The Baja Peninsula vs. Mainland Mexico

Both are exquisite southern destinations but which one is better to visit by RVers?

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Words by Dan and Lisa Goy

My wife and I went on our first Mexican RV adventure in 1985, travelling in a Ford van conversion with our two young children. Both of our parents were frantic. They were convinced we would be murdered and their grandchildren kidnapped, never to be seen again. Nothing could have been further from reality.

Our initial four-month adventure was a life-altering experience. We fell in love with ‘everything Mexico.’ We drove down the Baja Peninsula travelling from beach to beach and then took a ferry from Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Vallarta on the mainland. Some unique experiences included spending time in Pie de la Cuesta just outside of Acapulco as well as enjoying Christmas with a local family in Mexico City, before returning home to British Columbia.

Many RVers that my wife and I have met at RV shows, rallies and seminars over the years have always asked us, “Is Mexico safe to travel in an RV?” After touring some 200,000 km (124,274 mi), we have never had a dangerous encounter.

A camping experience in Mexico is more than just a tropical experience. It’s the culture and customs that are truly unique and the people are always helpful and friendly. It was our love of Mexico and extensive travels that made us start Baja Amigos RV Caravan Tours in 2009. We now offer tours of Baja and the mainland. Of the 31 states in the country, we have visited all but five.

Exploring the Baja

Baja is commonly known for its remote wilderness and we often refer to it as ‘Mexico Lite.’ It consists of just two states, Baja California (BC) and Baja California Sur (BCS). The peninsula’s population is largely concentrated in the top 150 km (93 mi) and bottom 150 km (93 mi), leaving a lot of rural land in between.

At approximately 1,287 km (800 mi) in length, Baja spans further than California with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other. Often referred to as the ‘magnificent peninsula,’ it’s truly a ‘paradise-in-the-sun’ especially if you enjoy stunning vistas, endless beaches and undeveloped landscapes.

A good start to planning your trip is referring to the latest Baja camping guide by Mike and Terri Church as well as iOverlander (www.ioverlander.com) to determine where to go, find the best RV parks, and see the attractions that pique your interest. A reliable GPS with appropriate mapping software is a very handy tool as well.

What’s more, given that Federal Highway 5 is now completely paved to Federal Highway 1, Mexicali has become a very popular crossing for veteran RVers while Tecate remains a great entry point for first-timers. Beach camping also captivates the majority of RVers but every activity imaginable can be enjoyed. Many visitors report that whale watching along the Baja Peninsula is an amazing experience. Some even say it’s the best on the planet.

What’s also appealing is campground fees continue to be a fraction of what they are in Canada and the U.S. Playa Tecolote, which is 20 minutes from the Capital City of La Paz, BCS, is open to the public and remains free.

Mainland Mexico

The mainland offers RVers much of what Baja does but it’s where you can also experience colonial heritages and Mesoamerican civilizations. The Pacific West Coast is particularly popular among snowbirds, especially in San Carlos, Mazatlán, Riviera Nayarit and the Melaque area. Some other advantages of the mainland are the extensive network of toll roads. They are commonly four lanes, are in good condition, and have light traffic.

Although the tolls can be costly, they allow quicker trips to your destination than the free “libra” highways. These lead through rural towns, which are known to have heavier traffic, speed bumps and exposure to local police. For some snowbirds, experiencing the local culture is a wonderful experience.

Other than campgrounds along the various coastlines, very few within the interior are what you would describe as ‘destination RV resorts.’ However, there are some exceptions (as we have a variety of good options) and are easily accessible to majestic colonial cities like Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, Mexico City and more. There are also dozens of impressive Archeological sites including Teotihuacan, Uxmal, Palenque, and Chichen Itza.

Choosing between visiting the mainland or the Baja comes down to the attractions you want to experience. A great way to determine what is suitable for your RV lifestyle is to personally explore both regions with an organized caravan to ensure you get the most out of your Mexico adventure.

For more information and details on an RV caravan tour be sure to visit https://bajaamigos.net/

Some Top Do’s and Don'ts when RVing in Mexico

  • Do Not Drink the Tap Water

The locals don’t drink the tap water nor should you.  Always purchase purified water and resort to the taps for filling the tanks for showers, dishes, etc. When you return to the U.S. add some bleach to the tanks and then flush them clean.

  • Have the Correct and Required Permits

Before leaving, always secure a Tourist Permit and a Temporary Import Permit for your vehicle and RV where required. Otherwise, you may face severe consequences that include deportation with or without your vehicle(s).

  • Always Purchase Mexican Vehicle Insurance for all Vehicles

If you are involved in an accident without the proper vehicle insurance in Mexico your first stop will be jail.

  • Do Not Drive at Night

Unfortunately, Mexico is still behind the times when it comes to drinking and driving. Plus, on the Baja Peninsula, you have the added danger of wildlife crossings on the road. They can’t often be seen until it’s too late.

  • Avoid Camping Outside of RV Parks or Compounds

Every country has crime statistics, including Mexico. Simply use common sense and be safe.