Hi there. I was hoping to send a message to those of you who drive from Canada or the US to La Manzanilla. I was hoping to get some tips on towns to stop along the way. (I have a few tips from a friend who lives there, just looking for a few more) We visited La manzanilla in December, and we are now driving down with the kids in a converted bus. I hear conflicting information right now, travel advisories.... strongly recommend not driving etc. I was wondering if anyone can recommend safe towns to stop for the night or to fuel up. We were debating to take the Baja (then the ferry) or the coast. Just looking for a safe route.
Also we would maybe would be looking to rent a little spot on someone’s property to park the bus?? Or I can see if the campsite has some room.
Thanks so much.
Lisa.
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Re: Driving down
Posted by Kimberly Otvos on April 21, 2018, 12:49 pm, in reply to "Driving down "
I’ve have traveled down via a Northern California. We stayed in Los Moiches, Navajoa, Mazatlan and Cocos [ just south of San Blas). I would join the Facebook site “On the road in Mexico” and ask your question to the folks on that site or just search it once you join. Your particular route may have more detail on the site. People post route maps and lodging info there too.
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I would...
Posted by Dean on April 21, 2018, 5:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Driving down "
Dfinitely stay on the toll road, safer, cleaner and good places to stay along the way. I WOULD definitely make sure that your Bus is in good mechanical order. Stops for fuel and or repair are rather far apart in places. Good luck to you and yours and the FB site sounds good for you, take your time and enjoy Mexico!!!
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Re: Driving down
Posted by Carol King on April 23, 2018, 11:07 am, in reply to "Driving down "
I have driven down via Laredo, Monterrey, Matehuala, San Luis Potisi, Guadalajara, Colima. Good toll roads.
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Re: Driving down
Posted by Jim T on April 26, 2018, 9:53 am, in reply to "Driving down "
Lisa,
What is your start point in Canada. The routes to La Manz from Vancouver vs Winnipeg vs Toronto vs Montreal are dramatically different.
Jim
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Re: Driving down
Posted by Lisa on April 26, 2018, 10:25 am, in reply to "Re: Driving down "
Omg, Jim...how silly of me to forget to mention my starting point.lol! We are Originally coming from BC Canada...but we are in San Diego right now...we are crossing over after the weekend.
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Re: Driving down
Posted by Jim T on April 26, 2018, 1:10 pm, in reply to "Re: Driving down "
Lisa,
Obviously you have decided to drive down the Baja and take one of the ferries over to the mainland. I haven't done that yet--so,not much help regarding that route from me.
But, in case this is your first time taking a vehicle into Mexico -- a temporary vehicle import permit is required. The two Mexican states on the Baja Peninsula are (or used to be) a "Tourist Zone" and a vehicle import permit was not required -- until you took the ferry across to the mainland. Then, it becomes mandatory. The website for the application (it can be applied for in advance) is:
Also, the person listed on the temporary vehicle import permit is the one who MUST return the vehicle across the border AND the Temporary Import Sticker that is applied to the vehicle windshield must be removed by Mexican customs (at the 21 km inspection stations) as you leave Mexico -- otherwise your vehicle will not be eligible for a licence plate renewal back in BC. Mexico has to "de-register" your vehicle to confirm that it is not still in Mexico. The vehicle licence registrations between USA, Canada, and Mexico are interlinked.
Make sure that you and all your passengers get a stamped visitor's permit upon entry to the mainland -- preferably with a receipt (USD$20 - each I recall).