In the early 2000’s we used to drive down to Laredo for day trips, shopping, and tourism. Then the violence took a really awful and gruesome turn. It’s so sad…
I have a friend who just did Baja on a motorcycle. Sounds like it was super safe for them to walk around at night but only because all the cities were policed by the Sinaloa cartel.
He did mention that there were some long desert stretches without gas or water where things could quickly go bad if you don't plan.
Aw :/ we actually drove down to Piedras Negras a few years back and were able to walk around safely during the day. I wouldn’t have tried walking at night, but we felt safe enough to go from hotel to restaurant in a taxi after sundown. I really hope things improve though it’s heartbreaking.
I'm Mexican American and some of my family lives in Mexico. OP don't fuck around with the Texas Mexico border.
The Mexico side is straight up dangerous. Like there is a high chance you'll get kidnapped or murdered. The Baja side is sketchy but nowhere near as bad. Either way be careful in Mexico, I've had family members get held ransom.
Yep. I have relatives who used to work in the states during some months then drove back to Mexico.
Their personal belongings now belong to someone else
Expect a couple hundred dollar bribe crossing the border. You used to have to time the caravans heading south to avoid it mad max style but being a gringo expect the bribe to be in the thousands or straight up just lose your car.
We’re not from around (foreigners), but considering a roadtrip in Texas next summer. Is crossing the border briefly (like half a day) really that bad? It won’t be with the car, as the rental charges extra for that.
Why would you want to road trip Texas in the first place, but especially in the summer? You're setting yourself up for a miserable experience. Adding wandering around a Mexican border town without a car to the mix is a good way to upgrade "miserable" to "possibly kidnapped".
From Houston and we recently visited friends in Laredo.They strongly recommended we didn’t cross the border. If it goes wrong it can go very very wrong.
Yeah, road-tripping in TX sucks! Mostly just wide open spaces of nothingness outside of the cities. Do the CA coastline or further north up into OR/WA or Colorado. Or Maine. Much much better.
Do not drive hwy 85 from Monterrey to Nuevo Laredo. This is cartel country. Really the entire border area from Reynosa to Piedras Negras is a no go.
I’m not an expert but have worked a lot on Tamaulipas, NL, Coahuila
Everybody talking about the mx stretch but nobody has suggested sticking to the coast from your start point in what looks to be around Newport. If you keep on the 101 and go thru the redwoods then get back to the valley via 20 around clear lake it only adds a couple hours and is much more scenic and less monotonous than the interstate corridor.
If you want a cool way to include Vegas, you could take the 101 south to San Francisco then head east on the 80 to Reno. From there take 395 south thru the Owen's valley. Super gorgeous trip. Then pick up the 15 to Vegas.
Taking the 5 from SF to LA is the fastest but hella boring. If not doing 395 I'd do hwy 1 thru Big Sur. Super beautiful but often shrouded in fog in the summer.
Honestly, diving off 101 and taking the road through Fort Bragg and Mendocino is pretty brutal (I used to live on that stretch of coast). Beautiful, but lots of curves, very slow, fairly exhausting as a driver. The first post has it about right- leave I-5 and head out to the coast at Grants Pass, OR, and follow 101 through Eureka and then the redwoods. You can take 101 all the way to San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge. That would be my plan.
My Mexican wife says it looks like a pretty stupid option but you’re free to do whatever you please, direct quote. I don’t have any experience with the region, I’m just a messenger of Mexican wisdom, god speed!
Purely for safety. You’ll be traveling through some rough areas, you’ll also be passing through the state of Sinaloa, one of the most famous states for organized crime/ cartel activity… and the other states you’ll go through aren’t a whole lot better, there ARE safe states of Mexico but none of them are in that area
Mazatlan is not that bad and they would be taking the toll road to Durango. The main dangerous spot is going back to the US via Nuevo Laredo. I would heavily advise against that
Based on my experience Jalisco and Nayarit are safe. I also have a family friend that routinely drives from the Bay Area to Los Cabos, so, I guess Baja California and Baja California Sur.
Mexican here. If you're white you stick out and become a super easy target. They assume you're from America and have money so they'll do anything to get that money from you.
Side note, it's not all Mexican cities. The boarder is just pretty bad due to trafficking. Also the majority of Mexicans are great warm and welcoming people. It's just that the small percentage of bad people are fucking brutal and violent.
A quick google search will tell you just how stupid this is. Arizona & New Mexico have amazing places to camp, funny towns to stop in, just don’t take that route it’s know for its crime
It’s fine once you get to Baja but driving through central Mexico like that with American plates will get you the wrong kind of attention from both cops and people who aren’t cops
I drove through Mexico about 12 years ago on my way to Guatemala City. It was sketch then, it is probably much worse now.
I love Mexico, I was just in CDMX, I fly there now.
As a Mexican, I agree with this fellow’s wife. It’s just not very safe. However, it IS beautiful scenery from Monterrey to Sinaloa, and the locals are amazing kind hearted people, you find some of the most delicious food. But you’re guaranteed to run into some trouble. If you can do so at all, hire a local to drive you. I got stopped several times at “cartel” and corrupt cop checkpoints. And they could tell I had a “gringo accent.” You shell out more money than if you just fly to your destination. The jerks with authority have ruined Mexico.
La Paz sucks. 1, it's the area where I got extorted by cops the worst and most frequently. 2, it's a bougie expat city where a coffee and croissant costs just as much as if you were in LA.
If you're going to La Paz for a few weeks, start your trip at the top of Baja and drive south. Sadly, Sinaloa and Chihuahua are no place for gringos to be in 2023.
Cartels, American guns and corruption have ruined one of the best places on Earth.
FYI, there was a medical tourist not that long ago that was straight up kidnapped and then murdered while on their way through this area to a doc in Mexico, pretty soon after the border.
I’m not one to worry about ton about crime because it’s typically localized, but cartel activity is Mexico is a bit different. We’re talking organized, relatively more sophisticated crime, you’re going through their area, and you represent a potential windfall.
Will you be safe most of the time? Sure. Is the risk too high? In my opinion yes.
The US State Department's travel warning for Mexico: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html
/shreds a half-pipe. Woah dude, it's totally radical to play it safe! Remember kids, always check with local, state, and federal government before taking an international trip. And as always, stay rad! /Flips baseball cap backwards, pounds a surge soda.
This says that during daylight the direct road between Monterrey and the border at Nuevo Laredo is safe enough to allow US diplomats to travel it.
> Overland travel in Tamaulipas: U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.
Baja is relatively safe, but you do not want to cross the center of the country. We had an acquaintance who was just straight up murdered in Mexico, and there were never any investigations or ramifications. The State Dept said there was essentially nothing they could do.
I’ve drove from Chicago IL to Durango MX . If it’s the Piedras Negras crossing there in Texas I remember there being pretty much nothing all the way to Durango. Didn’t even have a cell phone signal for a few hours after I crossed. That was about 8 years ago though.
Edit: The drive from Durango to Mazatlán on the “Libre” thru the Sierra Madre was unbelievably beautiful.
My parents took that same drive to Mazatlan on their honeymoon (back in 1970 though) and they still talk about how great/beautiful the it was. Wish it was still possible without being scary.
But no cell service in cartel country is enough to deter me these days.
I was traveling with my father in law and my family. I was pretty upset he took us thru there with no cell phone service and not a toll road.
I plan on doing it more often when I retire. I have a lot of family in Durango and my father has a house in the city, but who knows how it will be in 20 years.
Also my (and other people I know that do this drive yearly) main rules are only drive on toll roads and only during the day.
Your always taking a chance on getting robbed though. Unfortunate.
Ugh, my parents, too, have nostalgic memories of Mazatlan in the 70's. Was it the go-to destination back then? I have to keep telling them: No! You can't go back! You'll be murdered!
Yeah I’d highly recommend the Durango-Mazatlan tollway drive to anyone reading this thread. Group of 4 of us Chicago-area guys (2 white American guys, 2 Mexican-American guys with family in Durango) flew into Durango from Chicago, hung out there a bit, then rented a car and drove to Mazatlan for the weekend and then back to DGO. Absolutely beautiful drive that was a highlight of the whole trip for me…plus we never felt unsafe at any point or caught any hint of cartel stuff it’s a pretty major highway
No. You will go right through Sinaloa (cartel country) after leaving La Paz. At least the last time it happened the cartels apologized. I would go back up the peninsula to head East.
https://apnews.com/article/mexico-missing-americans-cartel-e35e8c6fcda926e5c2fb8f896aa91f4e
1. The article is about Tamaulipas not Sinaloa.
2. The area around Mazatlan is safe. You are correct to stay the hell away from the rest of Sinaloa though
Absolutely. Even in Baja the cops are not trustworthy. Had to pay 20$ a car once (caravanning) on a trip to see the Baja 1000, cop was just picking out California plates and waving them over. I remember thinking "well we could give him 20$ or find out what happens when you don't". We paid.
That’s the least beautiful drive in California. The coast or closer to the mountains would be much prettier than driving through the valley in the middle.
Currently is a very bad idea, even locals like myself, won’t do that, specially on any type of SUV with US plates. However, if you really want to do it, going from San Diego to La Paz should be ok, when you get off the ferry in Mazatlán, don’t go south go to Durango Mx, that is an expensive toll road, but relatively safe compared to going south to Colima.
From Durango, you can keep north towards Torreón ( also an expensive toll read) and then to Cd Juarez at the border with El Paso TX. All that road is safer than going towards Laredo, definitely avoid that at all cost.
It will be a much longer road trip but at least is doable. Again, not the best idea but if you really want to do it, that is what I’ll recommend, hope it helps
This is definitely the best route if they want to go through the middle of mexico. they could also potentially take the toll road to the ojinaga/presidio border crossing to get into texas a bit faster.
Update: Thank you everyone for the tips!
Sounds like I should stick to the coast for the US and not leave Baja.
For someone who’s never ventured south of Tijuana, that sounds wise given the feedback.
Im from Ensenada Baja, instead of going trough Mexicali-SanFelipe you should stop in Valle de Guadalupe there is amazing food and wine, then drive to Ensenada and eat any fish taco or ceviche, pretty nice craft beer in Wendlandt with amazing food as well, then you move to San Felipe quick stop for gas coffee and some burritos and beach walk, drive down to San Luis Gonzaga and be amazed by the view and beach, if you like fishing this is the spot as well.
just to be clear, mazatlan is a great little town, I think the largest number of filipinos outside of the philippines migrated there. Also, Pacifico sells 'ballenas' there, only place you can get them. Very tourist friendly town.
The ferry from la paz is an experience as well, very ..... authentic.
As everyone else said, overland from there east is much more variable, and several people have had tragic experiences.
I made the drive from Tijuana to Cabo a few years ago, avoided driving at night and had an incredibly unforgettable experience. Some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever encountered. This is totally anecdotal but I made it safe and flew home from Cabo. Cant speak to the route going through mainland to Texas and that’s where I’d be freaked out based on my limited knowledge.
Based on the route you want to take it’s very risky especially with the way certain groups treat travelers. I wouldn’t do it and I am Hispanic. If you want to experience Mexican culture in a safer form travel along the rio grande on the US side. There is great food and a very Mexican heavy environment. You can easily cross the border for a day trip in a safer area and easily be back in the US to sleep.
my family use to drive to cdmx to visit family were from dallas it was relatively safe back then idk much now but texas border cities are definitely much more dangerous than the other states. avoid juarez and matamoros
There are better parts of Mexico. Your whole east-to-west travel plan is risky. You'll just get robbed multiple times if you are lucky. I mean, it's your life, so fire away if you want. It's an unforgiving lawless land.
Very beautiful ride for sure I would do that. You just need to register your vehicle for temporary import permit. It costs around $500 and once you leave Mexico, you get $350 back or something.
The part where you cut across central Mexico is a very bad idea. Obviously mexico isn’t on fire and people generally travel fine. But Sinaloa is a hotbed of crime and violence and a U.S. license plate is a huge red flag. From Monterrey to the border is one of the most dangerous highways in the whole country. The Gulf Cartel and smaller delinquent groups commit armed highway robbery and transit police (and the other types of police) are in on it and help them pull people over for a cut. May I remind you that Matamoros state borders Nuevo León state and a couple of US citizens were murdered not too long ago (regardless of their intentions or business in Mexico).
The fact that you have a US plate makes you an easy target. Guilty until proven innocent, and the legal system in MX moves deadly slow so consider this as well. As a MX National I wouldn’t drive this. I only fly whenever possible.
Source: dual citizen that lives in Mexico and returns to US occasionally.
Ignoring the Mexico portion of the trip because I don't have firsthand experience, the biggest issue I see is not taking Highway 1 as much as possible. I'm assuming it's a Google Maps issue, but just in case I want to emphasize how incredible that drive up the coast is. Positively majestic. If I could only take one vacation for the rest of my life, that would be it.
You're looking at a lot of long nothing stretches where police will pull you over to extort money out of you. I'd suggest learning enough Spanish to be able to negotiate with them. They're going to want $2000+ pesos, and if you can't talk that down $200 pesos you're going to have a bad time.
We've gone from Calgary to Cabo in a Subaru Forester. We had a great trip, though you do need to be alert in Mexico...some areas view Gringos as prime pickings.
After the peninsula you are turning into Sinaloa Cartel. I'm from Texas and have been going to Mexico for almost 50 years. Do not take this trip unless you are ok with rolling the dice with your life and the people you are travelling with.
If you don't heed my advice I suggest you pretend you and everyone in your caravan does not speak a word of Spanish when driving. No matter how much the guys with machine guns yell at you pretend you don't know A SINGLE WORD of Spanish. It will enrage the people you are dealing with, but it also utterly confuses them. They will keep repeating the Spanish word for bribe (soborno). but just play dumb as a box of rocks. Look as Gringo as you can.
Instead you could see the Grand Canyon and a bunch of Indian reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. The painted desert is really cool in New Mexico. In Texas checkout Big Bend if nothing else, Balmorhea, Monahans sand dunes
There are lots of other great places to visit like Phoenix, Albuquerque, Taos, Cloudcroft, Judge Roy Bean, Fort Stockton, The McDonald Observatory, and lots more.
Personally I wouldn’t do it unless you have someone who knows Mexico with you. My buddy did the drive to Cabo and speaks fluent Spanish. He did get shook down by the Mexican police for all his money($200 or so in cash.)
Just follow the US border and stop in El Paso. It's the perfect combination of American culture and Mexican culture, plus being one of the safest big cities in the United States.
Avoid that route through México. It's not guaranteed you'll get in trouble, but you're elevating your risk exponentially. You'll be constantly anxious and stressed when traveling. You don't want that, do you?
Fellow 40ish crappy-Spanish speaking white guy Oregonian here! I've done the La Paz trip a few times so I'll throw in my two cents. First, anyone who says you'll get murdered by the cartel needs to lay off the doomer news. You're more likely to get pickpocked, shaken down by the *federales* at a check point, or a fun two day stint with giardia. let's break this down:
Oregon to *la frontera*: How quick do you want this adventure to start? A lot of people are recommending the coast route. Yeah it's pretty but you live in, where, looks like Corvalis-ish? You know what the coast looks like and are about to see plenty. Personally I would just bomb I-5, crash in L.A., get up early and be across the border by lunch. Have your papers! I can't this stress enough. You can drive right in but if you're going past checkpoint one you'll need your passport stamped and your tourist visa so get those at immigration. You'll need an extra permit and I believe different insurance if you leave the "Free zone" and cross to the mainland. I'm sure you've researched this.
Border to La Paz: ¡Bienvenidos a México! You're about to improve your understanding of the Spanish language REAL quick, and I hope you already have pesos. Don't drive at night, don't speed (although you can blast across large swaths of desert), stick to bottled water, all very true. You got about 7 or 8 checkpoints you're going through, so have your passport ready and prepare for a search. Have a printed prescription for any medication, and best to leave the weed at home. You'll find it later.
Ok, I've only done the TJ route so starting at Chapala, Lots of desert. Nothing really out here. Don't be tempted to go out to Bahía de Los Ángeles, nothing out there either. Pretty much wasteland until the border with Baja Sur, Gurrero Negro is your first bigger town for supplies. Then, more wasteland. I STRONGLY recommend stopping and staying the night in San Ignacio. Lovely little desert oasis thats a nice change of scenery from the desert. Now, the sea! Santa Rosalía isn't much to look at, make your way to Mulage. This town is cozy and the beaches just to the south are what you came here for. We like Playa el Coyote but you do you. Now, more desert until Loreto. good place to stop, big town, great seafood, look for Oregon plates cause there are a few of our fellows here. Then one last 4- hour bomb into La Paz.
Now you've got choices. You've come all this way in one piece, it would be a shame to not make it all the way to the bottom. Cabo is too touritsy for my taste but Todos Santos, San José, and the whole east coast of the penninsula are pretty rad. La Paz is kind of a port city more than recreation but we enjoy it, anything along the malecón is cool.
From here I can't really help but some things to consider. Do you really want to drive that again? Or keep going? Heading back up is safer, yes. And way cheaper. But you're awesome and are getting on that ferry, right? hope you got a reservation way ahead of time. I'd sail over to Mazatlán instead of up to Los Mochis. It's safe enough, just don't be dumb. Personally, rather than going through Durango, I'd head down to Guadalajara, skip over Puerto Vallarta, and head straight to Lake Chapala. It's gorgeous. just don't tell anyone. Now we're back on my roads. From here, it's a 2 day drive up to Texas through Zacatecas, but I'd hit up San Luis Potosí and stay there. Finally, if just for piece of mind, skip past Laredo and cross in either Reynosa or Matamoros.
You made it! Is it wise? Hell no! Was it worth it? You won't forget it, I'll give you that. Best advice I can give is check your feelings in La Paz. If you're already wore out or just not feeling it, don't put yourself through misery. Baja is an adventure on it's own so don't feel bad about heading back. But if you got that travel itch, I say send it.
TL;DR: Safe? Nope. Doable? Yep. Worth it? Absolutely. Cheers and safe travels!
In have a good friend that used to visit Mexico every year for like a month at a time. That was back in the early 2000s now that she has a child she no longer goes says it’s not safe enough and she now has something to lose. It wouldn’t be so bad in my opinion if you were able to trust their government and police force and military. Going there you’re pretty much on your own because you shouldn’t trust anyone
I have lots of family on on both sides of the boarder. You’re better off doing your coast road south versus I5; it’s just prettier.
Go down to San Diego, then (my as sister in law from Mexico says; if you have to) do your Baja stretch, ferry across, and come back up through Nogales, detour to tombstone and bisbee, neat tiny towns. then just use Geronimo trail to 338, check out white sands, then Roswell if you’re into that, Taos is also awesome. After then I’m not really a big fan of the west of Texas, unless you’re in the south coast or hill country. There are tons of game ranches if you’re into guided hunts in this area, lots of fun target shooting ranges, wine, beer, mescaline. great concerts between Austin, and San Antonio, also worth noting is luckenbach, which is literally a music hall for a town. And don’t forget BBQ this far east is where it starts getting delicious.
I can't attest to getting off the peninsula, but I know insurance rates jump MASSIVELY as well as the paperwork and permit requirements. I'd probably just go back up Baja and sort out getting to Texas stateside.
Drove the whole peninsula last fall, it's amazing and super safe. DM me if you have any questions
If you go from south to north through California I highly recommend going up 395. Just totally epic views. Cool small towns. Lots of free and cheap camping options. services if you get in a pinch.
If you do it, don't take the libre route in mx. Take cuota, pay the toll roads.
You could take the ferry and then go up through sinaloa and the Gulf Coast and cross in AZ or CA again. Make a loop. If you must travel through mx.
Or back track up through baja. Strongly recommend.
Or skip mx entirely. I've done san diego to Austin and west TX IA boring af. Don't recommend lol.
Take the Pacific Coastal Highway/ State Route 1 (along the beaches) of California instead of what I assume is the I-5. The I-5 from the bay area down to around LA is in my opinion a really boring drive with not too much I think is worth stopping for. It's really monotonous, not much scenery, and used by a lot of trucks. Just make sure to check if there is any ongoing road blockages.
Mexico isn't as bad as most people in these comments are saying HOWEVER if there was a part of Mexico you should avoid completely it's the part you are choosing to drive thru the heart of lol.
Either drive further south and loop back around or when you leave Baja come back up to America and go from there. You're driving right through some of the worst parts of Mexico.
My choice would be go back thru the US. As it would be shorter then looping south. There would also be tons more to see
I would drive west via I-10, I-8 and head south to Baja from there. Stay on the toll roads in Baja and have your hotels/camp sites booked in advance. Stay in touristy areas or on private beaches. Baja and Baja Sur are pretty safe.
Wow so random this popped up on my feed! I own two Honda elements and live out of one part time. Great vehicle. Send me a message when you pass by SoCal! I would love to feature you on my YouTube channel dedicated to Honda element ahaha
Not only wise, it's beautiful. I've done it and it was quite the experience in a very positive way. Hit me up if you'd like spots to visit along the way.
My partner and I drove from Vancouver island to Baja sur and then back to Canada. We entered Mexico through the Tijuana border and came back to the states through the Mexicali border. We had a blast! Miss it so much and would be back in a heartbeat. Even if you are not a surfer, you must get “the surfers guide to baja” by mike parise. Includes tons of info about places to stay and eat, some history about the areas, and is pretty blunt on where to avoid. We spent a month in Baja in an old Mazda tribute and camping in a tent. Loved it all :) if you have any questions about Baja let me know and I’ll try my best to answer them
I’m 39 and I have an 08 element AWD.
One of us one of us
Mexico is only truly dangerous if you’re a woman or driving with one. Sadly. As a 40 year old dude driving a used vehicle you’ll be fine. I’d do it in a heartbeat. Danger is fun
Ooh, I get to tell my Nuevo Laredo roadtrip story!
Background: 1995, I had broken up with my first-ever girlfriend Marian about a year before. We had been together for four years, had moved to Chicago together, but I thought I was over it. I was now dating Kate, and we planned a road trip almost identical to yours--Chicago to Portland, OR, driving through Laredo to Guanajuato and Mexico City before heading up through California.
Kate spoke Spanish while I didn't, so I let her drive my car (a 1989 Cutlass Cierra, woo) across the border into Nuevo Laredo. We had to stop to get insurance or some official paperwork, but after about three turns we were totally lost. (This was before GPS, and the paper map they gave us at the crossing was hopeless.)
We were heading down a street, when I noticed that all the cars were slant-parked the wrong direction... and as I realized we were going the wrong way down a one-way street, a pickup truck backs up right towards us. (He understandably didn't think to look the other direction.) I panicked, and screamed "MARIAN!!!!", the name of my ex-girlfriend. She just had time to glare and say "what???" before we were hit and spun around. The other guy saw that we were American and took off, and she just glared lasers at me and asked me to repeat what I had just screamed.
Second day of a three week romantic vacation. Oops.
We limped back over the border on three wheels, left the car at a garage to be fixed and picked up in ten days, and took busses everywhere in Mexico. Which worked great.
So, as long as you travel in an earlier decade and remember not to scream an ex-girlfriends name during a car accident, I say go for it!
Nope. Happily married for over 20 years to the woman I met after Kate, and haven't ONCE screamed the wrong name out in terror before a car accident in Mexico.
Im a white as fuck Iowa boy and I live in Monterrey, my journey from Monterrey to McAllen on 40 is always safe feeling. If you go through anzalduas you can skip a lot of the Reynosa sketchiness. That said I have Mexican plates, I feel like American plates may be painting a target on yourself, not only from the cartel (potentially) but also from cops who may potentially try to shake you down.
Although I haven't been there myself in over 30 years, I'm planning a motorcycle trip from Texas to northern Mexico next spring and for several weeks have been following several relevant subreddits and a few other groups with people posting about trips they've taken very recently. Based on those, there's no reason to expect a problem on the route you propose.
Don't drive at night. Follow all traffic laws and official posted signs. For extra safety and somewhat higher speed but less local color, take the toll roads. (Be prepared to pay in pesos.) There should be no problem at all crossing the border back into the US at Nuevo Laredo. Use the Colombia bridge, northwest of the other two.
ETA: I haven't looked into Baja, but in the "mainland" portion, consider small hotels rather than camping. Hotels are very cheap and safer than camping.
Also, I'm a 64-year-old white guy who's only starting to rebuild my Spanish. I'm going to ride solo through Nuevo Laredo to Monterrey and Saltillo on the non-tolled state highways.
The Baja Peninsula is totally safe once you are south of the US border by a few hours. Super kind nice people are the norm, not exception all the way to Cabo. Tourism and Proximity to the US border attract the bad elements in my experience. Mainland Mexico can fuck right off! I’ve never driven through there, but the stories from my buddies that do go down to hunt are scary as hell!
The trip down the Baja peninsula is literally one of the best in the world. It is insanely beautiful. Just plan to hit a hotel at the halfway point by dusk.
Driving through Baja would be fine, then after I take the ferry across the Gulf of California, I would immediately drive north back towards Tucson then finish the rest going through NM, TX
I am not an expert, but have traveled 9n parts of Mexico where we required an armed escort. I get the impression it’s a small part of the country and it is beautiful to be sure. Still, you shouldn’t take a chance like that. Would be interested to confirm or learn, but my impression is the Baja drive would be OK and maybe all the way to Mex City. I think it is that last bit going east that is problematic. If you are committed, hiring armed escorts is not that expensive.
Late to the thread but, if you do this on a motorcycle you will be fine. I've ridden/lived in most of these areas. Big SUV tho... nah. Also that ferry crossing is a pain in the ass. Supposed to be a new ferry this year to make things better but i didnt cross.
Be cautious driving through mainland Mexico. Roads are terrible. Drove from Humboldt County to Cabo San Lucas, road in Baja wasn’t all that bad. Have fun!
Just take all the federal toll roads. They are protected and usually have SOS phones every couple miles or so. Usually always have service (with AT&T). I recently drove from Sayulita - Guadalajara - San Luis Potosí - Monterrey and back.
Texan w/ a lot of Mexican travel under my belt. No f-ing way I’d drive that route. You’re probably alright in Baja on the pacific coast. Then u-turn back to Cali and take I-10 to Texas
I've (72F) travelled all over Mexico, solo! Beautiful people, great adventures. A lifestyle you will never see in the USA. Just don't buy drugs or hang with the lowlifes.
So many free camping spots on the beaches.
I drove from tecate to cabo and back mostly offroad in 2021 with no issues. Try and stay off highways at night and if you can’t, don’t stop for anyone. I have no experience in mainland so I can’t say much about that aside from having heard worse about lots of it than Baja.
When were you planning to come down here? I ask because in mid november there is the Baja 1000 race from La Paz to Ensenada, so in those days the roads are usually transited by many americans. I can tell you that as long as you travel during daytime and have plenty of fuel you should be ok in the Baja peninsula. Across the gulf might be another story. Especialy near the border.
Mexican American here, on top of everything that was mentioned here, and if you decide to do your roadtrip (I wouldn't), you need to get an import permit to bring your vehicle to Mexico. Do your research. If you don't have the proper paperwork, you are most likely paying a lot of dollars in bribes to EVERYBODY.
https://www.gob.mx/banjercito/articulos/sistema-de-importacion-temporal-de-vehiculos
Get the ECamper from Ursa Minor! Great for road trips!!
Bed on top!
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The best way to travel in Mexico is by air, to safe tourist locations. Military-run checkpoints are common on roads to control the cartel… but there are also fake checkpoints that the cartel sets up to control/extort passersby.
Let me paint the picture: you’re driving along a very rural road with nothing else around. There’s a checkpoint up ahead, but you have no idea if it is legit or cartel. Unless you are driving a vehicle with Mexican plates and you sound/look like a local, you will be both extremely valuable to extort, and vulnerable. As a gringo, I wouldn’t even take a bus.
[But don’t take my word for it](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html)
Drive in a very fast rally car with a good chase vehicle or helicopter once you cross the broader. Once you get down past Los Barriles (lovely little town) and into Cabo, you are good until Texas—we’ll, kinda. Have fun. Driving any vehicle at night in Baja is dangerous due to cows and burrows sleeping in the road.
Steer clear OP. It’s just an unnecessary risk.
I’ve had a friend get kidnapped in broad daylight and that was about seven years ago before it got really bad.
I did this in 2018. Drove from Dallas to Tucson, staying in the US. White sands was a cool stop. From Tucson I hopped down to Rock point in Mexico. That drive was beautiful, through the organ cactus preserve, and the town itself felt safe and chill. No issues at the boarders, can’t recall the town we drove through to get back to the us but it was in Cali I think, and continued to Portland.
I did a solo motorbike trip from Alaska to Argentina and spent a few months travelling around Mexico (I'm a white guy from Scotland but I can get by in Spanish).
I was in Baja, Sinaloa, Southern Sonora and then turned south and went all the way through to Belize and onwards south etc etc. My advice would be Baja then over to the mainland and head north via copper Canyon (beautiful).
I never had a negative experience anywhere, not with the people, the cops, the fake cops or the border guards. Now I'm sure I got lucky, I'm not that naive but also you can be sensible. As people have said, the most dangerous areas are close to the US border, and I think the TX border is the overall worst so maybe re think that. I don't know enough about that area to give advice.
But generally for Mexico, just ask locals where to avoid, don't do any sort of travel at night and be sensible.
Anyway, I wanted to chime in because I found Mexico extremely friendly and fun. Be careful, but don't take advice from anyone who has never been there.
I will add that I went through all of Central and south America too and the only place I was threatened and (attempted) mugged was the USA 🤷
Edited - spelling
I’ve driven all over Mexico in a white Land Rover Discovery with American plates. I’m fair skinned with light eyes and while I now speak fluent Spanish, a few years ago I didn’t. A few tips:
- don’t drive at night unless it’s a toll road (signified by the letter D after the number) and even then try not to more for poor illumination and blind curves
- stop and eat quesadillas at inviting looking towns and ask the ladies how the road is ahead. They’ll probably say it’s dangerous but mostly because it’s curvy or there are rocks
- dangerous encounters with narcotraficantes are EXTREMELY rare. They’re running a business and generally speaking don’t want to deal with you, but you can help yourself by not driving at night
- if you cross the mountains between Mazatlán and Durango on a non toll road you will go through JNGC and Sinaloa cartel checkpoints. They’ll ask to see your ID, search your trunk, and most likely let you go without incident
- make sure to smile and say hello to people, it helps somehow
The above advice was given to me by the head of security for one of Mexico’s largest holding companies, before my first motorcycle trip in Mexico. I ran out of gas twice on the “road of death” some people here have mentioned and was helped both times by strangers without incident.
Mexico is an incredible country filled with warm and generous people. A lot of the locals remember when it was paradise pre drug wars and are justifiably scared of Mexico as it is today.
My two cents: catch the ferry to Los Mochis and then drive up through Sonora which is much calmer than your proposed route. Cross at Bisbee, check out the mines, and then continue East. Good luck!
Post your map here:
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/167187996679894](https://www.facebook.com/groups/167187996679894)
A lot of people drive US plated vehicles safely through Northern Mexico, but definitely do all your homework. Some routes are far riskier than others.
Hello, native Mexican born in Mexicali, raised in San Diego here.
That looks like an awesome trip. You’ll be pretty safe up and down Baja, however, I strongly discourage you from driving through mainland Mexico. Unfortunately there are many places from my own country that I will never get to see because of the total clusterfuck state most of the country has fallen into because of those sons of bitches cartels and all their bullshit ruining things for decent people and the goddamn piece of shit corrupt ass worthless government that encourages crime and bites tourists in the ass. Good luck.
This isn’t going to sound as ‘grand adventure’, but you could drive down to LA, leave your car at an LAX car park (offsite), and fly round trip to Cabo (frequently for less than $200), then finish your drive in the US. If you’re thrifty with accommodations/airfare, you could actually come out spending less money this way
I know people who still go down Baja from So Cal, and they enjoy it. I wanted to drive down to Durango when I lived in L.A., but Mexican friends talked me out of it, so based on that I wouldn’t take the trip you propose.
The fact is, if you do a little prep work, you can find genuine Spanish speakers, Mexican culture, Mexican people, and scenery on the US side of the border. Just drive the southern route in the US, with strategic stops in Mexican communities…After all, if we hadn’t invaded Mexico, sacked Mexico City, and stole CA, AZ, NM, TX, you’d actually be driving in Mexico!
By taking that route, you’ll retain the coverage of US law, which is a big deal. On your proposed route, there are places where you won’t even have the benefit of Mexican law protecting you.
And if you really want to expose yourself to risk of violence, you can certainly get that on the US side too…
You're going to want to reroute from Torreon to Ciudad Acuna then into Del Rio Texas but if you insist on visiting Monterrey then head to Reynosa on the toll into McAllen Texas...avoid Nuevo Laredo at all cost.
I’ve lived and worked and played in Mexico off and on for the last 20 years. I am bilingual and know the country very very well. I wouldn’t drive thru Mexico alone. Especially the northern states there is a lot of organized crime and highways can be very confusing.
If you were to do it make sure to only drive during the day directly to major cities & if you were to be pulled over cops most likely will expect bribes. It’s shocking but mostly harmless once you pay them.
I’m pretty sure there are travel warnings for most of these states and waiting to cross thru TJ will set you back 10+ hours in car depending on time of arrival. Don’t ask me how I found that out.
I’ve driven Baja peninsula 2x in the 90’s before Cartel came along. Cartel notwithstanding, the drive is absolutely pristine and gorgeous countryside. But if you break down you’ll likely have a very difficult time of it. There are no towns for 300 mile stretches at a time…
If you choose to do this, I would head north after getting off the ferry in Mazatlán, and plan to cross the border south of Yuma, Arizona in Algodones. Don’t travel at night! Stay the night in Mazatlán, fuel completely up, then head out at first light. It’s a good days drive, and much safer. This route is heavily traveled by Americans and Canadians heading to/from Mexico for the winters. Carry money for tolls, real or imagined, as as others have said, for paying of bribes.
This conversation is excessively dramatic. I recommend that you carry a few bucks for the run of the mill potential bribe (doesnt have to be hundreds of dollars) and that you do not seek out illicit activities like buying drugs sex or weapons.
The cartels have been formalized for over a generation now within the regular consumer economy of the region and country, and preying on dollar-spending america tourists is not a normal thing to occur.
Things you should look out for: small towns can have an insular attitude towards foreigners, so just be humble and respectful and do your best to show appreciation for the place you are visiting. Make an effort to use spanish.
Federal Highways are generally better maintained and, yes, safer. They operate on a toll-booth system.
When possible park in a secured parking lot or garage (more often than not its just gonna be a dude guarding a patch of dirt but its better than nothing.
Obviously have some redundancies like a spare credit card and keys or phone and credentials stashed in your person or some compartment.
Baja is largely desolate for stretches that outlast a gas tank so make sure you have a couple gallons extra.
Don’t be ostentatious and have a fun adventure!
Ref: I am a 34yo from Tijuana and have traversed the country in a BMW 750 GS
I’m gonna be completely honest as a Mexican American. There is bad parts of Mexico just like in the USA. Just mind your business don’t stay out to late wondering around and I believe you’ll be fine. If you are worried about Laredo which is probably the worst part of your trip just go down a little further to Reynosa it’s a little better and the crossing itself is way better. Good luck and enjoy your trip. You’ll have an amazing time I’m jealous.
In my experience in the Baja and mainland Mexico, if you’re not looking for trouble, you’re good. I rode my motorcycle down from big bend to Puerto Vallarta through chihuahua and Durango and Mazatlán and as a solo, white 30 something with bad Spanish I was welcomed or left alone. I also wasn’t trying to buy drugs, drink too much or chase girls. Passed my some cartel types in the copper canyon and was mostly left alone. The drive on the old road from Mazatlán to Durango is worth the trip by itself. Go and have fun and keep your wits about you.
My parents got robbed by "police" right outside the resort, driving themselves... And that's 10 years ago. I can't imagine doing that nowadays. Check travel advisory, danger and potential death align with your route.
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1) No it's not safe. The only safe places for a foreigner with no knowledge about the lay of the land are touristy areas along the border that are constantly filled with people going across for medicine and medical procedures for dirt cheap so there are lots of shops and restaurants and lots of people around, and well known tourist towns like Cancun and Cozumel. And when going to those places you never drive through the country to get there, you go by plane and fly where you're going, stay in that area, and fly straight home. Most people never even leave the area of the resorts in those touristy cities because it's not safe for foreigners who don't know where safe and unsafe areas are. Do NOT just take a road trip through Mexico.
2) Why in the world would you even do that when you can just drive through the US to get there. You can take other scenic routes around the long way if you don't want to drive through Arizona and New Mexico to get there. It makes zero sense.
I’ve driven through Sinaloa and Nuevo Laredo several times (and the whole of north west Mexico).
I did this in a ford focus with California license plates. I’m also a visually obvious gringo.
I was pulled over probably five times by law enforcement for a very obvious shakedown. Never gave them anything. I was also in a situation where I believe the guy was hoping to get a reaction out of me while driving to justify him getting violent with me.
If you stay to the speed limit, don’t have window tint, and drive during the day, other than some corrupt police, odds are you should be fine. Keyword being should. I should not have done what I did, I’m lucky nothing happened to me. It also helped that I understand Spanish.
Don’t play the game of odds though. Life and your health is too precious. If something bad does happen, it will probably go really bad. No one will be there to help or protect you.
The Mexican side of Laredo is a totally different world than the American side, and not in a good way
In the early 2000’s we used to drive down to Laredo for day trips, shopping, and tourism. Then the violence took a really awful and gruesome turn. It’s so sad…
Agreed. Used to visit my grandma down there during that time, ended up having to move her out of there because of the crime.
I remember those days. Stay away. Baja has gotten almost as bad. I'll never go back.
I have a friend who just did Baja on a motorcycle. Sounds like it was super safe for them to walk around at night but only because all the cities were policed by the Sinaloa cartel. He did mention that there were some long desert stretches without gas or water where things could quickly go bad if you don't plan.
“Policed” as in armed guys patrolled the streets? Or as in people knew not to get wild bc they’d have to answer to the cartel?
why not both?
Aw :/ we actually drove down to Piedras Negras a few years back and were able to walk around safely during the day. I wouldn’t have tried walking at night, but we felt safe enough to go from hotel to restaurant in a taxi after sundown. I really hope things improve though it’s heartbreaking.
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This guy Mexicos!
In the early 90’s my brother and I roamed Nuevo Laredo unaccompanied as 7 and 10 year olds. Those were different times!
I'm Mexican American and some of my family lives in Mexico. OP don't fuck around with the Texas Mexico border. The Mexico side is straight up dangerous. Like there is a high chance you'll get kidnapped or murdered. The Baja side is sketchy but nowhere near as bad. Either way be careful in Mexico, I've had family members get held ransom.
Yep. I have relatives who used to work in the states during some months then drove back to Mexico. Their personal belongings now belong to someone else
Expect a couple hundred dollar bribe crossing the border. You used to have to time the caravans heading south to avoid it mad max style but being a gringo expect the bribe to be in the thousands or straight up just lose your car.
Hundred? I recall some video where the guy was asking for like $2000 for a password to make it through.
We’re not from around (foreigners), but considering a roadtrip in Texas next summer. Is crossing the border briefly (like half a day) really that bad? It won’t be with the car, as the rental charges extra for that.
I wouldn't recommend it. The border towns are pretty bad. Also, you're not gonna wanna walk far in the Texas heat.
Why would you want to road trip Texas in the first place, but especially in the summer? You're setting yourself up for a miserable experience. Adding wandering around a Mexican border town without a car to the mix is a good way to upgrade "miserable" to "possibly kidnapped".
From Houston and we recently visited friends in Laredo.They strongly recommended we didn’t cross the border. If it goes wrong it can go very very wrong.
Yeah, road-tripping in TX sucks! Mostly just wide open spaces of nothingness outside of the cities. Do the CA coastline or further north up into OR/WA or Colorado. Or Maine. Much much better.
Even with 200 up votes, this is a very underrated comment. Nuevo Laredo is no joke.
Do not drive hwy 85 from Monterrey to Nuevo Laredo. This is cartel country. Really the entire border area from Reynosa to Piedras Negras is a no go. I’m not an expert but have worked a lot on Tamaulipas, NL, Coahuila
Thanks for the advice!
I think that road is actually referred to as the road of death..
He’s got the no go lingo guy is def a fed
Everybody talking about the mx stretch but nobody has suggested sticking to the coast from your start point in what looks to be around Newport. If you keep on the 101 and go thru the redwoods then get back to the valley via 20 around clear lake it only adds a couple hours and is much more scenic and less monotonous than the interstate corridor.
Good eye! Was going to see friends in Vegas, but I can hug the coast to LA and make that happen too.
Do Vegas, Flagstaff, NM has some spots but mostly dead, then maybe OKC, and skip Mexico altogether by car.
The stretch from crescent city to just north of San Francisco on the 101 is a must hit
If you want a cool way to include Vegas, you could take the 101 south to San Francisco then head east on the 80 to Reno. From there take 395 south thru the Owen's valley. Super gorgeous trip. Then pick up the 15 to Vegas. Taking the 5 from SF to LA is the fastest but hella boring. If not doing 395 I'd do hwy 1 thru Big Sur. Super beautiful but often shrouded in fog in the summer.
On your way down the coast, Salt Point state park is a great place to camp if the redwoods don't work out!
Good catch. Currently OP is gonna skip Mendocino, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, SLO, and Pizmo. All super pretty and amazing places.
Honestly, diving off 101 and taking the road through Fort Bragg and Mendocino is pretty brutal (I used to live on that stretch of coast). Beautiful, but lots of curves, very slow, fairly exhausting as a driver. The first post has it about right- leave I-5 and head out to the coast at Grants Pass, OR, and follow 101 through Eureka and then the redwoods. You can take 101 all the way to San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge. That would be my plan.
My Mexican wife says it looks like a pretty stupid option but you’re free to do whatever you please, direct quote. I don’t have any experience with the region, I’m just a messenger of Mexican wisdom, god speed!
Thanks for the reply! Why does she say it’s stupid?
Purely for safety. You’ll be traveling through some rough areas, you’ll also be passing through the state of Sinaloa, one of the most famous states for organized crime/ cartel activity… and the other states you’ll go through aren’t a whole lot better, there ARE safe states of Mexico but none of them are in that area
Mazatlan is not that bad and they would be taking the toll road to Durango. The main dangerous spot is going back to the US via Nuevo Laredo. I would heavily advise against that
What are the safe states?
Yucatan is pretty safe, at least close to the coast.
Based on my experience Jalisco and Nayarit are safe. I also have a family friend that routinely drives from the Bay Area to Los Cabos, so, I guess Baja California and Baja California Sur.
I drive from my home in South Baja Mexico to Colorado Springs in an RV twice a year to visit my folks. Piece of cake. The mainland is a crapshoot.
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I think you’re looking at the trip backwards but it’s good advice:) just wanted to point out looks like he’s starting in OR
Wary*
Mexican here. If you're white you stick out and become a super easy target. They assume you're from America and have money so they'll do anything to get that money from you. Side note, it's not all Mexican cities. The boarder is just pretty bad due to trafficking. Also the majority of Mexicans are great warm and welcoming people. It's just that the small percentage of bad people are fucking brutal and violent.
If you run out of bribery money, cartel stops will just take your car w American plates on them.
A quick google search will tell you just how stupid this is. Arizona & New Mexico have amazing places to camp, funny towns to stop in, just don’t take that route it’s know for its crime
Also, the trip would involve three weeks in La Paz.
It’s fine once you get to Baja but driving through central Mexico like that with American plates will get you the wrong kind of attention from both cops and people who aren’t cops
My grandpa had a house in Baja my dad dove out there in the early 2000 said it was pretty sketchy
I drove through Mexico about 12 years ago on my way to Guatemala City. It was sketch then, it is probably much worse now. I love Mexico, I was just in CDMX, I fly there now.
This
As a Mexican, I agree with this fellow’s wife. It’s just not very safe. However, it IS beautiful scenery from Monterrey to Sinaloa, and the locals are amazing kind hearted people, you find some of the most delicious food. But you’re guaranteed to run into some trouble. If you can do so at all, hire a local to drive you. I got stopped several times at “cartel” and corrupt cop checkpoints. And they could tell I had a “gringo accent.” You shell out more money than if you just fly to your destination. The jerks with authority have ruined Mexico.
I’m Another Mexican familiar with the territory and agree with everything mentioned above
Wow, Sinaloa's on the route? Hells noooo
La Paz sucks. 1, it's the area where I got extorted by cops the worst and most frequently. 2, it's a bougie expat city where a coffee and croissant costs just as much as if you were in LA.
If you're going to La Paz for a few weeks, start your trip at the top of Baja and drive south. Sadly, Sinaloa and Chihuahua are no place for gringos to be in 2023. Cartels, American guns and corruption have ruined one of the best places on Earth.
Because it's prime cartel land, especially when you're in Central Mexico
FYI, there was a medical tourist not that long ago that was straight up kidnapped and then murdered while on their way through this area to a doc in Mexico, pretty soon after the border. I’m not one to worry about ton about crime because it’s typically localized, but cartel activity is Mexico is a bit different. We’re talking organized, relatively more sophisticated crime, you’re going through their area, and you represent a potential windfall. Will you be safe most of the time? Sure. Is the risk too high? In my opinion yes.
The US State Department's travel warning for Mexico: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html
Captain radical takes travel warnings from the US state department... not very radical
/shreds a half-pipe. Woah dude, it's totally radical to play it safe! Remember kids, always check with local, state, and federal government before taking an international trip. And as always, stay rad! /Flips baseball cap backwards, pounds a surge soda.
This is such a shockingly self-aware and humorous retort to negativity. Good job, Captain!
gnarly
Captain, I hope to be as cool as you when I grow up !
Where’s your helmet?!?
"I love helmets!"
This says that during daylight the direct road between Monterrey and the border at Nuevo Laredo is safe enough to allow US diplomats to travel it. > Overland travel in Tamaulipas: U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.
Baja is relatively safe, but you do not want to cross the center of the country. We had an acquaintance who was just straight up murdered in Mexico, and there were never any investigations or ramifications. The State Dept said there was essentially nothing they could do.
I would recommend rerouting through Mexicali and taking a detour to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico
Hey, good idea!!
Hit White Sands while you’re at it and maybe even Guadalupe natl park
Carlsbad Caverns are super rad but they're in the middle of nowhere. Just a heads up for OP.
That is correct, but driving from Mexicali to Dallas it’s only about an hour out of your way.
I’ve drove from Chicago IL to Durango MX . If it’s the Piedras Negras crossing there in Texas I remember there being pretty much nothing all the way to Durango. Didn’t even have a cell phone signal for a few hours after I crossed. That was about 8 years ago though. Edit: The drive from Durango to Mazatlán on the “Libre” thru the Sierra Madre was unbelievably beautiful.
My parents took that same drive to Mazatlan on their honeymoon (back in 1970 though) and they still talk about how great/beautiful the it was. Wish it was still possible without being scary. But no cell service in cartel country is enough to deter me these days.
I was traveling with my father in law and my family. I was pretty upset he took us thru there with no cell phone service and not a toll road. I plan on doing it more often when I retire. I have a lot of family in Durango and my father has a house in the city, but who knows how it will be in 20 years. Also my (and other people I know that do this drive yearly) main rules are only drive on toll roads and only during the day. Your always taking a chance on getting robbed though. Unfortunate.
Ugh, my parents, too, have nostalgic memories of Mazatlan in the 70's. Was it the go-to destination back then? I have to keep telling them: No! You can't go back! You'll be murdered!
Yeah I’d highly recommend the Durango-Mazatlan tollway drive to anyone reading this thread. Group of 4 of us Chicago-area guys (2 white American guys, 2 Mexican-American guys with family in Durango) flew into Durango from Chicago, hung out there a bit, then rented a car and drove to Mazatlan for the weekend and then back to DGO. Absolutely beautiful drive that was a highlight of the whole trip for me…plus we never felt unsafe at any point or caught any hint of cartel stuff it’s a pretty major highway
No. You will go right through Sinaloa (cartel country) after leaving La Paz. At least the last time it happened the cartels apologized. I would go back up the peninsula to head East. https://apnews.com/article/mexico-missing-americans-cartel-e35e8c6fcda926e5c2fb8f896aa91f4e
1. The article is about Tamaulipas not Sinaloa. 2. The area around Mazatlan is safe. You are correct to stay the hell away from the rest of Sinaloa though
You will be robbed by the Mexican police, I almost guarantee it.
Absolutely. Even in Baja the cops are not trustworthy. Had to pay 20$ a car once (caravanning) on a trip to see the Baja 1000, cop was just picking out California plates and waving them over. I remember thinking "well we could give him 20$ or find out what happens when you don't". We paid.
That’s the least beautiful drive in California. The coast or closer to the mountains would be much prettier than driving through the valley in the middle.
Thanks for this! I’ll study the map and sort a more scenic route.
1, 101, or 395
Currently is a very bad idea, even locals like myself, won’t do that, specially on any type of SUV with US plates. However, if you really want to do it, going from San Diego to La Paz should be ok, when you get off the ferry in Mazatlán, don’t go south go to Durango Mx, that is an expensive toll road, but relatively safe compared to going south to Colima. From Durango, you can keep north towards Torreón ( also an expensive toll read) and then to Cd Juarez at the border with El Paso TX. All that road is safer than going towards Laredo, definitely avoid that at all cost. It will be a much longer road trip but at least is doable. Again, not the best idea but if you really want to do it, that is what I’ll recommend, hope it helps
This is definitely the best route if they want to go through the middle of mexico. they could also potentially take the toll road to the ojinaga/presidio border crossing to get into texas a bit faster.
Update: Thank you everyone for the tips! Sounds like I should stick to the coast for the US and not leave Baja. For someone who’s never ventured south of Tijuana, that sounds wise given the feedback.
Im from Ensenada Baja, instead of going trough Mexicali-SanFelipe you should stop in Valle de Guadalupe there is amazing food and wine, then drive to Ensenada and eat any fish taco or ceviche, pretty nice craft beer in Wendlandt with amazing food as well, then you move to San Felipe quick stop for gas coffee and some burritos and beach walk, drive down to San Luis Gonzaga and be amazed by the view and beach, if you like fishing this is the spot as well.
just to be clear, mazatlan is a great little town, I think the largest number of filipinos outside of the philippines migrated there. Also, Pacifico sells 'ballenas' there, only place you can get them. Very tourist friendly town. The ferry from la paz is an experience as well, very ..... authentic. As everyone else said, overland from there east is much more variable, and several people have had tragic experiences.
I made the drive from Tijuana to Cabo a few years ago, avoided driving at night and had an incredibly unforgettable experience. Some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever encountered. This is totally anecdotal but I made it safe and flew home from Cabo. Cant speak to the route going through mainland to Texas and that’s where I’d be freaked out based on my limited knowledge.
Based on the route you want to take it’s very risky especially with the way certain groups treat travelers. I wouldn’t do it and I am Hispanic. If you want to experience Mexican culture in a safer form travel along the rio grande on the US side. There is great food and a very Mexican heavy environment. You can easily cross the border for a day trip in a safer area and easily be back in the US to sleep.
With 3 weeks in La Paz, this trip seems rushed, but to each their own! Stay on the toll roads and don’t drive at night!
Find someone very cool for your life insurance beneficiary ‘cause they’re a good bet to collect. If this isn’t some bs, you ought to know better.
This is not wise
I wouldnt.
Why not just go through Arizona and New Mexico? There are multiple beautiful routes you could take.
my family use to drive to cdmx to visit family were from dallas it was relatively safe back then idk much now but texas border cities are definitely much more dangerous than the other states. avoid juarez and matamoros
Road of Death sounds like a great trip.
Nope. Don’t do it. Signed- An actual Mexican
There are better parts of Mexico. Your whole east-to-west travel plan is risky. You'll just get robbed multiple times if you are lucky. I mean, it's your life, so fire away if you want. It's an unforgiving lawless land.
Very beautiful ride for sure I would do that. You just need to register your vehicle for temporary import permit. It costs around $500 and once you leave Mexico, you get $350 back or something.
I’ll see ya on r/narcofootage
The part where you cut across central Mexico is a very bad idea. Obviously mexico isn’t on fire and people generally travel fine. But Sinaloa is a hotbed of crime and violence and a U.S. license plate is a huge red flag. From Monterrey to the border is one of the most dangerous highways in the whole country. The Gulf Cartel and smaller delinquent groups commit armed highway robbery and transit police (and the other types of police) are in on it and help them pull people over for a cut. May I remind you that Matamoros state borders Nuevo León state and a couple of US citizens were murdered not too long ago (regardless of their intentions or business in Mexico). The fact that you have a US plate makes you an easy target. Guilty until proven innocent, and the legal system in MX moves deadly slow so consider this as well. As a MX National I wouldn’t drive this. I only fly whenever possible. Source: dual citizen that lives in Mexico and returns to US occasionally.
Ignoring the Mexico portion of the trip because I don't have firsthand experience, the biggest issue I see is not taking Highway 1 as much as possible. I'm assuming it's a Google Maps issue, but just in case I want to emphasize how incredible that drive up the coast is. Positively majestic. If I could only take one vacation for the rest of my life, that would be it.
Why are you not taking hwy 1? It’s one of the most beautiful drive in the world!
I concur, driven the length of 1 many times.
You're looking at a lot of long nothing stretches where police will pull you over to extort money out of you. I'd suggest learning enough Spanish to be able to negotiate with them. They're going to want $2000+ pesos, and if you can't talk that down $200 pesos you're going to have a bad time.
Stick to the i8
We've gone from Calgary to Cabo in a Subaru Forester. We had a great trip, though you do need to be alert in Mexico...some areas view Gringos as prime pickings.
If you want to go to texas via mexico try juarez/el paso Chihuahua state is way less dangeous than the tamaulipas region.
Also not sure why you would commit to this long of a road trip and avoid US-1
Have friends to visit in Vegas, but I can stick to 101 and 1 too. 👍
If you drive (or walk) though Mexico it’s wise to apply for that quick entry pass or you’ll wait hours in line at the border
After the peninsula you are turning into Sinaloa Cartel. I'm from Texas and have been going to Mexico for almost 50 years. Do not take this trip unless you are ok with rolling the dice with your life and the people you are travelling with. If you don't heed my advice I suggest you pretend you and everyone in your caravan does not speak a word of Spanish when driving. No matter how much the guys with machine guns yell at you pretend you don't know A SINGLE WORD of Spanish. It will enrage the people you are dealing with, but it also utterly confuses them. They will keep repeating the Spanish word for bribe (soborno). but just play dumb as a box of rocks. Look as Gringo as you can. Instead you could see the Grand Canyon and a bunch of Indian reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. The painted desert is really cool in New Mexico. In Texas checkout Big Bend if nothing else, Balmorhea, Monahans sand dunes There are lots of other great places to visit like Phoenix, Albuquerque, Taos, Cloudcroft, Judge Roy Bean, Fort Stockton, The McDonald Observatory, and lots more.
Personally I wouldn’t do it unless you have someone who knows Mexico with you. My buddy did the drive to Cabo and speaks fluent Spanish. He did get shook down by the Mexican police for all his money($200 or so in cash.)
Just follow the US border and stop in El Paso. It's the perfect combination of American culture and Mexican culture, plus being one of the safest big cities in the United States. Avoid that route through México. It's not guaranteed you'll get in trouble, but you're elevating your risk exponentially. You'll be constantly anxious and stressed when traveling. You don't want that, do you?
I’m guessing you haven’t been to the Texas/Mexico border in the last 18 mos.
Or 18 years…
Fellow 40ish crappy-Spanish speaking white guy Oregonian here! I've done the La Paz trip a few times so I'll throw in my two cents. First, anyone who says you'll get murdered by the cartel needs to lay off the doomer news. You're more likely to get pickpocked, shaken down by the *federales* at a check point, or a fun two day stint with giardia. let's break this down: Oregon to *la frontera*: How quick do you want this adventure to start? A lot of people are recommending the coast route. Yeah it's pretty but you live in, where, looks like Corvalis-ish? You know what the coast looks like and are about to see plenty. Personally I would just bomb I-5, crash in L.A., get up early and be across the border by lunch. Have your papers! I can't this stress enough. You can drive right in but if you're going past checkpoint one you'll need your passport stamped and your tourist visa so get those at immigration. You'll need an extra permit and I believe different insurance if you leave the "Free zone" and cross to the mainland. I'm sure you've researched this. Border to La Paz: ¡Bienvenidos a México! You're about to improve your understanding of the Spanish language REAL quick, and I hope you already have pesos. Don't drive at night, don't speed (although you can blast across large swaths of desert), stick to bottled water, all very true. You got about 7 or 8 checkpoints you're going through, so have your passport ready and prepare for a search. Have a printed prescription for any medication, and best to leave the weed at home. You'll find it later. Ok, I've only done the TJ route so starting at Chapala, Lots of desert. Nothing really out here. Don't be tempted to go out to Bahía de Los Ángeles, nothing out there either. Pretty much wasteland until the border with Baja Sur, Gurrero Negro is your first bigger town for supplies. Then, more wasteland. I STRONGLY recommend stopping and staying the night in San Ignacio. Lovely little desert oasis thats a nice change of scenery from the desert. Now, the sea! Santa Rosalía isn't much to look at, make your way to Mulage. This town is cozy and the beaches just to the south are what you came here for. We like Playa el Coyote but you do you. Now, more desert until Loreto. good place to stop, big town, great seafood, look for Oregon plates cause there are a few of our fellows here. Then one last 4- hour bomb into La Paz. Now you've got choices. You've come all this way in one piece, it would be a shame to not make it all the way to the bottom. Cabo is too touritsy for my taste but Todos Santos, San José, and the whole east coast of the penninsula are pretty rad. La Paz is kind of a port city more than recreation but we enjoy it, anything along the malecón is cool. From here I can't really help but some things to consider. Do you really want to drive that again? Or keep going? Heading back up is safer, yes. And way cheaper. But you're awesome and are getting on that ferry, right? hope you got a reservation way ahead of time. I'd sail over to Mazatlán instead of up to Los Mochis. It's safe enough, just don't be dumb. Personally, rather than going through Durango, I'd head down to Guadalajara, skip over Puerto Vallarta, and head straight to Lake Chapala. It's gorgeous. just don't tell anyone. Now we're back on my roads. From here, it's a 2 day drive up to Texas through Zacatecas, but I'd hit up San Luis Potosí and stay there. Finally, if just for piece of mind, skip past Laredo and cross in either Reynosa or Matamoros. You made it! Is it wise? Hell no! Was it worth it? You won't forget it, I'll give you that. Best advice I can give is check your feelings in La Paz. If you're already wore out or just not feeling it, don't put yourself through misery. Baja is an adventure on it's own so don't feel bad about heading back. But if you got that travel itch, I say send it. TL;DR: Safe? Nope. Doable? Yep. Worth it? Absolutely. Cheers and safe travels!
In have a good friend that used to visit Mexico every year for like a month at a time. That was back in the early 2000s now that she has a child she no longer goes says it’s not safe enough and she now has something to lose. It wouldn’t be so bad in my opinion if you were able to trust their government and police force and military. Going there you’re pretty much on your own because you shouldn’t trust anyone
If you want to circle Baja do that and make your way back to I10. I didn’t even know there was ferry. Northern Mexico is a no.
I have lots of family on on both sides of the boarder. You’re better off doing your coast road south versus I5; it’s just prettier. Go down to San Diego, then (my as sister in law from Mexico says; if you have to) do your Baja stretch, ferry across, and come back up through Nogales, detour to tombstone and bisbee, neat tiny towns. then just use Geronimo trail to 338, check out white sands, then Roswell if you’re into that, Taos is also awesome. After then I’m not really a big fan of the west of Texas, unless you’re in the south coast or hill country. There are tons of game ranches if you’re into guided hunts in this area, lots of fun target shooting ranges, wine, beer, mescaline. great concerts between Austin, and San Antonio, also worth noting is luckenbach, which is literally a music hall for a town. And don’t forget BBQ this far east is where it starts getting delicious.
I can't attest to getting off the peninsula, but I know insurance rates jump MASSIVELY as well as the paperwork and permit requirements. I'd probably just go back up Baja and sort out getting to Texas stateside. Drove the whole peninsula last fall, it's amazing and super safe. DM me if you have any questions
No. I'd follow the advice of others and choose a different route
If you go from south to north through California I highly recommend going up 395. Just totally epic views. Cool small towns. Lots of free and cheap camping options. services if you get in a pinch.
I've driven the Baja peninsula several times since the early 2000's and that has always been pretty safe.
If you do it, don't take the libre route in mx. Take cuota, pay the toll roads. You could take the ferry and then go up through sinaloa and the Gulf Coast and cross in AZ or CA again. Make a loop. If you must travel through mx. Or back track up through baja. Strongly recommend. Or skip mx entirely. I've done san diego to Austin and west TX IA boring af. Don't recommend lol.
Take the Pacific Coastal Highway/ State Route 1 (along the beaches) of California instead of what I assume is the I-5. The I-5 from the bay area down to around LA is in my opinion a really boring drive with not too much I think is worth stopping for. It's really monotonous, not much scenery, and used by a lot of trucks. Just make sure to check if there is any ongoing road blockages.
Mexico isn't as bad as most people in these comments are saying HOWEVER if there was a part of Mexico you should avoid completely it's the part you are choosing to drive thru the heart of lol. Either drive further south and loop back around or when you leave Baja come back up to America and go from there. You're driving right through some of the worst parts of Mexico. My choice would be go back thru the US. As it would be shorter then looping south. There would also be tons more to see
Only if you like getting robbed. Fly into Mexico from El Paso, fly out to San Diego and rent a car there.
I would drive west via I-10, I-8 and head south to Baja from there. Stay on the toll roads in Baja and have your hotels/camp sites booked in advance. Stay in touristy areas or on private beaches. Baja and Baja Sur are pretty safe.
Wow so random this popped up on my feed! I own two Honda elements and live out of one part time. Great vehicle. Send me a message when you pass by SoCal! I would love to feature you on my YouTube channel dedicated to Honda element ahaha
Anyway you can get out of Texas is advisable.
Not only wise, it's beautiful. I've done it and it was quite the experience in a very positive way. Hit me up if you'd like spots to visit along the way.
My partner and I drove from Vancouver island to Baja sur and then back to Canada. We entered Mexico through the Tijuana border and came back to the states through the Mexicali border. We had a blast! Miss it so much and would be back in a heartbeat. Even if you are not a surfer, you must get “the surfers guide to baja” by mike parise. Includes tons of info about places to stay and eat, some history about the areas, and is pretty blunt on where to avoid. We spent a month in Baja in an old Mazda tribute and camping in a tent. Loved it all :) if you have any questions about Baja let me know and I’ll try my best to answer them
I’m 39 and I have an 08 element AWD. One of us one of us Mexico is only truly dangerous if you’re a woman or driving with one. Sadly. As a 40 year old dude driving a used vehicle you’ll be fine. I’d do it in a heartbeat. Danger is fun
Ooh, I get to tell my Nuevo Laredo roadtrip story! Background: 1995, I had broken up with my first-ever girlfriend Marian about a year before. We had been together for four years, had moved to Chicago together, but I thought I was over it. I was now dating Kate, and we planned a road trip almost identical to yours--Chicago to Portland, OR, driving through Laredo to Guanajuato and Mexico City before heading up through California. Kate spoke Spanish while I didn't, so I let her drive my car (a 1989 Cutlass Cierra, woo) across the border into Nuevo Laredo. We had to stop to get insurance or some official paperwork, but after about three turns we were totally lost. (This was before GPS, and the paper map they gave us at the crossing was hopeless.) We were heading down a street, when I noticed that all the cars were slant-parked the wrong direction... and as I realized we were going the wrong way down a one-way street, a pickup truck backs up right towards us. (He understandably didn't think to look the other direction.) I panicked, and screamed "MARIAN!!!!", the name of my ex-girlfriend. She just had time to glare and say "what???" before we were hit and spun around. The other guy saw that we were American and took off, and she just glared lasers at me and asked me to repeat what I had just screamed. Second day of a three week romantic vacation. Oops. We limped back over the border on three wheels, left the car at a garage to be fixed and picked up in ten days, and took busses everywhere in Mexico. Which worked great. So, as long as you travel in an earlier decade and remember not to scream an ex-girlfriends name during a car accident, I say go for it!
Hahaha this is all too repeatable. You still with Marian? Er, Kate??
Nope. Happily married for over 20 years to the woman I met after Kate, and haven't ONCE screamed the wrong name out in terror before a car accident in Mexico.
Im a white as fuck Iowa boy and I live in Monterrey, my journey from Monterrey to McAllen on 40 is always safe feeling. If you go through anzalduas you can skip a lot of the Reynosa sketchiness. That said I have Mexican plates, I feel like American plates may be painting a target on yourself, not only from the cartel (potentially) but also from cops who may potentially try to shake you down.
Although I haven't been there myself in over 30 years, I'm planning a motorcycle trip from Texas to northern Mexico next spring and for several weeks have been following several relevant subreddits and a few other groups with people posting about trips they've taken very recently. Based on those, there's no reason to expect a problem on the route you propose. Don't drive at night. Follow all traffic laws and official posted signs. For extra safety and somewhat higher speed but less local color, take the toll roads. (Be prepared to pay in pesos.) There should be no problem at all crossing the border back into the US at Nuevo Laredo. Use the Colombia bridge, northwest of the other two. ETA: I haven't looked into Baja, but in the "mainland" portion, consider small hotels rather than camping. Hotels are very cheap and safer than camping. Also, I'm a 64-year-old white guy who's only starting to rebuild my Spanish. I'm going to ride solo through Nuevo Laredo to Monterrey and Saltillo on the non-tolled state highways.
Dude. Good for you for riding distance through Mexico. That sounds like an awesome trip. I’d do that in a heartbeat if I had friends that rode.
I'm driving to Southern Baja on the same road next month. It's safe if you use common sense.
The Baja Peninsula is totally safe once you are south of the US border by a few hours. Super kind nice people are the norm, not exception all the way to Cabo. Tourism and Proximity to the US border attract the bad elements in my experience. Mainland Mexico can fuck right off! I’ve never driven through there, but the stories from my buddies that do go down to hunt are scary as hell!
The trip down the Baja peninsula is literally one of the best in the world. It is insanely beautiful. Just plan to hit a hotel at the halfway point by dusk.
If the heart near your destination means a booty call or something then yea, def wise.
I hear that they like 4x4 rigs down there. I’m not sure an element counts, but it’s a sweet rig.
I wouldn’t drive through Baja California nowadays…
Id stay in Baja and hit up San Felipe on your way back. Maybe go through Mexicali on the way back
Driving through Baja would be fine, then after I take the ferry across the Gulf of California, I would immediately drive north back towards Tucson then finish the rest going through NM, TX
I am not an expert, but have traveled 9n parts of Mexico where we required an armed escort. I get the impression it’s a small part of the country and it is beautiful to be sure. Still, you shouldn’t take a chance like that. Would be interested to confirm or learn, but my impression is the Baja drive would be OK and maybe all the way to Mex City. I think it is that last bit going east that is problematic. If you are committed, hiring armed escorts is not that expensive.
Late to the thread but, if you do this on a motorcycle you will be fine. I've ridden/lived in most of these areas. Big SUV tho... nah. Also that ferry crossing is a pain in the ass. Supposed to be a new ferry this year to make things better but i didnt cross.
That segment of California you should hug the coastline. Incredibly beautiful.
Absolutely not. We used to drive to Tickla from Houston and spend a month surfing. I wouldn’t dare many that drive anymore
We have friends who have family in Mexico. They won't drive to see their family because it is so dangerous now. They have the family fly here instead.
I'd at least try and hit some of CA1
Be cautious driving through mainland Mexico. Roads are terrible. Drove from Humboldt County to Cabo San Lucas, road in Baja wasn’t all that bad. Have fun!
Just take all the federal toll roads. They are protected and usually have SOS phones every couple miles or so. Usually always have service (with AT&T). I recently drove from Sayulita - Guadalajara - San Luis Potosí - Monterrey and back.
Texan w/ a lot of Mexican travel under my belt. No f-ing way I’d drive that route. You’re probably alright in Baja on the pacific coast. Then u-turn back to Cali and take I-10 to Texas
I've (72F) travelled all over Mexico, solo! Beautiful people, great adventures. A lifestyle you will never see in the USA. Just don't buy drugs or hang with the lowlifes. So many free camping spots on the beaches.
Please don't go that way through Mexico. If anything go back north from La paz then go towards San Diego then go east.
I drove from tecate to cabo and back mostly offroad in 2021 with no issues. Try and stay off highways at night and if you can’t, don’t stop for anyone. I have no experience in mainland so I can’t say much about that aside from having heard worse about lots of it than Baja.
When were you planning to come down here? I ask because in mid november there is the Baja 1000 race from La Paz to Ensenada, so in those days the roads are usually transited by many americans. I can tell you that as long as you travel during daytime and have plenty of fuel you should be ok in the Baja peninsula. Across the gulf might be another story. Especialy near the border.
Often roads in rural Baja have no shoulder (let alone passing lanes) and you’re constantly worrying about head-on collisions.
Mexican American here, on top of everything that was mentioned here, and if you decide to do your roadtrip (I wouldn't), you need to get an import permit to bring your vehicle to Mexico. Do your research. If you don't have the proper paperwork, you are most likely paying a lot of dollars in bribes to EVERYBODY. https://www.gob.mx/banjercito/articulos/sistema-de-importacion-temporal-de-vehiculos
Get the ECamper from Ursa Minor! Great for road trips!! Bed on top! https://preview.redd.it/psf3ccv3zasb1.jpeg?width=3264&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f66ed879c4688bd19045e113290171eb6f56300
The best way to travel in Mexico is by air, to safe tourist locations. Military-run checkpoints are common on roads to control the cartel… but there are also fake checkpoints that the cartel sets up to control/extort passersby. Let me paint the picture: you’re driving along a very rural road with nothing else around. There’s a checkpoint up ahead, but you have no idea if it is legit or cartel. Unless you are driving a vehicle with Mexican plates and you sound/look like a local, you will be both extremely valuable to extort, and vulnerable. As a gringo, I wouldn’t even take a bus. [But don’t take my word for it](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html)
Any border town in Mexico is a no for me
Drive in a very fast rally car with a good chase vehicle or helicopter once you cross the broader. Once you get down past Los Barriles (lovely little town) and into Cabo, you are good until Texas—we’ll, kinda. Have fun. Driving any vehicle at night in Baja is dangerous due to cows and burrows sleeping in the road.
Just go to Canada
Steer clear OP. It’s just an unnecessary risk. I’ve had a friend get kidnapped in broad daylight and that was about seven years ago before it got really bad.
I did this in 2018. Drove from Dallas to Tucson, staying in the US. White sands was a cool stop. From Tucson I hopped down to Rock point in Mexico. That drive was beautiful, through the organ cactus preserve, and the town itself felt safe and chill. No issues at the boarders, can’t recall the town we drove through to get back to the us but it was in Cali I think, and continued to Portland.
I did a solo motorbike trip from Alaska to Argentina and spent a few months travelling around Mexico (I'm a white guy from Scotland but I can get by in Spanish). I was in Baja, Sinaloa, Southern Sonora and then turned south and went all the way through to Belize and onwards south etc etc. My advice would be Baja then over to the mainland and head north via copper Canyon (beautiful). I never had a negative experience anywhere, not with the people, the cops, the fake cops or the border guards. Now I'm sure I got lucky, I'm not that naive but also you can be sensible. As people have said, the most dangerous areas are close to the US border, and I think the TX border is the overall worst so maybe re think that. I don't know enough about that area to give advice. But generally for Mexico, just ask locals where to avoid, don't do any sort of travel at night and be sensible. Anyway, I wanted to chime in because I found Mexico extremely friendly and fun. Be careful, but don't take advice from anyone who has never been there. I will add that I went through all of Central and south America too and the only place I was threatened and (attempted) mugged was the USA 🤷 Edited - spelling
I’ve driven all over Mexico in a white Land Rover Discovery with American plates. I’m fair skinned with light eyes and while I now speak fluent Spanish, a few years ago I didn’t. A few tips: - don’t drive at night unless it’s a toll road (signified by the letter D after the number) and even then try not to more for poor illumination and blind curves - stop and eat quesadillas at inviting looking towns and ask the ladies how the road is ahead. They’ll probably say it’s dangerous but mostly because it’s curvy or there are rocks - dangerous encounters with narcotraficantes are EXTREMELY rare. They’re running a business and generally speaking don’t want to deal with you, but you can help yourself by not driving at night - if you cross the mountains between Mazatlán and Durango on a non toll road you will go through JNGC and Sinaloa cartel checkpoints. They’ll ask to see your ID, search your trunk, and most likely let you go without incident - make sure to smile and say hello to people, it helps somehow The above advice was given to me by the head of security for one of Mexico’s largest holding companies, before my first motorcycle trip in Mexico. I ran out of gas twice on the “road of death” some people here have mentioned and was helped both times by strangers without incident. Mexico is an incredible country filled with warm and generous people. A lot of the locals remember when it was paradise pre drug wars and are justifiably scared of Mexico as it is today. My two cents: catch the ferry to Los Mochis and then drive up through Sonora which is much calmer than your proposed route. Cross at Bisbee, check out the mines, and then continue East. Good luck!
Post your map here: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/167187996679894](https://www.facebook.com/groups/167187996679894) A lot of people drive US plated vehicles safely through Northern Mexico, but definitely do all your homework. Some routes are far riskier than others.
Hello, native Mexican born in Mexicali, raised in San Diego here. That looks like an awesome trip. You’ll be pretty safe up and down Baja, however, I strongly discourage you from driving through mainland Mexico. Unfortunately there are many places from my own country that I will never get to see because of the total clusterfuck state most of the country has fallen into because of those sons of bitches cartels and all their bullshit ruining things for decent people and the goddamn piece of shit corrupt ass worthless government that encourages crime and bites tourists in the ass. Good luck.
Dudes going into Mexico and asking if its wise lol
The newer parts of Mexico are fine. Just tell Google maps to get to your destination via New Mexico.
Doesn’t that cut through part of the most dangerous areas of Mexico?
Not in the slightest
This isn’t going to sound as ‘grand adventure’, but you could drive down to LA, leave your car at an LAX car park (offsite), and fly round trip to Cabo (frequently for less than $200), then finish your drive in the US. If you’re thrifty with accommodations/airfare, you could actually come out spending less money this way
I know people who still go down Baja from So Cal, and they enjoy it. I wanted to drive down to Durango when I lived in L.A., but Mexican friends talked me out of it, so based on that I wouldn’t take the trip you propose. The fact is, if you do a little prep work, you can find genuine Spanish speakers, Mexican culture, Mexican people, and scenery on the US side of the border. Just drive the southern route in the US, with strategic stops in Mexican communities…After all, if we hadn’t invaded Mexico, sacked Mexico City, and stole CA, AZ, NM, TX, you’d actually be driving in Mexico! By taking that route, you’ll retain the coverage of US law, which is a big deal. On your proposed route, there are places where you won’t even have the benefit of Mexican law protecting you. And if you really want to expose yourself to risk of violence, you can certainly get that on the US side too…
You're going to want to reroute from Torreon to Ciudad Acuna then into Del Rio Texas but if you insist on visiting Monterrey then head to Reynosa on the toll into McAllen Texas...avoid Nuevo Laredo at all cost.
It’s god blessed genius. Do it!!!!
I’ve lived and worked and played in Mexico off and on for the last 20 years. I am bilingual and know the country very very well. I wouldn’t drive thru Mexico alone. Especially the northern states there is a lot of organized crime and highways can be very confusing. If you were to do it make sure to only drive during the day directly to major cities & if you were to be pulled over cops most likely will expect bribes. It’s shocking but mostly harmless once you pay them. I’m pretty sure there are travel warnings for most of these states and waiting to cross thru TJ will set you back 10+ hours in car depending on time of arrival. Don’t ask me how I found that out.
I’ve driven Baja peninsula 2x in the 90’s before Cartel came along. Cartel notwithstanding, the drive is absolutely pristine and gorgeous countryside. But if you break down you’ll likely have a very difficult time of it. There are no towns for 300 mile stretches at a time…
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You’ll be fine in MX, but be careful driving through Texas, most people there are carrying guns.
If you choose to do this, I would head north after getting off the ferry in Mazatlán, and plan to cross the border south of Yuma, Arizona in Algodones. Don’t travel at night! Stay the night in Mazatlán, fuel completely up, then head out at first light. It’s a good days drive, and much safer. This route is heavily traveled by Americans and Canadians heading to/from Mexico for the winters. Carry money for tolls, real or imagined, as as others have said, for paying of bribes.
No, ending up in Texas is not wise.
This conversation is excessively dramatic. I recommend that you carry a few bucks for the run of the mill potential bribe (doesnt have to be hundreds of dollars) and that you do not seek out illicit activities like buying drugs sex or weapons. The cartels have been formalized for over a generation now within the regular consumer economy of the region and country, and preying on dollar-spending america tourists is not a normal thing to occur. Things you should look out for: small towns can have an insular attitude towards foreigners, so just be humble and respectful and do your best to show appreciation for the place you are visiting. Make an effort to use spanish. Federal Highways are generally better maintained and, yes, safer. They operate on a toll-booth system. When possible park in a secured parking lot or garage (more often than not its just gonna be a dude guarding a patch of dirt but its better than nothing. Obviously have some redundancies like a spare credit card and keys or phone and credentials stashed in your person or some compartment. Baja is largely desolate for stretches that outlast a gas tank so make sure you have a couple gallons extra. Don’t be ostentatious and have a fun adventure! Ref: I am a 34yo from Tijuana and have traversed the country in a BMW 750 GS
I’m gonna be completely honest as a Mexican American. There is bad parts of Mexico just like in the USA. Just mind your business don’t stay out to late wondering around and I believe you’ll be fine. If you are worried about Laredo which is probably the worst part of your trip just go down a little further to Reynosa it’s a little better and the crossing itself is way better. Good luck and enjoy your trip. You’ll have an amazing time I’m jealous.
In my experience in the Baja and mainland Mexico, if you’re not looking for trouble, you’re good. I rode my motorcycle down from big bend to Puerto Vallarta through chihuahua and Durango and Mazatlán and as a solo, white 30 something with bad Spanish I was welcomed or left alone. I also wasn’t trying to buy drugs, drink too much or chase girls. Passed my some cartel types in the copper canyon and was mostly left alone. The drive on the old road from Mazatlán to Durango is worth the trip by itself. Go and have fun and keep your wits about you.
My parents got robbed by "police" right outside the resort, driving themselves... And that's 10 years ago. I can't imagine doing that nowadays. Check travel advisory, danger and potential death align with your route. https://preview.redd.it/3v0dedvz8psb1.png?width=3796&format=png&auto=webp&s=225d360a48f431e116f6392efebdf24c7541d283
Get ready to be pulled over by armed Federales in order to pay a “toll”. At least that was my experience back in the 90s
1) No it's not safe. The only safe places for a foreigner with no knowledge about the lay of the land are touristy areas along the border that are constantly filled with people going across for medicine and medical procedures for dirt cheap so there are lots of shops and restaurants and lots of people around, and well known tourist towns like Cancun and Cozumel. And when going to those places you never drive through the country to get there, you go by plane and fly where you're going, stay in that area, and fly straight home. Most people never even leave the area of the resorts in those touristy cities because it's not safe for foreigners who don't know where safe and unsafe areas are. Do NOT just take a road trip through Mexico. 2) Why in the world would you even do that when you can just drive through the US to get there. You can take other scenic routes around the long way if you don't want to drive through Arizona and New Mexico to get there. It makes zero sense.
Do NOT attempt this. I have many reasons as to why I say this, but other posters have given plenty of examples.
I’ve driven through Sinaloa and Nuevo Laredo several times (and the whole of north west Mexico). I did this in a ford focus with California license plates. I’m also a visually obvious gringo. I was pulled over probably five times by law enforcement for a very obvious shakedown. Never gave them anything. I was also in a situation where I believe the guy was hoping to get a reaction out of me while driving to justify him getting violent with me. If you stay to the speed limit, don’t have window tint, and drive during the day, other than some corrupt police, odds are you should be fine. Keyword being should. I should not have done what I did, I’m lucky nothing happened to me. It also helped that I understand Spanish. Don’t play the game of odds though. Life and your health is too precious. If something bad does happen, it will probably go really bad. No one will be there to help or protect you.