RVers are adventurers. We find all the nooks and crannies of the country and find the most spectacular spots that nature has to offer. And, sometimes, we venture further. Whether it be renting an RV in another country like Japan, or simply crossing the border into our neighboring countries, we like to find the best of the best.
Mexico has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful countries to visit. From its historic buildings and ancient monuments, to its lush rainforests and beaches, it has something for everyone. Unfortunately, Mexico has recently suffered from a perception of widespread violence, with well-publicized crime and homicide incidents throughout the country. So the question is: is it safe enough to RV in? Are there particular areas that are safer than others? The Buzz aimed to find out!
We focused on a specific region of Mexico - Baja California, south of the US State of California. Baja California is huge - it is the second-largest peninsula on earth, spanning about 760 miles long and 25-150 miles wide. It is comprised of two Mexican states - Baja California and Baja California Sur. From most accounts, Baja California is a safe place to visit in an RV or as a tourist, as long as one is aware of some precautions.
"The violence that you hear about Mexico in the U.S media is always targeted violence involving the drug cartels. Unless you are involved with the cartels, you can generally expect a safe and peaceful trip," says Jennifer Kramer of the Baja resource website, Discover Baja, adding, "Most travelers find Mexican citizens to be friendly, hospitable, and people who will go out of their way to make you feel at home and help you in any situation."
As noted on Discover Baja's website, Discover Baja Travel Club has been in business for nearly 30 years, helping U.S. and Canadian citizens with all of the information and paperwork that they need to travel the Baja peninsula. Offering premium Mexican auto insurance, prepaid FMM tourist permits, an informative newsletter and more, Discover Baja is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to have a successful Baja trip. It is an excellent resource, not only for RVing, but travelling in the Baja California peninsula in general.
RV park in Baja at sunset.
Why would one want to go to Baja California? There is so much to do, eat and drink in the area. According to Baja California's tourism website, Baja California produces over 80% of craft beer in Mexico and produces 90% of Mexico's wine. Both are widely available throughout the state. There are also plenty of adventures to be had - surfing, whale watching, sandboarding, even swimming with whale sharks.
The other aspect is the culture. “There’s a much slower and relaxed pace of life in Baja,” says Kramer. The prices south of the border are much cheaper for everything. You can enjoy your beer and fish tacos with your toes in the sand. “There are incredible spots all along the Baja peninsula; where and how far you go depends on your interests and sense of adventure," he adds.
So what do you need to prepare to get into Mexico? You will need a passport, not to get into Mexico, but to return to the USA. You will also need Mexican Auto Insurance. It is required and you can be thrown in jail if it is not acquired. "Mexican auto insurance can be written for full coverage to cover expensive trailers and motorhomes, including custom work and additions," reports Kramer.
One will also need to obtain an FMM tourist permit. These can be acquired at Mexican immigration offices at every border crossing, or obtained through Discover Baja. "While a visa is not required, an FMM tourist permit is. They are free if you are spending seven days or less in Mexico. If you are spending more than seven days in the country, the cost is around $30," informs Kramer.
Kramer notes that any of the established campgrounds are great places to stay. "There are a range of campgrounds, some with many amenities and full hook ups, and some that are much more rustic and don’t offer hook ups or any amenities. It’s not recommended to camp outside of an organized campground," she warns.
As a place to get one's feet wet in Mexico, literally and figuratively, Kramer recommends San Felipe, about 2.5 hours south of San Diego. "It's a small beachfront fishing village located along the Sea of Cortez and offers warm weather, a peaceful atmosphere, and great seafood." Kiki's is a campground that is right on the beach with 30-amp service and a 27 spots capacity. It has unique two story structures that have picnic tables on the bottom and platforms on top to look out into the ocean. The spaces are tight, but it is a campground that is used to foreign visitors and decent size RVs. One reviewer notes, "Stayed in the RV park. The sites are tight or just too small for some big rigs but they are extremely accommodating when there is space. Very clean facilities. Services were great. Friends stayed in the hotel and said they were spotless. Staff was wonderful."
For more adventure types, East Cape RV Resort near the southern end of the peninsula in Los Barilles is a great place to stay. Travel and Leisure Magazine named the area of East Cape the 5th best place to travel in 2020. It is a lot further south - over 1,000 miles driving from San Diego. It accommodates big rigs comfortably, with 30-amp and 50-amp service, along with other amenities such as sport fishing and assistance with day trips. The campground caters to snowbirds and foreigners.
No article on traveling into Mexico is complete without some precautions. According to the U.S. Department of State, Baja California is in a Level 2 state of travel, or Exercise Increased Caution when traveling. The State Department has 4 levels of travel advisory, ranging from Level 4 (do not travel) to Level 1 (exercise normal precautions). All of Mexico is under a Level 2 advisory, due to crime and kidnapping, with certain states receiving a Level 3 and Level 4. According to the Department of State, Baja California receives a Level 2 because “criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. Particularly notable is the number of homicides in non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and turf battles can result in bystanders being injured or killed."
The Buzz reached out to the Consulate General of Tijuana and a representative made clear, "Always travel during the day and stay on the main highways. It is not recommended to travel at night at all." Most people recommend avoiding border towns, like Tijuana, as it is possible to get accidentally involved in criminal incidents, much like avoiding certain parts of big cities in the United States.
In short, exercising smart travel plans in Baja California can lead to a trip and experience that one will remember for a lifetime.
Have you ever gone RVing in Mexico? Leave a comment below and tell us how it went!
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