This farming community 20 kilometers (12 mi) south of Ensenada is unremarkable except for the fact that it’s the southernmost limit of Baja’s “free zones.” Beyond Km 23, every visitor is supposed to possess a valid tourist permit or visa. The immigration checkpoint at Km 23 has been closed for several years now, so be sure to validate your tourist card in Ensenada. A military puesto de control may be in operation to check for drugs and weapons.

Restaurants, small grocery stores, auto parts shops, and other small businesses line Mexico 1 in the middle of Maneadero. Locally grown olives—along with tamales—are sold in great abundance at roadside stands. A car wash on the east side of the highway performs an excellent exterior and interior cleaning for around US$5, something to consider if you’re on the way north after extensive off-highway driving in the interior.

Las Canadas Campamiento (Km 31–32, tel. 646/153-1055, U.S. tel. 800/027-3828, www.lascanadas.com, US$12 pp) is a popular swimming resort that offers water activities in the summer and camping year-round. A half dozen pull-through sites with full hookups are available.

The highway through Maneadero is famous for its prodigious topes, or speed bumps. Drive slowly.