8 Tips For Off-Road Traveling in Mexico

Off-Road Traveling in Mexico

8 Important Tips For Fun and Great Times when Off-Road traveling in Mexico

Mexico Insurance Store
Off-Pavement in Chihuahua

 

Story and Photos by Jim Foreman

More and more areas in the United States are being cut off from off-highway use by misguided politicians and an increasingly ignorant electorate. Because of that, more Americans are discovering or rediscovering Mexico as an exciting and wonderful place to get some dirt or sand under your wheels.

It makes no difference what style of adventure suits you. You may be into Jeep trails, taking out quads and dirtbikes, or bringing the fancy ATV like the popular Razor. You may just want to take your 4×4 pickup. There’s something for everyone in Mexico.

Let’s Get Started

Regions such as Baja California and Sonora including the north area surrounding Rocky Point are excellent places to head off-pavement.

Off-Pavement and Off-Road traveling are very alive and well in many parts of the country. It doesn’t matter if world-televised events like the Baja 1000 inspired you or it’s only a fun weekend with friends. It’s essential that one doesn’t let the spirit of fun and thrills get in front of common sense and respect for nature and others.

Follow these 8 important tips for off-road traveling in Mexico.

1. When crossing the border, make sure the vehicles are titled or registered in someone’s name that is also along for the trip. Back in the 1980’s many vehicle thieves were headed straight south without hindrance. The US and Mexican governments agreed to have random vehicles stopped when crossing south to verify the registration or title. A color photocopy or printout of the registration or title is almost always fine.

2. Know that outside of the populated areas, you probably have no mobile phone service. If using GPS, make sure everyone has the coordinates for the basecamp or hotel. Someone in the group needs to act as a leader and know where to find the nearest medical facilities.

Mexican insurance
A spectacular unique view of Copper Canyon

 

3. Before you begin riding, make sure to stock up on water and have a general idea of the terrain. The most prominent medical issue for off-roaders is dehydration. Once you become dehydrated, something much worse is imminent. If you begin to feel it, it’s too late. Therefore, drink water or Electrolit and relax for a while, in the shade.

Pro Tip: Mexican insurance is required for any on-road or off-road travel on Mexican roads.

4. You should only travel during daylight hours, no matter how many lumens your lightbar puts out. Also, have a plan to end the riding long before sunset so you can transition to great food, drinks, stories, and friendship. Animals, as well as illicit activity, are much more active at night.

5. If you’re unfamiliar with the area you plan to travel or explore, ask others who have been there recently. This may seem obvious, but a lot of people end up in an uncomfortable situation because they don’t heed this simple advice.

Baja California Off-Roading
The infamous Coco’s Corner in Baja California

 

6. Be careful that you are not invading someone’s private property without permission. Again, this should be obvious, but more so on the mainland, there are a lot of extensive ranches that are private property. Landowners don’t know who you are and what your intentions are. Find out and ask permission, if necessary, before trouble finds you.

Don’t forget to use your head

7. If you come across a situation that doesn’t seem right, turn around quickly and get out of there. Don’t be too curious and know when to get away from a potentially negative situation.

Tom enjoying the sea around Mulegé

 

8. I would travel with some beer and water on ice. Don’t drink until you are done riding for the day. Instead, keep it, along with water, for when you get stuck somewhere or need help. Few things will make someone happier to help you than an ice-cold beer in their hand.

Additional Advice

Beyond these tips is a necessary understanding. Above all, if someone gets seriously injured, it’s really up to you to get that person to medical facilities. No helicopter will be hovering overhead in 30 minutes, or ever. Therefore, having someone along with some basic first aid or Wilderness EMT training is very wise.

As far as Mexico insurance goes, If you’re insuring a truck, jeep, or street-legal motorcycle, understand what’s covered and what’s not. For example, if you’re off in the dunes and end up damaging your vehicle or someone else’s, you’re not covered. Few, if any insurers will underwrite your coverage as a result. 

Off-Road and Off Payment

Now, off-Road and off-pavement are two different things. You will discover many roads and even some federal highways that have unpaved portions. If it’s a road one can find on a map, you are covered, if you have full coverage. If your vehicle becomes disabled in a remote area or primitive road, you’ll need to find someone with a truck to help you get it into a town so your tow service included with your insurance can help you. Use the AAA standard logic. If you’re a member of AAA ask yourself, would they come here to retrieve my disabled vehicle if this were in the US? If not, you are responsible for getting it to a place they will be able to load it up and transport it.

Off-roading is fun and more than rewarding. Do it safely and with a hefty dose of good sense.

Remember, if your vehicle is traveling on the Mexican streets, you must have proper coverage. Mexican Insurance Store has the best Mexico insurance to protect you and your vehicle in Mexico.

Great Times In The Dirt
Sometimes Pavement isn’t so bad

 

Off-Road Traveling in Mexico
A more difficult road leading into Batopilas, Chih

23 Comments. Leave new

  • Bill Ferguson
    January 8, 2018 8:39 pm

    Love riding that road going down from La Bufa into Batoplias back in the mid 90’s on dirt bikes, then making our way to the Lost Cathedral of Satevo, across the Rio Feurtes and then adventuring on to Los Mochis

  • Hi Bill,
    Several photos were taken on the southern route from Guachochi to Batopilas via Yoquivo. Looking back it was quite fun. There were many steep inclines and declines with mostly small and medium loose rocks. Combine all that with deep ruts and the day proved to be quite a challenge. A challenge that paid off in intense scenery and unparalleled beauty.
    Oh… And to make the challenge more exciting, of the 6 bikes on that trip, two were streetbikes with street tires. One (mine) had full fairings. Those two did surprisingly well and earned a lot of respect that day, along with several rounds of drinks during dinner.
    -Jim

  • Charissa Hornsby
    May 25, 2018 8:03 pm

    The protection you get from Mexican insurance allows your car to drive on the road with extra protection. But off-road activities can put you to drive in extreme risks.

  • Fairy Becerra
    June 20, 2018 11:47 pm

    For the best adventure and experience, just get yourself ready before having an off road traveling. Getting stuff ready is key.

  • Bryce Shofner
    May 26, 2019 7:35 pm

    Even to the most skilled and careful driver, Mexican auto insurance is still needed. It’s a strict requirement to comply with the Mexico law.

  • Off-road travelling is super exciting but dangerous on the other hand. Younger motorists enjoy some risks in driving which older people might find more fearful

  • Rocky Flanery
    July 26, 2019 6:30 pm

    One sure thing that will be fine is to observe silence and give respect to the military. They expect the people to act this way while inspection is being done.

  • Just stay calm and polite to the ones conducting the checkpoints. Point your luggage to them so they can inspect it as needed. Don’t argue with what they’re doing.

  • Terrance Santo
    July 16, 2020 6:15 pm

    Driving and flying have specific expenses, including pros and cons. Mostly, people prefer driving over flying because they can go anywhere and car rentals are much more expensive. Mexican insurance for travelers is much less expensive online.

  • Your Mexican car insurance is your gate pass on the border. You don’t have one? There are available policies at the border.

  • This is true, but border policies are more expensive and usually cover less or much less than buying online.

  • For off-road traveling, observing some safety measures will prevent a world of hurt. Things like, packing emergency supplies and being aware of the changing weather before you go matter a lot.

  • Lolita Mccullough
    December 12, 2021 5:47 pm

    Want to take adventure of your first off-road traveling? Regardless of what you want to do with your off-road traveling, being prepared is essential.

  • Svetlana Mccrary
    January 17, 2022 7:24 pm

    Camping is an amazing opportunity to treasure and to remember for a lifetime. To be able to do this, we need to be in the right camping place to ensure a wonderful lifetime experience. Thanks for Mexico’s great environment.

  • Jospeh Shipley
    January 23, 2022 6:32 pm

    We have researched for a few destinations in Mexico and our priority is Rocky Point. We’ve already gone to some destinations but this time our target is Rocky Point. Can’t wait to see Mexico.

  • Vivien Waldrop
    May 13, 2022 6:48 pm

    Boxing and running have always been successful in the international sports competition. It’s tried and tested in most competitions of Mexico.

  • If a driver is at fault, and he has insufficient Mexico insurance coverage, the UM portion of your car insurance means that sometimes your insurance carrier can settle the difference.

  • Cammy Coyne
    May 27, 2022 10:52 pm

    Motorcycle riding makes me feel good and it’s one of my joys. I appreciate the mixed feelings of fear, exhilaration, relaxation and, of course, fun and pleasure. My level of adrenaline is high and strong.

  • Giselle Mahaffey
    June 10, 2022 7:22 pm

    Excitement and thrill never ends. The roaring wind, the rumbling engine under you, and the dashing two wheels make my most adventurous motorcycle riding in Mexico.

  • Sook Cheney
    June 27, 2022 6:47 pm

    One way of being involved in new year’s celebration is to eat a dozen of grapes in just 12 seconds. They believe that wishes will be granted and good luck will follow their way during the year.

  • Joana Hanks
    July 5, 2022 6:58 pm

    If the engine temperature goes beyond the optimum level, it becomes overheat. Or if engine temperature becomes too cold or too hot, it can cause a breakdown to your car.

  • Shawnna Rosenbaum
    July 7, 2022 6:24 pm

    Even if you’re not in a rush, waiting in a line is annoying. No one wastes hours of the day waiting to get their Mexico car insurance coverage.

  • With today’s online shopping it’s not difficult to insure your car. Mexican car insurance companies are all over the internet. A few clicks will get your car covered.

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