Mexico
RVing Mexico's Pacific Coast and the Yucatan
By Dot and Bill Bell

Bill and Dot Bell

Dot and Bill Bell are Mexican RV experts and have taught and led seminars about camping in Mexico throughout Canada and the US. Their website, www.ontheroadin.com is considered the most up-to-date source about camping and RVing south of the border.

Questions this issue:

Reservations from February to April

Condition of Yucatan highways and camping

Helpful hint – ATMs

Dear Dot & Bill,

We are thinking of driving down to Mazatlan and maybe driving as far South as Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo in February to April 2007. Is this a good time? Do we need reservations?

Sylvia and Bob

Celestun on Yucatan offers the largest flamingo reserve outside of Africa Bill Bell Photograph

Dear Sylvia and Bob,

Your timing is almost perfect. The West Coast of Mexico is particularly crowded with snowbirds in January and February simply because the weather in Mexico is balmy, and they want to escape the worst of the weather back home at this time.

If you are venturing down the Pacific Coast you will likely not need reservations until you hit Mazatlan. Between Mazatlan and Manzanillo there are many RV parks, but the really popular ones are in Mazatlan, La Peñita to Puerto Vallarta and Melaque. If you are driving slowly down this is should be "no problema." In March there are more vacancies and you should not have any problem anywhere. April, you will be able to pick any spot and get the best location in the park.

Try to experience Mazatlán's Marti Gras February 15 to 20. It's the world's third largest Marti Gras after Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. It's lots of fun and has plenty of parades and fireworks.

The one time of concern is Easter. Semana Santa or Holy Week this year is April 1 to 8. We strongly suggest you are parked and in a campsite for the duration of the celebrations. Thousands and thousands of Mexicans will drive to the coast and holiday with their families. Not only will the RV parks be full but the roads and highways will be jam-packed. This makes driving frustrating and dangerous. Stay put and enjoy. It is one of the few times you will have an opportunity to camp and party with Mexican families on your journey.

The Yucatan offers Rv travellers many activities including ancient Mayan sites such as Tulum Bill Bell Photograph

Consider purchasing the Highway 15 and Highway 200 Road Log. It gives detailed highway instructions and will get you to your destinations far easier than an ordinary map. Have a great journey and enjoy!

Adios,

Dot & Bill

Dear Dorothy & Bill,

We are considering camping in the Yucatan next winter. Is it too hot? We want to drive around explore all the Mayan pyramids. Is this a good idea? How are the highways?

Cheryl and Bob Z*

Dear Cheryl & Bob,

Oh, you will love the Yucatan. The Mayan pyramids and ruins are fantastic and we never tire of them. Other "must sees" are the many cenotes or underground caves, flamingo reserves and eco parks. The major Mayan ruins – Palenque, Uxmal, Chichén Itzá and Tulum - all have nearby camping. One route you should travel is Highway 186 between Chetumal and Campeche. There are many lesser known ancient pyramids on this highway that most travelers don't see. Likely you will find yourself alone or with a few other tourists. It is an experience you are not likely to forget.

Ancient Mayan Pyramids such Chichen Ittza abound throughout the Yucatan Bill Bell Photograph

Camping on the Yucatan can get quite busy during January and February at Paamul – the major RV Snowbird RV Park just south of Playa del Carmen. Don't expect an ocean view site anytime of year. Apparently they are now building more cabanas and year round renters occupy most of the view spots with great big cabanas and Palapa houses.

Since the Hurricanes of 2005, most the highways have been rebuilt. There are good toll highways and excellent secondary roads. A motorhome of any size will have no difficulty. Write us if you have any questions and please write us after your journey. We'd love to hear from you!

Adios and have a great trip.

Dot & Bill

Helpful Hint:

If you are relying on ATMs, get an extra card from your bank in case the Mexican ATM eats your card. We have bank cards at two different banks specifically for this purpose. Inquire at your local bank if they have an affiliated Mexican Bank that will offer the cheapest per-transaction fee.

For more information about RVing and exploring Mexico, go to The Bell's Website or to ask your question about RVing in Mexico write editor@ontheroadin.com.

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