Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree3Likes
  • 2 Post By MikeMike
  • 1 Post By MikeMike

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
22 ride guides available for central Veracruz and eastern Puebla, Mexico

Here is what is the start of a ride guide to the area of central Veracruz and the extreme east of Puebla.

If you want maps, pictures, notes, etc... about a ride, PM me the corresponding number and I will email you a PDF file within a day or two (or 3 if I am busy riding). If you are seriously thinking about spending some time in the area and want to get to know it better, I can ride along with you on these routes if I have the time.

I always enjoy meeting up with riders coming through and getting them away from the devil's candy addiction to the Mex #180 coast highway, which for the most part, is as exciting as watching grass grow with one exception being the Tuxtlas and the other the baches, topes, and kamikaze Central Americans hauling 3 used cars, two loads of domestic appliances, and a Quetzal in a pear tree.

Here you go and all feedback is most welcome be it good, bad, or indifferent. Some of these rides are exceptionally good so make an effort when you are in the area to try to experience them.


Important note! If you want more offroad type stuff, contact Arte and Andres, some of their "Greenland" rides link up with a couple of these routes. So don't forget!


MOTORCYCLE TOURING CENTRAL VERACRUZ - EASTERN PUEBLA
A riders guide to roads and sites of interest 2012

List of Rides - All Are Paved Routes UNLESS NOTED as of February, 2012

1. Las Casitas, Veracruz to Teziutlan, Puebla (curve after curve after curve after curve after...)

2. Vega de Alatorre, Ver. to Naolinco, Ver. via Colipa (classic mountain riding and good food)

3. Naolinco, Ver. to Palma Sola, Ver. via Plan de las Hayas (watch for the "disappearing road" trick after Alto Lucero)

4. Perote, Ver. to Maztaloya and Los Humeros, Puebla (geothermal delights)

5. Perote, Ver. to La Cantona, Pue. (archaeological ruins rarely visited but very significant, these ruins need a new publicist!)

6. Quiahuiztlan, Ver. (archaeological ruins) and the town of La Villa Rica de la Veracruz, beach and dunes. (Where the conquest began).

7. Veracruz, Ver. to Perote, Ver. via Coatepec, Xico, Teocelo, and Ixhuacan de los Reyes, Ver. (The road less traveled to Perote).

8. Perote, Ver. to Huatusco, Ver. via Quimixtlan, Pue. (contains off road section of less than 20 kms. and you can make a side trip to where the H1N1 flu virus supposedly began)

9. Teocelo, Ver. to Guadalupe Victoria, Puebla via Saltillo La Fragua, Pue. (4 possible routes and ALL are very good).

10. Perote, Ver. to Teocelo, Ver. via Gonzalez Ortega, Maravillas, Saltillo La Fragua, Acocomotla, La Trinidad, Rafael Garcia, and Patlanalan, Pue.
(Mountain riding)

11. Xalapa, Ver. to Veracruz, Ver. via Coatepec, Jalcomulco, Ohuapan, Totutla, Manuel Gonzalez, Cameron, and Soledad de Doblado, Ver. (Including the newly paved stretch of 20kms of good curves)

12. Veracruz, Ver. to Cordoba, Fortin, Orizaba, Ver. via Paso del Macho, Ver. (Stop at the monument for the French Foreign Legion near the site of the Battle of Camerone).

13. Jalcomulco, Ver. to Cordoba, Fortin, Orizaba, Ver. via Huatusco, Ver.
(Extra points if you find where the ostriches, yes the ostriches, are hidden).

14. Xalapa, Ver. to the summit of the Cofre de Perote (this is a challenging high elevation ride not recommended to do without some prior planning and common sense and knowing your limits).

15. Cordoba, Ver. to Tequila, Ver. via Xoxocotla, Ver. (la "Sierra Fria") via Soledad Atzompa, Ver. (On the map but off the map).

16. Cordoba, Ver. to Zongolica, Ver. (la Sierra Zongolica classic and once you make the descent you'll know why)

17. Zongolica, Ver. to Cordoba, Ver. via 25kms of unpaved mountain road through the Sierra de Tlacuiloteca. (Watch for low flying birds of prey).

18. Cordoba, Ver. to "The Large Millimeter Telescope" at the top of the Sierra Negra, Pue. via Maltrata, Xuchi, Plan del Capulin and Texmalaquilla, Pue. (Contains high elevation maintained dirt road. This is another somewhat challenging high elevation ride that is not recommended without some prior planning and common sense. Free camping is available with no services and "check in/check out" with the local police is sometimes enforced but not a bad idea anyways).

19. Cordoba, Ver. to Ciudad Mendoza, Ver. via Tequila, Tlaquilpa, Xoxocotla, Atzompa, Ver. (end of route is different from #14 as it is via Atzompa and not Soledad Atzompa, Ver. Try to see if you can find "la cocinera", you'll be glad you did).

20. Veracruz, Ver. to Catemaco, Ver. via Roca Partida, Montepio, Sontecomapan, Ver. (contains very short maintained dirt road section through tropical forest near UNAM Biological Research Station, someone might even be available to give you an interesting talk about the biology of the region, some very knowledgeable people working there).

21. Veracruz, Ver. to Catemaco, Ver. via Los Tuxtlas, Ver. conventional lower elevation mountain route that follows Mex #180 "the coast highway".
(The one that everyone always does but they forget to buy cigars in San Andres Tuxtla and some "Chochogo" at the roadside stands).

22. Xalapa, Ver to Huatusco, Ver. via Quimixtlan, Puebla a great ride that includes a back view of Pico de Orizaba and a long gravel stretch that can be done on a GS1200 if the rider has some offroad experience. (It's a bone shaker but if you get it on a clear day you won't believe the scenery, and it all begins with a misty waterfal.

23. Veracruz, Ver. to Veracruz, Ver. round trip via Xalapa, Ver., Coatepec, Ver., Xico, Ver., Teocelo, Ver., La laguna de Patlanalan, Pue., Rafael Garcia, Pue., Francisco Madero, Pue., Guadalupe Victoria, Pue., Guadalupe Libertad, Pue., Santa Ines, Pue.,Ciudad, Serdan, Pue., Atzinzintla, Pue., descend on the old Cumbres de Maltrata road to link with the lower part of the regular Cumbres highway into Ciudad Mendoza, Ver., Orizaba, Ver., Cordoba, Ver., and back to the port of Veracruz, Ver. It's a 10hr ride with a breakfast stop and a few photo stops and a single snack stop. It's the "all you can eat buffet" of riding the central border area of Veracruz and Puebla.


I can provide notes, links, and further information on the historical and/or natural significance of each of the rides and how to link them to your advantage if your time is limited or you want to maximize your riding time.


General Notes (Only for those new to Mexico)

- The Green Angeles (Los Angeles Verdes) tourist assistance still operate on some of the major roads. Don't rely on this service but they can help with minor mechanical problems and towing advice.
- There are very few police patrols in these areas, you will be your own law for the most part and though there is mountain rescue available for the area near Pico de Orizaba and the Sierra Negra, it is not to be relied upon for anything more than a service of last resort in an emergency.
- Military patrols are infrequent but do pass some areas but on a weekly basis for the most part and not daily. In fact, there are few daily patrols of the more remote areas. But you will almost always find someone somewhere no matter where you are in either the state of Veracruz or Puebla.
- You MIGHT find someone who speaks MARGINAL English in the remote areas, and there is common use of Nahuatl indigenous language dialects especially in the Zongolica and Quimixtlan areas. Start learning Spanish.
- Three of the rides will take you to elevations beyond 3,200 meters of elevation, be sure you can handle heights especially if you are doing a rapid ascent from sea level. For example, you can easily ride from sea level in the port of Veracruz to the absolute peak of the Cofre de Perote at 4,500 meters in 3 hours which leaves little time for your acclimatization be sure you can handle upper elevations where you will have about half the oxygen that you have at sea level.
- Pemex stations can be found along these routes, however premium (the red handled pump) fuel probably will not be available but the lower grade Magna will be available.
- Carry small bills and change, don't expect everyone to be willing to break a $500 peso bill. Tip the Pemex attendants as they work for tips.
- Expect to attract a lot of attention in the remote areas. This can be both fun and frustrating depending on the type of attention it is.
- Celluar phone service cannot be relied upon in remote areas though there is surprisingly good coverage in certain areas.
- Almost every area will have a "tiendita" or little convenience store of some sort or another but don't expect to find many restaurants in the high sierra regions or in the remote areas of the high plains (ie. the Serdan Alta Plana)

Last edited by MikeMike; 20 Feb 2012 at 16:02.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Bassett, Nebraska
Posts: 276
My feedback: Great information!

I hesitate to email you since I would want all the route numbers, but won't be heading your way for the next year or so. But just want to say: Great work!

Just reading the brief descriptions gets my imagination going. There are so many great backroads and byways that aren't in any of the guide books. Especially for this area of Mexico. It makes me think that you should compile this info into an ebook that is downloadable from Amazon.com or the Ibooks store at Apple. With pictures, maps, points of interest and routes. I would certainly buy it! Especially with motorcycle points of interest like cheap places to stay with secure motorcycle parking, good places to eat and drink, (gps waypoints to the place where the H1N1 flu virus started would be reason enough for me to buy it :-). It would save you time responding to email requests and make the info available as well to a larger audience of backpackers and retired snowbird tourists that aren't on a motorcycle. And it would make the info easily downloadable and easy to access without an internet connection from an Ipod touch, netbook, Ipad or what have you.

Probably more ambitious than you are interested in. It sure would be nice though.

Kindest regards,
John Downs
__________________
South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831076
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Hi John, thanks for the encouragement!
It is an ongoing project that I hope to someday turn into a video guide, as well. There are a few more routes I will be adding to the list, too.
The HINI thing is interesting because the state government, in a misguided belief that "virus tourism" would some day take off (past the initial curiosity stage there isn't much else to see or do there but it is a great waypoint on a trip to other places), paved a really fun smooth road with a nice set of twists and elevation change at the beginning and a roller coaster end.
The ride in makes it worthwhile, other than that there is an old fortress there and a new statue of the little boy who was the supposed survivor patient zero.
The best thing about the place is leaving it because it sets you up for some great mountain routes in Puebla!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Mar 2012
Foflappy's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Central Illinois, USA
Posts: 26
This is fantastic information. I'm on a leisurely 3 month ride through Gulf Coastal Mexico and The Yucatan April-June. I've been studying maps of this area trying to imagine where I will ride and this helps! Thanks for your efforts
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: antigua,guatemala
Posts: 216
I have done several of these routes(guided by Mike) , and they are even better as they sound !!!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Jul 2012
NomadicBear's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Clinton, Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 4
Hi MikeMike, I am making plans for Mexico next year and would like very much to have the ride information you have on Mexico (central Veracruz and Eastern Puebla). My trip South starts with Mexico I plan on seeing as much as I canin 2 years time and then move on south very slow seeing as much as I can and get to know the people along the way. This trip will be the start of my Birthday gift for turning 60 years and I Hope to make Ushuaia, Terra del Fuego by my 70th Birthday I want to see and do as much as I can with the time I have. THANK YOU for making the information you have available for travelers coming to your part of Mexico...
__________________
James (NomadicBear)
Clinton, Oklahoma USA



May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.
May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. -Edward Abbey
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Hi James, give me a heads up when you are coming through and we'll do some riding here. I've got some ideas already of some areas you'll like and some people, too.
You're going to be having one great ride with that plan of yours! Lucky guy!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Jul 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 45
Route to Guatemala

Hi Mike,

I am new to this forum and love the information you have provided. I am also new to biking. Just bought my first motorcycle a month ago. Having fun. I plan to make a trip through Mexico from eastern Texas to Guatemala soon. Perhaps you could suggest the best route and boarder crossings. On this trip i want to move fairly quickly through Mexico. I plan to stay in Guatemala for at least two months learning Spanish and then continue to move south to at least Costa Rica. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Jul 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 66
Mike

this is great information - I am putting together a small event in Mexico in December (www.mayarally.com) and I surely could use some good intel for the best routes to suggest to the participants, as I believe we will be going through this area. I will send you a pm.

thank you
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Astockjoc and 2Around, check your PM's, you've got mail.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Sep 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1
Hey MikeMike,
I purchased my first bike in April and just loving the riding here in Mexico. Mostly south and west of DF but I am interested in going east. Can you send a couple of your routes, your choice?
Thanks
Mike
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 6 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Pathmark, check your PM, you've got mail.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:56.