I'm Taking My Talents to Bahia Asuncion

[crazywakeboarder]

How safe is the 500+ mile drive south of the border?

I have never been to Mexico. All you hear on the news is terrible stuff down there, but then again its the news and horror gets views.

How safe is this particular drive?

[rossman]

I personally have never had any issues driving in Mexico. When you drive through the cities and villages you have to obey the speed limits and they can be tricky because they can be posted at 90 or 100 kpm and then boom a quick change to 45 kpm for not much more than a bus stop. In the cities and towns I just try to go the same speed or a little slower than the locals..
Every one says to not drive at night but because I know the road quite well I tend to cross the border an hour or two before sunrise and am through the metro areas of TJ and Ensenada by daylight. The main issue with nighttime driving is the free range cattle. They are there in the day too but can really surprise you at night. On coming traffic tend to flash their lights at you if there is something going on up ahead. Could be around the next curve or 5 miles ahead. Just drive very defensively.
One thing that is unique to Mexico and especially outside the cities an towns, if you have car trouble or a flat or out of gas, not one local will pass you and not offer help. You could stop for a piss break and have 3 cars waiting for you to make sure you don't need help. Try that in the US.
There are 3 or 4 checkpoints where there are children (seemingly) with machine guns. They tend to ask where are you coming from and where are you going and wave you through. Northbound these checkpoints tend to be a bit more thorough. They may ask you to get out and they will go through your stuff. Take your money and passport and phone and other valuables with you when you vacate the vehicle. Offer water or soda if it is hot, smile and you will be on your way. If you don't do drugs, carry drugs, buy drugs, or sell drugs you will be safer in Mexico than most of the large cities in the US.

[svendawg]

Originally Posted by crazywakeboarder

How safe is the 500+ mile drive south of the border?

I have never been to Mexico. All you hear on the news is terrible stuff down there, but then again its the news and horror gets views.

How safe is this particular drive?

If your nervous about driving in Mexico, sign ip for one of the Baja or Bust trips and drive with them in a caravan to the fishing spot. This will give you a chance to experience driving in Mexico, Plus you get to fish Mexico's waters. It's a win, win.
After a few trips you will fell comfortable enough to join Rossman at his Casa in paradise

[rossman]

Originally Posted by svendawg

If your nervous about driving in Mexico, sign ip for one of the Baja or Bust trips and drive with them in a caravan to the fishing spot. This will give you a chance to experience driving in Mexico, Plus you get to fish Mexico's waters. It's a win, win.
After a few trips you will fell comfortable enough to join Rossman at his Casa in paradise

That is a very good point Sven. The good thing or the bad thing about Asuncion is that it is generally a 2 day trip to get there. You can make it in one day but you will have to deal with unpacking and setting up after dark most times of the year. Even with my situation I am taking two days to get down there because I have to make contact with the caretaker and housekeeper when I get there and that will be easier at 11:00 am than 8:00 pm . Since I am already set up and if you come visit I would not hesitate suggesting making the trip in one day, especially if you have made the trip before. The worst case would be you arrive late at night and you grab a spot on the floor or on a cot and deal with the rest manana. It is the Mexican way.