robt65
Mar 20, 2010, 9:40 PM
Post #11 of 11
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Re: [normamc288] Estimated mileage and cost
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Norma,
For some reason the first reply did not make it to the thread. Just my two cents worth. I would not take the route via C. D. Victoria. Repeat DO NOT TAKE the route through C. D. Victoria.
Over the past year I have driven that route between Matamoros and Tampico at least twelve times in two directions. I have driven it in my New Beetle, My Chevy towing a two axle cargo trailer loaded to the gills and also alone with the Tahoe. North and south. Two times I went via C. D. Victoria. Two times was stopped just outside Victoria by 2 different pickup gtrucks with undercover (real cops or not?) red lights and badges of some kind around their necks . . all three of them one time and two another time. They thoroughly searched my trailer and all my boxes of household furniture. Then sent me on my way. Again real cops or not, I was more interested in trying to find a place to change my pants!!! My brother in law who is also a Mexican national also needed to change his pants! I guarantee you will forget all your previously know Spanish if this happens to you. These guys came out of no where!!!!
There are many times weather (especially (fog) problems going into Victoria as you are starting to really climb. The traffic in Victoria is miserable and the drivers are really terrible and ignorant. This way is also at least two or more hours longer.
I would for not only this reason, but a much shorter way and less miles, take another route. Drive as you were driving to C. D. Victoria. Keep on the lookout for the turnoffs for San Fernando. Do not take these cutoffs, this is only a reference point. In fact you will see two or three cutoffs to San Fernando spaced far apart (several miles between them) Keep heading north to Victoria and just past the permanent military check point on the opposite side of the highway (you don't have to stop there) there is a very large Pemex (this is about 25 to 35 minutes past that military checkpoint) Station on the left. There is also a restaurant on that same lot. Another 300 feet you will see Hwy 80 to Tampico. Take this route. Much of this route is the new hwy 80 and is four lane. The remainder is good to excellent 2 lane. I have never seen a checkpoint there. There is also a very good and not expensive little authentic Mexican food restaurant there on the corner. My last trip through there was in January. Maybe the new Oxxo is complete by now I do not know. That cafe adjoins that new Oxxo. Occasionally, you may see a Federal Police Checkpoint there. Mostly they are examining transport trucks. They are also set up (when they do) right at that Mexican cafe. Caution, do not stay at that motel. As good as the cafe is . . .the motel is not!!!! You can see when you are coming to that intersection by the upcoming high power transmission electric running east to west. The next good restaurant is a coupe of hours away in Soto del Marina. It is the restaurant at the "Hotel Tampico" ,it will be on your left as you near leaving town. If you want a simple and fast but very good outside taco place stop at the place right next to the Federal police station just past the Hotel Tampico. The food is clean and very good as well as very cheap.
I have driven this route at literally all times of the day and night and I have never one time had any problems what so ever.
Taking this way you can also avoid driving in the terrible traffic of Tampico as it take you to the south and puts you right on the coast route to Veracruz. You will cross into Veracruz (the state) in about 15 minutes. the cops in Veracruz love American plated cars so be careful.
Have a good trip and be safe.
Robert
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