FAQ - Mexico

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Mexico Vehicle Insurance
Vehicle liability insurance coverage by Mapfre Tepeyac Insurance Company is a strict requirement for Tracks' Mexico tours. This assures that Tracks is able to provide proper assistance in event of an accident. Mexico vehicle damage coverage is sometimes included by certain U.S. insurance companies. You may be covered. To extend this coverage to you, they will require you have a Mexican vehicle liability policy (same as Tracks). Check with your agent. Your reservation confirmation will contain a form asking you what insurance coverage you desire. Your Mexico vehicle insurance policy will be given to you by your wagon masters at the tour rendezvous point.

Weather In Mexico
The hottest month is July with an average temperature of about 80 degrees along the coast and much higher, 100+ degrees, inland at lower altitudes. The coldest is January with an average temperature of about 48 degrees in the heights and 58 degrees along the coast.

Altitudes
The highest point on our Railroad Piggyback is 8,071 feet midway through the railroad ride at Ojitos. The highest point on our Yucatan tour is 9,900 feet between Oaxtepec and Mexico City.

Mechanical Information
Our experience has been that emergency mechanical service on our routes is as good or better than the U.S. In case of a serious mechanical problem, we will obtain a wrecker to tow your rig to the nearest major city, where a decision will be made whether to repair the rig or in the worst case, tow or haul it back to the U.S. If the decision is to repair the rig, we will arrange for the repairs to be accomplished by qualified personnel.

Motor Vehicle Fuel
Gasoline, diesel fuel, and propane are all readily available in Mexico. You will need a fuel range of 150 miles on diesel or gasoline and a fuel range of 400 miles on propane.

Cars-in-tow on Mexico caravans
We recommend leaving your tow car in the U.S. Many RV parks are back-in slots only, tow cars are difficult on the train and ferry, and the ready-availability of public transportation along our routes make tow cars unnecessary. You may store your towed car at the rendezvous point, and for Copper Canyon caravans, your wagon master can arrange for your car to be hauled to San Diego or Nogales, your tour ending point, for a fee.

Firearms and Ammunition
Possession of firearms or ammunition is a serious offense in Mexico. If a weapon was found in a rig after an accident, it would go hard on the owner and the whole caravan.

Pets
A rabies vaccination certificate valid through the end of the tour is required for Mexico caravans. From time to time a rumor will say that pets are no longer allowed in Mexico or that a special permit is required. This is in error. We have confirmed with the Mexican Tourist Department in Mexico City that pets are welcome as always in Mexico.

Pets On The Ferry
We have had many pets make the crossing from Los Mochis to La Paz with us before, and they have always done just fine. They are great sailors and usually sleep through the whole voyage. Your pet is not allowed in your cabin and must remain in your rig on the car deck during the 6-hour crossing. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to visit your rig during the crossing, because the car deck is off limits to passengers for obvious security considerations. The car deck is dark and well-ventilated. Pets sleep through the voyage, and their masters find them happily waiting in the morning.

Additional Travel Information
Tour members who want detailed information on Mexico should consider purchase of a current travel guide such as Fodor's available at bookstores

Whales On Baja
Gray whales migrate annually from Alaska down the Pacific coast to breed and give birth in Scammon's Lagoon near Guerrero Negro on the west coast of Mexico's Baja Peninsula. They start their migration from Alaska in October and are present in Scammon's Lagoon from the last week of December until early March each year. Optional whale-watching tours are available out of Guerrero Negro. Since 1995, whales have been present in Scammon's Lagoon in great numbers from mid-December to mid-March. Recently, there has also been some whale activity off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.