Forum Discussion

Kidoo's avatar
Kidoo
Explorer
May 19, 2015

Between Los Mochis and Ixtapa - Which place you prefer

I would like to know your prefered winter stay between Los Mochis and Ixtapa, close to or on a beach. I was thinking about Puerto Valarta area but there might be many other places to consider. I did look at the Gulf of Mexico but do not see many info on this.

Coming from Florida, what would be the best Port of entry between Reynosa, Laredo or Piedras Negras and at the same time the best route to get to western Mexico.

Maybe places I should not go or at least go around. BTW, I am french and do not mind to stay either at a Frenchie or Anglo campsite :C

36 Replies

  • There's a park called Tlaquepaque in Lo de Marcos, right on the beach. Tennis/swimming pool/lots of acivities/good restaurant. Large group of people from the eastern provinces of Canada there. It's a small quiet town around 35 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. Very safe
  • I would take the DP 34 foot. How is it to drive a DP in Mexico single lane roads? I took the camper in the Baja and was no problem.

    I guess this area is pretty nice, Ixtapa does not seems like a big town. Any problems with the Cartels? You have to go through Jalisco Area and the recent problems in Puerto Valarta with Jalisco Cartel?
  • Just found this: https://www.facebook.com/ElManglarRvPark

    The RV park is Edmundo's, the Restaurant is Memo's. They are brothers. Memo's English is excellent, Edmundo's is basic.


    El Manglar has several regulars, such as ourselves, who stay three months or so. Except last year when a couple of us didn't come down. My wife and I hope to be able to make it this fall. It is often full, esp Christmas - New Year.

    The beach is close. Very close. In the photo on the Restaurant facebook page, the RV Park is on the other side of the restaurant kitchen building, the beach is behind the photographer,s back via a foot bridge over the estuary. It can also be accessed from the street entrance. 2 minute walk if you are a slow walker!

    There is an even smaller park across the road, Costa Bella, with only about 4 spaces. There is also a third park a couple of blocks away behind a hotel. Usually managed by a man from Quebec. Sorry don't have a contact for him. In the past it has been run as a primarily private park.

    As I said, we weren't down this year but have been in touch with friends there.

    You can PM me for Edmundo's email if you like. His English is basic so don't get too complex. You can tell him that I (Arturo) gave you his email. Note he can be slow responding.

    The trees weren't too bad, you just have to be aware.

    Will you be taking the DP or the camper?
  • El Manglar looks nice and charming but 11 spaces seems to be a bit small, is it full most of the time or can you just drop in anytime? I checked Ixtapa on Google, looks like a nice little town.

    Is it near a beach, or at walking distance?

    As I read your blog, you mention the road having overhang branches. How bad is it?

    Thanks
  • And if you are willing to drive a couple of miles past Ixtapa, we highly recommend El Manglar. The RV Park (only 11 spaces) is behind the restaurant.

    Here is a link to our blog. We crossed at Laredo a couple of times and before that Eagle Pass. We prefer Laredo. We didn't go down last year due to our dog being very ill. Probably head down this October once again.

    If you like the bigger cities Puerto Vallarta is one of our regular stops either in transit north or south bound and/or for Spanish lessons. Only 2 blocks from the Puerto Vallarta Trailer park on Francia. The best Spanish Language school we have done.

    But the posters above have valid points too.

    If you don't already have it get a copy of Traveler's Guide to Mexican Camping.
  • Come in from that direction You can take Your pick! Probably Laredo would work the best distance wise.
    We like Bocabeach Beach ,which is far enough away fro the Hustle and Bustle of the Larger Cities ,but within a comfortable Day Drive of Pv and Manzanillo with lots of smaller Towns even closer!

    The closest Small Town is La Manzanilla about 5 Km. another 14 gets You to Melaque and Bara de Navidad!

    There is a pretty good mix of Anglo and French in Our Campground. We all get along well but viva la difference if You get the meaning. At one time there were cliques,but most of the Older Grumps have either gotten Too Old to RV or Died leaving a generally hospitable group of People who are Happy to Welcome Newbys from wherever they may hail!

    Our place is called Boca Beach RV and Camping ! It is located at Boca de Iguanas on the Bay of Tenacatita!