Mexico and Central American adentures????

[Frank]

Hello !!

We haven't even taken possession of our 'new' 1968 tradewind yet and are already dreaming about grand trips!!

We would like to plan a long trip to Central America and are wondering who has already been in, and through, Mexico with an Airstream!

Any stories, advise, recommendations, suggestions (and/or warnings!) will be most welcome and appreciated

thank you and best regards,

Frank & Marjo Berendsen

[Pahaska]

I went on a Copper Canyon caravan with "Tracks To Adventure" out of El Paso, TX with a prior trailer. We spent 5 days on flatcars going over the mountains and past Copper Canyon. I had a great time.

The Mexican people along the way were uniformly friendly and helpful. You do have to guard against pilfering, though. We were advised by the tour folks to take off tire valve caps and other small moveable items that small kids, especially, could remove.

The roads were mostly narrower than here, but in fair condition. There are generally no shoulders on the roads, though, and few places to pull off. You don't want to drop a wheel off the edge, because there are usually dropoffs. The worst thing are the dips where streams cross the road. Wish I could remember what they are called (it has been 10 years). There are always warning signs for the dips and you had darned well better obey them and creep across or you will become airborne and possibly break the suspension of the trailer.

Gas was fairly cheap and of good quality at state-run stations.

Be aware you can't take fruit and vegetables across some state lines, even stuff you just bought at a supermarket. They stripped my fridge at a checkpoint. I figure the guards ate well that night.

[uwe]

I confirm everything John says. John, - these dips are called " Vados" by the way.
The roads are different, often banked the wrong way, and narrow. I travel baja California, never had anything but good experiences with the locals.
(" Hey mang, where you guys been - we're waiting with dinner for you" was one family's response when we came back to the campground from getting ice at the local market)
I amnot sure of the situation on mainland.
The gas is pricey now - $2.20 a gallon at the Pemex.
We love going, and camping right smack on one of the beaches.
Good luck!
Uwe