Traveling alone in Mexico
 

I plan to enter Mexico from the U.S. at Matamoras and ride south along the Gulf of Mexico at least as far as Veracruz and possibly to Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula. But when I mention to people that I'm going alone they warn me that if I'm not robbed by banditos I'll be shaken down by Federales looking for a handout. Of course none of the people I've talked to have actually been to Mexico by bike. Any advice pro or con would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hai Douglas,

Many people are aware of all the incredible dangers that are luring from every street-corner.
I mean, everybody knows that the moment you set foot across the border and enter a strange country, you will at least be robbed, shot, killed, raped, kidnapped, killed again and buried alive...
Well... I am just an ignorand fool.. and so are most of the people on this BB. What do they know, they have been around the world only one time. And they all say it's just as safe as your backyard. Yeahh right.

Well... in fact... my back yard is a lot more dangerous then the outback of many country's...

If you read around this BB and follow all the adventures, you'll come to the same conclusion as I... There is a wonderfull and friendly world out there. Just don't do anything foolish and it's perfectly safe.

And what all the people, who never been out there, say.... I think they are talking about the town they, and you, and me, live in.. that is: our home town, at night, in a dark alye ;-)

Have a good trip and enjoy it.

Maarten

Maarten:

Have you ridden through Mexico, alone?

I have the same interest as Douglas, and am looking for a answer to the same question.

Although I appreciate the spirit of your reply to Douglas, it does not really answer the question.

If there is anyone out there who has ridden in Mexico, please share your comments here with Douglas and I.

I have ridden through the northern parts of Mexico alone, and stayed a while with friends there two years ago.

Yes, I would do it again, alone. And, yes, I would always talk to Mexicans who have travelled the way I plan to travel. At times some areas are not safe, other times they are OK. Highway robbers were still active on some stretches. But so were "they" around Los Angeles' LAX airport then: if you were a foreigner and rented a car: they'd notice, follow you, and board your vehicle, and take your money and stuff.

My own approach is to ride something run down and dusty- something that does not loudly proclaim: "Here comes $$$!"

I do the same in Lithuania where I am stranded for the winter, and it works like a charm (famous last words...)

But, even better, travel with absolute minimal mammon. All you take along should, in principle, be "robbable." (Easier said than done, I know)

Enough already. Go for it. Enjoy your ride! They will steal the cream out of your coffe.

Mexico is fine, and friendly too.

I'm sure if you read around the various forums you'll find most people( who've actually been )agree.

I've been there on an XT.

Why not go into Belize from the Yucatan?

dc

I'm planning to head down Baja, cross over to Copper Canyon and generally head down towards Central America in 2 months time.

I actually emailed the British Embassy in Mexico to ask advice. They thought I was crazy to do it at all!!!

I've just been in Belize and people are driving thru Mexico to import stuff from the US all the time.

There is a great book "The People's Guide to Mexico" which doesnt tell you where to stay or how much things are. It tells you what foods are eaten, how a bullfight is run, where to camp, the red tape to bring a vehicle into Mexico, what to do if you have an accident and what the driving customs are. There are load of anecdotes about incidents with federales and people on horse back with guns! And belive me, after a look at this book you'll be dying (no pun intended) to go to Mexico.. seriously.

See you on the road there perhaps - look out for a KLR 650 with an Irish sticker

i have just travelled thru mexico coming from belize this month. chetumal - palenque - san cristobal de las casas - puerto escondido - puerto vallarta and up north to nogales.

there was only one moment when i thought it was time to leave without feeling threatened. it happened during a short stop next to the roas in chiapas and due to one rather grim-looking, unfriendly local.

i personally do not consider mexico to be a special risk if you take the normal precautions like not travelling at night, a self-confident, determined yet friendly attitude etc.

enjoy, d
ambassador for unicef new zealand www.2-mad.com

I just recently returned to US after travelling alone through chihuahua(Copper Canyon), across mountains to Mazatlan, ferry to La Paz, down Baja penin. and back up. Also, last year from Texas to Panama and back and had absolutely no problem. Great people and places to see. Don't hesitate or listen to those who doubt your sanity. They haven't been there. Enjoy.--Porter

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on the road(almost)
and lovin' it!!
KLR650-A13 'BURRO'

I just returned from the Yucatan two weeks ago. The road from Tulum to Villa Hermosa and along the Gulf Coast to Matamoras is safe. I got searched three times at military checkpoints but had no troubles.

-Scary

I live in Mexico and ride 30 000 k plus a year most of them alone... never had a problem just great stories and great friends.