And, we did end up making a commitment to lead one this coming winter. I was talking with the organizer yesterday, and it turns out that you can still come with us if you like!
We're only taking a small group. Maximum 10 other rigs. So we're going to be a close knit bunch of amigos for the three months that we're traveling together.
And boy, we're going to have some adventures!
Taken looking at Ruth's mirror.
That's why it looks like we're on the wrong side of the road!
We haven't been down to the Yucatan area in our motorhome since the winter of 2008-2009. I don't think much has changed though. It's going to be a bit of a more "rustic" experience at times, since some of the RV parks and overnight scheduled stops don't have the amenities that we're used to up here in Canada or the United States. But, that's part of the adventure and if you're prepared for it, it's not a problem.
They are doing two separate caravans to the Yucatan. The group that we lead crosses into Mexico at Laredo, Texas on January 5th, 2018. The second unit leaves the same point, but two days later on January 7th.
It turns out that there are still some spaces available, and that if you specifically request to be in our group, arrangements can quite likely be made. We'd love to have you with us. Did I mention it's going to be an adventure??!
Worried about safety? We have been all over Mexico in our motorhome during the course of eight winters. We have never had a problem with anything unsafe. In fact, we have never even seen anybody having a problem. If you are not in the drug business, it is highly unlikely that you will have a problem either.
Still worried? Whenever possible, we travel with the support of the "Green Angels". These Mexican roadside assistance and safety crews are usually top notch mechanics, and they often speak some basic English as well. We sometimes use them to redirect traffic and help us get through congested areas...
Kevin, with some members of the Green Angels.
It's not cheap to come with us. But, if you wouldn't otherwise go by yourself, spending the money to come with a caravan is a good way to introduce yourself to something you might not otherwise ever get a chance to do.
These trips are priced in Canadian dollars because historically, the peso to $CAD exchange rate has been more stable than the peso to $USD exchange rate. For a couple traveling in one rig, it is $12,450 Canadian for the nearly three month trip. And until July 31st, it is $9,350 USD, but on August 1st the U.S. price goes up to $9,750 because the U.S. dollar has been dropping vs most world currencies. Tell them you booked because of Kevin and Ruth, and you'll still get it at the lower rate, even after August 1st. :-)
You are still responsible for fuel, toll fees, and incidentals. Your fees cover campground expenses, all group tours, all group meals out that are on the itinerary (approx 27 meals out), and the expert services of Kevin and Ruth if you decide to come during the dates we are leading!!
Other tours are still open as well there is a shorter fall tour that leaves in October.
So, who wants to come along for an adventure with us??
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The popular Sport-Brella is on deal of the day today... never been this cheap!
And in Canada, a drinking fountain for your dog is on sale...
I should mention that the customers who were with kevin & ruth last season gave them very high marks. In fact kevin is largely responsible for us trying to add a bit more adventure to the trips than the same old, same old. I scouted this route last spring and I intentionally looked for some more adventurous stuff to inject. I found a few. 1) Calakmul: This is a set of impressive ruins 40 km up a jungle road near the Guatemalan border. Few people get in there. 2) Dziblanche near Chetumal, also off the tourist route. 3) a 3 hour cruise on Lake Bacalar, we intend to take coolers of beer & food on board, great swimming off the boat. 4) A perified waterfall near oaxaca and a swimming hole on the edge of a cliff. I have convinced the owner to axe Cancun. Why go to a place you can go on a 1 week all inclusive, plus its a tourist trap. I checked out isla Mujeres last year. I had not been there in 30 years. Now it is a paved over tourist trap. We still do Chichen-Itza which has 5000 visitors per day, but we camp 1/2 km away and are out of there before all the tour buses arrive. We give wagon masters the power to improvise which fits the way Kevin & Ruth operate.
ReplyDeleteAlso this route may not be suitable for really large rigs, check with us first
Thanks for all the extra info Paul. We had wanted to go to Calakmul back in 2009 when we were in the area but we did the research beforehand and found that we couldn't take our dog so we didn't do the trip in so it will be nice to see it this time. I remember reading somewhere that that was a good camping/parking area that wasn't too far from there, it might be better than a Pemex. We have been to Dziblanche back on the 2009 trip, it is small but definitely off the beaten path kind of place. We rode our bikes to it. We haven't done a cruise on Bacalar Lake though, we have heard that it is really pretty though. Did the petrified waterfall , loved the scenery there, absolutely fantastic. We are looking forward to this winter trip and showing everyone the places that we love.
DeleteJean and I (Mark) just spent 5 weeks in March/April in Qroo. Traveled from Xcalak to Cancun. The highway is totally improved all the way to Chetumal (the capital). A far cry from when we first went...its was gravel just outside Play del Carmen going south. Our favourite spot was Akumal...it's now over run with snorkel tours. Tulum is growing and the traffic there is getting bad. When we first went to the Tulum ruins, I think there 12 people including us. We really enjoyed ourselves...but alas the world has discovered the area. It's not as "out of the way" as it used to be. Not much has changed as far as RV camping...it's almost non existent.
ReplyDeleteI remember them working on the road when we drove down back in 2009 so nice to hear that it is all complete the only problem with that is it will mostly likely mean more traffic. Yes, Akumal it pretty but as you said overrun with tourists. Still we would love to go to the turtle sanctuary there and go swimming with the turtles, I believe it is in a National Park and is still quite rustic. Never went to the Tulum ruins, even then it was too busy for our liking, it would have been fantastic to have seen them back in the day with hardly anyone around. No that area certainly isn't off the beaten path anymore, however from Chetumal on it is.
DeleteThe maya coast is a challenge. The only RV park of any size between Cancun & Chetumal is at Paamul. $50 US a night. We pay it, but we don't like it.
ReplyDeleteYes, it would be nice if we could find somewhere that could take the caravan that was a little more rustic but there aren't many options in that area. We will keep our eyes open for an alternative spot when we are down there.
DeleteSounds like a great way to travel by RV in Mexico. I'll bet everyone has a great time.
ReplyDeleteIt is for a lot of people that wouldn't travel to Mexico otherwise. I am sure we will all have a great time. :-)
DeleteI hope the pic at top of page was transposed (turned around) because you are either traveling on wrong side of high way or you are really in GB.
ReplyDeleteThe picture caption said Kevin took the picture looking at Ruth's mirrow...They are on the right side of road :-)
DeleteKevin never was one to follow the rules
DeleteRita is correct, except that I took the picture out my window into the mirror, Kevin was busy concentrating on driving. :-)
DeleteWish I could afford..... how about a discount for the followers from 10 years ago?
ReplyDeleteWho knows, maybe they would offer you one if you asked the organizer! ;-)
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