“Oh my god you’re going to Egypt?!” “You’re travelling through India?
Be careful” “Why are you going to Iran?” “You’re hitchhiking in Mexico? Oh god, be careful”
This is pretty much the dialogue we go through every time, when talking about our travels with anyone who hasn’t left the resort, or their Air B n B.
Yes we have been to Egypt; about 8 times between the two of us, and we adore it.
India was phenomenal, and eye-opening. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to Iran, because the rules for Canadians travelling changed last-minute, and indeed we hitchhiked in Mexico with absolutely no problems or fears.
Out of all of the places we told people about, Mexico was the one destination that people were fearful of us visiting the most.
Fear is what’s going to get you. Fear is what’s going to hold you back from doing what you want to do in your life, and you will regret it if you allow it to hold you down.
Before even leaving for Puerto Vallarta, we knew we would be doing some hitchhiking:
- Because it is a very inexpensive way to get around (free)
- It is exciting and adventurous
- We knew we wanted to get out of Puerto Vallarta as soon as possible and start adventuring!
Cody and I had spent two glorious nights at Cabanas El Cielito, in Cabo Corrientes, a very secluded cape on the Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Jalisco. We hopped on a local bus from Puerto Vallarta and made our way to Tuito, then from Tuito we took an hour-long taxi ride to Cabo Corrientes. There is no other way of getting there or back unless you hail a taxi or hitchhike, and that’s what we did!
AND THAT’S WHAT WE DID!
Following our 2 nights on one of the most secluded beaches we have ever visited, Cody and I woke up at 6:45am to be on the roadside for 7am. We stood around for a while, then heard something in the distance that turned out to be a Mexican man walking a horse down the dirt road. Our ears and thumbs were perked for the next few vehicles that drove by, but no luck.
About 30 minutes later we found our ride.
A small family pulled over and let us hop in. With the wind at our backs, and in our hair (a lot of it) we made it to Mayto.
The town was still pretty deserted in the early morning, so we decided to walk a few miles up the road while eating avocados, and saying hello to cows. A few trucks passed us by, and then we got our lucky break when a man, and woman pulled over and let us hitch a ride.
We jumped in for the second time and made it all the way to Tuito. During our ride, we stopped and picked up two other Mexican hitchhikers. They tipped their hats at us, and we carried on our way.
Cody, myself, and the two Mexican gentlemen sat in the back of the truck and watched the world pass by.
We waved at children, enjoyed the sun, filmed some of our adventure, and before we knew it, it was time to hop back out.
We expressed our gratitude with a couple of “muchas gracias”, and carried on to another mode of transportation.
OUR EXPERIENCE HITCHHIKING
Even though we only hitchhiked twice during our time in Mexico, we feel it was a great way to get around, and go off the beaten path. There was not one feeling of apprehension, or fear in either of us, as we know that people are people, and they want to do good.
We had a really fun and spontaneous time together laughing and walking a few miles up a long road until the next truck was kind enough to stop for us.
WOULD WE DO IT AGAIN?
Absolutely! We’ll be heading back to Mexico in the beginning of the new year (hopefully with some friends) and we look forward to travelling by many different means of transportation including hitchhiking!
HITCHHIKING TIPS FOR MAXICO
- Carry a map– It is best to have a map with you to point out towns, and cities if you are not so good with the language
- Be on no schedule– Never hitchhike if you have a flight to catch or a place to be at a certain time
- Pack light – There is no need for giant bags of luggage, or giant backpacks filling up the back of the truck when other hitchhikers are looking for a ride is not exactly considerate.
- Dress for it- You’re better off not wearing short skirts or shorts as there will likely be other people hitching a ride with you, and fabric flies in the wind. Dress comfortably.
- Don’t worry about your hair– It’s inevitable. Your hair is going to knot up and fly everywhere. Just go with it, or wear a snug hat.
- Travel in pairs or groups– It’s best to travel with others while hitchhiking. After all, there is power in numbers. If you are travelling alone, find a new friend to hitch a ride with you.
- Assess the situation– Make sure you feel comfortable with who you are riding with. Make eye contact, smile, and get a feel for them. If you don’t feel comfortable, simply say no thank you.
- Have fun– Stop worrying. Enjoy the sun, wind, and beautiful scenery, be in the moment, and enjoy your life.
Have you ever hitchhiked while on your travels?
