McAllen TX to Akumal

Thanks for the info.,

Simple basic instruction from Laredo to Mexico City – 85/85D from south of Laredo to Monterrey – then 57/57D from near Saltillo to Mexico City. Roads with the D following the number are toll roads and those without the D are free roads. You need a very good map – or better yet a very good GPS.

To go to the Yucatan by going toward Mexico City but avoiding Mexico City traffic there is a recently completed road called the Arco Norte (40D). They have their own website where you can get and idea of where it goes and what tolls might be . . . http://www.arconorte.com.mx/

If going toward the Yucatan you would then take MX 150D from Puebla over the mountains and then MX 145D to MX 180D on to the Yucatan. These are all toll roads similar to US Interstates – they are called Cuotas in Mexico. Or you could take the free roads called Libres – but roads can be rough in some areas and going can be slow – though with experience we learn which Libres we can take with few problems.

The following website is not perfect and can be confusing but with a little practice it can be figured out. It will tell you where the toll roads are and how much they cost. The trick with an RV is figuring if you are two vehicles. And some roads charge for dual wheel axles I am told but I am never sure. If you have a motorhome towing a car you must find the toll for a bus and for a car and add them together – though this is not always true of all roads. If you have a pickup towing a trailer you must figure the toll for each of those and add them together. That will give you something of an estimate though it may not always be exact. Experience is the only way to be able to better estimate costs. . . . . .

http://aplicaciones4.sct.gob.mx/sibuac_internet/ControllerUI?action=cmdEscogeRuta&eligeIdioma=si

The simplest route is Laredo to Monterrey to Saltilo and then straight down 57D to DF. This route is mostly cuota highways, as good as most Interstates in the US. You don't need a caravan for this!

Hi, which road do you take to get to Mexico city from Laredo? I am debating to take an RV Caravan or not, but for the price they charges, I could probably pay myself a few trips down. From what I hear, it does not seem to be much trouble traveling to Yucatan and it looks pretty safe.

Thanks

Like Brian and Sue, we stayed in Paa Mul while visiting that area. For what Paa Mul charges (I think $40 US per night) you could probably get a descent hotel.

We are currently on the road completing our 12th return trip from Calgary to Quintana Roo. We used the Gulf route many times, but stopped for all the reasons briansue mentioned above. The central route has far better roads and lots of interesting places to explore. It is slightly longer and more expensive, but I think it is worth it.

Rob

Opinions vary. We took the Gulf Coast route once and hated it and will not do it again. I think maybe it depends on the size of the rig. Many now take the route from Laredo down the center of Mexico through the Monterey area and around Mexico City and over the mountains. The roads are all pretty good but there are many tolls. There are lots of things to see along the way and lots to do. We know of no low clearances. In Mexico they have the Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) a fleet of almost 2,000 small repair trucks driven by mechanics patrolling the roads to help motorists/tourists who breakdown. They do basic repairs and only charge for parts or fuel. They will know where to get more repairs if needed. Many toll roads have tow trucks and ambulances at each toll booth ready to race down the road in emergencies - special phone numbers to call for help. Many new roads in Mexico are as good as many interstate highways in the US. There are lots of threads and stickies on this forum that will tell you almost all you need to know.

We do not know of an RV park or place to park an RV in Akumal. We stayed up the road a ways at Paa Mul.