Eighteen rigs met in the small town of Ajo, Arizona this March to participate in Fantasy’s Taste of Mexico tour. After a traditional (and delicious) Welcome Dinner and orientation, it was just a short drive to the U.S./Mexico border the next day. There, they were welcomed by the Mayor of Sonoyta and were ushered through town by a police escort. “The town authorities blocked off the streets for our arrival,” said WagonMaster Mike Myers. “It was very quick and easy to cross into Mexico. And we really felt like VIPs.”
From the border, it was just a short drive caravan-style to Puerto Penasco (aka Rocky Point), Mexico, a charming beach town situated right at the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez. Fantasy guests on this adventure got to experience the beautiful glistening waters and listen to the waves all night as all RV sites were right on the beach at the Reef RV Park.
The group started the tour off right with dinner at El Capitan restaurant, located on the highest hill in Rocky Point and offering sweeping views of the beaches and ocean. The following morning they returned to town for a delicious buffet breakfast followed by a tour of the city, with plenty of time to browse and shop – also to check out the amazing jumbo shrimp markets.
According to Mike Myers and his wife Katie, every afternoon was a beach party with happy hour at the campground. Many Fantasy guests also did some shopping right on the beach outside their rigs. “As the beach is public, vendors walk by with all kinds of merchandise for sale – wooden bowls, hats, blankets and of course fresh shrimp,” said Katie. “Most of our guests probably bought at least something on the beach.”
Several guests also took advantage of another local business. “Several customers actually had body work done on their RVs right at the campground,” said Mike. “The company comes right to the campsite and does the work. If you want paintwork, you move your rig to a special area right in the park. One guest had almost his entire coach painted, with three color striping. And they’ll even repaint the tow car to match. It costs about 1/3 of what you’d pay in the United States.”
Every port town in Mexico has an area known as El Malecon, and Puerto Penasco is no exception. Fantasy guests were able to wander along the paths and boardwalks of the area, checking out the famed jumbo shrimp and fresh fish. Vendors would even deliver right to the campground.
Guests also enjoyed a festive sunset cruise, complete with mariachi music and margaritas – and with Katie acting as captain!
By Day 5, everyone was relaxed, suntanned and content. Since it was time for a free day, some guests played golf; others went fishing. Still others went out to the surrounding desert on ATVs, while others tried hang gliding over the water. Katie and Mike took several guests to Cholla Mall, formerly known as the “Dirt Mall” or “Shacks 5th Avenue”. Today after a significant overhaul, it’s referred to as “Mexican Rodeo Drive” and is an eclectic mix of vendors, many of whom sell homemade crafts. Prices are great and shoppers can use the U.S. dollar anywhere.
After eight days together and a traditional Goodbye Continental Breakfast, the group returned to the border crossing. “We cross first, and then pull over on the American side and wait for each member of our group to come through,” said Mike. Again, there were no delays or problems as each member traveled north to more adventures.
In 2019, this 8-day Taste of Mexico tour will be repeated on March 4, but there are only a limited number of spaces left. In 2020, this tour will depart on March 2. For those with limited time, it’s the perfect way just to get a taste of Mexico.