Hi All,
I have been planning my trip from the states down through Central America to Costa Rica by vehicle with my dog. I have been warned by concerned people that the trip is dangerous/stupid and advise against it. I'm told that parts of Mexico are notorious for kidnapping Americans and holding them for ransom. I've also heard that I will have to travel through Chiapas which is controlled by the Zapatista rebel fighters who are said to stop cars and take what they like from travelers. I plan on traveling with caution and common sense, but since I am moving I will have a lot of my posessions aside from my vehicle and would be a bit bummed if they were all taken from me. On the other hand I feel that I have to take these comments with a grain of salt knowing that they have never made the trip themseves and have to question what is fact and what is stereotypical fiction. I think the experience of the trip would be amazing and would very much like to do it if it is reasonably safe to do. I welcome all feedback.
Thanks for the help
The dog will probably be your largest day to day (and where to lodge at night)problem...Drive only by day.Stay at hotels with enclosed supervised parking.Choose a vehicle that can be repaired, with parts available, in BOTH Mexico & C.A. Present only photo copies of documents & licences at traffic stops ... The only bandits you are likely to meet wear uniforms.On this trip ,you will be made to drive,not merely steer...carracar
Hey Matthew!....................I lived in Chiapas for over a year, Greatest "living" experience of my life!
Carracar is right about the dog. After sundown, all the dogs from everywhere (wild or home grown) roam in wild packs. By the way, if you ever find yourself threatened, bend down some and make like your picking up a rock and they'll scatter, believe me it works! Finally, on the dog....Mexicans for the most part, do not treat them like we do, especially strange ones!!!
Now by car....Unless you're a real adventurer, your in for the ride of your life. I never drove a car in mexico......my philosophy is your better off being a pedestrian, nobody cares about you. As a Gringo driver.....you're a target! I'm sorry to be so negative, I love Mexico and Mexicans.............s
Don't let fear and common sense stop you!! We just returned from a 4 month trip throughout Mexico. We drove from our home in Canada with our dog. We had absolutly no problems with banditos of any kind. We paid a small bribe to a local cop when we first entered Mexico but other than that we had no problems. The biggest problem was the driving and i mean that you really need to drive defensivly. A Mexican would rather die than to lose face on the road. Some areas of Mexico were definatly better for driving than others. You will get more respect if you have a large macho looking dog. The local dogs tend to be very wimmpy and timid. Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Be prepared to get out of your vehicle with your dog at every Military check point. Never give out your originals of anything but only photocopies. We were never asked even once for any kind of documantation only if we had any drugs, weapons, wood, meat or friut. We could always find a place to stay in the smaller Mexican hotels with our dog. Although sometimes it did take some searching and the accomidations were very basic at that. You should have all the required paper work and shots for your dog but again we were never asked once for any of them but you should have them just incase. Also it is very important that you get your dog on some type of tic and flee topical solution (Revolution). You apply it every 4 weeks.
Do not carry alot of cash on you when driving, there are bank machines everywhere but you do need cash only for gas. Always get out of your car at the pumps and tell them exactly how much gas you want (200 pesos). Make sure they zero out from the last car and watch them pump and watch the meter. If several people attend to your vehicleas they like to wash windows and buff up your chrome in hope for a tip, always pay attention to the guy pumping. Always be nice and compliant when at a military check stop as they will check out your contents and send you on your way without hassels. You should always obey any and all road signs but keep in mind that for mexicans these signs are only a suggestion and usually the tourist is stopped for violations more often. How long will you actually be driving in Mexico? You may want to invest in some short term vehicle insurance or have a huge some of money in the bank as you will have to pay cash for damages in the event an accident is your fault. Chances are that it will be your fault no matter what. Initially your vehicle goes directly to an impound yard untill they can settle the issue then they will want you to pay for damages. I believe you are held untill you can pay, we had insurance so we just had to pay cash for the ticket and the impound fee. The other guy had no insurance as having vehicle insurance for Mexicans is also only a suggestion. Our insurance adjuster who came out to the scene said that it was not our fault but he can't argue with the federals and told us that our insurance policy would cover the damage to both vehicles anyways and if it was the other guy's fault he could have never paid for damages to our vehicle. When your in Mexico we figured it's best to just do what they say. Without the insurance we would have been in serious trouble or at least several thousand dollars in the hole. Even with insurnace we paid 200 U.S. to pay the ticket and inpound fee. But on a lighter note we did about 8000 miles in Mexico so one accident was probably not too bad.
You can check out my website for some funny driving stories and tips. www.mytripjournal.com/AroundMexico Have a great trip and don't sweat the small stuff it always works out in the end.
trusted partner
