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gdl_gringo

Jun 7, 2012, 12:54 PM

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Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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I've been lurking on this site for over a week reading previous posts and I appreciate all that
have contributed here! This has been a great resource for my wife and I.

We're currently planning a drive down to Zapopan for the middle of July. We're coming from
Houston and, after reading this forum, we've decided that crossing at Piedras Negras sounds like
the best option. We could cross at any of the RGV bridges (we usually visit Nuevo Progreso) as
we have family in Harlingen, TX but, at this point, I think our best bet is to avoid the Valley
crossings. Please correct me if I'm off-base here.

So, moving forward:

Cross at Piedras Negras/Eagle Pass, down Hwy 57 (straight through Monclova) to Saltillo. After
Saltillo, we're unsure whether to take Hwy 54 to Zacatecas or continue on Hwy 57 through
Matehuala then on down to San Luis Potosi.

If we take the latter Hwy 57 route after Saltillo, it looks like we'd take Hwy 80 after San Luis
Potosi and go through Ojuelos de Jalisco on through Lagos De Moreno and continue into
Guadalajara.

If we take the previous Hwy 54 route after Saltillo to Zacatecas: After Zacatecas, the map shows
we can continue on Hwy 57 to Guadalajara but I've noticed many here jump on Hwy 45 to
Aguascalientes so I will assume this is the best choice. After Aguascalientes, we would take Hwy
45 to Encarnacio de Diaz and get on Hwy 307 to Hwy 80 and on into Guadalajara.

I'm not asking for "crystal ball" predictions of safety as I know everything could change
anytime; we're just looking for an opinion or two on the best routes for not only safety but
also speed/ease. In addition, we're planning to do the drive during day light hours, all in one
day.

We plan to have our student visas/FM3s (now "Residente Temporal") sorted out soon and get the
TIP done online before leaving. Again, the information provided here has been nothing short of
amazing!

Thanks!

RickS

Jun 7, 2012, 1:58 PM

Post #2 of 20 (4541 views)

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Re: [gdl_gringo] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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Your lurking has paid off as it seems that you at least have the options pretty well defined. Good work (and welcome to Mexconnect!).

I've crossed at both Piedras Negras and Laredo several times in both directions in the last 2-3 years including 3 times this year. I too have chosen to not come up/down through 'the Valley' because I just didn't like the sound of what is going on south through Tamaulipus State. Statistics, and the law of probabilities, say nothing is going to happen to any one person on any one trip, but that's a discussion for another day.

In my opinion, coming from Houston there is just no reason to go on over to the west and cross at Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras unless one is trying to avoid paying a little more in tolls.... just cross at Laredo. Then drop down towards Monterrey (skirting it to the northwest) and then proceed to Saltillo and highway 57 south. You will actually skirt Saltillo to the east towards Matehuala then Potosi. If you go this route, yes, you'll take Hwy 80 (after skirting San Luis Potosi on the bypass) and go towards Ojuelos de Jalisco. Before you get to Ojuelos there is a new toll road at Villa de Arriaga going south to Lagos De Moreno. This toll road has been there for several years but was not open. Reports in the last few months say it is finally open... and maybe still free. NOTE: I've been informed that this toll road is NOT actually open as I reported... was kinda open for a while but now not again. IMO, this is still a good route but the road down to Lagos from Arriaga without this toll road will be tedious for several miles.

If you do decide to go on over to Piedras and cross, that road down (to Monclova and then Saltillo) is a very good road and not heavily traveled. IF you decide to travel south from Saltillo on Hiway 54 to Zacatecas you will have to drive right through the middle of Saltillo and is not properly signed (and there is still major road construction inside Saltillo to contend with also). Been there done that. The 54 down to Zacatecas from there is also a good road, mostly new and free. If you do go this route, you probably don't want to continue on 54 south to Guadalajara as it is a two lane road and VERY slow. As it approaches Guadalajara it enters a barrancas (canyon) area and the going really gets slow. Not dangerous, just tedious. I've done it once but it's too slow for me to do it again. So, yes, take the jump on Hwy 45 to Aguascalientes, then to Guadalajara. There is a bypass of sorts around to the east side of Aguascalientes (Blvd. Siglo XXI). It is a 4-lane boulevard full of signal lights but is better than going straight through Aguas. BTW, if you decide to take the hiway 307 'shortcut' after Aguas (I always do) it is a VERY narrow road with heavy truck traffic! One gets on that road IMMEDIATELY after a toll booth so be in the right lane at the booth.

Again, I've taken all the roads you've talked about 'recently' and they are all OK. I just don't see the advantage of driving over to Eagle Pass. Laredo is a piece of cake. Take 'Bridge II'.

Enjoy your trip and your stay.

(This post was edited by RickS on Jun 8, 2012, 9:02 AM)

dmhaun

Jun 8, 2012, 5:28 AM

Post #3 of 20 (4464 views)

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Re: [gdl_gringo] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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My advice is to cross at Laredo, taking Interstate 10 to San Antonio and i35 south. Continue around Monterrey and Saltillo. Just past San Luis Potosi is a newly completed cuota directly to Guadalajara. I like that route because it is 4-lane expressway and/or toll roads nearly all the way.
Feliz viaje, David
.
.
The Michoacan Net
Supporting the Arts in Michoacan
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Michoacan_net/

donemry

Jun 8, 2012, 8:12 AM

Post #4 of 20 (4440 views)

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Re: [dmhaun] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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I will go with the advice from RickS and dmhaun, we last traveled this way in March. Very efficient route to GDL now.

dmhaun

Jun 9, 2012, 7:11 AM

Post #5 of 20 (4369 views)

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Re: [donemry] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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Here are some notes that have been going around the Internet about the route from Laredo, going south. It's often updated, so check again before you leave. Feliz viaje, David
http://www.lakepatzcuaro.org/Austin-Eronga.html
.
The Michoacan Net
Supporting the Arts in Michoacan
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Michoacan_net/

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jun 9, 2012, 8:05 AM)

Altahabana

Jun 9, 2012, 7:39 AM

Post #6 of 20 (4364 views)

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Re: [donemry] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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If you take IH 10 to San Antonio from Houston, Eagle Pass is actually a shorter drive ( 5 miles) than Laredo. The distance between Piedras and Saltillo is 70 miles more than Nvo. Laredo to Saltillo, but the Piedras route avoids the Monterey area and saves about $35 in tolls. Both routes are secure as they are regularly patrolled by the military.

There is a lower volume of traffic crossing at Piedras and the Immigration/vehicle permit station is right on the highway at the Aduanas checkpoint 30 miles south of the town. The immigration/permit station in Nvo. Laredo requires a few minutes of manuevering to reach from the Bridge, but is not difficult to find.

You save a little on tolls but drive a little more if you cross at Piedras. Hwy 57 is less heavily travelled than the autopistas between Nvo. Laredo and Saltillo. Those are the principal differences between the two routes in my opiniOn.

gdl_gringo

Jun 9, 2012, 4:44 PM

Post #7 of 20 (4310 views)

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Re: [Altahabana] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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We really appreciate the help. This forum has been very informative and everyone is extremely friendly.

Let me ask, if we obtain our Residente Temporal visas and TIP prior to heading across, what will we need to do at the border the day of the road trip? I assume nothing administrational. We're bringing down household items in our little Mazda car that we plan on declaring just to avoid any possible issues (we'd rather get waved away than try to avoid the search and get items confiscated). I have friends who have continuously gone through the "no declare" lines in their loaded large SUVs without an issue but I imagine we would be the exception ...with my luck. We just want to have a hassle free trip. :)

Thanks!

RickS

Jun 10, 2012, 8:13 PM

Post #8 of 20 (4255 views)

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Re: [gdl_gringo] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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If you already have your visa and your TIP, then it's just the redlight/greenlight issue.

gdl_gringo

Jun 11, 2012, 11:02 AM

Post #9 of 20 (4210 views)

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Re: [RickS] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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Well, the Mexican Consulate here in Houston is impossible to deal with so we've opted to just get the tourist visa and TIP at the border and let the university handle our Residente Temporal (FM3) visas once we get there. It looks like we're heading down the road of going through Nuevo Laredo as suggested (Thanks!). Any further advice on getting through the visa/TIP process in Nuevo Laredo?

Rolly

Jun 11, 2012, 11:18 AM

Post #10 of 20 (4207 views)

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Re: [gdl_gringo] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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You are wise to wait on your visa until the University can help you.
Residente Temporal does not exist yet. It's still No Inmigrante (old FM3)
You'll find a lot of useful information about moving to México here.

Rolly Pirate

RickS

Jun 11, 2012, 1:29 PM

Post #11 of 20 (4188 views)

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Re: [gdl_gringo] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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I am going to cut/paste an answer that Althahabana gave a few years ago. I'm pretty sure it is still accurate (I have only come north out of Mexico at Laredo, not south into Mexico).

Althahabana said: ( I have deleted and added some things for clarification and put them in parenthesis .....)

You will get on IH 35 from your hotel and head south. 35 ends about 4 blocks from Bridge II and the crossing is clearly visible from the stop light where 35 ends.

After you pay the toll and head across the Vehicle permit building on the right is 'under your' as you cross the bridge. It is located between your bridge and Bridge I immediately south of the riverbank.

Aduana has a new gate system, but still has the old red/green light system. I would recommend getting into the far left lane.

If you get a green light at Aduana get into the left lane and make an immediate left onto the first cross street just past the money exchange location. The street is less than 100 yards from the gate/light so it is immediate. (this street is Calle Nicolas Bravo and is a one-way street I believe)

If you get a red light you will pull into the inspection area to the right. When finished you will go straight for about 20 yards to the same cross street where you need to turn left. (what you will be doing is heading away from the Bridge and then you will have to do a U-Turn to come back to the permit/visa building)

I do not think the cross street is marked with a street sign, but it is the first street. There may be a road sign that says "Luis Coloso and Monterrey". (I think there are the blue 'car permit' signs). Once on this street you go about six blocks....less than 1/2 mile.... until you merge into the loop road out of Laredo--Blvd. Luis Coloso. Along the way you will see large blue signs that say MODULO--CIITEV and beneath that Vehicle Permits pointing the way.

When you enter Coloso get into the far left lane. You will go less than a mile until you get to the first traffic light. You turn left across the opposite lanes on Coloso to an access leading back to the bridge. There is one of the large blue MODULO signs indicating a U-turn. The left turn is protected green with an arrow. You will simply go across the opposite lanes of Coloso and turn onto the access road that also leads back towards the bridge. You will go about 3/4-1 mile on this access road following the blue MODULO CIITEV signs; (the permit station will be after you go back under the Bridge on this access road and will be on the left, marked with a blue CIITV sign. There is a very large building and equally large parking lot; go inside)

After getting the permit (and your visa) you will have to go to the far end of the large parking lot to exit back onto the access road. You will turn right and simply retrace your route back in the opposite direction to the point where the access road (which I believe is actually Cesar de Lara) joins Coloso. There is a light at the intersection and you will simply bear to the left on Coloso on a protected arrow.

Once you enter Coloso it is about a 10 minute drive, first along the river (without traffic signals) on a divided roadway to the intersection with Highway 85 which is the road to Monterrey. THERE IS NO DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC and you will be south of Nuevo Laredo proper.

There is a light at the intersection and the highway passes overhead. You will cross under the overpass and turn left onto the access road and then enter Highway 85. From there it is about a ten minute drive to the interior checkpoint. There is another red light/green light system there and they may check your visa and vehicle paperwork. The autopista to Monterrey (toll/cuota road) begins about 10 miles further south--be sure to take it and not the free highway. Depending on how fast you choose to travel you can be outside Saltillo in a little than three hours.

(This post was edited by RickS on Jun 11, 2012, 1:33 PM)

Altahabana

Jun 11, 2012, 1:51 PM

Post #12 of 20 (4178 views)

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Re: [RickS] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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The route is still the same, but I can be more concise and there has been a change at Aduanas since I wrote that.

1. The set up at Aduanas at Bridge II has changed. The NOTHING TO DECLARE lanes are to the left as you get to the end of the bridge and take you into a different area. The DECLARE lanes area are straight ahead.

2. Whichever area you end up in, you will take a left at the very first street after you clear Aduanas. It could well be named Bravo, but I don't think it is marked. It is the FIRST street.

3. Go about 5-6 blocks until the street merges with Luis Coloso--the loop road. Get on Coloso and into the far left lane as soon as possible.\

4. Less than a mile from entering Coloso you will come to a traffic light. There you will make a wide U-turn, across the lanes of Colosio going to the bridge and get onto the access road that heads back towards the bridge.

5. Just after you pass under the bridge the CIITEV station is on the left. You enter at the first parking lot and enter through the first set of doors. Immigration and the TIP area is to the right after you enter.

Like I said earlier, it takes a little maneuvering to get to the station but it is not difficult to find.

(This post was edited by Altahabana on Jun 11, 2012, 3:10 PM)

gdl_gringo

Jun 11, 2012, 4:29 PM

Post #13 of 20 (4141 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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In Reply To

Thanks Rolly! I actually got the Residente Temporal designation from your website but I obviously misread/misunderstood that. I appreciate the correction. I must say, your site has been a great resource. :)

You guys are great and the thorough instructions couldn't be more helpful. I was able to get on Google Maps street-view and flollow direction to the CIITEV building without a problem. Does anyone know when the CIITEV office opens?

A little bit of a tangent but for completness; I know I said we wanted to avoid the RGV crossings but I thought I'd ask about the Reynosa crossing. The last time I did any "interior" driving in Mexico was in 2004 and I would cross at Nuevo Progreso and take Hwy 2 up to Reynosa and get on the cuota (Hwy 40) to Monterrey. Let me just ask it straight out: Is Reynosa a bad idea? This would make us drive straight through Monterrey before hitting Saltillo but I could live with that if that's the worst of it.

We're thinking of visiting family in the Valley prior to leaving for Mexico and the back-track to Laredo would be a bit of a nuisance. Of course, I'd galdly travel and stay the night in Laredo if it means a safer trip.

Thanks!

(This post was edited by gdl_gringo on Jun 11, 2012, 4:35 PM)

Altahabana

Jun 11, 2012, 6:41 PM

Post #14 of 20 (4122 views)

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Re: [gdl_gringo] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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It's fine to cross at Anzalduas bridge at Mission and then get on the Autopista ( Hwy 40) to Monterrey. What you want to avoid is the route that takes you south through central/southern Tamaulipas (San Fernando/Ciudad Victoria). I wouldn't drive on Highway 2 between Progreso and Reynosa because there isn't any utility in doing that if you are going from eastern Hidalgo County to Monterrey on the Autopista. Highway 83 on the Texas side is in much better condition, a much quicker route and doesn't have the issues the river road has on the other side.

(This post was edited by Altahabana on Jun 11, 2012, 6:55 PM)

RickS

Jun 11, 2012, 7:44 PM

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Re: [gdl_gringo] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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"This would make us drive straight through Monterrey before hitting Saltillo..."

If it were me, I think I'd take the Periferico around the north side of Monterrey before I would drive 'straight through' the middle of Monterrey. Coming into the east side of Monterrey on 40 you will see a sign to go right on the 'Periferico Cuota'. It will say Nvo. Laredo and Saltillo. Just skirt north around the city and then back onto 40 on the west side. Longer, yes, but .....

(This post was edited by RickS on Jun 12, 2012, 7:38 AM)

gdl_gringo

Jun 12, 2012, 7:24 AM

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Re: [RickS] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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Anzalduas is a great idea! I have never crossed at that bridge but the route looks very convenient (and easy) on the map. Avoiding having to travel through Monterrey on Periferico (610) is also a wonderful idea. Google maps doesn't do a very good job of distinguishing libres versus cuotas so this is exactly the type of information we're looking for.

Since Anzalduas is a smaller bridge, I assume finding the visa/TIP office is about like it is in Nuevo Progreso. The satelite image of the area after the bridge shows what looks like a green/red light check point and then a collection of buildings. The latter is what I'm assuming will contain the aduana offices. Any advice on that? Anyone know when these offices open?

Thanks!

Altahabana

Jun 12, 2012, 12:13 PM

Post #17 of 20 (4045 views)

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Re: [gdl_gringo] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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I have used Anzalduas a few times and it is maybe a 1km drive from Aduanas until you reach the Loop Highway where you take a left. The exit to Highway 40 is about 3-4 miles from the point you enter the highway.

If there is a CIITEV station (vehicle permits) and immigration office at Anzalduas--and I believe both are there--then they are in the building alongside Aduana. Poster Robt65 is the one to ask.

(This post was edited by Altahabana on Jun 12, 2012, 12:26 PM)

robt65

Jun 12, 2012, 9:50 PM

Post #18 of 20 (4000 views)

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Re: [gdl_gringo] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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Hello,

I am robt65. I take that route to the Anzalduas International Bridge fairly frequently. I have made three round trips in the past four months. I am leaving again later this week for another round trip due to my need for medical care at the VA in McAllen, TX. There are a lot of $50 to $60 dollar clean hotels on the US side of the border

I travel all the time in a recent model Tahoe with and without, a 16 foot enclosed cargo trailer. I have so far (past two and a half years) had very uneventful trips. I can tell you that the drive between the west end of Reynosa (Anzalduas International Bridge) across from Mission, TX is a really easy and so far a very safe route for myself. There are a lot of Federal Police patrolling. They (Federal Police) are also very helpful if you need directions, including one time an escort for me at a particular turn-off, to reach the Monterrey Periferico in the beginning when I wasn’t sure of the direction.

I will also suggest that once past the second toll booth going west, you want to make sure that you gas up at every Pemex you see. There a few spots between the Monterrey Periferico (first toll booth coming east from the west) and entering Reynosa that are a long distance without gas stations. I now will always gas up at every station I see before entering the Monterrey Periferico going east and also coming from the west towards 57 south to Mexico.

As far as the necessary) car permit, immigration and aduana offices, all are on one easy site. You park and take care of business all in one building. I would suggest an early start as that would get you from Mission, Texas to Matahuala for an overnight stay. You would probably arrive around three to four PM. It gets dark there around 7:45 PM, and not light until around 7:15 AM (two weeks ago). I would really discourage you trying to go farther than Matahuala on the first day. The trip to Queretaro can be made in a long (and after dark) arrival to San Luis Potosí and on to Queretaro in about 12 to 13 hours, but it is a very tiring trip. It is far safer to overnight in Matahuala.

If you do overnight there in Matahuala, let me suggest the La Noria restaurant . . . . right across from the Las Palmas Hotel for one of the finest meals you can get in Mexico at a really fair price. The place is also extremely clean and the service second to none . . . anywhere . . . including NOB. That includes all three meals. When is the last time you were greeted at the door by a waiter? Beware that in the morning at the Las Palmas eggs and sausage means actually eggs and Hotdogs! . . . . . . . as in wieners!!!! Over easy eggs aren’t understood but they sure are across the street. No I do not have any financial interest in the La Noria . . . . . . . wish I did! (smiling)

Have a good and safe trip.

robt65

gdl_gringo

Jun 13, 2012, 10:05 AM

Post #19 of 20 (3974 views)

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Re: [robt65] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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Thanks for adding your information, robt65! Since you've imported goods for personal use (even a cargo trailer full!), have you had any issues at the green/red light bringing items in? We will have a 4 year old laptop, a 4 year old 32" TV, a used microwave, toaster, blender, crock pot and other various household items along with our clothing/bedding that we will be packing into our little Mazda. I assume we should go through the "declare" lane as these items surely add up to more than the $75 allowance (but not more than $1000). Again, I've had friends who have dared the "no delcare" lane but I'm not sure my luck is as strong as theirs. :)

Thanks again!

robt65

Jun 13, 2012, 7:45 PM

Post #20 of 20 (3920 views)

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Re: [gdl_gringo] Advice needed on Texas to Guadalajara route

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I have responded to you in a PM.

regards,

robt65