Road to Mexico

Last December, Bob and I loaded the Jeep Cherokee with surf rods, three dogs and our luggage and headed south for Bucerias, Mexico. As we crossed at the Columbia-Laredo border crossing into Mexico, we didn't know what to expect. We actually missed the building we needed to get our FMM Tourist Visa and TIP car registration. Luckily we made a big circle. We cicled back around, passing the first building on the right and the car inspection area and parking immediately after that in the covered parking area. The building is just to the right as you enter Mexico. It's easy to miss. It is the covered parking just past the car inspection area. You will have to walk thru the car inspection area to get to the building.

We were well prepared having already purchased the Tourist Visa online. We had our 3 copies premade so they could stamp our copies, and review our passport. Upon entering the building, the FMM area was to the far right of the buliding. We were in and out of the office with our FMM in less than 5 minutes. Next to get it copied. There is a copy machine line in the middle of the building (almost a closet with a copy machine). You get in that line to make copies of the FMM so you can register the car and get a TIP.

ADVICE: We had already made 3 copies each of our passports, visas, car registration, car title, and car insurance. These copies came in handy for the car registration process and TIP. Otherwise you have to go to the copy machine line and wait your turn to have all of these documents copied in addition to the stamped FMM.

Amazingly for gringos driving into Mexico for the first time, we were in and out with all of our documentation in less than 30 minutes!

Our destination for the first day (New Year's Eve) was Las Palmas Midway Inn in Matahuala, Mexico. It is THE HOTEL where everyone from the US and Canada stay when traveling with animals. When we arrived, it was like stepping back into time. The sign, ranch style buildings and palm trees reminded me of Los Angelas circa 1950's. The rooms had been updated and there were walking paths for dogs and people. The price was right. Highly recommend.

Our next night we planned to stay with friends in Ajijic, Mexico located in the mountains along the largest lake in Mexico, Lake Chapala. Throughout our journey driving in Mexico, we hadn't realized how close the mountains would be or how nice the divided highway as we traveled the toll roads. Stay on the toll roads and only travel during day light.

Before your trip, purchase about USD$300 of Mexican Pesos for the toll roads between the border and Purerto Vallarta. We ordered through our bank $500 worth of Mexican Pesos through our online bank account and they mailed them to us. You'll also want to keep a few MXD $5 as you go through toll booths for the rest stops and some extra toilet paper - just in case they are out.

We arrived in Ajijic on New Year's Day and everyone was out enjoying the weather and celebrating along the shores and parks of Lake Chapela. Our friends were fantastic tour guides of the area. The Ajijic area has been designated a national Arts and Cultural area in Mexico. The mountains keep the temperature cool year-round. Many people from the coast often have summer homes in this area. With it being just after Christmas, the baby Jesus had been put into the manger. And the Jocotepic sign let us look back towards Ajijic and Lake Chapela as we headed on our final leg of the journey towards Bucerias.

The final day pushed us into the mountains and jungle on the two-way highway towards Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They are still working to build the divided 4 lane hightway through the mountainous jungles. We were happy to be heading towards PV as the other lane heading the other direction was bumper to bumper for hours. When the new toll road is finally finished, this will make travel much faster and safer.

The Bucerias, Mexico area is growing and booming, yet still has that small town charm. We fell in love with the place.