Road Conditions in Puerto Vallarta

Several well-kept toll roads head into and out of major cities like Guadalajara—most of them four lanes wide. However, these carreteras (major highways) don't go too far into the countryside. Cuota means toll road; libre means no toll, and such roads are often two lanes and not as well-maintained.

Roads leading to, or in, Nayarit and Jalisco include highways connecting Nogales and Mazatlán; Guadalajara and Tepic; and Mexico City, Morelia, and Guadalajara. However, tolls as high as $40 one-way can make using these thoroughfares expensive.

In rural areas roads are sometimes poor; other times the two-lane, blacktop roads are perfectly fine. Be extra cautious during the rainy season, when rock slides and potholes are a problem.

Watch out for animals, especially untethered horses, cattle, and dogs, and for dangerous, unrailed curves. Topes (speed bumps) are ubiquitous; slow down when approaching any town or village and look for signs saying topes or vibradores. Police officers often issue tickets to those speeding through populated areas.

Generally, driving times are longer than for comparable distances in the United States. Allow extra time for unforeseen occurrences as well as for traffic, particularly truck traffic.