GETTING TO PUERTO VALLARTA BY ROAD OFFERS MAGNIFICENT SCENERY THROUGHOUT JOURNEY

The drive from the USA border to Puerto Vallarta is beautiful, the country side slowly fading from one landscape into another, saguaro cacti desert as far as the eye can see, followed by fertile farmland, with tractors tilling the soil, then bustling cities, lush jungle and the bright blue Pacific Ocean.

Locals peddle their wares at the topes (speed bumps) as traffic is forced to slow down entering communities. By driving, a sense of the magnificent country, its people and culture can be experienced in a manner completely missed when traveling by airline or cruise ship.

Overnight accommodations and restaurants are plentiful and available for all tastes and budgets in many of the lovely cites and communities along the way. Often travelers use auto-hotels or what some refer to as “no tell motels” usually found on the outskirts of cities. They are safe and provide vehicle security, especially important if cargo is being left in the vehicle or a motorcycle is being ridden. Each unit is self contained including a private garage. They can be rented by the hour or all night for a reasonable rate.

A situation that causes anxiety in some less experienced visitors to Mexico is being stopped at road blocks by armed military, police officers or local authorities. Just remember, as long as you don’t have anything to hide, it is just routine. They are merely looking for illegal activity or perhaps checking for fruit and plants being transported from one area to another. They normally will inquire where you came from and where you are going and may ask for identification or vehicle papers. Be polite, cooperate and you will soon be back on your way to your tropical paradise destination of Puerto Vallarta.

Read more about how to get to Puerto Vallarta.