Road report from U.S. to Zihuatanejo

We came down from Laredo on December 30, and passed through San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, and Morelia on the way. Had no problems at all. I recommend getting your car permit online. Then, all you need to get at the border is your tourist card.

I second the report that the traffic around Morelia can be bad. If I have to go through Morelia, I have taken to going straight through town and stopping for a meal. The traffic on the Periferico can be a real hassle.

We went up to Patzcuaro and Morelia this past week. You could tell from all the army and federales around Nuevo Italia that *something* was going on. There was a checkpoint at one of the toll booths, but once they saw our U.S. plates, they just waved us through.

Bottom line: I second the sentiments that driving through Mexico generally seems quite safe. Some Mexicans have told me that the "narcos" come out after dark. I have no idea what that means, but there are a number of good reasons not to drive after dark in Mexico in any case.