RogerCulbertson - 25 Mar 2003
The Durango Road
In a Motor home I would definitely recommend Nogales to Mazatlan. My son made the trip a couple years ago from Virginia to Mazatlan in a mini van. They came in by Durango but went out through Nogales. He said it was about 300 miles farther, but 5 hrs. shorter, and that was in a mini van!
If you are going up to Durango it is a maximum test of your cooling system. If you are coming down from Durango it is a maximum test of your breaking system. Exciting, but not fun.
CharlesHall - 25 Mar 2003
I just drove down last month. In addition to individual documents required for each individual when traveling into Mexico, you'll need a credit card to pay for your vehicle tab–I think it was $24 US, a copy of your vehicle title and registration, drivers license, a copy of your Mexican vehicle insurance. I got my insurance from Lewis and Lewis out of Beverly Hills, CA. like any insurance deal, you don't know if it is any good until you make a claim. fortunately I have not as yet made a claim. They came recommended from someone that did make a claim. Their e mail address is Cbrettnow@cs.com and website is http://www.mexicanautoinsurance.com. I have not gone through Mexicali–only Nogales, so cannot answer you there. I have been told that wine can be brought in, and I have taken a laptop computer in twice, without a hassle. I'm told you have problems with a PC, however. A lot of it has to do with, a) if you get the green light you have no problem; and b) if you get the red light and go through the customs inspection–it just depends on the guy you get and perhaps the number of tequillas he had the night before. I got the red light and got a hard case–and had to pay duty on some items. It was my own fault though because, like an idiot, I kept all the new stuff in original containers. You need to make the stuff you bring in to look like it is used. For electronics, they usually have a stamp on the bottom or back showing date of manufacture, so if it's new, you're stuck. I prefer to drive in Mexico, and have never had a problem. I feel safer there than in Los Angeles or Phoenix. Have a good trip.
From Phoenix
RogerCulbertson - 29 Oct 2003
Here is what I have done the last few years. If my car is not crammed full, I leave about 00 a.m. cross the border about 30, have the car permit etc. and clear customs about 00 a.m. and stop in Navajoa about 3 to 4 p.m. at the Hotel El Rancho in Navajo. It is on the right just before you cross the bridge and enter the town. If you miss it, just go into town and make a u turn. Very easy. It is clean, has a small pool and restaurant, about $50.00. good parking.
If my car is loaded down, somewhere between Guymas and Las Moches, I look for a 'No tell Motel'. They are located in every town, on the highway, just north and / or south of town. These places are for guys to take their Girl friends for a couple hours, and every time we pull in they ask You want it for all night? and give me an admiring grin. They are only about $25.00 US or less, very clean, VERY safe, and quiet. The reason it is so safe is A) They have a security guard to make sure there are no jealous wives looking for hubby, and B) Each unit has a garage with either a door or a big heavy canvas curtain so we do not even have to unload the car. Just be careful when you turn on the TV as you may get a BIG surprise! We have used them for several years.
Driving To Puerto Vallarta
by JackMoreau
For those of you considering driving down we would recommend taking the route through San Blas. This route begins just before the 4 lane begins, about 30 klms before Tepic. There are directional signs for San Blas. We would recommend having lunch in San Blas. We ate at Mcdonald’s, not the golden arches type. It may not save a lot of time, however the road is quiet, and does not have all those trucks like the other route. The drive takes 6 ½-7 hours non-stop. There is a new toll road, which bypasses Rosario. It’s a great road, about 40 klms, and very inexpensive. While we were in PV we took in all the tourist sights, which included Mismaloya Bay, Chico’s Paradise, Gringo Gulch, and of course lot’s of shopping and dining. We did a day trip to Bucerias, which is about 30 minutes north of PV. Beautiful beaches for walking, a lot quieter than PV, but well worth the time spent. The weather was similar to Mazatlan’s during the day, however warmer in the morning and evening. After spending 5 day’s there, we realized Mazatlan will always be home for us. PV is a beautiful place, however it is much busier tourist wise, and the beaches don’t begin to compare to ours.