Driving to Zih

We stay in Laredo on way from Tennessee and cross border at the Columbia Bridge that morning. It's 20 miles west of the city. We like it because it's less hassle to register our car there. You know there is a 5,300+ peso temporary registration deposit. All but small part refunded when you cross back. Also required is the original car title or original registration or notarized copy. Have several copies of passports and drivers licenses, required too. We carry MexiPass auto insurance, required also. First night we stay at Hotel Las Palmas in Matehuala. Love this place and the staff. Amazing restaurant. We save ourselves for months for that first margarita there. Really large clean rooms and secure parking. Easy on and off Cuota 57. Second night we like Hotel de la Soledad in the Historic district in Morelia. We cut out the bypass by driving straight through the center of the historic district. Mercedes restaurant is spectacular and just 4 blocks walking. Both hotel and Mercedes $$$$. Lots of good dining in walking distance and plenty of hotels in that area. Then on to Zihua the next day. We always stay on the toll roads and do not drive at night. We use 500 peso bills at booths and collect lots of cambio for use in Zihua. Have stayed in Querataro and Patzquaro. Both beautiful. It's cold in Patzquaro and our rooms did not have heat. There is a silver mine outside Matehuala and would make it a two night stay and Pernal outside Querataro has the third largest monolith in the world. I look forward to driving each year. Lots to see. Have a great trip.