Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa Message Board - Driving from Texas to Zihuatanejo

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We plan on driving to Zihuatanejo in September, and would really appreciate any information you might have such driving routes, hotels, ect.. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Currently, we are thinking about crossing into Mexico from McAllen to avoid the long delays in Laredo. Thank you in advance.

In addition, I did a search in the archives, but I could not locate any current postings.

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Also check out the Columbia crossing just up river from Laredo. Trucks use/used it--it's been a few years.

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We plan on driving to Zihuatanejo in September, and would really appreciate any information you might have such driving routes, hotels, ect.. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Currently, we are thinking about crossing into Mexico from McAllen to avoid the long delays in Laredo. Thank you in advance.

In addition, I did a search in the archives, but I could not locate any current postings.

We've crossed at Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras, as well as Brownsville/Matamoros.
We were warned away from a couple of the other crossings in the general Brownsville area, but sorry, can't recall now which ones. With a few exceptions, I think every one of the US/Mexico border crossings is "the wild west" - the sooner one gets away from either border, the better.

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Be sure to get plenty of pesos for tolls. Bring toilet paper, too!

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We cross at Columbia crossing about 20 miles from Laredo and my wife
has the turn by turn navigation written down all the way to Zihua

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The last few years we have used the Columbia crossing at (near) Laredo. If you are there early (8:00 or so) it's quick and easy. From there it is a fairly easy drive on the 2D which becomes the 85D towards then around Monterrey on the 40D, bypass Saltillo via the 57 (D I think) Matehuela for the night. Then to Queretaro (easy drive) for the second night and on to Zihuatanejo via Morelia and Patzcuaro and Zihautanejo the third night.

Here is a link to our Blog page covering our trip with the motorhome last year. (This first entry covers from Laredo to Saltillo)We went first to Saltillo in order to have a quick visit with friends but bypassing Saltillo and on to Matehuela in a car would be easy. We arrived at the hotel in Saltillo at 2:45 and the drive to Matehuala was about three hours. If you take the 57 before Saltillo you will cut of a lot of city driving and save a lot of time.

Here are the entries for the rest, from Saltillo to Matehuale and on to Zihuatanejo. You will have to page down then work up and the entries start at the most recent. Saltillo to Zihuatanejo

We can recommend the hotels in both Saltillo and Matehuela where we stayed. Both are hot linked in our blog pages.

Of course if you want to sightsee along the way there are some really nice places to visit.

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We have crossed at Columbia, or Laredo itself, at 8am, stayed in San Luis Potosi, then into Zihua the next day. Long days driving, but very doable if you don't care to stop and see places. We normally take a few days to drive it, and enjoy Guanajuato, Morelia, and Patzcuaro & area. Have a good trip- see you in Zihua!

--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com

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I second you Linda. I'm looking forward to our drive this winter. Love Matehuala. Queretero. Morelia. I want to see more cities on this return. I'm invited to visit Bernal also.

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I made the drive from Texas a year ago, crossed at the regular crossing in Laredo and we made it all the way to Morelia the first day in 11 hours, but with few stops except for gas and tolls. Used the same route others have mentioned here. Next day was easy from Morelia on into Zihua so my driving buddy could catch a flight back to the US.

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In September I like to keep a long range weather eye, out, because it is the peak of the hurricane season. What the issue is, is mountain flooding, highway closures, and other inconveniences that are pretty minor if a traveler is aware they can happen and can prepare for delays.

There are lots of "Highway Hotels" but like gas stations in the USA, those hotels closest to the highway are priced significantly more expensive (sometimes 50% higher). A short drive of a mile or so into a smaller town can reveal a much better deal and quieter too. I just end my driving day a half hour sooner.

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Any recommendations for hotels would be greatly appreciated.

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Any recommendations for hotels would be greatly appreciated.

When looking at small areas for hotels Trip Advisor is your friend! When I went to Panama, the info there on hotels in lightly travelled areas was awesome.

Go to the site put in the area [town] and reviews and hotels are listed.

Dave

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We can recommend Hotel Las Palmas Midway Inn in Matehuala. Haven't checked the rooms but the restaurant was nice and the staff friendly. Right on the road into town from the north (Left side of the road)

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We have stayed at Las Palmas at least 4 times...just this last May was the last. It's got parking right up next to your room..actually they are like small apts spead over the property. We love the restaurant across the road called La Noria...much better atmosphere than Las Palmas. For convenience we eat breakfast at Las Palmas. It's probably a three star ..always clean and comfortable...and it is run by professionals.
Our next leg..would be to Morelia for us and we often have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. I would say we paid $80 Las Palmas and $90 at the Holiday Inn Express. We take our dogs into Las Palmas and great area to walk them..at the Holiday Inn they stay in the car. From Morelia to Zih is an easy drive. We load up on goodies at Costco in Morelia.

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Money Is No Object

The whole spectrum is at your fingertips. Including luxury. Trip Advisor, and other references. Spanish Colonial architecture and objects de arte in your room.

Object Is No Money

The bed has 137 working springs. Lay on the mattress and count 'em. The room light switch is always next to the door, the light itself is located 10 feet past your feet while laying in bed. Decor is a peeling mural of The Virgin of Guadalupe.

Unfortunately, I have to settle for the latter. As long as I have a large chunk of gravel from the parking lot to hurl at the inevitable crowing rooster or dog so lazy it doesn't get to it's feet to bark and howl.

Asking for uncategorized recommendations for a hotel room can be risky.

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