Fake travel stories are everywhere. It’s so prevalent that it’s hard to know what’s real.
Instagram influencer’s fake travel pics revealed when followers notice the exact same cloud pattern in all of her snaps
By Jim Foreman
Let’s say someone types “Travel Mexico” into their favorite search engine. Go ahead, try it. A slew of stories and articles will come up. Now, try to determine which ones are accurate and genuine information from people who travel there. That’s the thing. Most people who are writing these stories don’t actually go to Mexico. Most of these stories are imagined, made up, or fake.
Bored Panda recently featured another story about fake influencers.
Allow me to let you in on a little secret. Most ‘journalism’ you read is complete caca-del-toro. One person will write a story about a topic that wasn’t covered in a while. Then, seemingly overnight, over a dozen stories will pop up. Curiously, they all echo the same original story in that particular writer’s own words. Is it any more accurate? Nope!
Faking it is the currency of the social media world, it’s even how influencers get their start. -Bored Panda
What’s crazy is now there are twelve stories about Mexico travel, all based on one account. That original story writer hadn’t even been to Mexico. They just happened to glom onto a local Mexican story on their social media feed.
The worst are the ones who fake their travel adventures. That Instagram influencer or Facebook wanderlust warrior isn’t what you think. They are probably clever people simply looking to make money. This is nothing new. Since the dawn of journalism, this practice has been ongoing.
Discover more about this young travel influencer in this story in the Sun.
The Argentinian travel blogger says she couldn’t understand why jokes and insults had been taken so far on social media Credit: tupisaravia/Instagram
You, however, see through this inadvertent deception and want to know what’s genuinely happening in Mexico from people who are there, boots on the ground.
We do too!
How can we combat all the false, inaccurate, ridiculous, and worthless information? Mexican Insurance Store commissioned a series of stories meant to de-bunk the mostly lousy and unreliable information out there. Unlike most other sources, these stories and articles are real.
Explore for yourself accurate and straightforward information about traveling through Mexico.
Go to our award-winning in-depth articles about travel in Mexico. Each story is written by a verified traveler and vetted by locals living in Mexico.
Discover the real deal about traveling by car, truck, RV, or motorcycle. When you need the best Mexican insurance for cars, you’ll find it here at Mexican Insurance Store.
People are often surprised that Mexico is more than beaches.
Story by Jim Foreman
When someone mentions Mexico, the first vision that comes to mind for most people is the incredible beaches.
It’s true! Mexico has some of the planet’s best and most idyllic beaches. From the “Air-Conditioned” sand of Cancun to the perfect year-round weather of Ensenada, it takes no effort to imagine your favorite.
hanging out at the beach in Cancun
Curiously, many travelers to Mexico don’t know about the country.
So, you may ask, “OK, where else should I go in Mexico?” The answer largely depends on what you like to do.
Off-Road Antics
Each year, the USA restricts more land for off-highway use. Unfortunately, misguided policies driven by feelings rather than facts or reality have led to the closures of many popular US-based off-highway trails.
Fortunately, Baja California has many thousands of square miles off-highway roads to roam. So whether one is a casual explorer or a die-hard rock crawler, the entire length of Baja, both north and south, is your playground. Remember you need a Mexican car insurance policy for on-road travel, but it won’t protect you off-road.
Temples of the Cross Group at Mayan ruins of Palenque – Chiapas, Mexico
Fortunately, many of these sights are easy and rewarding to experience. Most visitors can quickly name the Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza in Yucatan. The peninsula is also home to many sites, including Tulum, on the coast. Lesser-known sites, including Coba, Palenque, Calakmul, Edzna, and Ek Balam, also are worth visiting. Many people wrongly believe Mayans to be wiped out. Though the empire is long gone, over seven million people live by the traditions and speak the Mayan language. These sites can be easily reached by car or a tour group. Going on your own is much better than arriving in hordes with dozens of other coach buses full of visitors for the more popular sites.
Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico. Teotihuacan is the biggest pre-Columbian archaeological site in North America.
Aztec Archeology
If Aztec history is more to your liking, look no further than Mexico City. The Capitol is built on top of the ruins that once formed part of the principal Aztec city, Tenochtitlan. The ruins are easily accessible and must be visited. Templo Mayor is found adjacent to the zocalo in the Capitol and is a memorable visit. Just outside of Mexico City, you can experience Teotihuacan. It’s the most important pre-Columbian site in North America. Tenayuca, located in San Bartolo, also shouldn’t be missed. Discovered in 1925, the name translates to Walled Place.
Though much smaller, another important Aztec destination is Tepozteco, located in Morelos. The site features a temple dedicated to the god of Pulque. Pulque, you might ask, is an alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant. The glass features a milky unfiltered consistency with a taste of sour yeast and is making a surprising comeback in many parts of Mexico.
Guachimontones – Round pyramids in Teuchitlan Jalisco Mexico
If you’re looking for a site off the beaten path, visit Los Guachimontones, about 25 miles east of Guadalajara. These pyramids are unique as they are round. Except for a small pyramid in Mexico City, these are the only known round pyramids in the world. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with outstanding interpreters who offer insight and a glimpse into the lives of those living here two thousand years ago.
Destinations Aplenty
Mexico remains a vibrant destination whether you choose an off-road, colonial, archeological, or beach trip. It is straightforward to travel on your own by driving, so long as you adhere to sensible safety guidelines and purchase quality Mexican car insurance. Some simple rules include not traveling at night or straying off into unknown regions without an invitation or recommendation. Travel with respect and an open mind. Keep all this in mind, and you will have a rewarding and memorable experience.
Rio Tampaon and Tamul waterfalls in the Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Jim Foreman is the owner and operator of Authentic Moto Travels. He leads groups of riders throughout all Mexico on Motorcycles. Annually, Jim travels over 20,000Km throughout Mexico. Jim also writes travel articles for numerous magazines and online publications worldwide, including Mexican car insurance policy recommendations for those driving in Mexico.
A dirt road through the middle of Baja, Mexico.
You can follow the trail of either the Baja 1000 or Baja 500 or base yourself in a town for day trips. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a dirt bike, quad, SxS, adventure bike, 4×4 truck, or desert racer; there is something for you.
Some favorite destinations for off-road travel include San Felipe, San Quentin (Old Mill), El Rosario (Mama Espinoza’s), Cataviña, Camalu, San Ignacio, or any of the dozens of destinations that off-roaders call heaven.
If your idea of Off-Road is hiking or mountain biking, “Parque Nacional Constitucion de 1857,” due east of Ensenada, is a beautiful destination. Further south, “Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Martir” offers stunning landscapes and spectacular vistas.
Regardless of your adventure, Baja is safe, fun, pristine, and open.
Visit New Spain’s Colonial Cities
Many people based in the western United States think places dating back to the 1800s are old. However, in Mexico, many cities date to the early 1600s and even earlier. These older buildings are due to Spain colonizing Mexico. Therefore, visiting one of these wonderfully preserved colonial cities is like taking a visit to Spain.
Cityscape of Guanajuato city during the blue hour with the famous orange Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, Mexico.
Guanajuato
Founded in 1559, the city of Guanajuato was New Spain’s second most important city. It is notable for its beauty, history, universities, culture, and Don Quixote. Though Miguel Cervantes never crossed the Atlantic to the new world, he would have felt right at home in Guanajuato. Guanajuato is often and accurately compared to the city of Toledo in Spain. Guanajuato widely celebrates the Spanish author Cervantes. The city hosts a three-week Festival Internacional Cervantino celebrated throughout most of October. Guanajuato is also Mexico’s most acclaimed artist, Diego Rivera’s birthplace.
Guanajuato is very walkable, with sights and history around every corner. Spend several days in Guanajuato. No matter how long you stay, it won’t be enough.
A Mexican car insurance policy from Mexican Insurance Store comes with roadside assistance at no additional charge.
Zacatecas
Another delightful city to visit is Zacatecas. This historic mining town is lovely and fun-filled and covered with a natural feature called La Bufa. Zacatecas was a key silver mining city in New Spain. Today, one should visit sections of the Roman-style aqueduct and Mexico’s first bull-fighting ring. Although no longer used for bullfights, the arena hosts essential public and private functions.
Aerial view of Zacatecas with the Bullring and Viaduct
At the top of La Bufa is a spectacular view of the city, along with a giant statue of Poncho Villa. A convent sits at the top along with the boarding location for the Teleferrico. The Teleferrico is a cable car that runs from the top of La Bufa to the city center and the mining museum.
A Callenjoneadas is making its way through the Zacatecas Centro. Photo by: Jim Foreman
Zacatecas also features a unique and wonderful celebration known as Callejoneadas. The Callejoneadas are a walking parade during the evening led by a loud and festive band. People join in the parade with little clay cups to enjoy a shot of cheap mescal along the way. These parades end at different locations throughout the Centro. Sometimes a private event, but more often, it’s in one of the many plazas with music, food, and drinks on hand. These traditional parades happen every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.
Cityscape of Queretaro city at night with its famous Viaduct
Querétaro
Querétaro makes up a trifecta of spectacular colonial cities. Most people unfamiliar with the pronunciation get the name wrong. (pronounced Keh-REH-tah-row) Always look for the accent mark.
Querétaro is Mexico’s second most prosperous city, following Monterrey. Officially known as Santiago de Querétaro, the town is the gateway to the Sierra Gorda mountains. It’s also home to many of the top universities in Mexico. Loaded with culture, beauty, and history, the opportunity to visit is a priority. A favorite place for locals and visitors alike is the Plaza de Armas. Many of the best restaurants and bars are located here.
During the day, a stroll through the many city gardens offers a safe tree-covered break from a day’s activities.
Mexico has dozens of fantastic colonial cities. Highlighted here are three of the best examples.
Pre-Historic Wonders
Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico.
Mexico is also home to many pre-colonial and pre-historic wonders. Most people know that Mexico was the home to the mighty Aztec and Mayan peoples. Beyond these two nations, hundreds of indigenous cultures thrived in Mexico. We know this from the countless ruins left to us and those discovered all the time.
Mayan Archeology
Temples of the Cross Group at Mayan ruins of Palenque – Chiapas, Mexico
Fortunately, many of these sights are easy and rewarding to experience. Most visitors can quickly name the Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza in Yucatan. The peninsula is also home to many sites, including Tulum, on the coast. Lesser-known sites, including Coba, Palenque, Calakmul, Edzna, and Ek Balam, also are worth visiting. Many people wrongly believe Mayans to be wiped out. Though the empire is long gone, over seven million people live by the traditions and speak the Mayan language. These sites can be easily reached by car or a tour group. Going on your own is much better than arriving in hordes with dozens of other coach buses full of visitors for the more popular sites.
Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico. Teotihuacan is the biggest pre-Columbian archaeological site in North America.
Aztec Archeology
If Aztec history is more to your liking, look no further than Mexico City. The Capitol is built on top of the ruins that once formed part of the principal Aztec city, Tenochtitlan. The ruins are easily accessible and must be visited. Templo Mayor is found adjacent to the zocalo in the Capitol and is a memorable visit. Just outside of Mexico City, you can experience Teotihuacan. It’s the most important pre-Columbian site in North America. Tenayuca, located in San Bartolo, also shouldn’t be missed. Discovered in 1925, the name translates to Walled Place.
Though much smaller, another important Aztec destination is Tepozteco, located in Morelos. The site features a temple dedicated to the god of Pulque. Pulque, you might ask, is an alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant. The glass features a milky unfiltered consistency with a taste of sour yeast and is making a surprising comeback in many parts of Mexico.
Guachimontones – Round pyramids in Teuchitlan Jalisco Mexico
If you’re looking for a site off the beaten path, visit Los Guachimontones, about 25 miles east of Guadalajara. These pyramids are unique as they are round. Except for a small pyramid in Mexico City, these are the only known round pyramids in the world. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with outstanding interpreters who offer insight and a glimpse into the lives of those living here two thousand years ago.
Destinations Aplenty
Mexico remains a vibrant destination whether you choose an off-road, colonial, archeological, or beach trip. It is straightforward to travel on your own by driving, so long as you adhere to sensible safety guidelines and purchase quality Mexican car insurance. Some simple rules include not traveling at night or straying off into unknown regions without an invitation or recommendation. Travel with respect and an open mind. Keep all this in mind, and you will have a rewarding and memorable experience.
Rio Tampaon and Tamul waterfalls in the Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Jim Foreman is the owner and operator of Authentic Moto Travels. He leads groups of riders throughout all Mexico on Motorcycles. Annually, Jim travels over 20,000Km throughout Mexico. Jim also writes travel articles for numerous magazines and online publications worldwide, including Mexican car insurance policy recommendations for those driving in Mexico.
3 Important Tips To Estimate Travel Time in Mexico
Story by Jim Foreman
Travel time in Mexico is probably the most often thing visitors get wrong. This happens a lot. It usually starts when someone heads to Mexico for the first time and asks an innocent question, for example: “I live in Dallas TX and would like to visit San Miguel de Allende. If I stop in Laredo Texas, I can hopefully make it in one day. It’s about 547 miles according to Google Maps.”
547 miles in one day across the US isn’t an easy ask: You’re looking at 9 hours minimum even if gas and restroom breaks are limited.
With this in mind, pulling off such a challenging trek in an unfamiliar place should be enough for you to question why you would need to travel such a long distance in a single day.
The US and Canada have reputable highway infrastructures. You can travel between 70 and 90 MPH using cruise control. It’s quite possible to reasonably predict travel time on the road. Across the border, the same estimates don’t apply.
In spite of this, many in the US crossing the border for the first time will overplan their vacation, and of course, this begins with folks overestimating the time they plan to spend on the road.
Furthermore, many Americans will meticulously plan their trips down to the tiniest detail, in addition to this being unfeasible, such planning can have adverse effects, for example, driving at night, is a big no-no.
Despite that, most first-time travelers grossly overestimate the distance they can travel.
For some reason, people who have not driven outside of the USA or Canada don’t believe traveling can be any different than what they’re used to, back at home. Furthermore, many Gringos, mistakenly believe that because doing something is fine at home, such as driving at night, it’s okay in other countries.
For seasoned overland travelers, estimating travel time will probably seem second nature. Still, one can glean some useful car driving tips and techniques here.
Tip #1 – Estimate travel times by at least 1.5 times.
Travel time estimates South of the border should be multiplied by at least 1.5 times. This means if it ordinarily takes 2 hours to get somewhere in the USA, it’ll take 3 hours South of the Border.
We’ll simplify it, in a moment. First off, Mexico like nearly all of the rest of the world uses kilometers for distance. One kilometer is roughly .6 miles. For gross estimating, 3 Km is close to 2 miles. (1.8 is closer, but we’re keeping it simple.)
Curiously, there are 1.6 kilometers in 1 mile. Here’s where it is simple. For time estimates, merely treat the kilometers as miles, and you’ll be traveling smart and safe with a reasonable prediction of how long it takes to get somewhere.
Tip #2 – Don’t be in such a rush.
It may be Bingo Night in San Miguel de Allende, but consider breaking your trip up over two or three days. The worst thing you can do is to act like everything is in a rush. It’s not! Slow down. Take it easy. Stay a night in Monterrey. Stay another night in Zacatecas or San Luis Potosi.
Traveling like a white-knuckled zombie on the toll roads, recreating a version of the ‘Cannonball Run’ is foolish on dozens of levels.
There are lovely destinations that may not be precisely on the fastest route. Check them out.
There are also 111 Pueblos Magicos in the Republic that are well worth a visit.
Tip #3 – Relax and enjoy the journey to your destination
Don’t make hotel reservations in advance unless you’re traveling during Christmas or Semana Santa. Reservations lock you into a destination and a schedule. Reservations also lead sensible people to do daft things, to not lose the reservation.
Embrace the Mexican culture and allow your mind and personage to be free. Set off without an exact schedule. Arrive when you arrive and enjoy this amazing country.
Guanajuato is one of those places people need to slow down and enjoy life.
Summary for Estimating Travel Time In Mexico
The worst thing an American or Canadian can do, when traveling, is to act frantic. Chill out. Relax and enjoy the life you claim to want. That means not making neurotic up-to-the-minute plans and letting yourself be embraced by the culture.
If you’re able to comfortably travel 300 miles a day back home, expect to travel 300 kilometers. If you prefer 500 miles per day, expect no more than 500 kilometers a day.
All things considered, traveling South of the border is easy and should be part of the fun. Just make sure you have your passport, tourist visa, TVIP (if required for your route), high-quality Mexican Insurance Store Mexico Insurance for cars, and a good attitude.
Preparing for a road trip to Mexico is much more than what you’re going to pack. Your vehicle needs prep work, too. Prepping for a long road trip in Mexico is typically quite similar to preparing it for a trip within the USA or Canada.
Though there are many similarities, there are also some different realities that require some particular attention.
For regular South of the border travelers, most of this information is well known, but for new travelers or those visiting overland for the first time, the information presented can mean the difference between a great trip and a miserable one.
7 Simple Preparation Tips For Your Vehicle
1. Make sure your car, RV, or motorcycle is in excellent functioning order
If you suspect that anything is awry, take it to a Honda auto repair shop. On the road, potentially in the middle of nowhere isn’t a smart place to have a timing belt break. Unless you’re particularly mechanically inclined, it may be worth the visit to your dealership to have them run a full safety check and have a technician thoroughly look over your particular vehicle. A factory service tech is preferred as they are keenly familiar with typical problems on all models and can check those out. Taking it to a dealership will also check for any factory recalls, campaigns, and advisories free of charge to you.
2. Make sure your tires have lots of tread and not close to the wear bar
Roads in Mexico will grind down your tires much faster than typical US-based roads. If you are driving a vehicle more exotic, it may take some time to get a replacement tire or set of tires.
3. Have a basic toolkit for your vehicle
Specifically include sockets, wrenches, Allen keys, and any other specialty tools your car may likely need, for a repair. No need to go overkill and tow a Snap-On tool chest. A simple, compact toolkit will work fine. Make sure it’s SAE or Metric based on the brand of your car.
A little maintanence and preparation goes a long way on long trips.
4. If your battery is over two years old, get it load tested and possibly replaced
They don’t last forever and getting stuck with a dead one is entirely preventable. This can be done for free at many chain auto parts stores throughout the USA and Canada.5. If you are close to an oil change, get it before your trip
Also if you are close to the recommended time to replace brake pads, brake fluid, transmission fluid, or coolant, do it. Finding the correct filters, gaskets, or brake pads may delay you by a couple of days. It’s best to get it done before your journey.
6. Get your shocks and suspension evaluated
This essential element is something few consider. Proper suspension can mean the difference between confidently traveling a narrow mountain road and white-knuckling the steering wheel the entire time. If your vehicle is over four years old or has over 70,000 miles, get your suspension checked by a reliable technician. It’s relatively inexpensive to replace or rebuild shocks. The difference can be night and day. The car, RV, or motorcycle will feel like it was when brand new.7. Carry a T-handle tire plug kit and a 12v air compressor
The Slime brand repair kit with the rope-like plugs work very well. Typically, avoid the canisters with the sealant. It makes replacing the tire a mess and will likely incur an additional charge and lots of scorn from the shop. If you’ve never used a tire plug kit, ask a tire shop or your dealership if you can try it on a worn tire mounted on a rim. Usually, a tech will be delighted to instruct you on how to do it.
Summary
The key is to make sure your car is in top shape and can handle the additional stresses of high heat, altitude, heavy load, and occasional rough roads. Additionally, if something small happens, it’s best to know how to do simple repairs like check oil levels, fill coolant reservoirs, check tire pressure, and change a tire. On some cars, checking oil, coolant levels, and tire pressure is as simple as doing a systems check on your dash.
Specifically For Cars
Almost everything is covered for cars by the general checklist above. The big thing to be mindful of is if you have exotic tires. Exotic means anything for a luxury car or specialty rims. If you do, and your tires usually take a day or two to get in the USA, you may want to carry a spare, if you have the room. Tire punctures are somewhat common. If you drive a Honda, Nissan or Toyota, Ford or Chevy with standard tires, you’ll have no problems finding new tires South of the Border.
Specifically for RVs
RVs can be a bit tricky. There are a lot of parts that work independently to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience. If you transport potable water, make sure you top off in the US.
Give your RV an end-to-end shakedown to make sure all is functioning as it should. Not only does this re-familiarize you with all of the functions of the RV, but it also will help confirm everything is working correctly and within specifications.
If you have an iffy part, buy its replacement in the US and carry it. RV parts are typically hard to get as Mexicans don’t usually own RVs.
Specifically for Motorcycles
Make sure your chain and sprockets, if your bike uses them, are not worn.
Since Motorcycle tires wear much faster than car and truck tires, make sure they are at 80% tread or better. Mexican roads eat up moto tires. Expect half the typical life you get out of them in the USA.
Big bikes are quite rare in Mexico, and if you are in need of a part along the way, it may be several weeks before you will get it.
If you’re going to need an oil change along your journey, it’s probably best to buy the oil filter for your bike ahead of time. Good motorcycle oil is available in moto shops. Perhaps not your favorite brand, but it’s good, nonetheless.
Conclusion
Taking your late model vehicle is not a problem. Mexicans own new and very nice cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Don’t choose a rickety or worn-out vehicle with the false assumption it will make you less noticeable. This fools wisdom has left countless Gringos stuck and vulnerable on the roadside.
When American and Canadian travelers think about heading to Mexico, the choices are bountiful. For example, destinations like San Miguel de Allende, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas come to mind. These are all great locations worthy of a visit.
For people living in Southern California, a weekend visit to Ensenada is closer and more accessible than Vegas. For most visitors, it’s also a lot more fun.
Ensenada is a seaside port city about 70 miles south of San Diego, CA. The city is surrounded by mountain ranges and features year-round perfect weather 350 days a year.
Ensenada is also the gateway to the world-famous Baja California Wine Region. A serious up and comer, the Ruta del Vino begins minutes north of Ensenada.
Ensenada features a commercial airport, however, the most common method for travelers to visit is by car.
Several major events are happening in February and March, for instance there’s Carnival. Above all these events bring massive crowds to the city from all over Mexico and the world.
2017’s Queen of the Carnaval Yazmín Adriana Figueroa
Carnaval
The first event is the celebration of Carnaval. In other words, this is the weeklong celebration of all things before the Catholic period of Lent.
For non-Catholics, Lent is a 40-day period where you give something up to show faith and repentance.
Carnaval in Ensenada is an amazing event celebrated with parades, fireworks, concerts, meals, parties, and more. There’s a festive atmosphere throughout the week, and the crescendo occurs Friday through Tuesday. After that, the celebration abruptly ends at midnight. Carnival features parties throughout Mexico with sizable celebrations in Mazatlán, Cozumel, and Veracruz.
If you plan on going to Ensenada for Carnaval, hurry. For instance, all the hotels room sell out early, so secure a room quickly.
Ensenada Beer Fest
The second major event is the Ensenada Beer Fest. Coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, the city hosts one of the premier beer-related events in all of Mexico.
Therefore, over 100 cervezarias (breweries) from all over Mexico come to the beautiful museum grounds of the Teatro Cultural Riviera to celebrate the golden elixir.
The event takes place on Friday and Saturday with conferences held Wednesday and Thursday to discuss making beer.
Above all, this event draws a classy crowd of mid 20’s to late 40’s Mexicans. Similarly, there are no egos or pretentious attitudes found in similar festivals in the US.
Again, hotels book up pretty quickly so make your travel arrangements rapidly.
Events in Mexico rarely have a strong social media presence. However, don’t be discouraged. The events are going to be awesome and worth the trip.
Scenic Highway Mex 1 Heading South
Getting to Ensenada is super easy by car, you just have to cross the border at Tijuana or Tecate. From Tijuana, the Scenic Mex 1 is a spectacular seaside drive that matches some of the best parts of CA-1 at Big Sur in Central California.
Just remember to bring your passport and your Mexico Insurance policies with you on your trip.
8 Important Tips For Fun and Great Times when Off-Road traveling in Mexico
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.
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.
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.
