchange dollars into pesos.  There are several money exchange offices in town.  Most post their rates so you can shop around.

What about gas?

There are several Pemex gas stations in San Felipe.  At least one of them takes credit/debit cards (the 7/11 Pemex does not).  There are no gasoline stations between Mexicali and San Felipe (approx. 80 miles) so please plan accordingly.

Do we need to bring our own food?

There are a few small supermarkets in San Felipe along with carnicerias (meat markets), pescadarias (fish markets), convenience stores, and liquor stores. Staple items are generally available but you will need to bring any specialty foods or beverages.

What types of activities are available in San Felipe?

San Felipe is a fishing village with a long history of sport fishing. You can arrange for sport fishing trips on small boats along the Malecon. There are numerous quad rental businesses and quads are prevalent on public streets in San Felipe. There are sand dunes within minutes of downtown and immediately next to La Hacienda. There is an 18 hole championship golf course located at El Dorado Ranch approximately 10 miles north of San Felipe. There is always sightseeing, waterfalls in the mountains, sulfur hot springs at the ocean’s edge in Puertecitas, and wild horses visible at times just outside the entrance to La Hacienda. The ocean can be fun with excellent boating and personal watercraft opportunities. You will have to bring your own boats and watercraft as there are no rentals currently available in town.  Click here for more information on local attractions.

How are the restaurants?

There are many fine restaurants available in San Felipe.  Some of our favorites downtown include Taco Factory (local fare, outside eating), Baja Mar (local fare, inside eating), El Nido (steakhouse), and Longosta Roja (Italian fare).  North of town there is Playa de Oro (Mexican and American) and El Dorado Ranch (American fare).  For the more adventurous, there are always the street tacos along the Malecon and the ever present pizza joint.  For an outstanding dining experience visit the Sweet Spot along the Malecon and tell Jesus and Stephanie that San Felipe Vacations sent you. 

What about shopping?

Along the Malecon there are many vendors peddling their wares along with numerous souvenir shops and shops with Mexican home decorating items. Most shops take cash only (US dollars and pesos).

What is the weather like? And the tides?

For the latest San Felipe weather, click here.  A local tide chart can be found here.