Travel by van through Mexico to Guatemala - is it safe?

Question

We're planning to drive our camper van from San Diegoto Guatemala but I've heard some scary stories about banditos. Is it safe? Where can you park for overnight stops? Any suggestions?

Appreciate any information. Thanks.

Answer 1

>>>>> Where can you park for overnight stops?

That's kind of hard to say for all of Mexico.  If you can't find an RV Park (get a book on RVing in Mexico) the next best might be a Pemex gas station.  If staying in a Pemex, talk to the attendants and maybe offer them a few pesos.  Many have a small convenience stores and bathrooms

Mexico is probably safer than Guatemala

Answer 2

In Mexico it is relatively safe, but I would not adventure myself into Guatemala. Change your route a bit and visit the yucatan peninsula, there are so many Mayan Pyramids and burial sites there and you could visit the Riviera Maya with one of the best beaches of the Carribbean and the food is great. Just keep on the highways  and don't drive at night. keep the important cash and money hidden. find out about consular services.

have fun

Answer 3

I have driven from the US through Mexico and as far as Panama in Central America on several occasions but I don't do it any more.Personally,I came to the conclusion that it is just not cost effective.There are rumors and urban legend's that continue to circulate about bandit's,crooked cops etc.Most have little basis in fact and have just been repeated and embellished by each new story teller.Bad things sometimes do happen in Mexico and the countries of Central America but they also happen in the US and Canada as well. There are more and more campgrounds being developed in Mexico but in Central America they are still pretty sparse.RVing and camping is not something the people of those countries do but they do wonder a lot about why we do. The whole concept of sleeping in a vehicle escapes them. Hope this helps you in some way I know I wasn't very specific...If you are determined to take the van then email me and I can provide you with more detailed driving information as well as the name of trusted friend to contact in Guatemala. If I don't hear from you,I hope you have a great and memorable trip....juan23

Answer 4

its almost as safe as driving from San Diego to San Francisco.

yes, you might be taxed by a Federaly or two. but that doesnt happen as much as it used to. as for bandits i guess there are bad people everywhere.

I drove as far south as mexico city and had no problems. but i know thats not going to be everybody's experience.

just be safe and know that if anything bad happens, it can happen in the USA as well.  so don t let it ruin your trip.

did you ever see the I love Lucy episode where they travel across the U.S. ? yes the stereotype also exists where americans are the crooks, americans are the corupt cops, etc...

...so if anything bad happens, that just life. its not a mexico thing. its a life thing.

have fun.