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Fact & Fiction about Traveling Mexico
written by: Harry Lewellyn
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I too have concerns about crossing the border, but extensive travel
proves otherwise . .
Let me offer 50 years of my experience . . .
. . . . My first trip to Mexico was with my father and uncle in 1952 - I was 12.
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GASOLINE |
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Mexico only sells unleaded gasoline and the
prices are typically close to ours. They even have premimum at some stations.
The PEMEX stations are equipped with modern pumps and storage tanks. No
longer do we have to buy gas from 55 gallon drums. The most remote station we use has a massive
tank, filters, electric pump and gets the gasoline directly from a railroad tank car.
Dirty, bad gas is a thing of the past.
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WATER & FOOD |
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The Mexicans want us back. They
don't want to make us sick. They know we are concerned with the food and water, and therefore
go out of their way to ensure no problems. Agua purificada (purified water) is used at all of the
restaurants and for making ice cubes. And, believe it or not, much of the fruits and vegetables we
eat in the USA are now from Mexico. I believe most health problems happen with our neglect. We
shake hands with a runny-nosed kid, then finish eating our apple.
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CROSSING THE BORDER
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The Mexicans have streamlined going into their
country. The "frontera" (duty free zone) requires no documentation for short stays. For
the new "Tourist Document" (required for deeper, longer stays - cost, about $11
depending on the exchange rate) they accept either passports or birth certificates.
I have yet to have a single traveler not be accommodated,
somehow, at no added cost. Like bad gas, "mordida" (bribes) at the border are a thing of
the past.
For coming back into the USA, I have never seen it better.
Tijuana, Baja Mexico crossings can be long (weekends - two hours or more), but when you travel
with me, I know the ropes. My last crossing, I was within 15 cars of the US border when I rolled
up, got pulled to secondary and was on my way in less than 20 minutes. The US is just more
cautious, not impossible to get back into.
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VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS |
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Every new car sold in Mexico must be made in
Mexico or you pay very heavy import duties. As a result, parts are readily
available for virtually all makes. Using the bus system, I've had parts is less than 24
hours. Besides, the average Mexican mechanic can creatively work circles around their northern
neighbor equivalents. I have only had to leave one car in Mexico, and that was mine! Our tour went
on, as planned, and actually added to everyone's entertainment. It was quite an adventure!
Check out "Bury my Ford in Cerochaui" at 4x4now.com for the full story.
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MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
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Mexico has modern socialized medicine. My
doctor friend got his MD in Mexico. With the exploding population, the doctors tend to be younger,
and therefore more up-to-date. Internship requires they serve in the backcountry for a year before
they can move to a place of choice. The facilities are not as modern as ours, but my only medical
problem was handled with dispatch. A traveler got so drunk, he feel down, split his head open and
needed attention. Our borracho amigo, was out of the hospital in less than 2 hours at no cost! Try
that in the USA!
Further, in Copper Canyon, and for
that matter, throughout the country, there is a government furnished,
backcountry, short-wave radio system. American tourist trains have onboard MDs and I feel
we could recruit one of them if the occasion arose.
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BANDITOS AND SUCH
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I liken any country's thieves to
campground bears. They tend to hang around the garbage cans. Border towns and the high density
tourist attractions draw "bears." But in the outback, we meet sincere, honest, helpful
rural people. I learn a lot from backcountry Mexicans and have great respect for each and every
one. Honest, Poncho Villa and his band are long gone!
Give Mexico a chance
it's friendlier than you might ever imagine.
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About the Author
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Harry Lewellyn (pictured in the center of the train photo at the top of this page), also
known as the "Silver Coyote," has over 17 years of experience
as a backcountry guide. He has appeared on radio and TV and has been featured in
magazines and newspapers. He also writes for 4WD magazines and publishes the
Ecological 4-Wheeling Adventures newsletter.
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WRANGLER