The Real Villain of Riding Mexico? Hint: It’s Not the Cartels

Mexico isn’t without its challenges, and it’s not for the faint of heart! What’s my biggest fear when riding in Mexico? Dealing with the bureaucracy. Yes, you read that right. I’m not scared of “bad people” (in fact, those I’ve met have been incredibly lovely). However, the bureaucracy can be a convoluted mess of rules, inefficiency, and lots and lots of photocopying!

Warrior 1 pose and deep breaths in Merida, Yucatan

Your first experience will likely be getting your TVIP (Temporary Vehicle Import Permit), and, unless you plan on living in Mexico, you’ll be able to avoid the rest. If you are planning to relocate, I highly recommend speaking to a relocation service. It’s money well spent to avoid the nightmare of navigating the complicated administrative side of living in Mexico.

Marie greeting a cat greeting us in Puerto Peñasco

Another challenge is the rules (or lack thereof) of the road. If you’re used to riding in parts of Europe or Asia, you should be just fine, but if this is a first venture into Mexico from the US and Canada, brace yourself and get ready for a helluva ride! It may seem daunting at first, but I promise it gets easier, and dare I say even pretty fun — once you can relax into the flow of traffic. Find out more about the rules of the road here.

Riding here will test your patience with bureaucracy and traffic, but both teach the same lesson: relax, adapt, and go with the flow. Patience and deep breathing will take you further than a tank of gas in some situations, and is often the only way forward. Failing that, eat a taco, drink a margarita and pet a street cat.

Everything will be ok.