walkabout2408
Observer
Surviving Mexico
When discussing with most Americans that you are planning to drive through Mexico, there reactions vary from. “Watch your back, its a dangerous place”. To “You'll be robbed, raped and killed, shortly after crossing the border” and as one person said. “Not necessarily in that order”
Well, I'm glad to report. None of the above has happened to me. Just plain lucky, you might think. I prefer to think its was listening to local advice, travelling with company, and meeting ex-pats who could give the real story or guide you in your choice of route. All in all I had a great time in Mexico, found the locals friendly. Except when driving. Then they all seam to dive like kamikaze and don't care if you happen to get in the way.
Mexico is a large a diverse country. From the desert vista's and beaches of Baja to the tropical Jungle in the south, and the tourist areas like Cancun. But all have there own appeal and draw and one of the best ways to explore this diversity is by driving overland. This is not with out its challenges. The driving style of the Mexicans must be one of the most dangerous in the world. Cheap places to stay, or camping, in popular areas won't just fall in your lap. But with a bit of research and help from the locals. You can find good places to stay, at reasonable cost, usually with safe parking.
One of the funniest places to stay when away from touristy areas, was the so called “Love” hotels. These are the type of hotel rooms that can be rented by the hour, if you get my drift. Or for the whole night if you are a stallion or just a tired traveller. They are perfect for bikers or overlanders with smaller vehicles. As each room often has its own garage underneath, with curtain or doors. The accommodation is usually basic, cheap and clean, with on suit bathroom.
Military or police check points can be difficult too. Most are polite, ask questions, do a little search and let you go on your way. However there are the one or two which you will come across who expect something extra. The two common ways are petty theft while searching through your things or trying to extort money from you whilst holding your documents. The usual trick for the first is that one will try to ask you questions, to distract you, whilst the other is reaching and helping him self to anything small and shiny he sees. This is easy over come by following the guy doing the searching, whilst keeping all other doors windows closed and answering the questions from the other side of the vehicle if necessary. The second can be a bit more tricky. However the best defences is when asked for your documents, only give them copy copies. This is perfectly legal to do in Mexico. That way if they do try to keep them, just point out that they are copies and you are happy for them to keep them. Other than that be polite but stand your ground, assuming you have done nothing wrong. If you have just jumped a red light, then you are asking for it. One police officer tried to say that my spare wheel carried on the back door of the car was illegal. I said if that was the case then they wouldn't sell that configuration of my Land Rover in Mexico. He soon got bored, returned my copies of my documents and sent me on my way.
Summed up Mexico is a country that can safely be enjoyed and shouldn't just be rushed through. Its has lots to see, from great beaches and surf, colonial towns to Mayan Ruins. So get informed and give it a chance.
I am now in Belize and tuning in to the laid back pace of things here. The border crossing is not too much hassle. However the cost of things can be a shock, especially after coming from Mexico.
Fuel up before entering the country. As fuel is expensive. Plus be prepared to search around for accommodation, as a lot is pricey for what it is. But there are still budget options.
Happy Travels, David
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When discussing with most Americans that you are planning to drive through Mexico, there reactions vary from. “Watch your back, its a dangerous place”. To “You'll be robbed, raped and killed, shortly after crossing the border” and as one person said. “Not necessarily in that order”
Well, I'm glad to report. None of the above has happened to me. Just plain lucky, you might think. I prefer to think its was listening to local advice, travelling with company, and meeting ex-pats who could give the real story or guide you in your choice of route. All in all I had a great time in Mexico, found the locals friendly. Except when driving. Then they all seam to dive like kamikaze and don't care if you happen to get in the way.
Mexico is a large a diverse country. From the desert vista's and beaches of Baja to the tropical Jungle in the south, and the tourist areas like Cancun. But all have there own appeal and draw and one of the best ways to explore this diversity is by driving overland. This is not with out its challenges. The driving style of the Mexicans must be one of the most dangerous in the world. Cheap places to stay, or camping, in popular areas won't just fall in your lap. But with a bit of research and help from the locals. You can find good places to stay, at reasonable cost, usually with safe parking.
One of the funniest places to stay when away from touristy areas, was the so called “Love” hotels. These are the type of hotel rooms that can be rented by the hour, if you get my drift. Or for the whole night if you are a stallion or just a tired traveller. They are perfect for bikers or overlanders with smaller vehicles. As each room often has its own garage underneath, with curtain or doors. The accommodation is usually basic, cheap and clean, with on suit bathroom.
Military or police check points can be difficult too. Most are polite, ask questions, do a little search and let you go on your way. However there are the one or two which you will come across who expect something extra. The two common ways are petty theft while searching through your things or trying to extort money from you whilst holding your documents. The usual trick for the first is that one will try to ask you questions, to distract you, whilst the other is reaching and helping him self to anything small and shiny he sees. This is easy over come by following the guy doing the searching, whilst keeping all other doors windows closed and answering the questions from the other side of the vehicle if necessary. The second can be a bit more tricky. However the best defences is when asked for your documents, only give them copy copies. This is perfectly legal to do in Mexico. That way if they do try to keep them, just point out that they are copies and you are happy for them to keep them. Other than that be polite but stand your ground, assuming you have done nothing wrong. If you have just jumped a red light, then you are asking for it. One police officer tried to say that my spare wheel carried on the back door of the car was illegal. I said if that was the case then they wouldn't sell that configuration of my Land Rover in Mexico. He soon got bored, returned my copies of my documents and sent me on my way.
Summed up Mexico is a country that can safely be enjoyed and shouldn't just be rushed through. Its has lots to see, from great beaches and surf, colonial towns to Mayan Ruins. So get informed and give it a chance.
I am now in Belize and tuning in to the laid back pace of things here. The border crossing is not too much hassle. However the cost of things can be a shock, especially after coming from Mexico.
Fuel up before entering the country. As fuel is expensive. Plus be prepared to search around for accommodation, as a lot is pricey for what it is. But there are still budget options.
Happy Travels, David
View attachment 126001View attachment 126002View attachment 126003View attachment 126004
