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texan

Jun 3, 2010, 9:26 AM

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driving Houston to San Miguel

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In spite of the "bad news" we hope to drive from Houston to San Miguel this summer. Has anyone driven that route recently? We usually cross at Colombia but understand that it may be better to cross at Laredo now. Also, is there a new "loop" or road around Monterrey going toward Saltillo. I thought I had read something about that. Thanks for all the good posts.

robt65

Jun 3, 2010, 1:38 PM

Post #2 of 4 (5027 views)

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Re: [texan] driving Houston to San Miguel

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Hello Texan,

I have driven from both or rather through both Dallas and Houston (depending on which way the weather dictated me to go at the time) to Queretaro. SMA is not so different from Queretaro. I have found crossing at Brownsville / Matamoros to be a very good crossing point. I have only had one small problem with a failed attempt of Mordida in Matamoros in maybe 10 or 15 crossings. I like crossing there as it is the furthermost point south in the USA and gets me away from the border towns faster. Good highways and not autopista's until reaching SLP. Kind of a boring ride but so far it has been pretty safe for me. Don't know if that helps you or not.

Robt65

jerezano

Jun 4, 2010, 7:34 AM

Post #3 of 4 (4978 views)

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Re: [robt65] driving Houston to San Miguel

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Hello texan,

You asked:>>>> we hope to drive from Houston to San Miguel this summer. Has anyone driven that route recently? We usually cross at Colombia but understand that it may be better to cross at Laredo now. Also, is there a new "loop" or road around Monterrey going toward Saltillo. I thought I had read something about that. Thanks for all the good posts.<<<<<

First, there is NO new loop around Monterrey going to Saltillo. The Periférico is still the way to go. But at the Santa Catarina side of Monterrey, where the Perifrico ends, there is a new AUTOPISTA(Toll) from Monterrey to Saltillo up the Saltillo Canyon. By all means take it. It gets rid of a lot of white knuckle driving on the old Saltillo Canyon libre.

robt65 has also recommended that you cross at Matamoros instead of Laredo. I would second that recommendation except I would cross at the Free Trade International Bridge just south of Harlingen (Los Indios hours 8-5) and go straight south to CD. Victoria then the Via Corta to SLP and then on in the normal manner to SMA. Many of the SMA residents are now taking this route which is toll free all the way to SLP and is actually a pleasant and easy drive. The first miles from Los Indios to Valle Hermosa? are two lane state highway but in good condition although with lots of topes. You need to go through the heart of Valle Hermosa but if you stay out of the left lane you will hit only a few semaphores. Good hotel on the right just as you leave the city for a breakfast break.
You can find a lot of information here on the forum searching for VIA CORTA, Los Indios, etc.

Good luck and have a pleasant trip. Hasta luego, jerezano

texan

Jun 4, 2010, 9:24 AM

Post #4 of 4 (4951 views)

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Re: [jerezano] driving Houston to San Miguel

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Thanks to both of you for the info. It is always reassuring to hear recent experiences from other travelers.