A few questions

[GorditoCanadian]

Hello all, heading south this summer and have a few questions. I have read many posts looking for opinions, need a few more! Intend on riding Innisfail, Alberta, Canada to Peru.
These are my wonders...
1. May have reason to go through Tijuana (friends),, but if not, is it better to ride east coast of Mexico?
2. Best sights to see in Mexico on East vs West?
3. I read many ship bikes from Panama to Cartegena or Bogota, but what about Cali?

Thank you in advance, your knowledge never ceases to inspire!

[Sjoerd Bakker]

Nothing wrong with , nor any reason to avoid crossing at at Tijuana. Bonus if you have friends living there to visit . Note that the OTAY MESA border crossing at East end Tijuana may be less confusing for a first time visitor to Mexico.

Both the east side and the west side have their attractions but most of the really scenic stuff is away from a " side" . Rather it is scattered about all over central interior - mountains , historic cities , varied climates and all that comes with that . Do some more research in stuff that is of interest to you and study a big PAPER MAP for roads as to how to connect your dots,Study of a landforms map and climates map will also be useful .In summer the interior and the mountains will be usually pleasant temperatures ( all elevation related)

Can't help much n your boat ride to Colombia but it appears that folks are limited by the few options there are . Flying around is possible any time . Read the next bit

[GorditoCanadian]

Thanks for the info and the link! Very useful. I have certainly viewed my map, searched online, asked around, etc.... nice to hear experienced opinions. Its a difficult balance of taking time to see the sites, (as maybe a one time opportunity) and keeping a "loose" budget & calendar in check.

[mollydog]

This time of year (late May) things will have heated right up in Mexico. As Sjoerd says, stick to Central Highlands for cooler temps, less rain and most historic sites in Mexico. Take your time ... enjoy some of the more remote towns, nice mountain roads ... and ON and ON.

The Touristy towns on the coasts (both sides) will be HOT and HUMID June to October. Good news is will be fairly empty of tourists with rates at their lowest.

Southern Mexico in low-lying and coastal area you'll have a lot of rain starting in July to October or so. Bit less rain in Highlands but it IS the rainy season ... so know that. Dries out by Oct./November or so.

For best sites GET A GUIDE BOOK and read ... then decide for yourself. Very few traveler reports ever capture the look and feel of these areas ... but there are a few if you search around here and on ADV Rider Ride Reports.

Panama to Colombia? No brainer. Fly.

[pancho]

Either coast line is a drug route, with the exception of the Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo states. Wherever you cross, just head central. It is hot in Colima on MX200 near the Manzanillo port where the meth precursors arrive from Asia.