After requests from other riders, I’ve put together a 5 day photography seminar / motorcycle adventure tour into Mexico, partnering with Hank Arriazola, an experienced adventure tour guide with 30 years of background as a BMW mechanic, international traveler and photographer. I’ve had a 30 year career as a professional advertising photographer, with extensive travels by motorcycle from the Arctic Ocean in Alaska to the southern tip of South America and enjoy teaching others.

This tour will combine daily instruction in the art of photography, along with riding and experiencing the incredible roads and scenery of Mexico. If you’ve never had the opportunity to ride “south of the border”, this is an excellent chance to travel with experienced guides and find out why its one of the best countries for adventure riding!

The Scenario

We'll leave Laredo, Texas and ride a couple of days south into Mexico to a beautiful, remote village high in the mountains, where the group will spend time exploring the area and capturing images. Daily instruction will be relaxed and informal, as the emphasis of the trip will be on enjoying the experience while improving photography skills. This will not be a heavy technical instruction in software or hardware, but will focus on ways of capturing better images.  In addition, I will be available as much as possible for personal help and instruction if desired. Skill level does not matter, nor does camera type, whether pocket or DSLR.

Some of the subjects covered will be:

• Developing the Photographer’s Eye

• Composition, Pattern and Texture

• Light: Its Many Forms and Colors

• Basics of Exposure, Color Balance, Shutter, etc

• RAW?? JPEG?? WHAT?? WHY??

DATES: January 28 - Feb 1, 2019

ITINERARY:

Day 0 - Sunday, Jan 27 - Pre Trip Meeting in Laredo, Texas

Day 1 - Monday, Jan 28 - Laredo, TX to Santiago, MX
Border crossing, paperwork, travel to Santiago, a “Pueblo Magico”

Day 2 - Tuesday, Jan 29 Santiago to Real De Catorce, MX
Ride the slot canyons across the Sierra Madre mountains and high altiplano, ending in Real De Catorce, a mountain village lost in time

Day 3 - Exploration of Real De Catorce and its historic mining ghost town, the Quemado, an ancient holy site for the Huichol Indians and much more

Day 4 - Exploration of Real De Catorce and ruins of La Luz

Day 5 - Real De Catorce to Laredo, TX

PRICE:  $2800 USD including hotels and breakfast (All other costs, such as drinks, food, toll fees, entry costs and gas are not included)

A $250 deposit is required to hold your spot, payable by check or credit card.

The tours require a minimum of 5 persons, and your deposit will be refunded if the tour does not make. We will notify you as early as possible on the status of the tour, since we realize scheduling time off from work and travel to Laredo are involved.

Notes:

• Mexico is generally an inexpensive place to travel, so out of pocket expenses are usually low

• Gasoline prices are roughly the same as in the U.S.

• You will need to add texting in Mexico to your phone plan if you do not have it. It is our way of communicating reliably when south.

• immigration Permit: you will need a valid drivers license and passport. Cost is about $28 USD

• Temporary Vehicle Import Permit:
- Liability insurance for your vehicle is now required by Mexico. It is available online at MexPro.com, Bajabound.com, and others - prices vary so check several sites. It can be bought in day, week, month or 6 month and year quantities. Tourist visas are typically issued for 6 months so if you plan to travel back to Mexico within 6 months, a 6 month visa is your best value.

- Fee for the vehicle import permit is about $52 USD and a deposit is required for vehicles. Fees for “newer than 2007” are $400 USD, “2001-2006” are $300 USD, and “pre-2000” are $200 USD, payable in cash or by credit card. This deposit is refunded upon return and cancellation of the permit when exiting Mexico. Most pay by credit card as this is the easiest way and does not require time spent in the bank line.

- Documents needed for importation of your motorcycle will be a Bill of Sale, Title, and Registration in your name. If your moto is leased or financed, you will need a notarized letter of permission from the leasing company or the lienholder or lending institution. 

*Be aware that border crossing requirements vary widely and by the officer, so one may want registration, while others may only want a title, etc. It is recommended to bring as much documentation of ownership as possible…*

• Travel Health Insurance is encouraged in case of accident or illness. World Nomads is a good resource for international travel insurance.