JB answers your questions about Mexico by Moto
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it safe to ride a motorcycle in Mexico?
Absolutely. At Mexico by Moto , safety is our #1 priority. We carefully plan every route to avoid unsafe regions and only ride in areas we know and trust. Our bilingual guides are trained for on-the-road support, and we include a support van with tools and first-aid gear. You’ll ride with peace of mind, not guesswork.
What kind of motorcycles do you use?
We use fully maintained BMW and Royal Enfield motorcycles — perfect for long-distance touring, off-road detours, and comfort across all terrain. Riders love these ADV bikes for their reliability, power, and performance.
Do I need prior experience to join a tour?
Most of our tours are built for intermediate and experienced riders , especially those familiar with riding larger bikes like the Harley Davison, BMW, or other touring and adventure bikes. We do not require off-road expertise, but you should be comfortable with occasional low speed packed dirt or gravel road riding. Most of our urban riding, riding twisty mountain roads, and longer stretches of road are all paved. If you’re unsure, just ask — we’ll guide you to the right trip to fit your comfort level.
Do I need a motorcycle license to join a tour in Mexico? Yes.
All riders must hold a valid motorcycle license (endorsement) from their home country to participate in our guided motorcycle tours in Mexico. An international driving permit is recommended but not required for most riders. Just be sure to bring your Driver’s License along with your Passport and you’ll be fine.
What’s the best time of year to ride motorcycles in Mexico?
October through April offers the best riding weather in most regions, with dry mountain roads, cooler highland temps, and warm coastal breezes. Rainy season (May–September) is still doable but better suited for experienced riders. All our trips currently Run January, February, and March. These dates offer lots of sunshine, great temperatures, and minimal rainfall. We’re talking premo riding season.
What kind of motorcycle is included in the tour?
All our tours include a BMW and Royal Enfield Motorcycles — some of the most reliable and comfortable adventure motorcycles available. Lightweight or lower-displacement options (such as BMW GS750 or the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, and the Himalayan 450) may be available upon request. Other options are BMW 1250 GS Adventure and Trophy and GS850. We have found that folks used to riding Harley’s find riding these adventure and touring bikes to be a lot of fun and easy to ride.
Can you accommodate vegetarian or dietary restrictions?
Yes. We have taken many folks that were Vegetarian and Vegan, and what they discovered is that Mexico has offered some of the easiest traveling for folks food options. Besides having specialty restaurants which feature vegan and are sensitive to food allergies, we have found that nearly all local restaurants and hosts can provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-conscious meals whenever possible.
Is travel insurance required?
We recommend participants carry travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage . This is for your safety, especially when riding in remote areas. A web search can result in several trusted companies to choose from. Check your health insurance provider to see if they offer medical or travel coverage in Mexico.
What happens if there’s a mechanical issue or flat tire?
On the rare occasion we have mechanical issues, we prepare each trip to take care of these kinds of problems. Each tour includes a support vehicle with tools, parts, and a motorcycle carrier to get bikes off the road . Our bilingual guides are also trained for roadside repairs, so you’re never left stranded.
Do I need to know Spanish to join a tour?
Not at all. Our guides are bilingual, and your experience is fully supported in English. That said, a few Spanish phrases can enhance your cultural experience and interactions with locals, like Cerveza por favor LOL. But seriously, google translate and being able to say please and thank you will work just fine.
Is tipping expected on the tour?
Tipping is appreciated but not required. If you feel your guide or support crew went above and beyond, tips are a great way to say thanks. We’ll provide suggested ranges in your pre-tour packet.
Are there any off-road sections on the tours?
Most tours are paved-road focused , but some routes include light off-road sections (gravel or hardpack dirt). These are always optional and well scouted. Fully off-road ADV tours are available by request. When we take side trips to the butterfly sanctuary or a steep entrance to a secluded hotel, you have the option to ride in the chase van for that part of the trip. We will accommodate you when you’re not comfortable.
Can I bring my own motorcycle?
We’re a fly in and ride program. If you want to ride your bike down and join us, we can make an accommodation, but we think you’ll find our service a lot more fun and good use of your vacation time. Some notes on riding down; if you’re riding down from the U.S. or Canada and your bike must be fully legal and insured for Mexico. It will be up to you to make sure your documentation is in order.
What’s included in the tour price?
Each tour includes:
- BMW or Royal Enfield motorcycle rental (with insurance)
- Bilingual guide and support van to carry all our gear and luggage
- Roadside assistance for emergencies
- Hotel accommodations and breakfast
- All daily route planning and a guide who will be riding a motorcycle with you
- Cultural stops, tastings, and some group meals Airfare, alcohol, and personal spending are not included.
What should I pack for a Mexico motorcycle tour?
Bring your own riding gear — helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, and boots are essential. We recommend lightweight layers, and whatever you need to be comfortable riding through layers of climate from the mountains to the beach. We tend to travel light, so imagine packing your bag and then leaving half of it behind. Although we have a van to carry all your gear and luggage, there are limits. So leave the steamer trunk at home and expect to have a great time out of a backpack. A full packing list will be sent after you book.
Can I bring a passenger?
Yes! Many of our bikes are set up for two-up touring , and most of our routes are pillion-friendly. Your passenger must be comfortable on longer rides and willing to embrace a bit of adventure. We also book passengers tours for the chase van, it rides ten people comfortably. If we have space and your bike passenger wants to take a break, they are welcome to ride in the van. Remember, this is a great way to reduce the cost of a couples trip, it’s only $500 extra if your friend rides two-up with you.
Do you offer custom or private tours?
We do! If you’re a group of 4+ riders or want a private guided motorcycle tour in Mexico , we’ll work with you to customize the route, dates, and ride style. Contact us to start planning. Each tour is unique — ask us what’s best for your goals and skill level.
What are your most popular destinations?
Our most requested tour destinations explore:
- Oaxaca City : mountains, mezcal, pueblos mágicos, culinary destinations
- Jalisco : mountains, spas, beaches, night life
- Oaxaca Coast : desert rides and Pacific beaches, surfing, spiritual journeys
- Michoacan : high-altitude ADV adventure
- Hidalgo and San Luis Potosi : hot springs, curvy mountain roads, and immersive cultural experiences
- Morelos and Verecruz states : super twisty roads, volcanoes, cultural destinations, beaches, and high desert plains.
- Querétaro and Guanajuato : old Mexican cities, modern Mexico, expat havens
- Central Mexico : historic cities and twisty roads
- CDMX, Mexico City: is the largest city in North America and is an international and Mexican destination. A real gem.
How do I book a tour?
Click on any tour page and hit “Book Now” or “Request Info.” We’ll follow up personally to confirm your ride, answer any last questions, and lock in your spot. You can also email us directly at info@mexicobymoto.com or use our Contact Form.
Do you offer motorcycle rental without a tour?
No — we only offer motorcycles as part of our fully guided tours. This ensures the quality and safety of every ride, and the experience is richer when shared with our expert guides and fellow riders.
Do your tours include rest days or free time?
Yes. Most tours include at least one rest day in a destination where you can relax, explore, or book optional activities like surf lessons, hiking, or spa treatments. We balance riding with downtime.
What gear should I bring for a Mexico motorcycle tour?
We recommend a full-face helmet, riding jacket and pants with armor, gloves, and boots. We understand that everyone’s riding style is different so what is most important is that you’re comfortable and feel safe. We’ll send a packing checklist after booking, tailored to the region and season.
Are the roads in Mexico safe for motorcycles?
Yes — the highways, toll roads, and especially on the scenic secondary roads we use, which are less congested than major highways. We avoid dangerous zones, and our local knowledge ensures each route is both exciting and secure.
How large are the groups on your tours?
We keep our groups small — usually 6 to 10 riders — to ensure a personalized experience, better road flow, and strong group connection. Because we strive to stay with family owned boutique hotels, we aren’t staying in big places, so for that reason also, we limit the number of people in our tour groups. But we can accommodate large groups of 15 to 20 riders plus passengers in our tour chase van (potentially 10 more) If your private group is large, have places we can accommodate that will also be good for the local economy. Let talk.
Can you accommodate pillion (passenger) riders?
Yes! All our BMW motorcycles are fully equipped for two-up riding. Passengers are welcome on all tours and can enjoy the cultural stops and scenery along with their riding companion. Not to mention the cost for a passenger is only $500 making this a great alternative for a couples vacation.
Do I need any vaccinations or medical prep before traveling to Mexico?
No vaccines are required for entry, but we recommend being up-to-date on routine shots. If you’re continuing on after your ride with us and visiting tropical regions, consult your travel doctor. We also carry first-aid kits and medical contacts on every tour.
What kind of accommodations do you use?
We stay in boutique hotels, eco-lodges, historic inns, and coastal guest houses — always clean, locally owned, and packed with character. You’ll sleep well and eat even better. It is our goal to spend our tourism money well and support locally owned businesses, families, indigenous, and minority groups. We don’t stay in air bnb or other home sharing online corporations, big international companies, or any place that doesn’t reflect our ethos.
What if I have to cancel my trip?
We offer flexible policies with the option to reschedule or receive partial refunds depending on notice. Check with your credit card or travel insurance company if they can help you with any balance we are not able to refund. We don’t offer trip insurance or cancellation coverage. What we can do is offer you a full refund until December 1st, after that we will have paid our hotels and vendors for the reservations we have made months in advance. It’s not fair to ask small mom and pop places to refund after they have held our rooms and services for such a long time. So we will refund the lion share of your trip fees, but will keep $1000 to pay our vendors and hotels if you cancel after December 1st.
Can I extend my trip before or after the tour?
Yes — many riders stay extra days in Mexico City, Oaxaca, or Puerto Vallarta before or after their tour. We can help with hotel recommendations, airport pickups, and even short add-on rides, but we will not make reservations for you. When you book with us, we’ll take care of anything you need during the trip, but before and after are your responsibility.
What currency should I bring, and is it easy to get cash?
Mexico operates in pesos. Most towns have ATMs, but we recommend bringing some cash from home to exchange for pesos. I personally use a credit card for most fuel stops, and restaurants, convenience stores, etc., but prefer to use pesos to leave tips, and rural purchases. Major cards are accepted nearly everywhere in Mexico, but roadside restaurants, smaller villages you can’t always count on it. We’ll give you advanced warning when you might want to pull some cash out of an ATM before we go somewhere that doesn’t always take credit cards.
What happens in case of bad weather or road closures?
Our guides monitor weather and road conditions closely. When we do come upon construction or other road conditions that may arise we reroute safely and flexibly. All our trips have planned extra time to accommodate these minor inconveniences. Your safety always comes first, and our local knowledge helps us pivot quickly.
Do you offer tours for beginners or new ADV riders?
Yes. Some of our routes are specifically designed for newer riders — with gentle curves, light traffic, and easy mileage . We also offer ADV training camps with experienced trainers and Motorrad Certified tour and training leaders. We can help you build confidence before longer trips.
Are your tours suitable for couples or mixed-skill groups?
Yes! Many couples and friends of mixed skill levels ride together. Our guides adjust pace, offer support, and design routes that allow for optional detours or shortcuts. The support van is always nearby.
How do I stay connected while riding in Mexico?
We recommend checking with your phone carrier what coverage and rates you might have while traveling in Mexico. See if you can enable an international plan. Most areas have 4G or LTE, and 5G signal, though some mountain regions may have limited service. Your guide always has full communication access in case of emergencies. We also recommend using messaging apps like Whatsapp and Messenger since most places we stay, and even city parks in CDMX have WIFI. We’ve found this to be a great way to stay connected with home.
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