[ Episode updated! Sorry for the mis-upload! ]

Highlights, lowlights, travel logistics, and everything you need to know about bringing your camper van and traveling to Mexico. Kayla from Collies Without Borders has lived on and off in Central America for over a decade and is extremely well versed with the ins and outs of living van life in Mexico.

If you enjoyed this episode, stay tuned for further episodes in this mini series. Kayla will dedicate an entire episode to van life in each country in Central America.

Podcast Website: https://vanlifelab.engineerswhovanlife.com/

Follow Kayla: https://instagram.com/collies.without.borders

Kayla's In Depth MEXICO VAN LIFE Notes:

Border tips: Southbound, get your FMM at the border rather than online. If you do it online, print and keep it AND receipt. TVIP will be paid at Banjercito, requires lots of back and forth. Pretty smooth, but DO NOT just go into the border zone without your TVIP unless you’re staying in Baja or very close to the border. You’ll need some cash in USD to cross, so have cash on hand and plan to change to pesos. Expect to see migrants stuck at the border, be kind. 

General road info: Stick to the toll roads and you’ll basically be ok. They’re fast, but lots of cash needed on-hand. Off the toll roads, expect TONS of tumulos (speed bumps). At best they’re smooth and marked, at worst they’re completely hidden in shade and will WRECK your car. Also expect lots of street vendors and dogs, be careful. Overall I’ve found Mexican drivers pretty gracious, it looks like terrifying chaos but it works. 

Highlights: Ixtaccihuatl, San Cristobal las Casas, Baja, Yucatan, Oaxaca/Puebla

Lowlights: Nearly hitting a bridge in Mexico city, almost driving off a cliff in Baja

Words of caution: Be extremely cautious with salads. My two bouts of food poisoning in Mexico were from salads at nice-looking restaurants. As with all central america - don’t drive at night, park in safe spots, don’t make yourself a target, keep it cool, try to speak Spanish.

Favorite camp spot: canyon outside Monterrey https://www.ioverlander.com/places/145345-epic-gulley-campspot 

Favorite hangout: San Cristobal las casas

Misc tips: Look for Pueblos Magicos! 

One Story: Ixtaccihuatl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8bvXeV5374