For the last couple of months, i've been travelling Mexico and Central America. These are things i've learned and believe are worth letting others know about this part of the World.


[] Before leaving home, buy all the road maps you think you will need. There are no maps to be found here. None.

[] The helpers at any of the borders will make the process take longer and cost more. They must be told off or they'll stick around, cause problems, and ask for money.

[] A few colour copies of documents are really worth spending time and money on (international driver's license, bike ownership, bike insurance, passport). Laminating them will make them last longer.

[] Once you have figured a way to keep your documents safe and dry for the ride, add one more plastic bag or pouch. It's just never too dry.

[] Learn as much Spanish as you can before leaving. If stopped by a policeman for speeding, unless you were speeding, pretend you know absolutely no Spanish.




Things change over time, but as of fall 2010, these are places worth mentioning:

[] Hotel Azteca Inn, in the town of Ensenada, in Baja California Norte, Mexico.
Coordinates: N31 46.869 W116 35.427
Looks like crap from the outside, but very nice, very clean, very comfortable, very economic, and great wi-fi signal.


[] Campground in Bahia Conception, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Coordinates: N26 45.894 W111 53.328
No showers, but spectacular site. Restaurant with good food and decent prices.


[] Hotel Naj-K'in, city of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico.
Coordinates: N17 30.595 W91 59.011
Alex, the manager, is one of those people who are genuinely good and helpful. Hotel is clean, comfortable, economic, perfect downtown location, and includes wi-fi signal.


[] Hotel La Posada Del Sol, in the city of Granada, Nicaragua.
Coordinates: N11 55.700 W85 56.980
Nice, clean, comfortable, wi-fi signal, parking inside the loby of the hotel, great swimming pool.


[] Kawasaki dealer in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico.
Coordinates: N17 38.601 W101 33.174
Very helpful people, good mechanics, parts in stock.


[] Kawasaki dealer in San Salvador.
Coordinates: N13 42.173 W89 13.862
Very helpful people, good mechanics, parts in stock.
2010_12_15_ 006_San_Salvador.jpg


Happy Riding!

__________________
Dan
http://ballade-en-moto.blogspot.com/