how do I DRIVE from san diego to mazatlan,mexico?

Answer 1

Directions:
Take I-10 to Tucson AZ
Take I-19 south to Nogales and the border
At the border, get on Mexico 15 (later 15D) and it goes right down the coast to Mazatlan.
Distance: 1201 miles (472 in US, 729 in Mexico)

Another option is to cruise to the southern end of Baja.
Get on Mexico 1 and 1D to LaPaz (900 miles).
Then take the LaPaz-Mazatlan ferry across the Gulf of California.
Based on some of the RV comments, I'd think twice.
http://www.trybaja.com/ferry.html
http://www.rv.net/forum/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/15895377.cfm

And as TC points out, you do need to get insurance for driving in Mexico:
Sanborns: http://www.sanbornsinsurance.com/
http://www.mexico-car-insurance.com/

Answer 2

The BEST way to drive to Mazatlan from San Diego is crossing the border there to Tijuana, then go south to Hermosillo, in the State of Sonora, and then to Culiacan, in the State of Sinaloa. Mazatlàn is about 4 hours after Culiacan.
There is no need to go to Tucson AZ, because is a big travel going there.

Answer 3

I have to agree with both sparks_mex and
parrotjohn2001. Stay in the US road as much as possible, they are much safer. Before you cross to Mexico, buy Mexican Insurance and be sure your policy covers a Lawyer. There are plenty of places in San Diego at San Ysidro that sell it or just wait till you get to Nogales Arizona. At the Wal-Mart Center there is a mall that sells the same insurance. You will have to register your vehicle with the Mexican authorities and pay like a $20 or $30 dollar fee. You will need a Credit card and if the bank still owns your Vehicle, you must have written consent from the bank to take your car accross the border. With out it you won't be given your vehicle permite to take your car. Its not that difficult. just call whoever is financing the vehicle and have them fax you a letter of consent. Also if you do not have a credit card, you can still take your car but you have to leave a deposit which is like a 15 % of the Value of your car. You get it back once your return the permit. They just want to ensure you are not going to sell your car down there. You can Register your Vehicle at the San Ysidro/Tijuana Port of Entry, on the Mexican Customs office. I usually do this in Mexicali/Calexico port of Entry a day or two before my trip. It takes all the stress away right when I am going to make that long trip. Plus if any unforseen inconvinences surge, you have extra time to deal with it. I suggest you cross the Nogales Port of Entry on their new Port. It will be a lot smoother that having to go through town on both sides, plus will get you out of there and on your way much quicker. Once on the Mexican Side make sure you take all the toll roads (CUOTA). These roads are much safer and you save on gas plus wear and tear on your vehicle and tires. Oh, I almost forgot, if you decide to get your permit at the Nogas port of entry, the new port in Nogales has an open stretch a few miles long from the port to where you can get the Car Permit. it is easier to deal with than doing it at the old port of entry. But again, I opt to get the permit days before my trip and closer to home, just in case I need to get any paperwork I might be missing. Also, no one else is allowed to drive your vehicle including your spouse regardless if their name is on the registration unless you are in the vehicle, Unless the spouse has the marriage certificate with them and a notarized letter from the person on the permit authorizing them to drive the vehicle in Mexico. Only the person on the Car Permit is allowed to drive the vehicle alone in the car.

Answer 4

Drive to Tuscon -> Nogales in order to stay on the good US hyways as long as possible. Then take Hyway 15 south to Mazatlan.

Truck route Nogales crossing
http://sparks-mexico.com/Assorted/Nogales/index1.htm

Immigration and auto permit at KM 21
http://sparks-mexico.com/Assorted/Nogales/index2.htm

Check with Discover Baja in San Diego for insurance
http://www.discoverbaja.com/

Answer 5

San Diego To Mazatlan

Answer 6

You can do it in any vehicle you want but remember your insurance will not cover you unless you buy a special policy.

Answer 7

Go to www.mapquest.com and it will give you step by step directions!

Answer 8

in a car?