Community Forums

KenTheKanuck · 10-08-2012, 09:40 AM

I knew of a couple that used to winter around Cabos. Although we have all heard of the problems with the drug gangsters and crooked cops in Mexico, is it really unsafe?

Are people in RV's hassled and robbed? I wouldn't park in some places here in Canada, so I know that the location where you are makes a big difference. But generally speaking boondocking is safe here or in the States.

I would like to hear from those with first hand experience.

Thanks for youe time.

KTK

jwomack · 10-08-2012, 09:47 AM

Been there many times beginning in the 60's and never felt unsafe. Haven't been since 05 or 06, but with today's climate along the border, I will not cross again.

desertrv · 10-08-2012, 10:08 AM

I live about 30 miles from the US and Mexico order. In today's time it would not be a great place to frequent, especially if you are not a local person. There are a few places that are still frequently visited by tourists. The border is usually where the activity of the drug issues are present.

datrbone8 · 10-08-2012, 10:19 AM

We've spent the winter in Mexico for the last 9 years or so. We live in Tucson and go to San Carlos, a quiet, small community in the state of Sonora on the Sea of Cortez. It's only a 5 hour drive door-to-door. Sonora, up until recently, has been free of the level of violence other places in Mexico have experienced. We have friends who live there year round and they never feel endangered. We do plan to return this December. As always we will exercise caution. We never travel at night and stay on the main highway. Once in San Carlos we've felt as safe (maybe more so) as we do in Tucson. The town is largely inhabited by American and Canadian retirees. It's said the drug war there is between Viagra and Cialis.

We recommend Totonaka RV Park to our friends. [:: Totonaka RV ::]. Joseph, who manages the place, is a graduate of University of California, is very conscious of his guest's concerns and prides himself on maintaining a clean and friendly environment. When you travel in Mexico you need to remember that infrastructure and sense of urgency is not the same as home but if you can make the adjustments you may find you enjoy the slower pace. The Mexican people we've met over the years have been warm and accomodating. It pains us to see them adversely affected by circumstances over which they have no control.

Mexico is a large country and to equate what is happening in in places like Ciudad Juarez to Guaymas is like comparing Detroit to Palm Beach

TXiceman · 10-08-2012, 10:19 AM

We have several professional friends working in the states that are Mexican nationals. They do not go back because thay said they do not feel safe in their own country.

Ken

easywind · 10-08-2012, 03:34 PM

I live in Manhattan and I heard a story once about someone who was mugged in Central Park after midnight. I wonder if the United States is safe?
For whatever it's worth I have wintered in Mexico every winter for the past 24 years with few exceptions. Mexico is safe away from the border. I normally overnight on the USA side of the border and get an early start and go deep into Mexico the first day. I usually do not have high dollar equipment. I always bring tons of used clothing and broken electronics with me. Mexicans can fix anything. Candy for the kids. I also find Mexicans will watch your stuff if you are known. Once at my destination I spread a few dollars around. I usually have truck work done there and save a fortune, i also get serviced right away. Mexicans also will rarely not stop for you in case of a breakdown.
I also would rather pay a Mexican cop $10/20 and be done with whatever than have a ticket on my licence and an insurance increase in the USA.
95% of gringos I meet are Canadians.

Midniteoyl · 10-08-2012, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datrbone8

We've spent the winter in Mexico for the last 9 years or so. We live in Tucson and go to San Carlos, a quiet, small community in the state of Sonora on the Sea of Cortez. It's only a 5 hour drive door-to-door. Sonora, up until recently, has been free of the level of violence other places in Mexico have experienced. We have friends who live there year round and they never feel endangered. We do plan to return this December. As always we will exercise caution. We never travel at night and stay on the main highway. Once in San Carlos we've felt as safe (maybe more so) as we do in Tucson. The town is largely inhabited by American and Canadian retirees. It's said the drug war there is between Viagra and Cialis.

We recommend Totonaka RV Park to our friends. [:: Totonaka RV ::]. Joseph, who manages the place, is a graduate of University of California, is very conscious of his guest's concerns and prides himself on maintaining a clean and friendly environment. When you travel in Mexico you need to remember that infrastructure and sense of urgency is not the same as home but if you can make the adjustments you may find you enjoy the slower pace. The Mexican people we've met over the years have been warm and accomodating. It pains us to see them adversely affected by circumstances over which they have no control.

Mexico is a large country and to equate what is happening in in places like Ciudad Juarez to Guaymas is like comparing Detroit to Palm Beach

Whatcha mean "..up until recently, has been free of the violence..."? Is there a rise there? Is it no longer 'as safe'?

baraff · 10-08-2012, 04:04 PM

Personally, I would not cross the border alone. I would want to be in a convoy with other RVers. That said, we're going to Mexico sometime this winter (flying). I think (hope) the tourist areas are safe. We have been to Mexico many times over the last thirty years and always had a good experience.
I feel for the people who are caught in the middle and are just trying to earn a living.

baraff · 10-08-2012, 04:09 PM

This State Dept site Mexico gives information on the state of the drug war as of February 2012. It'll scare the beheezus out of you, but most of the tourist areas appear safe.
I think there is a certain amount of media fear frenzy, beheadings and such make great copy.

datrbone8 · 10-08-2012, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl

Whatcha mean "..up until recently, has been free of the violence..."? Is there a rise there? Is it no longer 'as safe'?

There was one incident in which a captain of Naval Intelligence was targeted and shot. There were 3 others wounded, all Mexican citizens.
There had been no incidents of violence prior to that time, thus my qualifying statement.

I believe the area is as safe as most anywhere in the states and safer than most large urban cities.

datrbone8 · 10-08-2012, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

Personally, I would not cross the border alone. I would want to be in a convoy with other RVers. That said, we're going to Mexico sometime this winter (flying). I think (hope) the tourist areas are safe. We have been to Mexico many times over the last thirty years and always had a good experience.
I feel for the people who are caught in the middle and are just trying to earn a living.

I'm thinking anywhere you are apt to fly to in Mexico is safer than Chicago

baraff · 10-08-2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datrbone8

I'm thinking anywhere you are apt to fly to in Mexico is safer than Chicago

Probably true, which is why I stay out of the city!

Rich and Cork · 10-08-2012, 05:27 PM

Here is George's blog, he travels around Mexico and sometimes has comments regarding fear and his experiences:

Tioga George Blog

He is an interesting guy. I made a point to meet him when he was traveling in our area a few years ago.

Mtn.Mike · 10-08-2012, 09:16 PM

I checked out the RV site that was listed by one of the posters. Wow, for $520 per month I could stay in Florida and still have money left over.
I thought things were cheaper South of the border?

Mike