From Mexico City to Boca del Rio

Is this trek in place of your earlier plan to walk the Pacific Coast, and your plan to or questions about a trek in Armenia and Japan (discussed elsewhere on the TT)?

LW

Hi LW,

It's related to the coastal walk of Mexico (part of the East coast).

I indeed thought of hiking in Japan or Armenia this year, but have decided to postpone it.

'Are Mexico City outskirts safe to walk in?'
Safe from what? Being robbed? Or run over by a truck? Impossible to answer such a broad question.
'How about camping when going through rural areas, as forests?'
Generally, Mexicans are a warm and hospitable people. Unless they happen to be involved in some sort of illegal activity. Then you don't want be found snooping around where you ought not to.
'How will local people find a 'gringo' asking whether he could camp in their garden / yard?'
Probably suspicious, to a degree. But more than likely, if you're willing to cough up a few pesos, most would probably say OK.
Overall, your plan sounds like a bad idea.

Hi ElPelon

Let me first mention an American traveller, Tom Turcich, who crossed Mexico on foot 2 years ago (or a bit less).

The route I posted above goes mostly through local or rural roads, rather than highways.

Would the route be safe crime concerning?

Thank you so much for your inputs.
It is great to learn that Mexicans are warm and hospitable.

It cheers me up that camping (wild or in people's gardens) is a realistic option.

Are Mexico City outskirts safe to walk in?

One of your routes goes dangerously close to Chalco and Tlahuac which have a history of violence.

How about camping when going through rural areas, as forests?

Generally I ask at each municipal authority whether I'm allowed to hike in their lands.

How will local people find a 'gringo' asking whether he could camp in their garden / yard?

They will ask why you're not staying at the nearest hotel.

If you final objective is Guatemala I would probably route along the Pacific coast...

How MC and Bigge,
Thank you for commenting.

Bigge
Could you please elaborate why the Pacific Coast is a better option?

MC
Which way would be safer to get southwards from Mexico City?

It is impossible for even recent and frequent experienced travelers to Mexico to comment on the entire length of your route. Very often insecurity exists in just one neighbourhood, or one municipality, and none of us is familiar with many, much less all, segments of your route. You suggested earlier that you wanted to travel along the Pan American highway, and I told you that I was familiar with that route south of Mexico City and thought it was a good plan, but there may be other routes that were acceptable too (but without in any way assuring you it would be safe the entire way). Why do you want to travel from Mexico City to Boca del Rio?

Your contemplated route takes you right by the place where Jenny Cheng disappeared a year ago. Here is an instructive tale: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/americas-mexico/mexico/seattle-woman-missing-while-hitchhiking-from-oaxaca-to-cancun?page=1#post_22074793