BajaNomad

Friend Driving to Puerto Vallarta--Best Route?

redhilltown - 5-3-2013 at 10:52 PM

Howdy Nomadians! A friend in my building is driving to Puerto Vallarta from Long Beach, CA. I assume the ferry is still running between La Paz and the mainland and I suggested it might be the sanest way to go...that is, down through Baja and then across. Anyone have any experience doing this route and have any suggestions?

windgrrl - 5-4-2013 at 06:22 AM

I know people who have taken the La Paz ferry with no problems in the past 12 months. One went for travel by bus around the mainland and back. The other lives in the mid-west USA.

Some people think it is simpler and saner to avoid the dramatic aspects of Baja driving the portion between the border and La Paz by driving to Topolabampo and taking the ferry to La Paz. They say the mainland route is in very good condition and quick. Of course, driving to the mainland route from long Beach eats up travel time.

I really enjoy driving down the peninsula, but one day we might take the ferry and drive up the mainland highway to see if it's faster to get to Alberta.

rhintransit - 5-4-2013 at 06:43 AM

I think it would be saner to avoid Baja and the ferry(s) completely.

the road south from Nogales is great, four lane all the way to Guaymas. it narrows down from there but still is nothing like our Hwy 1. I drove to PV from Phoenix a number of years ago. no problems and far better road even in the bad spots.

one or two ferry rides adds considerably to the expense and not a whole lot to the adventure...one or two ferry rides and the imagined romantic picture of that adventure is gone, too.

BeemerDan - 5-4-2013 at 07:00 AM

I did both routes this past winter, Baja south to La Paz, and the ferry to Topolabampo (ferry to Maz was full) then doubled back south to PV, Nice ride, but expensive, I think it cost me 146.00 to ride the ferry with just me and the motorcycle, On the way back from central america I rode back up the coast to PV to Nogales and crossed there, The roads were in great shape and no troubles at all.

daveB - 5-4-2013 at 09:19 AM

Have driven the mainland roads through PV several time, but never the entire Baja route, nor the ferries. But I have heard the cost of the ferry is dear and we know the Hwy is not the comfortable Interstate found in the north. The ferry to P.V. hasn't run for years, but it does go from La Paz to Mazatlan which would whittle your mainland drive down to just one day. But I wouldn't generally advise the Baja road as a way to drive to Puerto Vallarta. If you do try this you will need your TIP from the border; you will not be allowed to drive onto the ferry without it. Getting it at La Paz is "sketchy."

Otherwise, drive to Nogales, cross into Mexico, drive onward to Km. 21 where you will stop to get your Temporary Importation Permit, and sticker for your window. Get and pay for your FMM there as well. The TIP will require a deposit of between 200 and 400 dollars depending on the year of your vehicle. You will want to have liability insurance from a Mexican-based company, but this is available north of the border from several brokers, get it before you go south. Have good maps, such as Guia Roji. the roads are good but older ones are not built to NOB standards, they seldom have a usable shoulder, you will not want to get your wheels off the pavement. Have your vehicle in good shape for the trip, you would be well advised to not drive at night, (often nowhere to stop if you need to) so this will likely mean a three day trip. The best mode of transportation is the airplane, though not as adventurous.

DavidE - 5-4-2013 at 09:36 AM

No way in hell is the transbordador route either cheaper or faster than using an entry at Lukeville or Noglales. Been there done that perhaps 15 times by ferry more than 50 times by car.

No Mex 15-D the cuota is not cheap. Especially for vehicles with more than 4 tires on the ground. But little of the route to as far as Tepic Nayarit is regular 2-lane. Even the stretch from Villa Union Sinaloa to the junction of the road to San Blas is extremely wide 2-lane. Fifteen foot paved shoulders. But, total toll charges pale in comparison to ferry rates.

From Tepic there are two options:

1. SAN BLAS, hugs the coast, more scenic less traffic and slower than the other route.

2. TEPIC, CAMPOSTELA to Las Varas. One not too cheap section of toll road between the entronque to San Blas and Tepic. Many of the hated curves which garnered many negative reviews have been softened by SCT. Hundreds of them between Tepic and Las Varas. This is my preferred route for speed. I use the San Blas route for scenery. It is really pretty and SB is worthy of a visit. The La Tovara jungle boat trip rates 5-stars in my opinion.

3. DRIVE EASY between BUCERIAS to PUERTO VALLARTA. Many transitos, some with radar. Easy to speed 1,500 peso speeding multa.

4. PARKING south of RIO CUAULE in centro is a freakin' nightmare. Use public transportation. Prices in the Zona Dorada are like Cabo. Stupid. Side trips to other regional attractions, highly recommended.

BeemerDan - 5-4-2013 at 10:07 PM

Please tell what the Transbordador is? I do know Tepic and had would definitly bypass it n/s route, via San Blas of course.

My apol.agys.. i don't know how to spell it when i'm typing without google or goggles. That said Tepic is Septic!:lol:

[Edited on 5-5-2013 by BeemerDan]

CortezBlue - 5-5-2013 at 06:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rhintransit
I think it would be saner to avoid Baja and the ferry(s) completely.

the road south from Nogales is great, four lane all the way to Guaymas. it narrows down from there but still is nothing like our Hwy 1. I drove to PV from Phoenix a number of years ago. no problems and far better road even in the bad spots.

one or two ferry rides adds considerably to the expense and not a whole lot to the adventure...one or two ferry rides and the imagined romantic picture of that adventure is gone, too.



Agreed!

From Fenix down to Tucson, catch Hwy 19 south to Nogales.

Cross the boarder and catch the Cuota south. Only been as far as Matzatlan, but it is a great Fwy.

Marc - 5-5-2013 at 07:23 AM

Take US-8 to Gila Bend. Go south on AZ-85 and cross over at Lukeville-Sonoyta. On MEX-2 get your vehicle permit south of Caborca (brand new facility). MEX-2 at Santa Anna connects to MEX-15, a super divided highway to PV. Why beat yourself on a two lane dangerous road in Baja when you can "fly" on the freeway?

CortezBlue - 5-5-2013 at 08:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Marc
Take US-8 to Gila Bend. Go south on AZ-85 and cross over at Lukeville-Sonoyta. On MEX-2 get your vehicle permit south of Caborca (brand new facility). MEX-2 at Santa Anna connects to MEX-15, a super divided highway to PV. Why beat yourself on a two lane dangerous road in Baja when you can "fly" on the freeway?


It is an option, but the risk reward calculation, I think I would stay in the US down to Nogales. There is a lot of, shall we say traffic, if that area.

Just my 2 cents worth.

redhilltown - 5-5-2013 at 11:07 PM

Many many thanks for the replies! My friend really appreciates it and was very impressed Nomads took the time to write some thoughtful and detailed answers. After his trip if he has something to add as to border crossings/roads/permits I will post it. Thanks again.

Don't even think about going south at Yuma to get on MX 2 at San Luis

durrelllrobert - 5-6-2013 at 09:05 AM

MX 2 from San Luis to Sonoyta looks shorter then going to Gila Bend but it still under construction with miles of terrible detours.

Hook - 5-6-2013 at 09:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
The 15 is becoming better and better.
Do the TIP online. Super easy. I've done the drive twice and am heading down Wednesday to Nationalize my car.

Head over to San Blas and avoid Tepic.


If by TIP you are referring to the Temporary Importation Permit that is good for 10 years @ approx 50.00US, it only applies to RVs, travel trailers/fifth wheels and boats. Not for conventional cars and trucks.

From Baja Bound site

durrelllrobert - 5-6-2013 at 12:25 PM

Vehicle Permits for Mexico

Please Note:
We are a Mexican insurance agency and can answer any questions regarding auto insurance in Mexico. For questions about vehicle permits please call Banjercito at 011-52-555-328-2329.


FAQs About How to Import Your Vehicle at Banjercito
Banjercito's online application is for:
�Vehicle permits�Boat permits
�Motorhome permit
�Sonora Only vehicle permits


Article Summary
�Banjercito - Mexico's Banco Nacional del Ej�rcito Fuerza A�rea y Armada - is the government authority who issues vehicle permits.
�NO VEHICLE IMPORT PERMIT IS NECESSARY TO DRIVE IN THE ENTIRE BAJA PENINSULA OR ROCKY POINT.
�Vehicle import permits are needed if you travel outside of Baja or outside the border zones (generally further than 16 miles from the border) or outside the permit-free zones of Sonora.
�Looking for a Sonora Only permit? Read our article: Sonora Only Vehicle Permits
�Vehicle permits may be obtained thru Banjercito's online process, at a Banjercito office at the border or at certain Mexican Consulates (listed below).
�Don't forget your Mexican insurance policy. Quick quote and buy online instantly.




Important information from Banjercito's website to help you through their online form easily:
�You may request your permit 7 to 60 days prior to entering Mexico by vehicle.
�You may ONLY request a permit for a vehicle that is registered to your name or that of your spouse, your children, or your parents.
�You may NOT request a permit for a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 metric tons (7,716 lbs).
�If you are a foreign citizen, before starting the vehicle permit application process, you must go to INM's (Instituto Nacional de Migraci�n) website to apply for an immigration pre-authorization for your FMM, aka tourist card. The vehicle permit will be issued for the same period as that stated on your immigration pre-authorization. Furthermore, once you�ve entered Mexico you must approach an immigration officer in order to exchange your pre-authorization form for the proper immigration document.
�Once the payment has been accepted, Banjercito will send the permit to your address within 7 business days.
�Once you have received your permit, you must send a copy of the documents you provided during the application process in one of the following ways:
�Sending the scanned documents by e-mail to itvnet@banjercito.com.mx.
�Through courier service to the following address: Av. Industria Militar 1055, Col. Lomas de Sotelo, Del. Miguel Hidalgo, M�xico, D.F., CP. 11200.
�Delivering them in person to any Banjercito office.
�Should any of the information you provide during the application process be found to be false, you may be subject to sanctions imposed by the Mexican authorities.
�Banjercito reserves the right to deny any request for a permit should any violation of current law be found.
�The applicant must be 18 years old.
�The person named on the credit card must be the person who is applying for the temporary importation permit.
�You will not be able to process the permit online if you have a working or student visa, due to the fact that it is necessary to prove that the visa is still valid and it has at least been one year since its been in force. If this is the case you will need to go to the Mexican Consulate that processes vehicle permits or at one of the borders so you may obtain your vehicle permit.

durrelllrobert - 5-6-2013 at 12:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
The 15 is becoming better and better.
Do the TIP online. Super easy. I've done the drive twice and am heading down Wednesday to Nationalize my car.

Head over to San Blas and avoid Tepic.


If by TIP you are referring to the Temporary Importation Permit that is good for 10 years @ approx 50.00US, it only applies to RVs, travel trailers/fifth wheels and boats. Not for conventional cars and trucks.


TIP for conventional cars and Trucks:

Q: What happens if I drive my vehicle to Mexico and do not get a temporary vehicle import permit?

A: If you are caught your vehicle may be confiscated by Mexican authorities.

Q: How much does a vehicle import permit cost?

A: Effective June 11, 2011, the fee for importation of a vehicle is $44.00 USD plus IVA; this fee is the same whether the permit is obtained at the border, consulates or online. http://www.banjercito.com.mx/site/siteBanjer/Bicentenario/ii...


Q: Do I need a vehicle import permit if I am towing boat?

A: Yes. The cost is around $50 U.S.


Q: What if I have rented or have a lein on my vehicle?

A: If the vehicle is financed, is a rental car, is leased, and/or a company car, a notarized letter of permission is required from the lien holder or lending institution. To obtain this letter, you oftentimes need proof of Mexican auto insurance.


Q: I'm not a citizen of the U.S., can I still apply online?

A: Only U.S. and Canadian citizens can apply for a temporary vehicle import permit online.


Q: If I purchase my vehicle import permit online, how far in advance do I need to apply?

A: You can apply for a temporary vehicle import permit up to six months before you plan to travel to Mexico. You should not apply online for a permit less than 10 days before you plan to travel to Mexico. Remember: you can always purchase your vehicle import permit at the border, it just may take more time.


Q: If I purchase my vehicle import permit online, what documents do I need to take with me to obtain my permit?

A: You will need all the documents required when you applied for your permit. Click here to see required documents.


Q: If I obtain my vehicle import permit before leaving the U.S. what documents do I need to take with me to the border?

A: You will need all the documents required when you applied for your permit. Click here to see required documents.


Q: Do I need Mexican Auto Insurance if traveling outside the Mexican "Free Zone" with a vehicle import permit?

A: Yes. You can purchase Mexican Insurance in 10 minutes or less online with www.Mexpro.com


Q: How long can I stay in Mexico after purchasing my vehicle import permit?

A: The vehicle import permit is good for up to six months (180 days). You can enter and exit Mexico as many times as you wish during the period your permit is valid. If you travel to Mexico without a valid permit your vehicle can be confiscated by Mexican authorities.

Q: Why do I have to cancel and return my vehicle import permit upon exiting the country (at the end of it's valid period)?

A: A guarantee deposit for the return of the vehicle to the US, regardless of the form of payment, we be applied to all vehicles. The amount of the guarantee will be determined by the year of the vehicle. The guarantee will be refunded upon cancellation of the permit at Banjercito offices, as long as it is prior to the expiration date of the permit. The refund will be made in the same form as the deposit was made.

2007 - Newer $400 USD
2001 - 2006 $300 USD
2000 - Older $200 USD
If the vehicle is not returned to the US prior to the expiration date on the permit, or the permit is not canceled upon exiting Mexico, the guarantee deposit will be forfeited.

Q: Where do I return/cancel my temporary import permit?

A: At any Banjercito located on the border. It does not have to be the same border location where you entered Mexico.

Q: What if I have an accident that totals my vehicle or it is stolen while visiting Mexico? How do I cancel my permit?

A: Contact Mexico customs at these phone numbers: (from Mexico) 01-800-463-6728, press option 7 for "comercio exterior" (from U.S.) 1-800-475-2393; or this email address: CIITEVAduanaMexico@sat.gob.mx.


Q: Can I sell my car while in Mexico?

A: No. It is illegal.


Q: Can I bring motorcycles, boats and trailers with my vehicle?

A: Yes. Towed vehicles must be on your Mexican auto insurance policy for it to be valid. It is recommended you obtain Mexican insurance for boat(s) and motorcycle(s), as well.

Marc - 5-6-2013 at 10:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
MX 2 from San Luis to Sonoyta looks shorter then going to Gila Bend but it still under construction with miles of terrible detours.


I found that out the hard way!

DavidE - 5-7-2013 at 09:39 AM

Motorcycles UNDER 500 cc will be added as an accessory. More than 500 cc requires a 2nd car permit under a different PASSPORT NUMBER.

Passport numbers is how they I.D. car permits.

durrelllrobert - 5-7-2013 at 10:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Marc
Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
MX 2 from San Luis to Sonoyta looks shorter then going to Gila Bend but it still under construction with miles of terrible detours.


I found that out the hard way!


Me too. Trip to Perto Penesca took almost 3 hours longer then return trip via the coast route to San Luis.

DavidE - 5-7-2013 at 02:04 PM

CURRENT TRUSTED INFORMATION cut and paste

Posted: 05/04/13 09:03pm Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator
We left San Felipe early last Wednesday. The young man at the military checkpoint was curious as to the cost of the motorhome, etc. He did a 5 minute inspection and AFTER he was done I gave him a futbol magazine and thanked him.
Road is the best it has ever been up to the toll road east ( highway 2 )
As we went through San Luis I watched how far the line was backed up and estimated it would have been about a 2 hour wait. This was around 10 am.
The most of highway 2 going to Sonoyta is finished and in good shape. There are still a few short detours where construction is continuing. We stopped a few yards before the border and I walked over and got our fmms cancelled and passports stamped as exiting. Pulled up to the gate and waited maybe 5 minutes for the 2 cars ahead of us. Went to secondary and the agent came in and with a polite conversation, took less than another 5 minutes and we were done.
All this took a little more than the 2 hours I would have waited if crossing at San Luis and I am 125 miles farther east on my way home.
Another thing is, there is no place to stop at San Luis to cancel the fmm.