The bulk of the violence in Mexico is up near the US Mexican border, but there are problems throughout the country.   Most of the violence is between rival drug gangs, but bystanders do get caught up in things as well.  There have been some kidnappings.  I would recommend checking with your consulate to see what their current areas of concern are and to advise them of your plans so they know how to notify you if something arises.  I know the US State Department has a way to register with them before you travel.  I expect the Canadians may have something similar.  I would recommend driving during the day, and on well known routes, perhaps letting someone know when you are expected to arrive in Valladolid.   I heard a report this morning that they are advising Mexican Nationals residing in the US who are planning to drive home for the holidays to travel in convoys and only during the day. That would be up in the most affected areas along the border.  The problems are much less frequent down in the Yucatan, though taking precautions is recommended. 

Posted Nov 23, 2010

We've driven from Playa del Carmen via Coba to Valladolid on the free road many times over the years without incident. Though most guide books and the likes suggest that you are safer using the quota (toll) road. If you are traveling from Cancun to Valladolid, you would take the quota road. We've traveled that route as well several times. Its not nearly as interesting, however, it is much quicker. All reports from our expat friends who live in the area say that the area is still as safe to travel as it ever was - one of these friends runs a private tour business that travels this route several times a week without any problems.

Posted Nov 23, 2010

I prefer the Yucatan and it's much safer than Baja or border.  Just know that anything can happen anywhere at any time so be aware and enjoy the trip.  Had an experience with a drunk federale near Puerto Vallarta once. He claimed I drove through a stop sign, which did not exist.  A few bucks in his pocket cleared up the misunderstanding and when I politely asked for his badge number he gave me the cash back and fled the scene.  Have a fun adventure! 

Posted Dec 02, 2010

Not sure; sorry.  It's been a few years since I was in Mexico.

Posted Dec 05, 2010

Mexico has become considerably less safe to drive in over the last few years, the notable exception is the Yucatan peninsula where it is still quite safe to travel. My brother lives on Isla Mujeres 6 months of the year for the past 10 years and have driven down from Canada every year until this year. The border is the least safe, there is so much corruption and drug smuggling that for the first time he left his car at home. There are some areas between the border and Cancun that are getting less safe as well but the Yucatan is very tourist friendly and should be fine.

Posted Dec 06, 2010

I just took that route this summer, and while we went by public transit, I saw multiple tourists driving themselves - I'd have no problem driving this route myself.  If you're worried, I'd take the toll road - it's quicker and has checkpoints along the way.  We did convince a taxi to drive us from the Cancun airport straight to Valladolid...we took the non-toll road and had a lovely 3-4 hour drive without incident.  I'd just take the normal precautions and you should be fine :-)

Posted Dec 06, 2010

Last January, I took a bus from Cancun to Merida which passed through Valladolid and saw nothing worth noting. Like Ashley, I'd have no problem driving this route myself. In fact, a buddy and I rode our bicycles all over this part of Yucatan. It's very rural and peaceful.

Last month, I spent 5 days driving all over Baja Norte organizing bicycle routes and again, nothing worth noting. We had to stop at two military checkpoints to have the car searched but it was a non-event.

Several places in Mexico are hotspots for drug/gang violence (Juarez for sure) but much of the rest of country (and mind you, it's a large country) is just fine.

All this said, travel at night should be avoided and the usual precautions when traveling someplace unfamiliar should be observed.

It's a pretty boring drive through flat scrub so taking the 'cuota' would save time and you wouldn't miss much.

Posted Dec 11, 2010

We visited Colima and the coastline south of Puerto Vallarta about a year and a half ago - traveling with 3 children.  Although - we experienced nothing but gracious hospitality and I really do love Mexico - I would definitely be wary to go back right now......... as not just violence near the border but economic problems throughout the country are escalating.  I haven't been to the Yucatan in over 15 years - and it was perfectly safe at that time - but I really don't know how it is now.

Posted Dec 14, 2010

We recently did the trip from Cancun to Chichen Itza which passes through V. Had no trouble and enjoyed seeing the "other" side of Mexico. I was amazed at the palapa roofs attached to cement block buildings. Families were out everywhere, Sometimes a whole family on one bicycle. We stopped along the way and asked directions. People were kind and helpful.

Posted Dec 26, 2010

Rules for driving in Mexico - drive during daylight hours, try not to drive alone, don't carry lots of cash - basic rules in most thrid world countries. As stated by others, most of the violence (60%) is isolated to 4 northern states.  Have a great time and visit us at Playa Viva some time when you are on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

Posted Dec 30, 2010