Hwy 175 east from Oaxaca

[gwbaines]

We will be leaving Oaxaca after Christmas and headed for the gulf coast. I was interested in going over the mountains on Hwy 175 and camping near the top, then proceeding to the gulf coast and then on to Chetumal. Has anyone taken this road recently ( a year or two) and are ther places to camp along the way. We will be a small group of three 4x4 pickups and fully self contained. Any suggestions of things to see and places to stay? What condition is the road in? Any precautions?

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Not recently. The road was damaged by the hurricane, according to Mexican friends. The federal and state efforts are focused on repairing the cuota linking Acapulco to Puebla so don't expect miracles. I would only camp where there were gente 24 hours with a telephone. Meaning a gasolinera (cops or military protection) or at a rancho, off the road. Time to explore. That elevation is world famous for its "mota" marijuana production. Similar to Guerrero and Michoacan.