Driving in Mexico

So I'm interested in climbing Orizaba, Izta, Malinche and doing some cragging in El Potrero as well as checking out the ruins near Mexico City. The thing is I cannot afford tickets to fly. I know if can find people to share a ride with it will be much more affordable but I'm worried about driving and parking in parts of Mexico (especially Mexico City). I've traveled to Mexico a bit (Acapulco in college and Mazatlan a couple weeks ago). I speak a little Spanish and have lived in cities in the US so I have some street smarts and familiarity with how things are in the resort towns in Mexico.

Here's my concerns, I think the drive down would be fine, albeit long. I'm worried that my car will attract attention (the new car being part of why I cannot afford plane tickets). I'm a bit worried about getting off main roads accidentally without phone service or good maps. I'm worried my mediocre Spanish skills will be a hindrance in places where there are few or no English speakers.

Anybody done a drive like this? How did it go? Am I asking to get car jacked or get my car stolen parking around Mexico City? What about other cities (Amecameca, Tlachichucha, etc.)? Does this sound like a straight up bad idea?

Anyone interested in joining me? Would be sometime in January for about 3 weeks.

My street smarts would tell me to be cautious about driving a shiny new rig in Mexico. I hate to add to the paranoia, but it's the sad truth. I still have a couple of uncles and a grandad that live out there and they're constantly dealing with a lot of shit. A couple of months ago a few dudes broke into my uncles house around midnight held the family at gun point and asked for they keys and registration papers to their fairly new car. And of course, let them know that if they were to report the incident they would be back to handle some business.

If you don't get jacked by some local thugs, be prepared to get tooled by the police ( in the form of "driving violations"). One common tactic is to pull you over for some bogus violation and ask you to fork over a $20 or deal with being ticketed. They may inform their buddies down the road that you're coming and pull the same stunt again. This has happened to me and my parents while traveling out there in our U.S. car.

Do what you like with this info. I'm sure there have been a few folks here that have traveled all over Mexico without a single problem. With that said, I would rethink driving a new car out there, however, I wouldn't have a problem driving a junker.

What about driving to El Paso and then riding the bus system? I'm not sure how much money/time you would save as opposed to flying into Mexico City but it could be an option to consider. I did a similar trip three years ago minus El Potrero. I flew into Mexico city and took a bus to Amecameca then Tlachichucha then Vera Cruz then back to Mexico City.

I say wait until next year when you can fly and also avoid the human sacrificing that is going on right now in an attempt to avoid the end of the world.

Yeah, I kind of thought a new car might not be a good idea for Mexico. The bus thing sounds way better though. Isn't the whole end of the world thing gonna be done new years anyways?

I think I can figure out partners if I can get to the locations or just solo the peaks and not tell my girlfriend.

Also look into flying to Laredo, Texas; it can be a lot cheaper to fly to there than to airports in Mexico. From Laredo, it is a 3-hour bus ride (~$12) to Monterrey, then an hour on a different bus to Potrero.

Hey out there,
I've been to Mexico plenty of times and most likely will continue to do so but sadly some regions have become the new Colombia. I don't think Mexico City would be my biggest concern. I would take advantage of climate change and stay on this side of la frontera.

I've driven to EPC 3 times. Certainly not in a newer rig, older Suby. My $.02 don't do it. Last trip for me was 3 years ago. Have been reluctant to play the game again since. Ya, getting pulled over and fingered is part of the game even for the locals. Crossing at Laredo right now seems pretty iffy. I don't like to rely on dumb luck.

We drive quite a bit in Mexico, for example we did a drive from Potrero to Puerto Escondido. This year we plan to drive even further south. And so far we didn't have any problems. We drive an older van though, not a big hit score. I don't consider driving in Mexico that dangerous, rather more adventurous. There are some guidelines such as don't drive at night and use toll roads if you want to get somewhere. Driving from Potrero to Mexico city is not a problem, you can stay on toll roads all the way from Monterrey to Mexico City. I don't know anything about staying in MC, we drove through it without stopping. We tend to avoid big cities. We prefer small towns or climbing areas. My Spanish is less than mediocre but we get by, I find people for the most part friendly especially if you try to speak some Spanish.
Taking a bus is a good option if you want to stick to Potrero, checking ruins and places where regular tourists go

jmeizis wrote:Does this sound like a straight up bad idea?

Yes, straight up.

So for anyone who has done there bus thing how was it?

Did you cross the border and then hop on a bus or hop on in the states? If you crossed, which city?

I take it there were no problems with cops shaking you down for cash or anything like that?

Any Spanish words or phrases that would be especially helpful?

Any suggestions on how to stay in touch? I'd like to call family and whatnot to let them know I'm ok and stuff. I could turn the international calling for my phone but that's pretty expensive. Tracfone? Calling card?

Thanks for the bus idea. Turned junkshow crazy plan into something that's probably feasible.

If you get pulled over, don't open your window enough for a hand to get in and NEVER give a cop your license. Also, everyone drives on the shoulder... The actual lanes are for passing. Make sure you bring the title of the actual vehicle you are driving... Long Story... for purchasing the vehicle/insurance sticker. While in El Potrero, stay at La Posada.

-Kevin

As for phone service, if you have Verizon, just get the Nationwide plus Mexico plan for an extra $20 a month or so and then switch back to your normal plan when you return. It is actually not a bad deal, although be aware that Americans calling you will still pay long distance while you are there.

I can't imagine driving being cheaper after purchasing Mexican insurance and all the gas needed to get there.

All the columbians I met said Mexico was a scary place to be... Just sayin. If you do want to do this check out advrider.com. Yes it is about motorcycles but a lot of people do this kind of trip on bikes and share their experiences and advice. It may be an awesome resource amigo. Suerte Che.

There is a greyhound line that runs from San Antonio to Monterrey. The central station in Monterrey is huge, you can get a bus from there to Mexico City or take a local bus (super cheap) to Hidalgo. From a bus station in MC you can get a bus ticket to pretty much anywhere in Mexico. Despite what everybody says I don't consider Mexico to be a dangerous place if you use common sense. That comes from personal experience, not something I overheard or seen on TV. If you drive through Laredo during day light don't think there are going to be bad guys everywhere trying to shoot at you. Military and federal police are armed but they don't care about gringos. That said don't have money and valuables laying around within easy reach. Local police might try to extort money from you, but not speaking good Spanish might play in your favor, just smile and wait till they give up.

oh yeah, sometimes mexican airlines such as aeromexico have super cheap flights from Monterrey to Mexico city but i think there is a limit on the luggage weight

Katya wrote:There is a greyhound line that runs from San Antonio to Monterrey. The central station in Monterrey is huge, you can get a bus from there to Mexico City or take a local bus (super cheap) to Hidalgo. From a bus station in MC you can get a bus ticket to pretty much anywhere in Mexico. Despite what everybody says I don't consider Mexico to be a dangerous place if you use common sense. That comes from personal experience, not something I overheard or seen on TV. If you drive through Laredo during day light don't think there are going to be bad guys everywhere trying to shoot at you. Military and federal police are armed but they don't care about gringos. That said don't have money and valuables laying around within easy reach. Local police might try to extort money from you, but not speaking good Spanish might play in your favor, just smile and wait till they give up.

Yes Mexico is safe as long as your not an idiot! Like Katya said follow the rules, no night driving, use toll roads, and be nice to everyone, laugh, smile but don't be a jerk/idiot! It is an adventure!

Well I do have my moments but I think I can do that. Thanks for the replies. Sounds like I may be able to make this work. Any more info is always appreciated.

I've been wondering about the safety down to EPC as well. I hear the same "Don't be stupid" but does anyone have reliable first hand knowledge of how the current situation is?

Also, if anyone is headed down after the first of the year, I would be interested in meeting in Dallas to split gas. I am coming from Kansas.

borderlandbeat.com/

Do those crimes and incidents affect the route from Monterrey to Hidalgo and EPC? Or would getting a cab or bus to there be a safe option?

Daniel Siegel wrote:I've been wondering about the safety down to EPC as well. I hear the same "Don't be stupid" but does anyone have reliable first hand knowledge of how the current situation is? Also, if anyone is headed down after the first of the year, I would be interested in meeting in Dallas to split gas. I am coming from Kansas.

Ok, yes it is safe and no it is not safe! I have driven round Mexico lots. Never have I ever had a problem with gangsters, cartel, police or crazy Mexicans. Is this saying that Mexico is safe? No I saying that I have never had a problem in Mexico. I have had more problems from police etc in Canada, USA, and Europe, then in Mexico. I feel that you attract what you think about, you creat your experience!
Contact Ed at: magicedspotrerochico.com/. He and his wife know more about EPC then I also he will be able to give you " first hand knowledge." He is pretty much a local down there.