Mexico
"Almost Free RV Caravan" to Mexico coming soon
By Dot and Bill 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, is considered the most up-to-date source about camping and RVing south of the border.

In this issue:
--Questions about Highway 2
--Can you see any reason why a single woman shouldn't camp in Mexico?
--Announcement of "Almost Free Caravan"

Highway 15 down the Pacific Coast Bill Bell Photograph

Hi,
I recently bought your Road Log for Highway 15, and have really enjoyed browsing it. I was wondering if you had any helpful hints concerning Highway 2 from Sonoyta (near Lukeville, AZ) through Caborca to hook up with 15. I have experienced two waits in excess of 3 to 4 hours at the border in Nogales. Granted, they were on the weekend, but that is just the way my breaks are scheduled. I am thinking that I would rather travel on Highway 2 to 15 and avoid delays in Phoenix and Tucson traffic in addition to the Nogales wait from hell. I've also wondered about the road from Puerto Penasco down to Caborca.

Thanks a bunch.

Matt, Prescott, AZ

Hi Matt,

We drove Highway 2 at the end of January, 2006. The road is straight and somewhat boring but just fine in terms of driving. It is mostly a two-lane road from the border at Sonoyta to Caborca, with very little traffic. When we went through they were building a toll road from Caborca to Santa Anna but it was not complete. We have heard it is up and running now so you should have good pavement with three to four lanes. Jeese there may even be shoulders too!

The Sonoyta border is only open at 6 am until midnight. It can be extremely busy on weekends, too, so either go on a weekday or cross very early in the morning. There is a good and inexpensive RV Park to the left on the U.S.of the border.

Baja California provides over one thiird of the camping locations for the entire Mexico Bill Bell Photograph

You can no longer get your vehicle permit or tourist visa (FMT) here and you must go to military checkpoint to do all your paperwork. The checkpoint is between Sonoyta and Caborca about 30 kms south of Sonoyta. Here you may get your papers and permits. The Banjercito is open at 8 a.m. You may have your vehicle inspected for guns and/or drugs, as well as contraband goods. Usually you will just get waived through.

If you need a vehicle permit you might consider the Motorhome 10 year permit they introduced earlier this year. It costs about $45 and is good for multiple entries.

And thanks for purchasing our Road Log!

Adios and Happy Trails
Dot and Bill

Hi Dorothy and Bill,

My name is Linda and I am 51 years old, single and have two on-their-own kids in Portland, Oregon. I am interested in traveling to Mexico by RV and have a small truck and camper that I use for camping trips in the U.S. and Canada. I enjoy traveling alone and really can't see myself on a caravan. I have only traveled to Mexico twice before (Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas) by plane and loved it. However that was 10 years ago.

My question is this: I am mildly handicapped now with arthritis. Sometimes when the pain is very bad, I use a walker. Normally I just walk slowly and I try to walk about two miles every day. I usually feel much better in warmer and dryer climates. Can you see any reason why a single woman shouldn't camp in Mexico? Will my disability cause me any additional problems? I am thinking of puttering down the West Coast or the Baja this fall and would like your opinion.

Linda B, Portland

Hi Linda,

Your have given us a lot to consider. Single woman. Handicap. West Coast or Baja.

We think a woman traveling solo is just fine. Take the standard precautions regarding safety that you would at home in Oregon; Do not walk alone at night, secure your vehicle, and do not flaunt your jewelry and or possessions.

We think it is safest to travel early and only drive about 4 -6 hours per day. That way if you have a breakdown you have plenty of daylight hours to deal with the problem. Please go to our website and plan your trip so every day you have a few alternative campsites to choose from. We have met many independent travelers that return annually to Mexico.

Baja Highway One over looking Mulege Bill Bell Photograph

Regarding your handicap, we applaud that you camp and travel as much as you do. Mexico should be no additional problem for you except that in most areas the pavement areas (sidewalks, streets, town plazas, etc.) are not well maintained. You must be careful when you walk so you don't have an accident. There are many other obstacles on sidewalks, so you must be doubly alert. (Note: While Mexico is changing dramatically in many ways, it is NOT progressing quickly enough in this area. There are very few ramped curbs and even fewer handicapped accessible washrooms. It sounds like you do not require these so you should be just fine.) Check with your doctor before you leave regarding medications. Often drugs are far cheaper in Mexico.

Regarding the West Coast vs. Baja decision: We love both areas and they are very different. We think that you should try the Baja for your first time driving in Mexico:

1) The Baja is dryer. It's a desert out there! The West Coast of the mainland can get very humid in some areas.

2) The Baja has approximately one quarter of all the campsites in all of Mexico. That means you can stop in about any location you want for a secured campsite.

3) If you have a breakdown, there will be plenty of RVers on Highway 1 to give you a hand. While the "Green Angels" scour all the major highways to give tourists a hand if they break down, it's comforting to know that there are fellow RVers out there too.

We would be glad to answer any more of your questions. Please feel free to write with any additional concerns.

Adios and safe travels,
Dot and Bill

Announcement: Here is is a sneak Preview for RV Travel Readers: We will once again offer the "Almost Free" La Penita Express Caravan beginning October 25 from Nogales, Arizona to La Penita, Mexico (40 miles north of Puerto Vallarta).

The Caravan will be free but you must take the four-hour Bell RV course and book at stay for one month at the La Penita RV Park. The cost of the course and additional materials is $100 per rig.

Last year we turned down more than 100 people who wanted to come on down. Sign up early.

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

Traveler's Guide to Mexican Camping Headed to Mexico? Make this your guide. Authors Mike and Terri Church cover everything you need to know to RV in this inexpensive, fascinating land. More than 250 campgrounds listed, too!	Mexico By RV Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stay on one of the pristine beaches pictured in all the Mexico travel books, or explore the historic Colonial regions and visit the ancient ruin sites.	Frommer's Mexico 2005 Everything a visitor to Mexico needs to know about spending time in the country is here. This is not a camping guide, but anyone who plans to head south will find it a wealth of necessary information.