Driving Central America & South America.
Border Crossing and Driving in Mexico
January 24, 2009 - 5:54pm
Crossing the border at Brownsville was almost a let-down. Nobody asked us anything, ie, what we were bringing, where we were going, how long we were staying, etc. Just got our tourist card, driving permit and off we went.
Then the adventure began. The maps aren't always accurate, the signage leaves a lot to be desired, there were more topes (major speed bumps) through the towns, there was more construction than during a summer in Toronto... Sooo, it took a LOT longer than estimated to get anywhere, until we got to Tuxpan (a town which I don't recommend other than to pass through).
We are now in Xalapa, MEX.
By the way, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top condition, especially the brakes!
April
January 25, 2009 - 8:31pm
#2
Mexico travels
We're still in Mexico. We've been to Victoria, Tuxpan, Teculutla, Xalapa, and now we're in Catemaco. We loved Teculutla - it was a detour after visiting El Tajin. We loved Xalapa, a very beautiful city indeed. If anyone wants details of any of these places, I'd be happy to elaborate.
Today we were stopped by police for the first time; we thought it was gonna cost us, but it turns out he only wanted to check our driver permit, as there have been many fakes. Then he happily gave us directions to the next to the next town.
Lots of routes and by-passes are not only NOT on the map, but the road signs are severely lacking most of the time. So we've learned it's best to ask when in doubt. People have been nothing but friendly and helpful everywhere we go here. However, we are fluent in Spanish, so of course that makes a big difference.
When we leave here, which is on the southern gulf coast, we will be heading to the pacific coast, near Puerto Escondito.
good to hear you're doing OK! Keep up the updates as much as possible. Road conditions, border hassles, cop hassles, people hassles. We love info!