MEXICO ON THE ROAD IN
Buy your travel medical insurance on line new! For a free quote click here
Regions
○
Planning & Info ○
RVing ○
Road Logs ○ Insurance
○ Photos
○
Mexico News ○
Ontheroadin
|
MEXICO ON THE ROAD IN
Buy your travel medical insurance on line new! For a free quote click here
Regions
○
Planning & Info ○
RVing ○
Road Logs ○ Insurance
○ Photos
○
Mexico News ○
Ontheroadin
|
|
RV Travel updates are brought to you by
fellow travelers in Mexico...we do our best to verify the
information.
La
Joyita - Closed in Uruapan -
New RV Park on Lake Chapala The following report is from Merv and Doris Richie who stayed with us in November. They are on the Caribbean now staying at Paamul. "ROCA AZUL" Trailer Park & Resort is located at the west end of Lake Chapala. It is a small RV park - only 19 spaces. If the park is fairly full, there is only about 3 or 4 spots for big rigs. 30 amp electric, sewer, and a very good water supply (good pressure- may need a pressure reducer). To get to "ROCA AZUL' - from Guadalajara - one takes the road that goes to Colima. Go about 30 kms and turn onto the road that goes to Morelia (It is a four lane road until the turn-off). The road to Morelia is a narrow 2 lane road. One travels about 20 kms on this road to the turn-off to Jocotepec (toward Chapala). Go 800 meters (about 1/2 mile) to the turn-off to 'ROCA AZUL', which is on the left. It is VERY NECESSARY to travel very slowly, because one can only see the entrance sign when one is about 100 ft from the turn-in. After turning in, it is 2 kms to the RV Park, on a cobblestone drive (which is divided for the first km.) The manager’s name is Edgar, and his wife & daughter have the same name - Coco. He speaks English. E-mail address is rocazul40@hotmail.com, and the tel # is (01387)7630426. It is a nice park with soccer fields, tennis courts, volleyball area, walking areas, large swimming pool. Also one can see the lake from the east end of the park. To bad it's such a lousy lake (very polluted). Not a bad spot if you can't be near the ocean. When we were there we were the first users of the brand new park. Two other units (from California) came in the next day; they were on their way to Colima and the coast. Merv & Doris Excellent and detailed update by William Bunten We crossed in to Mexico on October 24th of 2003, and crossed out of Mexico to Belize on December 9th, 2003.We traveled from Matamorros along the gulf coast, up into the Yucatán to Merida and Cancun, then the Quintana Roo coast to Belize. Perhaps due to the time that we traveled, we found ourselves alone at almost every facility that we stayed at until we got into the more southern areas, excepting the truly touristy spots like Palenque. What follows is a description of each place we stayed, including the cost and number of nights we were there, as well as our personal impressions of the place and the experience. We did not, generally speaking, use any of the bathroom or shower facilities at any of these places, preferring our own. We traveled with two children, four and five years of age, so our itinerary and what we looked for in a campground was affected by their needs and desires as well as ours. Swimming became important, and we chose places with pools or swimming, if we could, over others. We have a Ford F-350 and a 27’ (30’ to the ball) Eclipse “toy hauler” type trailer. All in all we are about 50’ long and need vertical clearance of about 12’-6” so we are pretty big. Any place that we could go I expect most anybody can go as well. We do have very good ground clearance. Ciudad Victoria Victoria Trailer Park (one night) 150? pesos a night, water, sewer and electricity Victoria Trailer Park is in a large field with trees. We had no real difficulties maneuvering, though we had to watch some branches. The field had not been mowed for a while but wasn’t too high. The owner, Russ, was helpful and knowledgeable about the road ahead. There is a shopping center nearby with a grocery store and bank. Russ told us that the Tampico trailer park was closed. We did drive by where it should have been and did not see it, though that is not definitive. We went straight through to the Condado Western just north of Poza Rica. Get an early start for this drive. We had our only run in with corrupt police in Tampico, where north of the city they stopped us for not coming to a complete stop at a “tope” or speed bump. This is complete hooey, of course, and as we stood there we watched every passing vehicle fail to come to a complete stop. We pointed this out (in Spanish), and insisted on going to the Commandancia rather than pay $50.00 US, and eventually they just let us go. Poza Rica Condado Western (one night) Carretera Tampico-Tuxpan, Km 50 125 pesos a night, water and electricity Even though we were both looking for it, we cruised right by the Condado Western and had to turn around and find it from the other direction. It has two driveways, the regular one that enters the motel area from the south, and a little used grassy entrance into a field on the north side. If you are coming from the north, go slow, as you want that grassy driveway, and the other driveway doesn’t have room to turn around in unless your rig is small. This is a motel that apparently caters to by-the-hour customers, but because of where we were we were not aware of that activity our one night there. This is just a stopover campground, not a place to hang out, which is fine because there are no attractions nearby. The camping is in the grassy field on the north side, or back of the hotel. There are a few scattered hookups. We were allowed to park where we wanted in the field, and even as the only rig there we needed our long extension cord and hose to get electricity and water. Costa Esmeralda John’s Camping (two nights) 90 pesos a night, water and electricity John’s is one of many camping sites along the Costa Esmeralda. We liked it because it is big, fairly open and at the time of our arrival, empty. We had to drive around the back of the pool, through some concrete posts installed for some future water-park type giant slide, and maneuver around some trees to get situated. Once we were in though, it was nice. Our door opened out in the direction of the pool and the ocean. We were there for the weekend, and lots of people came to use the pool on the Saturday that we were there. It was fun to share the pool with the Mexican families, and our kids met some of their kids, and everyone had fun going down the existing big slide. The only real negative to report is that we had some of the old that-price-wasn’t-for-everyone-it-is-a-per-person-price crap when it was time to pay. I speak good Spanish and know that I clarified what the price was for on the way in. We ended up paying somewhat more than I had been told but not nearly what they were asking for. There are lots and lots of campgrounds to choose from here, just cruise around till you find one you like the look of and get a price. Our size limited our choices to some extent. El Tajin and Papantla are well worth the day trip, even though you do have to pay tolls in both directions. Veracrúz Balneario Mocambo (two nights) Playas de Mocambo Boca del Río, Veracruz 150 pesos a night, water and electricity, central dump station The Balneario Mocambo is overpriced for what it is. The campsites are in an open field between the beach on one side and a public road on the other. There is a busy restaurant just across the street. The field was unkempt and the risers with services were overgrown. Investigation revealed that all but one of the electrical hookups were inoperative. There is no fencing or security of any kind. After looking around for a while we elected to park near a wall on the side closest to the beach, near the office, rather than out in the open field. There were no other campers there when we were, and the field felt very exposed. We were able to get electricity, but no water. There is a dump station in the driveway, situated so it is easier to access on your way in rather than on your way out. You will need to ask them to show you where it is. There is no water available near the dump station. By and large we found the owners of the Balneario Mocambo to show little concern for the “trailer park” portion of their business. They were happy to take our money but made very little effort to help accommodate us in a way that was convenient or secure. One very friendly worker came and eventually helped us with electricity, but he was the exception. We stayed less time in Veracruz because we were not happy there. In the neighborhood of the Balneario there is a state tourism office just down the main street to the north on the opposite (or southbound) side, in a multi story building with a Banamex branch and a Banamex sign out front. It is just opposite the Puerta del Sol Hotel. The tourism office has no signs, but it is on the fourth floor, down the hall on the left. We encountered there a very nice lady who spoke English and was very helpful. As a camping alternative, there is a Super WalMart in Veracruz, which may allow boondocking. We were still early in our trip and not ready to try it yet. For our experiences boondocking in Mexico at a WalMart, see Villahermosa. Lake Catemaco Playa Azul (two nights) 100 pesos with water and electricity, central dump station As we entered Catemaco, a man near the Pemex was quick to tell us that La Cieba was the only campground in town. However, we went on to the Playa Azul Hotel, and were happy we did. We did not check out La Cieba. This isn’t really a campground, but a hotel that allows RV campers to stay in front of their bungalows. The driveway is a big loop once you get past the office, so there is no issue with turning around or getting stuck. Go around the loop clockwise to put your door on the inside of the loop near the cabanas. You will be on one side of a wide driveway at the bottom of the hill, closest to the lake and the swimming pool. Electricity can be run from little bungalows, and if you choose you can use the bathrooms as well. The bungalows were under renovation at the time of our stay, so we did not use their bathroom. There is a pool, a small children’s play area, a volleyball court and access to the lake. There is not a lake view from the place you park, but there is from the pool and deck areas which are quite close by. Water is available from a hose bib on the back of the office building; fill up if you need to on your way in or out. The dump station is unmarked, and not all of the staff seem to know about it, but it is on the inside of the loop. Unfortunately it is about 15’ in from the curb, and a lowish tree overhangs the drive just nearby. We were able to dump, but only after turning around to circle the driveway counterclockwise to bring our hookups to the near side. We have a 20’ sewer hose and just made it. There is a hose bib for water nearby. If the entrance to the loop is at 12 o’clock, the dump station is at roughly 4 to 5 o’clock. There is a grade change at the entrance which could cause trouble for low rigs if they try to enter from the right as they come out from town. Better to go up a way, turn around and enter from the other direction. Also taller rigs should beware of a low overhanging roof in front of the office. We were able to skirt around it. Playa Azul is a pleasant, quiet place, and we had fun by the lake and in the pool. Catemaco is also a nice town, with a lively central square and a pretty Malecón by the lake. Villahermosa WalMart Parking Lot (2 nights) No services We stayed for two nights in the WalMart parking lot in Villahermosa, after failing to find the supposed camping area at the fairgrounds. We know some other people who did camp at the fairgrounds, but we were unable to find a single soul out there to tell us which of the many driveways and parking lots to use, or to let us in. You have to gauge your own comfort level for boondocking this way, especially if you are the only rig in your caravan, as we were. We were somewhat nervous but in the end had no bad experiences the times that we boondocked in Mexico. We even unhooked the trailer and left it at this WalMart during the day so that we could go to La Venta Museum. During the day, the crowds of shoppers and store security keep it safe. However, WalMarts in Mexico (even though they are all Super WalMarts) do not stay open 24/7, so their parking lot lights go out and store security goes away after closing (11pm or so). We were happily assured that the city police would provide “vigilencia” for us while on their rounds around the city. Boondocking at WalMarts in Mexico is not a common thing like it is in the U.S., so if you don’t speak Spanish it may be hard to get them to understand what you want to do. I found it hard enough sometimes even speaking decent Spanish. When they do understand what you want to do they may say “Oh yes, of course!” or, conversely, they may look at you like you have two heads. Palenque Maya Bell Campground (three nights) 130 pesos per night, full hookups We liked the Maya Bell. We had our reservations going in because it didn’t look like it would be easy to maneuver our large rig in there but it worked out just fine. There is a loop road that has back-in spaces off of it. On the inside of the loop the spaces back up to each other, so if there are not many people there you could pull into one space through another. We ended up just backing into one. It is a pleasant green place, with trees, grass and a great swimming pool, which was made by damming a little stream. We spent lots of time in that pool, and floating boats down the bypass channel. One of the best things about this campsite is that you are about as close to the archaeological site as you can be, and many people walk to the ruins. There were other campers here, more than at any other campsite we had stayed in so far. It is primarily an international backpacker type crowd. There is a restaurant which seems popular. We ate there on the last night and enjoyed it very much. Near Palenque we checked out Los Leones first because we were worried about the size of our rig at Maya Bell, but it was closed for business(they said temporarily) when we were there. Isla Aguada La Cabaña (one night) 150 pesos a night, 110 pesos with Passport America, full hookup La Cabaña is owned by a very friendly guy, Tomás, who was a gracious host, and speaks English. Signs leading to La Cabaña say only “hotel”, and even on the actual sign at the campsite the words La Cabaña are very small. It is in a lovely location, on the beach at the mouth of the opening to the Laguna de Términos. The campground was empty when we were there. The back-in spaces are in a fenced area next to the beach, and we were able to set up with our door facing the water. A gate in the fence allows access to the beach which is a great place to collect shells and watch the fishermen, but we would not recommend anyone to swim there. Among the myriad of interesting shells on the beach were lots of fish parts and dead sea life. We had a positive experience with the Mexican Police just west of here. We drove our truck into Ciudad del Carmen, and ended up driving back at dusk, in the rain. We were pulled over and informed that our tail lights were out. But rather than hassling us, the police advised us to turn on our flashers and drive safely. Campeche Samula Trailer Park (two nights) 30 pesos, electricity Samula Trailer Park was once in an orange grove in a residential neighborhood of Campeche. The orange grove was sold in Novenber of 2002, however, and what remains of Samula Trailer Park are three spaces inside the yard of the owner. We could not begin to fit through the gate, and ended up parking on the side the street, just outside the gate, and running an extension cord through to an outlet. We have a 50’ extension cord and have been glad many times over that we do. The street is almost an alley; it is unpaved, has ruts from runoff and has little to no traffic. That last fact was what allowed us to feel comfortable there. Some French Canadians traveling in a VW camper van stayed inside the yard while we were there. The woman who runs the park speaks some English, and she and her sons are very friendly. Our kids made friends immediately with her four dogs and were taking them for walks in no time. Across the street lives an elderly American couple, both in their nineties, who have been living in Chetumal part-time for years. They have an RV in their yard. It is not very easy to find this place, and the streets are narrow, but we were able to make it, though we did have to plan our route out ahead of time. Uxmal Rancho Uxmal (one night) 30 pesos a night, no hookups Contrary to plan, we found ourselves approaching Uxmal after dark, and in the pouring rain. We found Camping Sacbe, but were turned away by the owner. He told us he thought we would get stuck. He sent us on up to Uxmal (nine miles away), with the vague idea that we would be able to find a place to camp there. Uxmal did offer us the opportunity to park in their lot for $100 pesos a night (with no services), but the lot in question turned out to be a small lake due to the rain. The other option that we knew of, the Cana Nah Restaurant, was closed when we drove past, but next to it there was another restaurant with a large parking lot called Rancho Uxmal. Though our request to camp overnight in their parking lot was obviously a new one for them, they happily agreed to make 30 easy pesos. It was a nice, large, fairly level parking lot. We backed up to the restaurant for the night and did not unhitch. We did not go back to check out Camping Sacbe. Mérida (note: we stayed longer in Mérida and Chichen Itza than we were planning because we were waiting for a package to arrive. It never did. Do not send important things by U.S. Postal Service to Mexico; always use FedEx.) Rainbow RV Campground (three nights) 180 pesos an night, full hookup Cost is on a sliding scale based on rig size. (We were in the most expensive category.) The woman, Patricia, who runs this campground is nice, but is inflexible on price and is looking to sell the place. Apparently it has not been very busy and she has a hard time getting good help. Her land value has been increasing due to the construction of malls nearby, so the Rainbow is probably not long for this world. There was no one else there when we were, so we had the large field to ourselves. We ended up parking sort of catty corner, which you couldn’t do if the place was full. This is hard to imagine, however, as the field is huge and even has a section that she has abandoned using. Some of the sites were undergoing electrical repairs, so when we chose a site she sent a man out to make sure ours was working. There was a small swing set. There is a furniture manufacturing facility behind the campground whose access road goes right through the campground, but all in all it was very quiet there. A laundry, beer sub-agency and an internet shop are conveniently located on the other side of the street. There is lots to do in Mérida, and we recommend the ruins of Dzibilchaltún to the north. The ruins themselves while fun, are not as much a drew as the swimmable cenote. Unfortunately the WalMart here has a parking structure suitable only for automobiles. Carrefours Parking Lot (three nights) Free Just down the street (to the south) from the Rainbow Trailer Park is a Carrefours, a hypermarket like a Super WalMart. We spoke to them when shopping, and they agreed to let us stay in their parking lot. We located the trailer according to their request and our security considerations, and unhitched the truck. It was there that we identified a problem with our trailer, a broken suspension bolt that had caused the whole trailer to fall about 6” on one side, and damage some brackets on the undercarriage. Thankfully, Merida is a big place and we finally found a store at which we could buy graded bolts, La Casa de Tornillos (The House of Screws). We fixed the trailer right there in their parking lot. If you stay for free in a store parking lot, please patronize the store. Your request to stay the night is also more compelling when backed up by a brimming shopping cart. Chichen Itza Piramide Inn (five nights) 80 pesos per night, electricity (110 and 220) and water The Piramide Inn is a nice little hotel, built by the father of the current owner, a friendly American lady. We set up in the parking lot that is between the hotel and the street. The parking lot is entered at the middle, with areas to each side which can accommodate RVs. We chose the left hand side, which had the dual benefit of allowing us to back in so that our door faced the hotel rather than the street, and of being screened from the street by a long, tall hedge for some privacy. There is a nice pool behind the hotel, and a restaurant, though we did not eat there. There are also a host of friendly dogs and cats. We enjoyed our stay at the Piramide. Cancún Trailer Park Mecoloco (two nights) 160 pesos a night, full hookup Only a few rigs were in this campground, and some looked like full timers. It was pretty expensive for what it was, an open field with vaguely marked back in spots. It was hard to tell which electric, water and sewer connections went together, so we just chose a place and parked across a few spots so we could take advantage of the wind. This campground is north of the city of Cancun, near a ferry terminal and an o.k. public beach. Playa del Carmen Paa Mul (one night) 220 pesos a night, full hookup This is a very friendly place, where there are lots of snowbirds from the US and Canada who lease their spots and build elaborate palapas over their rigs. All of the spots next to the beach are occupied by these more permanent residents, but the rest of the spots are just fine. They are level back-in spots which back up to each other, so we were able to pull through an empty spot to get to the one we chose. There is a nice bar and a pretty beach, and there seem to be social activities. The day we were there it was volleyball. Paa Mul was out of our budget for a longer term stay, so we moved south to explore the x-beaches. Xpu Ha Beaches La Playa (five nights) 130 pesos a night, full hookup La Playa is at the x-beach road marked X-6. There is a sign at the end of the road that says La Playa. At the end of the driveway is a small restaurant/resort that caters to cruise ship passengers, who are brought by bus for a day of snorkeling and beach activities. If you veer to the left at the end of the road, you enter a small sandy parking area, where you can camp. There is room for about four or five rigs, depending on size, but hookups for only two or three. We lucked into the best spot, which had been reserved for the winter by people who were not showing up. We took the spot short term, and when we left our neighbors, long termers - were going to move over. We backed the trailer up and were literally right at the edge of the beach. Behind us there were some palms and a place for tent camping, then the beach and water just beyond. The water here is iffy, so don’t plan on filling your tank, but a bottled water vendor comes around a couple times a week. There are other camping possibilities nearby. At X-5 a man named Pauli had to be bargained down to 100 pesos a night to park in a lot near the beach with no hookups. At X-7, a place called Bonanza wanted 30 pesos per adult and 15 pesos per kid, but is only suitable for smaller rigs. Explore this area in a smaller vehicle first, if you have one and are in a big rig. Laguna Bacalar Frederico’s Laguna Azul (five nights) 100 pesos per night, no electricity sewer and water available We spent a few days at this really pleasant and quiet campground on Lake Bacalar. It is run by a German/Canadian man named Fritz, who finally gave up on having the Mexicans properly pronounce his name, and went with Frederico. His place is at the north end of Laguna Bacaler, outside of a small town called Pedro A. Santos. There is a well marked road that leads off to the east from the Mex. 307 at kilometer 59. Fritz’s entry road is long, and narrow, and low. We made it in, but not without one adult getting out to push back trees that were leaning too low over the road, clear away brush and dead branches, or otherwise modify the approach. On the way out we met a small car coming in and it was quite a squeaky passage by. Our rig was brushed by branches most of the way down. We found the goal worth achieving, however. It is a tranquil spot, right on the edge of the lake, with back-in R.V. spots, about 8 in all, on either side of his entrance drive. The waterfront is nicely landscaped with an attention to detail uncommon in Mexico. There are also two docks, on which you can relax in lounge chairs, or you can take to the lake in kayaks or an authentic dugout canoe. Fritz has three cute cabanas for rent for 250 pesos a night. This place is better for smaller rigs, but he has had 40’ motorhomes in there, as well as us. He could not accommodate more than one very large rig at once. There was only one spot that we would fit into at all, and that was after Fritz did some tree trimming with his machete. If you have a large rig and are alone or not comfortable driving in tight spaces, do not attempt this campground. We really liked Frederico’s. Cenote Azul Trailer Park (one night) 80 pesos without electricity, 120 pesos with electricity but no A/C one dump station This trailer park is an open field in front of and beside someone’s house. The owner is nice, but the place is very run down. There are a variety of domesticated animals that share the field with you, from dogs to chickens to goats. A sign at the entry says it is for sale. We did not use electricity. We stayed here a night or two before deciding to boondock in Chetumal. Road construction is going on in front of the entrance to this campground, and there were no kilometer posts or Trailer pictogram sign out front (our book had mentioned these). The situation is in flux so there’s no telling what is out there now or will be there in the future. The park is on the same exit from the highway as Cenote Azul, which will be marked from the highway. The road that goes to Cenote Azul is divided near the highway, and you will pass by Cenote Azul, way down below you on the other side of the road, before you reach the Trailer Park. On the way out you can follow the road you came in on, or you can elect to dip down on the bit of road that goes by the entrance to Cenote Azul. Don’t count on parking at the cenote with anything bigger than a regular car or truck; it is better to take the short walk from the campground. The cenote itself is well worth a visit and a swim, and is free, unless you elect to eat there or buy a beer or souvenir. Also at Bacalar is a campground called Balneario Los Coquitos. We did not stay there. It would have been 150 pesos a night, no water, sewer or elec. It is, however, much more attractive than Cenote Azul Trailer Park, and is right on Lake Bacalar. Follow the road that brought you to Cenote Azul Trailer Park around until you are headed north along the western shore of Laguna Bacalar. Balneario Los Coquitos is a grass field, well maintained. We would caution that people with large rigs may have difficulty exiting the campground. We were unable to make the turn from the driveway into the road, which is divided by a grassy median strip with trees. We were forced to go the wrong way down the near side of the road for a short stretch before we could transfer to the right hand side. The road, however, is not at all busy. Calderitas (north of Chetumal) Yas-Ha (Formerly RV Park and Bungalows Calderitas or Sunset on the Caribbean) (did not stay there) Formerly unmarked, now has a trailer sign at the entrance. The entrance also has stone columns with statues on either side. It is a very pretty place, but ghastly expensive, at 350 pesos a night. The woman in charge when we checked it out was willing, after some haggling to go down as far as 200, but no further without consent from the owner (not present). We did not stay there. You get there by coming in towards Cetumal on the highway, taking Avenida de los Insurgentes (the left fork of a Y) and then a left at Blvd. Centenario (it is called Heroes to the right). You then follow Centenario north to Calderitas. Chetumal Chedraui Parking Lot (one night) Free, no hookups The Chedraui was amenable to letting us stay the night, though they did say it was against their policy. We were not parked directly in front of the store, but over further toward a part of the mall still under construction, and not far from a McDonald’s. They told their parking lot security that we had permission, and their parking lot security told the police, who cruised by to check us out. We asked as the store was closing, and with a full shopping cart that represented lots of U.S. dollars of groceries. I don’t know if they will continue to be friendly to RVers. The beauty of staying here is that there is a movie theatre in the mall, with first run movies, all in English with subtitles in Spanish, which are easily ignored. Only G rated films are dubbed into Spanish, due to the non-reading audience. Movies were running about $4-$5 U.S. when we were there. Chetumal is a very friendly city. We explored around for another place to boondock, and after identifying two possibilities and talking to the owners, we had two good places to choose from. If you speak some Spanish and feel comfortable approaching people, this type of exploration may yield a really nice place to stay. It worked at Rancho Uxmal (for a nominal fee) and in Chetumal, where they wouldn’t even hear of us paying to dry camp. After Chetumal we crossed into Belize. If you are interested in the Belize campgrounds we have found, let us know, and we can give you some info. Copper Canyon Update The road from Los Mochis is under construction, but is now ok to use. April, 11, 2004 Use the following alternate route to El Fuerte Rv Park The best route from the US is : Take highway MX-15 south from Nogalas, AZ to El Carrizo, Sinaloa,(El Carrizo is not on many maps , but it is about 15 miles south of the Sonora / Sinaloa state line and K-55 road sign.---that is 55 K north of Los Mochis ) turn left and go 38 miles to El Fuerte. The RV Park is on the SW edge of El Fuerte on the El Carrizo highway. A couple of miles after you cross the river there are 2 sharp (90° + or -) curves within 200 yards of each other. From the 2nd one go 1/2 mile and the park is on the left behind the hotel Montesclaros. The GPS coordinates at the entrance are : N 26°24.651´ W108°37.691´ . Travel Update January 6th 2004 Hi, here's a little update or FYI for you..... On your info page about Las Canoas in Mazatlan, you mention that you can buy a membership or rent by the month..... I sent them an email about renting for a month and got a VERY snotty email response back from them, informing me that if I had taken the time to read their web page, I should have seen that they are "a private club" and do NOT rent out space to individuals. I have previously had dialogue with the Jack Tar mentioned on your site and he was quite accommodating, but their new person in charge of "rentals and sales" seems to find any requests for information to be too bothersome for him. You may wish to check with them and confirm this, but I thought you may be interested so your readers would not have to go through the same snobbery that I did. Great website! Murray Dryburgh Calgary Ed. Note. Snobbery and/or poor service should never be tolerated, but then again sometimes people just have a bad day and the next day that person gets good service At least that is what we hope. Thanks for the info. Travel Update March 21, 2004 and we have some further information on Lake Chapala and Guadalajara thanks to Vonnie and Ken McIntyre Sorry to say, but we have some bad news about the RV park situation near Chapala. As if the closing of the Hacienda wasn't bad enough! PAL Lake Chapala RV Park (Staying here 12/24-1/1) The park will definitely be closing May of 2004. It is falling victim to the development of condo casitas. There are about 30 odd sites still available as of 12/26/03. I would definitely call for reservations as the deadline approaches, the lots are selling amazingly fast. Las Ganzas Trailer Park This park has closed. We visited the site. It's fortunes fell with the water level of Lake Chapala. Evidently the insects and the smells were horrible (according to some long time local RVers). We talked on 12/25/03 with the manager of a new park to be (supposedly) built in the area. They were waiting for the building permits and plan to start construction in January of 2004. It will be located somewhere between Chapala and Ajijic. Completion is set for August 2004. The manager said she would send us an email when they start construction. We will forward it if she follows through. Sorry I don't have anything more concrete on this. There were rumors flying about two additional parks to be built. I don't put a lot of faith in these rumors. "Vamos a ver", as they say in Mexico. WARNING!!!!! There are predatory cops on the loose in Guadalajara. If you are pulled over, be SURE to note the officer's name and badge number. We are planning to take a discrete picture of them. If you are truly guilty of an infraction, the fines are from 300 to 500 pesos. An unsuspecting RVer was pulled over for an imaginary violation and had his driver's license held for a 2500 peso scam. He wasn't prepared and the cop got away with his money. I am getting a color copy of my license laminated to hand over. If they take it, no big deal. I'll keep the real one safely tucked away. Vonnie and Ken McIntyre December 25th, 2003 Travel updates from our regular travel correspondents ,who are also currently on the road in Mexico....the Cutshall's Puerto Escondido; had a wonderful meal at Hotel Jardin Real; Pat's pork chop was enough for 3 meals. Your directions are not exactly correct; it is the second right off the highway. The first right leads to the friendly but relatively useless Tourist Information Office; they had never heard of Hotel Jardin Real. Tehuantepec; Santa Teresa Trailer Park (TP) was closed on December 03, so we went to Hotel Calli. Reception cool, showers not available, 300 pesos (that is not a typo error). However, the pool was refreshing, and it was quiet, and there were more fireflies than I have ever seen before. Campeche: Samula TP has been sold; no business over the last 3 years. She has moved across the lane to a much smaller property. Room for about 3 class B's. Limited power and water; no dump. There is a large facility about 20 minutes west of Campeche. The Club Nautico is located between km 193 and 194 on libre 180. All services available except TV. Cost is 150 pesos. Ignore the sign on the gate that says no pets. Merida: Rainbow TP is open, although it is for sale. Power points frequently wired wrong, but the hot showers are great. Keith, Pat and Max Travel Updates December 19th 2003 (Colinas in Los Mochis is now open under a new name as of January 12th ) Went to the nearby Los Mochis Copper Canyon RV Park. It's current rate is $14/night. Cheers ! Ron Richardson A message from the owners of Pal RV resort in Lake Chapala I am sorry to let you know that we no longer will have the trailer park. We have changed to a house and villa development and the last Rvs will be here until March. I invite you to visit our web site at www.elparque.info. Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year. Gabriella. For a complete Baja update click here. |
|
Copyright Bell and Bell 2006 to 2009. All rights are reserved. No part of this site, road logs or CD can be reproduced in any form without the express permission in writing of the authors. For the problems or the questions with respect to this site contact dot@ontheroadin.com
|
