Sad news is being reported out of Baja. Coco from Coco’s Corner has passed away. Coco, whose real name is Jorge Enrique Corral has been a Baja fixture for decades. He lived at Coco’s Corner, which has long been a must stop to see his eclectic collection of toilets and broken television sets. Coco had a collection of guest books that contained signatures of travelers from all around the world. Coco was always full of advice and “Baja knowledge.” He spoke little English but could point you in the right direction of whatever you were looking for.
The original Coco’s corner sat along a dusty road that connected small towns along the Sea of Cortez to Baja’s main Highway 1. A new paved highway was built to extend Mexico Highway 5 to Highway 1. An effort was made to relocate Coco’s Corner along the Highway, so travelers could still stop in and say and have a beer. Races including the Baja 1000 and NORRA Mexican 1000 have gone right past Coco’s Corner. Coco offered camping on his property during the races and racers would use the location as a pit stop.