| Special requirements for Mexico Tours:
These document requirements and other suggestions will make you Mexican motorcycle adventure more enjoyable.
Be sure your bike is in top working condition. Any problems
we cannot fix on the side of the road will likely require
the bike be transported back to California or Arizona for
repairs at your expense. We will visit quiet towns. We require
that you do not run pipes that exceed US noise limits.
Papers Please:
You will need to bring your driver's license, registration
for your motorcycle, your Mexican motorcycle insurance and
US proof of insurance. You will also purchase a vehicle
permit and visa costing about $55 at the border. Call us
for details on permits. You are required to present a valid
passport to re-enter the US from Mexico. Apply for your
passport early as there have been delays in the past. It
is your responsibility to have the correct documents. Please
check passport and other document requirements at the US
State Department web site or the Get A Passport Now web
site. To speed things up while obtaining permits, please
bring two xerox copies each of your passport, driver's license
and motorcycle registration.
If you are not a US or Canadian citizen it is critical that
you determine what documents will be required to re-enter
to the US. Please do this before you cross into Mexico.
Trip Insurance: We highly recommend
you purchase trip insurance.
Safety:
We will avoid the larger border cities where there have
been problems and stay in small towns and cities full of
honest, friendly people who look out for one another and
their guests. As a result, crime is low in the towns we
visit but it does exist. So just as at home, you must use
common sense. We recommend that you stay with the group,
leave valuables home, avoid flashing cash and expensive
jewelry and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
We will cable all the motorcycles together each night in
Mexico.
Mexican Motorcycle Insurance:
Your US and Canadian motorcycle insurance does not cover
you in Mexico. You must purchase Mexican insurance. Without
liability insurance, if you damage any property or another
vehicle with your motorcycle and you do not have insurance,
you will have to stay in Mexico until the damage is paid
for. Rental bikes will require this coverage as well, call
us for details We have used Adventure Mexican Insurance
to purchase insurance online but you are free to research
and choose your own company. If you are riding your own
bike, you must decide if you want liability only or full
coverage. Costs of the insurance will vary widely based
on the coverages you choose and the value of your motorcycle.
Check with your insurance agent if you need information
on coverages. The insurance should run for the duration
the tour. You will need full coverage (theft and collision)
for rental bikes and the rental company will handle this
detail.
Mexican Gas Stations:
There is only one game in town, PEMEX. Two grades are
usually available: Regular unleaded Verde (green) and Premium
Rojo (red.) The quality is comparable to what you would
buy in the US and costs are similar depending on the exchange
rate. Be aware that some stations only carry regular. Consider
bringing a small amount of octane booster if you have concerns.
At most stations, the attendant will pump the gas. A small
tip is appreciated.
What to Bring:
Our Tips and Checklist page has almost everything you
need for your vacation. The weather is typically mild, even
warm but rain, cool and even cold days can happen so be
prepared. We have seen snow in March in Baja and cool temperatures in the mountains of Sonora.
Don't be afraid
to throw your heated vest in your bag as we will be riding
at altitude some days. Bring an anti-theft device (lock)
for your motorcycle. You might want to bring a Spanish/English
dictionary or phrase book. Most of all bring an open mind
and an open heart.
What not to bring:
Do not bring valuable jewelry or other such items. Do
not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition into Mexico.
You will be arrested. Even a single empty shell casing in
your saddlebags can be trouble. Same for illegal drugs.
Mexican jails have a reputation as places you do not wish
to spend your vacation.
Other things to note:
Changing money is not a major issue. Most of Northern Mexico and Baja is comfortable
with US dollars in small bills - nothing over a twenty -
and there are ATMs and Casas de Cambio (money changing stores)
available. Check with your bank, you may be able to get pesos there with advance notice. Watch out for steep fees.
Call or e-mail for more info.
We choose the best available accommodations in each location.
Some accommodations may not be what you are accustomed to
as luxury in the US or Europe, some will wow you no matter
where you are from. Some flexibility is required.
These are a paved road tours. But remember, this is Mexico
so paving standards are different. Broken pavement, poorly
repaired pavement and areas under construction (missing pavement) may be encountered.
Riding at night outside the town limits is discouraged.
Farm vehicles and others do not have proper lighting and
pose a hazard. Cattle, horses, deer and other critters are
on the roads at night.
Your cell phone will probably work where a signal is available.
You will need to check with your carrier. Check to see what the
cost per minute, roaming and other charges might be. You may be
able to get a special package to keep your costs down or you could
just turn it off and enjoy the ride. We do carry an emergency
satellite phone on the Baja tour only. WiFi is available at many
but not all locations on our routes.
We will encounter several military checkpoints. They are
looking for drugs and weapons. Turn off your motor. You
may be asked to dismount and open your saddlebags for a
quick inspection. Smile and comply. Touristas are generally
not hassled in any way.
We reserve the right to change the itinerary based on
road and weather conditions and general rider safety reasons.
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