Is It Safe to Ride a Motorcycle Through Mexico? A Clear-Eyed Look at Security for ADV Riders
By RideMex
If you're an adventure motorcyclist with dreams of exploring the stunning mountains, canyons, coastlines, and ancient ruins of Mexico, you're probably also wondering: is it safe? It's a fair question—and one that deserves more than just headlines and hearsay.
The reality is this: yes, Mexico has areas with organized crime activity. Yes, there have been instances where foreigners have been harmed. But here's the truth that's rarely told: the overwhelming majority of travelers, including adventure riders, experience nothing but warm hospitality, unforgettable landscapes, and incredible riding.
I've spent nearly two decades living in Mexico and have explored the country by bicycle, 4x4, and motorcycle. I've ridden across its length multiple times, slept in remote villages, dined with strangers-turned-friends, and traversed rugged terrain from Baja to Chiapas. I can say, with deep confidence and firsthand experience, that Mexico is safe for adventure riders who travel smart.
Misconceptions Fueled by the Media
Mainstream news thrives on the extraordinary. Stories that shock and frighten get clicks and airtime. This means that rare events involving foreigners in Mexico are amplified, often without full context. For example, incidents involving mistaken identity—such as American tourists being confused with Haitian smugglers, or Mormons traveling at night through cartel territory—make headlines, but they are extremely rare.
Who You Are Matters
Adventure motorcyclists tend to stand out. You're riding a foreign bike, wearing high-end gear, and often documenting your travels. To the people you meet along the way, it's obvious: you're a traveler. Mexicans generally hold motorcyclists in high regard, viewing them as adventurous and friendly. This visibility actually helps keep you safe.
Moreover, being from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand comes with an unexpected layer of protection. Criminal groups in Mexico tend to avoid confrontations with foreigners. They fear two things: rival cartels and international consequences. The U.S. government's response to violence against its citizens has historically been swift and forceful—something that cartels are well aware of.
Adventure Riding as a Form of Security
One unique aspect of ADV riding is that it naturally keeps you off the radar. You're riding backroads, camping in remote places, staying in small towns, and moving frequently. You're not staying at fancy resorts or frequenting high-crime nightlife districts. You're far less likely to stumble into trouble simply because of where your style of travel takes you.
The Expats Know
I currently live near Lake Chapala, home to the largest expat community in Mexico. The consensus among foreigners who live here year-round? It's safe. We walk the streets at night, go on hikes in the mountains, and ride to the coast without fear. The day-to-day experience of living in Mexico is nothing like the sensational stories that make it to foreign news outlets.
Smart Travel is Safe Travel
That said, common sense goes a long way. Avoid riding at night. Don’t flash wealth. Don’t get involved in anything shady. Stick to known ADV routes, like our RideMex TransMexico Trail, which has been carefully mapped to maximize beauty, challenge, and safety.
Mexico is one of the most geographically and culturally rich countries on earth. And for those willing to look beyond the headlines, it's also one of the most rewarding places to ride a motorcycle.
So yes, it is safe to ride a motorcycle through Mexico. And with a bit of preparation and respect for the road and the people, it just might be the ride of your life.