Mexico: Go or No??

With the growing level of violence around the border and in the big cities is it advisable to venture south of the border to partake in the excellent climbing? Weigh in one and all, supporters and devil's advocates alike. And, if anyone is driving down from the Vegas area or from anywhere in TX this winter let me know if you might have an extra spot in the car, pretty please. Ready... GO!

mountainproject.com/v/inter…

mountainproject.com/v/inter…

If you are flying there is nothing to worry about. Driving will get you different answers. I was there last week and had an unexpected day in Monterrey and all was good.

On a rest day we went through some canyons with a cab to the hot springs (the nice one). There were lots of military and lots of guns in the canyon. It was intimidating but those aren't the guys to worry about.

This doesn't provide a yes or no answer but I thought you may find the US State Dept's info helpful: travel.state.gov/travel/cis…

Dude, it is shear pandemonium down here! El Potrero Chico is like the Thunder Dome right now. I have been down here for a week now and have seen the Policia take 2 people away in the middle of the night with black bags over their heads. During the day soldiers drive through the canyon and take pot-shots at all the climbers. I had to dig a slug out of my buddy's back the other day with a cactus needle. There are no doctors here so all we had to give him for the pain was a rat turd.
AVOID POTRERO AT ALL COSTS!

Nah, Im just kidding. Its totally cool. Drive or fly its all good. There are people who have driven here from as far as Quebec.

The weather is great! The climbing is fun. The people are fantastic, locals and visitors. You would be doing yourself a disservice not coming down here.

If you need a guide, La Posada has the best.

I was down in the Potrero in early December. Flew into Monterrey, took a shuttle (organized from the Posada beforehand) to the campground.
Zero problems, would go back for sure.

Like everyone's said, I think it depends on where you're going and how you're getting there.

I have a couple of negative perspectives that are probably counteracted by the above comments. One, my mom's from Mexico and according to her and family down there it's really dicey. Two, I have a brother-in-law in Austin who has travelled recently to some border towns for compliance work and has reported some scary stuff and, as a result, won't be going back soon.

I'm not an alarmist. I've traveled many times to places where the State Dept. has issued warnings. I generally think people (Americans especially) overestimate safety issues when traveling overseas, to Mexico in particular. Just consider the info you receive in light of where you'll be and what you'll be doing.

Thanks for the info, you're all wonderful! Crusty I think you can bet on me showing up within the next month or so ready cry about how my endurance has gone to s**t. Muchas gracias!

It's no Jaurez, but me and the family went down to Kino Bay (via Nogales) for xmas. Got searched by the Americans going in and coming out (no fines, thanks) The Mexican authorities probably didn't even know we were there.
Have fun!
Steve

I've been taking my wife and kids down to the Baja for several years now. My general impression is that bad crap can happen any where but if it happens in Mexico at least you'll have some of the most generous and sincerely helpful people you could ever find, eager to help you out. We'll be heading back down the last week of May and staying for a couple of weeks. Our main goal is beach bumming and exploring, but we will stop in Catavina for a day or two (think Joshua Tree but nearly undiscovered). Any one wanting to caravan to that point or beyond would be welcome. The second best part about Mexico (after the people) is the food. Tacos de birria....

simplyvallarta.com/safety-o…

Allen you know as well as I do that, It's verwy wisky! Any thing could happen down theha ! And IT always dose and always has soo ! Go!

Mike Washburn wrote:I've been taking my wife and kids down to the Baja for several years now. My general impression is that bad crap can happen any where but if it happens in Mexico at least you'll have some of the most generous and sincerely helpful people you could ever find, eager to help you out. We'll be heading back down the last week of May and staying for a couple of weeks. Our main goal is beach bumming and exploring, but we will stop in Catavina for a day or two (think Joshua Tree but nearly undiscovered). Any one wanting to caravan to that point or beyond would be welcome. The second best part about Mexico (after the people) is the food. Tacos de birria....

Like Mike says!!!

Mexico is a dump.

leo costillo wrote:Mexico is a dump.

I am sure Leo's opinion is well informed.

Come on down--everything here is tranquilo.

Check out my blog: magicedspotrerochico.com

Hay Ed, Great blog Dude!
I have several friends that make a winter climbing trips to El Potrero Chico each winter.
I would love to be able to join them on one of their visits.
The place looks great!
I have made numerous surfing and wind surfing trips down the Baja over the years and had every kind of adventure imaginable.
"Some of it has been magic some of it has been tragic"
But it sure was fun!

Another thanks for the incredibly informative photographs and the curt bash on Mexico in general (classy Leo). Is anyone headed down from TX or do you have advice on buses into Monterrey from the States?? Happy climbing.

Ok I see lots of opinions and funny people (Allen the Simply Vallarta video was hilarious) but I do not see any real info on driving. So here is my specific question...
I've driven to EPC several times the last was 2 years ago, I'm familiar with the journey. What concerns are there in driving through the Loredo or the Columbia crossing? I would cross early in the day and take the toll road to Monterrey. Are there any known problems with this agenda? I'm certain that there is no problems in Hidalgo.
If anyone is interested in splitting gas I'd be leaving from Den/Bldr. In a week or so, i'm flexable.

Lots of folks (including myself) have made that drive through Laredo recently and have had no problems. Like you said, drive during the day and stay on the toll roads.