Best USA/Mexico border crossing for my trip?

[Wrong Way]

I'm currently just above L.A USA in San Buenaventure County waiting for parts. I plan on driving down to Mazunte, Zapolita, Playa _______,etc.... For some R and R. However, before hand i would like to learn a little spanish. I figure i will drive about 350 miles a day and would like some scenery and true mexican culture. Since my spanish isn't the best i feel that i will need a route that will minimize the amount of interaction i have with Police, other officials. Since i'm driving solo i would like to avoid the criminal elements as much as possible. I would like also to camp. I feel i want to get to the south before i chill.

i will probably be leaving where i'm at in a couple of days. i'm willing to drive east along the USA/Mexican border to cross at the most appropriate spot. Any advice would be appreciated.

Sincerely yours,
Troy "Wrong Way"

[hmadams]

Cross anywhere you want, cross early in the morning and it should be pretty smooth sailing. I've crossed in Tijuana, Santa Teresa, Aqua Prieta and they all were ok. I do not speak Spanish and I have never had a problem, especially with the police. Since you are north of baja, just cross in southern cal and see baja and ferry over to Mazatlan. You can camp but motels can be very cheap from $10 to whatever you want to pay. Cheaper in the less touresty places. Enjoy! Mexico is a wonderful place...people and food are fantastic.

[Wrong Way]

Okay, don't worry about it is what you are saying.

I think i'll cross at Nogales and head through the central mexico......but Baja sounds good... dammit. What's this copper canyon thing i hear about.....is it good? I have to much time to think about things i guess because of all the time waiting for parts. This rookie would appreciate any other commentary, experiences, ideas.......

Thanx all,
Troy

[Tiffany]

I crossed at Nogales three months ago, they were really nice at the border crossing- however for those who need to get export paperwork stamped be aware that you need to take the "Cargo" border crossing which is signposted from the highway a few miles before the official Nogales border crossing.

You only need the paperwork done if you are on a foreign registered vehicle that was shipped or flown into the States.

The road south from Nogales was fine - the Federales just waved me through every checkpoint as they are interested in looking for guns and drugs not solo bikers.

Personally I prefer the Baja route down through Mexico but I have to admit I've never been to Copper Canyon.

Ride sfae and enjoy.

[bmwroadrider]

The Copper Canyon as one of the best rides I have ever done (and I have been all over the world). It can be very hard offroad riding, especially if you want to enter from the Topolobampo/Los Mochis side.

In 2007 I went from L.A. to Nogales, down to Hermosillo, and east into the mountains that ring the Copper Canyon. I then did a circular route, down to Urique and Batopilas, before heading out of the Canyons to the South west and caught a ferry over to Baja. From there I went North back to California.

Unless you are comfortable with pretty nasty dirt roads and steep grades I would stay away from the copper canyon. If you are comfortable offroad and have a proper dual sport (XR650, DR-Z400, etc) Then I would recommend entering Mexico at Tiujana, early in the morning and get out of the city, and south as soon as possible. Make sure you get Mexican insurance at the San Diego side (unless you already have Mexican insurance). Once into Mexico make sure to get your tourist card, and Temporary vehicle import permit with Hologram. You can then ride down through Baja, take the ferry from La Paz to Los Mochis (Topolobampo) and then go into the Copper Canyon. When you come out on the other side you will near Chihuahua, and the main north south Road in mexico. You then have a straight shot down and the most direct way through the center of Mexico and down to the coast of Oxaca State (where you said you wanted to go)

Camping should be fine in Mexico assuming no one sees where you set up camp, no one can see you from any of the roads as they pass by, and that you are awake and out of your campsite before full light. Bush camping will get much harder as you get farther south into the country and I would not recomend it given how cheap auto hotels and hostels are

Click on the link below to see some pictures of the Copper canyon and Baja

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[Sjoerd Bakker]

To minimize your contact with the police.....drive sanely and safely,do not get into accidents , do not speed,do not blow through stop signs ( even if the locals do it)... just what you do to minimize contact with the Mounties back home.

On the border crossing at Nogales- : you can take the downtown or the west side truck crossing and not worry about paperwork at the border because this can all be done at the customs terminal beside the highway Mex 15 at about the km 25 mark south of the city.Tourist cards and TVIP are isued there.
Actually that terminal may soon be not needed if the latest info form CAA is correct. It is advertised in the AAA roadbook for Mexico that a new customs terminal for issuing TC and TVIP etc has opened last autumn on Mex 15 just north of the Bypass for GUAYMAS (SAn Carlos) Can anybody confirm ?

[Wrong Way]

i think i'll save Copper canyon for the end of my trip or for a later date; on the way back. My bike is fully loaded - possible overloaded for the copper canyon.

Since the Tijuana border is closer i think i'll go down the baja, cross to the mainland, as far south as possible( ?), and then head down. I'll decide to go down the coast or go inland and down at that point.

All information is appreciated and any new thoughts and stories would be appreciated.

Thanx again Hmadams, Tiffany, Bmwroadrider, Sjoerd

Troy