Mexico hosts some of the most interesting and beautiful roads in North America. Let’s take a look at some of the greatest roads in Mexico.La Cascada de Basaseachi – Photo by Jim Foreman
Story by Seguros Mapfre (Translated and expanded by Jim Foreman)
While vising these spectacular roads in Mexico, it’s easy to agree with the saying, “The important thing is the trip, not the destination.”
Enjoying these amazing roads is easy. The trick is to fuel up, pack light, and include some water bottles and snacks. Above all, don’t forget your camera, because the views will captivate you.
Baja California makes both Americans and Mexicans fall in love with this beautiful coastline. For those who can’t make it up to California’s Big Sur, the Scenic Road will leave you equally wowed! The Rosarito viewpoint and the Todos Los Santos Bay are worthy stops. They feature views that will amaze and inspire you. Mex-1 deserves this proud distinction and you’ll see why, as you drive safely through the North of the country.
Stretching between Mazatlan and Durango, Mex-40 (Libre) is certainly one of the greatest roads in Mexico. Be sure not to confuse this road with the new parallel cuota road (Mex-40D). Mex 40 (Libre) offers you the spectacle of the Sierra Madre Occidental range. Enjoy breathtaking canyons, mountains, slopes, and the viewpoint of the ‘Espinazo del Diablo’ (Pictured). Before you go, fill up with gas in Durango, El Salto, Villa Union, or Mazatlan. There aren’t any gas stations for a very long stretch. This road is not recommended for RVs. The narrow twists and turns will be maddening. It’s best on a motorcycle or sports car. Some even travel it by bicycle. Those exciting hours of travel that connects Durango with Mazatlán will give you incredible views and wonderful memories.
Anyone who has gone for a green or purple corn quesadilla knows exactly what we are talking about. This short-run features lush landscapes of leafy pine trees and light mist, even in summer. Both the Libre and the adjacent Cuota are very popular with motorcycles and sports cars. The roads are twisty, but the view is certainly worth it.
Of course, the most important thing is that you travel protected. In Mexico, you must have at least auto liability insurance. Unless you only travel with liability only at home, you probably want Full-Coverage Mexico insurance for cars. We offer multiple options to best suit your needs. Especially if you go out on road trips, a top pick is Mapfre Elite. This coverage includes road assistance, medical expenses for the occupants, legal assistance, and other advantages.
Whenever you go, wherever you go, travel smart and safe with Mexican Insurance Store.
Paseo de La Reforma avenue and Angel of Independence Monument – Mexico City, Mexico
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.
New Year is a time of celebration around the world, but in Mexico, the New Year’s Eve celebrations are truly special. Here are some of the ways that Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the New Year
Fireworks: Celebrations Mexico Style
Just like in other parts of the world, fireworks are a popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mexico. Many cities and towns will have official fireworks displays, but it’s also common for people to set off their own fireworks in their backyards or in the streets.
Eating 12 grapes:
Just like in other parts of the world, fireworks are a popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mexico. Many cities and towns will have official fireworks displays, but it’s also common for people to set off their own fireworks in their backyards or in the streets.
Sweeping the House:
Some Mexicans believe that sweeping the house on New Year’s Eve will sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and make room for good luck in the new year.
Making noise:
Mexicans love to make noise on New Year’s Eve, as it’s believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. It’s common to use noisemakers, bells, or even pots and pans to make noise at midnight.
Making noise:
Just like in other parts of the world, champagne is a popular drink for New Year’s Eve in Mexico. It’s common to toast the new year with a glass of champagne at midnight.
Whether you're in Mexico or elsewhere, New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate new beginnings and look forward to the future. So, grab your grapes, put on your red underwear, and make some noise as you ring in the new year Mexican style!
Tired of the overdone and overcommercialized Christmas celebration each year? Mexico may be your best destination.
Christmas Celebrations at the Zocalo in Mexico City
Story by Jim Foreman
Growing up in the USA, it was common to hear Jose Feliciano’s Christmas hit, ‘Feliz Navidad’ as part of the usual lineup of music, during the holidays.
Right now, you’re probably hearing that song’s melody in your head.
Beyond that, few Americans and Canadians truly understand the Christmas traditions in Mexico and how they are quite different from celebrations back home.
Of course, with an ever-increasing ex-pat population in certain regions, and the globalization of holidays, many Mexicans are melding and celebrating with a ‘Gringo’ edge. That’s OK. American’s have also adopted several Mexican traditions including the Spanish greeting and the Poinsettia plant as a symbol of the festive season.
Being in Mexico during the Christmas season is magical.
Largely gone is the over-commercialization of the season. Instead, visitors will see a celebration more rooted in tradition.
Mexico’s Christmas or Navidad celebrations largely originated in Spain. Given Mexico’s diverse culture and pre-Hispanic cultures, many of those traditions have morphed or evolved in a uniquely Mexican way.
Of course, as the many regions of Mexico are unique, so are the flavors of those celebrations.
Christmas is celebrated in Mexico from December 12th to January 6th. There is a crescendo of the celebrations on Christmas Eve, December 24th. This dates back to Europe, long before Christmas was ever introduced to the ‘new world.’
Now, you math wizards are probably just now figuring out where the ’12 Days of Christmas’ originates.
In Mexico, the Christmas season starts with nativity scenes placed in public and private displays. It’s nearly impossible to find a home without one in place. Nativity displays can be simple or elaborate. Some are small, sitting on a shelf or table, while others are life sized, occupying a whole room or display outdoors.
Also beginning December 12th, children gather each night to do the Posada procession (Posada means Inn or Hotel in Spanish). They carry a candle and clay figurines of Mary and Joseph from home to home, singing songs. The songs are mostly relating to Mary and Joseph seeking a place to stay.
The children are told, ‘there is no room,’ at each place. The final Posada welcomes the people in, and the party begins in earnest. A figure of the baby Jesus is placed in a manger. That home is host to food, games, and often fireworks. Piñatas are one of the most common games played.
This goes on, each night until Christmas Eve (Noche Buena).
Afterwards, people go to a midnight mass and usually celebrate with more fireworks.
As a visitor, you can watch and enjoy the celebrations from any town centro as that will be where the focus of the holidays are typically happening.
Nacimiento or a Nativity scene is the dominant decoration in celebrating Christmas. Of course, Christmas Trees are becoming more and more popular throughout Mexico, too.
In some northern Mexican states, children are taught the tradition of Santa Claus. While this phenomenon is slowly growing in Mexico, it’s still not the dominant celebration.
December 28th, marks “Los Santos Inocentes” (Day of the Innocent Saints). Originating in Spain and Portugal, it’s celebrated much like Americans celebrate April Fool’s Day. Despite the playful nature, it has a very grim undertone. This is regarded as the day King Herrod had all Male babies under a year old killed in the desire to keep his reign from what was prophesied to him about a new ‘King’ being born.
For much of Mexico, January 6th (the Epiphany) is when children receive gifts. This is a representation of when the three Wise Men arrived, bearing gifts. If there was a Gringo style ‘Santa Claus” celebration with gift-giving on Christmas Day, candies and small treats are given to the kids. Otherwise, this is the day when all of their good deeds for the year earn them their gifts. In Mexico, Children are told that the gifts the receive came from either Santo Clós or El Niñito Dios (Baby Jesus).
Rosca de Reyes with the figure of Baby Jesus
It’s also a common tradition to eat Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Cake) on January 6th. A small figure of baby Jesus gets baked into the cake.
Whoever gets the figure in their piece of cake becomes the honorary godparent of Jesus that year.
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria in Veracruz
February 2nd wraps up a final Christmas celebration. It’s the Virgen de la Candelaria (Virgin of the candles). Other countries call it the ‘Candlemass.’
Whether or not you celebrate Christ’s birthday or consider yourself faithful, it’s a season of good cheer, wonderful traditions, and celebrations. Join in and be a part of the Mexican culture.
Many Americans and Canadians are drawn to Mexico’s warmth during the holiday season. Getting to Mexico in your car is very easy. If it’s your first time, you can find out the details of what you need to bring and what to expect. Make sure to check Mexican insurance policy rates before leaving. It’s easy to quote, buy, and print quality coverage at Mexican Insurance Store.
Consider the best Mexican insurance policy available for driving in Mexico.
Some time ago a group of friends decided to enjoy Chinese Food together. At the end of the meal as the check arrived, the most outspoken and perhaps the most attractive friend grabbed her fortune cookie and stood up.
She pronounced that everyone had to add the words ‘in bed’ after every fortune. One by one, we all read aloud our fortunes with the additional fun words.
Today it seems whenever you try to plan a trip down south, some news report comes out. Don’t go this week, the US State Department just issue another warning! The cheeky nerve… Who are these people at the State Department and have any of them even traveled to Mexico?
Go ahead and click on the link. The first thing you’ll notice is these warnings nearly always specify US Personnel. This means US Government employees. In particular, the warnings mostly refer to US Embassy and Consulate employees and Anti-Drug officials.
One must chuckle at the line, “U.S. government personnel are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in the states of Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Jalisco, Colima, and Nayarit.” It’s seemingly okay for US Government personnel to patronize ‘Adult Clubs’ (legal brothels) in other states of Mexico.
The more important line to take from all of this is, “There is no evidence criminal organizations have targeted U.S. citizens based on their nationality.”
For many readers and travelers to Mexico, this is all common sense. However, for those who sell gear, also known as the news media, this will add to the ignorant indignation.
Foolish ‘American Traveler’ naiveté causes many to take regrettable and ridiculous actions at home and while traveling. Later these same folks dare to complain when something does go wrong and blame everyone else for their complete lack of common sense or reason.
Let’s make this perfectly clear. Follow these simple guidelines to enjoy the amazing Mexican culture.
You should not travel at night. Be off the road before dusk, and don’t mess with this one.
Don’t wear shirts with a large ‘DEA’ printed on them.
Don’t get gas or visit an ATM at night. Do you do this at home?
Don’t be a loud, obnoxious, overly complaining boor. Ever! Whether traveling or not.
Seriously, be aware of the ever-changing situation in Mexico. Talk to people who have recently (within the last 3-4 months) been there. Get their perspective. Don’t rely on people who have never been or only have anecdotal stories about their brother’s friend who, for no reason wound up in a Mexican jail.
Because of this, it’s wise to avoid sensational or out-of-date info from the news media, TV shows, movies, pulp thrillers and especially Facebook and what passes for news on the internet. Remember, the ‘News’ is not there to inform you. Above all, its sole purpose is to keep you angry and afraid. Watch 20 minutes of any newscast and then see how you’re feeling. When one is angry and afraid, one can be manipulated into believing or doing anything, no matter how abhorrent.
Why You Should Buy Mexico insurance coverage for driving.
You need to have a valid policy from a Mexican insurance company. You can get this coverage from MexicanInsuranceStore.com.
Some insurers in the US and Canada provide limited protection for Mexico. They may cover physical damage to 25 miles from the border. Your domestic insurance can not extend liability coverage to you. US and Canadian liability coverage is invalid in Mexico. If a car accident happens and you are found to be at fault, it can be really hard.
In Mexico, it is required that all drivers have car insurance. The minimum protection is liability-only. Get full coverage unless your car, motorcycle, or RV is over 20 years old. The best advice is to match your US or Canadian insurance when buying Mexican Insurance. This way, your risk remains the same.
A Liability Only Mexican insurance policy will only cover the damage you cause to other people or property.
Mexico is a warm and wonderful place to visit offering some of the best beaches, weather, culture, and hospitality anywhere in the world. More than 15 Million people visit Mexico each year with nothing but sunburn and great stories. Few places in the world offer all the benefits that Mexico does.
Going back to the story about the Chinese food fortune cookies with friends, add the words, “If you’re involved in the drug trade” to the travel warnings to get an accurate perspective.
Also beginning December 12th, children gather each night to do the Posada procession (Posada means Inn or Hotel in Spanish). They carry a candle and clay figurines of Mary and Joseph from home to home, singing songs. The songs are mostly relating to Mary and Joseph seeking a place to stay.
