Need advice on a route from Brownsville, Tx to the border with Guatamala. I would like to stay off the toll roads ,but still be able to munch 500-600 miles per day. Good scenery would be a plus as would entertaining riding.

Bob

You can follow 180 down the coast all the way to Vewracruz. From there it gets a little tricky. Stay on 180 if you can to Cosoleacaque. My map doesn't show the highway number I took from there to Villahermosa and Macuspana. The crossing at La Mesilla is a little better than Tapachula. Head to Comitan and La Trinitaria. La Mesilla is on the Guatemala side on 190, I think.

Good luck and when are you leaving?
John

I just reread your post. There is alot of toll roads on that route. They have a habit of putting the toll booths around a corner where you can't see them until you are past any place to turn off. My advice is to go ahead and take the toll roads. Trying to find alternatives may not be worth the time. Most of them are just a couple dollars, and the time you save by taking them will make up the difference.
John

I am beginning to think you may be right about the toll roads since my goal is to buzz through Mexico fairly quickly.

I am leaving home ( West Virginia) on June 13.

Mexico 180 is not a toll road, it is definitely the best way south out of Brownsville/Matamoras. The only toll is at the bridge in Tampico. The toll roads in Mexico are expensive, not many people use them.

If you want to drive the most awe-awe-awesome twisty mountain roads, take Mexico 190 from just south of Mexico City down through Oaxaca and Tehuantepec. You better know how to ride! This route takes an extra half day or so.

Otherwise take Mexico 185 south and Mexico 200 down to Huixtla/Tapachula. I have had good luck crossing into Guatemala at both Ciudad Hidalgo and La Mesilla. I recommend staying in Coatepeque Guatemala, it is the coolest town - major culture shock for an American - kids riding dirtbikes and quads all up and down the main streets.

One time I rode a Suzuki DR350ES from Tehuacan (south of Mexico City) to Brownsville in 16-1/2 hours.

Dirtbikes and parts are all over Guatemala. But there are few motorcycles in Mexico, due to a history of high import tariffs and other restrictions. Drivers in Mexico are not used to seeing motorcycles on the open road, they may assume you are on a small Carabela doing 35 mph, so be extra wary. Passing on the back roads is aggressive, but people tend to pay attention when they are driving, unlike the U.S.

Any other questions, feel free to e-mail me.

hello bassarider, how are you getting on. we have just entered mexico and are headed quite quick down the baja and over to belize. see you on the road perhaps

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