Is Mexico Safe?

[Arte]

FYI -
Edited Sep -3, 2011

" (1) México is dearly loved by the regulars on this thread. It is a country of breathtaking beauty and friendly people who will enrich your life for having met them. There are, however, some bad hombres and mujeres in the mix and, obviously, only you can decide whether a trip into Mexico is right for you.
(2) Basic advice? Avoid riding at night and don't wander around in places your mom would not want you to be in, especially at night. Be respectful; don’t be a douche with an attitude. Watch out for loose livestock and topes.
(3) Although there is much to gain from going through the entire thread you may want to consider posting your question at the tail end to get up-to-date perspectives from the regulars here.
(4) Many of the regulars on this thread live in Mexico, have lived in Mexico or have crisscrossed Mexico from one end to the other and the thread also serves as a chat room of sorts while waiting for customers to drop by with questions. If you find this annoying, kindly go elsewhere. There are scads of sources on the web to find information on the Mexico “situation”.
(5) All are warmly welcomed to influence the direction of the thread so constructive comments and suggestions are appreciated. However, if you come here to complain or just kick dust in people’s face, kindly go elsewhere; not every thread on ADV will please everyone so go find one that pleases you.
(6) For best results, view this thread as you would a small town newspaper; some good stuff, some filler, some gossip, some trivia with a pretty darn good “ask the experts” column. There are semi-regular columns on motorcycles, Mexico roads & traffic norms, border crossing procedures, cigars, bbq, beer, and the appreciation of beauty, both natural and surgically enhanced.

Bienvenido! "

Edit Contribution by Weazybuddha - Thank you! -

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In occasion of our almost 200 yrs Mexican independency anniversary; The tourism is being supported more than ever (promotion and security), and no one likes to mess with tourists, we all know they are huge money source to ramp up the poor economy situation.

check some of Tamaulipas sites on this promotinal video, which is just at 3 to 4 hours from the TX border.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJvMJ...eature=related

you can check my last trip to see more pictures of the Zacaton area shown on the video.

Now, you wanna some Mexico's unsafe places? well go outside at 2 am, walk by the "tolerance" areas and you might be at first row seat of non safe events.

Arte

[tricepilot]

gracias por ese, yo no podrá ahora ir a dormir



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Update 22 June 2012:

Is Mexico Really Safe?

There exists a broad spectrum of opinion out there as to just how dangerous Mexico is for the motorcycle traveler.

Here in the "Is Mexico Safe" thread we respect both opinons. And we don't care if you change horses in the middle of the stream, that is to say, you once thought it safe to ride there but have now decided to take a pause on travel south. That's fine. Or, maybe reading about the adventures of the regular posters here you decide to saddle up and see Mexico and/or points south. That's fine too.


Many of us ride Mexico regularly. We love her people, her culture, her landscape, her food, her customs and often those things you just can't put your finger on. Most of us comment on how "safe" we feel once we cross the border out of the US of A and enter Mexico. There are some of us who only ride a couple of hundred kilometers inside the border, see a few things, and come home after a few days. Some, like Sjoerd, plot extensive routes inside Mexico and keep a history of off-the-beaten-path travels on a well worn map (he showed it to me at Casa Tricepilot). A lot of us have favorite areas of Mexico. Some of our current favs is the area surrounding Durango where SR lives, the area in and around Veracruz where MikeMike lives, and many of us enjoying my personal favorite part of Mexico, Oaxaca.


Not one of the regulars here say that travel in Mexico by motorcycle is without risk. Mexico is indeed in the midst of a drug war and some would say in certain areas the climate borders on civil war. BUT, and the reader of this thread has to listen here, the task is to size up the risk individually and make a personal decision to go or stay home. My decision to ride through Mexico to Guatemala in January is not a signal to everyone else that the same decision is right for them. Once in Mexico, I generally do not go out late at night to parts of town I don't know and stay late into the night. Others have this practice, its just not normally mine. Different risk management choices. Some people take great pride in riding solo in Mexico. I have ridden many miles solo in Mexico. Although under the current climate, and in a tip of the hat to concerns of Tricewife, I have modified my risk management profile to endeavor to ride with another rider as much as possible.


Participation in the Is Mexico Safe thread is not a stamp that those who regularly post here believe Mexico is without issues. Regular riders believe the risks can be managed and they press on. I have personally posted stories and follow-up commentary on those who have encountered danger in Mexico. I recently posted the letter to the editor of BMW ON magazine regarding the robbery near El Fuerte experience by Tope_Stomper and her riding partners. The more we share these actual, credible experiences the more data points we have to use to make our go/no-go decisions and to adjust our habits and practices on the motorcycle should we decide to press on. Based upon her report, for example, several riders reengergized their practice of spreading money around their bikes and once again committed to carrying a "throw-away" wallet. Stories like hers have a definite home here in this thread. Also welcome is commentary by anyone who takes in such stories and changes their attitude about riding to Mexico.


It is true that most of the posts here in this thread are by frequent Mexico riders. Out of that association a bond has grown and we look forward to hanging out at the "bar" so to speak and having a virtual coffee or beer together. And from that, many of us have met via this thread and have gone "downrange" across the Rio Bravo and gone exploring Mexico together. These days, what we often like to do is point the bike towards an expat's house in Mexico and go and enjoy their hospitality and share in the discoveries they've made and go meet and enjoy the friendship of their neighbors. We often meet here in virtual space to shoot the breeze, have a laugh, and do what most regulars do on all threads that have legs on ADV.


Don't think that all the while, we're not keeping an eye ourselves on the news, the State Department warnings, intel from those living inside the country, and sending PMs to each other with "what do you think?" We keep in mind what we read from everyone here who post "this happened to me" stories.


What is not helpful here is the broad brush on Mexico, one way or the other. The recent post including wording to the effect that Mexico "has the smell of death, eminating from its bowels" is a perfect example. This is disrespectful, untrue, insulting and does not make a contribution. We will address these posts and posters, and attempt to draw out a more meaningful dialog. By the same token, if anyone can send me a PM with a link to a post where a regular on this thread made any kind of statement that Mexico motorcycle travel is completely risk free and without concern, provide your address in that link and I'll send you a case of your favorite beer, and I will personally issue you a public nod that we haven't done our job here in our endeavors to keep perspective in balance.

Appendix A: Insurance for Mexico.

I recommend at least liability insurance and, depending upon your budget and desires, bumping this up to include full coverage on your bike.

You will not need to produce evidence of insurance while riding in Mexico unless and until you are involved in an accident and you are detained until guilt is sorted out. Having insurance will pave the way to get you out of a jam and most underwriters include a bilingual attorney to represent you in a court of law.

I have for years used MexAdventure but there are other equally good companies who have been around a long time. Another side benefit of insurance is "Trip Protection" which varies by company but includes things like getting you and your bike to better places after an incident. Read carefully the language attached to any policy you may consider.

I also recommend MedJet Assist. I will not travel in Mexico without it. It is good worldwide. If you are hospitalized in Mexico and need further hospital treatment back in the U.S., MedJet will come and get you and take you home in an air ambulance. If you don't think the cost of this coverage is worth it, consider the alternatives. If you ever need this type of service you will be glad you paid every penny of the premium. For an additional small fee, MedJet will also repatriate your motorcycle.

FAQ: Mexico insurance underwriters such as Mexadventure also offer air evac coverage as part of their policy. Why bother with the extra expense of MedJet?

Answer: If you need medical air evacuation, go with the pros whose job it is full time. Based in Atlanta, experienced on a daily basis doing this, always on their "A" game. When Whiskeysmith crashed in Mexico, and was hospitalized in Parral, we thought he had MedJet but all he had was Mexadventure's "Platinum" coverage which appeared to offer medical extraction as a bonus. I was on the phone with their rep all night long as was told to "call back tomorrow" - and this was a Spanish speaking operator in Mexico City. You want that when you are in a tough bind? I don't. Don't get me wrong, I've been with Mexadventure for years, and always go back to them. But I consider medical extraction by air the same way I do a parachute: you want some extra, seldom used, old model lying around the back of the hangar on your back when you jump? Or do you want the state-of-the-art, tested frequently, highly rated rig on the other end of the line when you pull the coord? Your body - Your money - Your choice.

Having these coverages is an element to my Risk Management Strategy. Yours may be completely different. I can point you in the direction of riders who have been on both sides of this fence and their stories tend to back up my recommendation on this topic.

Appendix B: Trip Planning for Mexico

Frequently we see posts asking for route suggestions and what-to-see type lists. All well and good but remember the typical novice mistake is to try to pack a hundred pounds of potatoes into a fifty pound sack. IMHO you're much better off with a general direction and a few highlights and then modify your daily itinerary to fit how things are going. It is a BIG MISTAKE to, let's say, arrive in San Miguel de Allende in the afternoon, hit a restaurant and a bar, and then shove off early the next morning. Mexico is if nothing else a destination to be savored, not approached like a cruise ship docking schedule.

There exists a fine listing of hotels produced by our own Sjoerd Bakker which if nothing else should find a home in your tank bag. I don't care who you are you don't have the experience in Mexico that Sjoerd does so pay attention to his posts and send him a PM for specific advice about this or that Mexico state you are eyeing.

When planning your trip leave out ideas about taking your sleeping bag and tent, for there is simply an overabundance of options on any given route. While you may be the type to carry an emergency bivy sack, you won't need your Yellowstone camping package in Mexico and with just a little thinking you can choose very affordable places to stay.

The "Three Finger Rule" means when you hold you hand up to the horizon and the sun is about three fingers above, start thinking about your map and putting a close to the day. You certainly don't want to be riding at night in Mexico primarily due to livestock on the road and other road hazards, so operate in daylight and save dusk and night time for a cold Indio and some street tacos.

Appendix C: Temporary Vehicle Import Permits

To operate your bike south of the border zone and outside Baja and the western part of Sonora state, you will need a TVIP. You can use either your title or state registration, and you can get the TVIP either online or at a border aduana.

The "ownership document" and your passport, passport card or drivers license need to match each other. If you have a lien on the bike, you either need a letter from the lender stating you have permission to take the bike to Mexico, or select a document that does not reflect the lien.

Make sure when acquiring your TVIP that you pay attention to the length of validity, which should be 180 days (by law it must match the valid period of your tourist card). There have been anecdotal stories of riders being "asleep at the switch" as the TVIP is being prepared and finding out the official made it valid for only 30 days.

Be sure to turn in your TVIP as you exit Mexico, prior the expiration, so as not to pay forfeiture. You will have bonded your moto either by cash or by credit card up to an amount of $400 U.S. depending upon the age of the vehicle - so don't skip the cancellation process due to a fit of "border fever".

One TVIP Two Vehicles

[Arte]

or try this place closer, for those who like go to MEXTREK at Galeana NL:

the Hawk Pond Cenote
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1C7DuSzqas&feature=fvw

[varna2win]

Well, if you have to ride through Juarez or Tijuana to get to your safe place then I think the term," vaya con dios" is appropriate.

[acejones]

You ever ridden through those areas Varna2win ?

[TemeculaRider]

Originally Posted by varna2win

Well, if you have to ride through Juarez or Tijuana to get to your safe place then I think the term," vaya con dios" is appropriate.

You don't know what you're talking about. Oh wait, you must've read the LA Times editorials this morning at Starbucks? Would you care to compare rates of violence in TJ and LA over the last 30 days? I dare you!

Riding thru TJ at night is no different than riding thru Compton or Watts at night. Pretty dumb thing to do so don't do it. Ride thru in broad daylight when the animals are sleeping and you having virtually nothing to fear.

[tricepilot]

While you guys are beating a dead horse discussing Mexico safety, I'm watching the hot chick in Arte's video again

[TemeculaRider]

One of these days I'm going to learn! Next time someone asks this question I'm going to tell them that the last time I went to Mexico my life was saved when the US State Dept. sent in Navy Seal Team Six to extricate me from the clutches of the vicious drug cartels of Gonzaga Bay.

[T.REX63]

Cool video A me, me gusta mucho viajar a Mexico. Un pais con mucho corazon y alma ...

[varna2win]

The beauty of ADV rider is if you make one comment in here everybody jumps on your ass. Maybe just maybe I don't know shit. One thing is for sure I'm not some candyass that rides a GS & drinks coffee at Starbucks. The Starbucks comment really pissed me off.

[Lone Rider]

Originally Posted by TemeculaRider

One of these days I'm going to learn! Next time someone asks this question I'm going to tell them that the last time I went to Mexico my life was saved when the US State Dept. sent in Navy Seal Team Six to extricate me from the clutches of the vicious drug cartels of Gonzaga Bay.

Very creative....
A good one.

[T.REX63]

Originally Posted by varna2win

The beauty of ADV rider is if you make one comment in here everybody jumps on your ass. Maybe just maybe I don't know shit. One thing is for sure I'm not some candyass that rides a GS & drinks coffee at Starbucks. The Starbucks comment really pissed me off.

Why...?



...be a man, stand by your Starbucks

[Lone Rider]

It's been proven that caffeine kills penis cancer...

[Medic09]

I'll admit my own wariness about Mexico.

One of our flight crews (my usual partner and a different medic) went down to Mexico on a medical mission. Picked up a patient in a fairly small town to be brought to the US for specialty care unavailable there. On the way back to the airstrip, the ambulance stops and the driver gets out to hand a bunch of cash to someone by the roadside. A few minutes and kilometers later, he pulls over and tries to extort our medical crew. With a patient lying in the back. Didn't know our crew were military trained and unwilling to cooperate. The patient got to the US okay, but we now have orders to not go in to local hospitals on retrievals unless it is clear that the patient cannot be moved without us. This sort of incident has happened to other crews going down there, as well. Some US based flight medical crews won't even go into Mexico anymore.

For what it is worth, we do NOT have these problems in the rest of Central and South America. Not even the cartel-ridden places like Columbia.

So, for now, my wife and I are not riding down into Mexico on any vacations.

[Arte]

Originally Posted by Medic09

I'll admit my own wariness about Mexico.

One of our flight crews (my usual partner and a different medic) went down to Mexico on a medical mission. Picked up a patient in a fairly small town to be brought to the US for specialty care unavailable there. On the way back to the airstrip, the ambulance stops and the driver gets out to hand a bunch of cash to someone by the roadside. A few minutes and kilometers later, he pulls over and tries to extort our medical crew. With a patient lying in the back. Didn't know our crew were military trained and unwilling to cooperate. The patient got to the US okay, but we now have orders to not go in to local hospitals on retrievals unless it is clear that the patient cannot be moved without us. This sort of incident has happened to other crews going down there, as well. Some US based flight medical crews won't even go into Mexico anymore.

For what it is worth, we do NOT have these problems in the rest of Central and South America. Not even the cartel-ridden places like Columbia.

So, for now, my wife and I are not riding down into Mexico on any vacations.

Please tell me that the military trained crew kicked big time that guy. if not, they should done something like Steven Seagal's bones breaking thing, so the next time dont dare mess with honest people.