Travel Advice - California to Belize??

[ricksca]

I am driving from CA to Bze this summer. I have been unable to figure out the "best" route from all the guidebooks I have. Obviously, the shortest route through Mexico is down the gulf coast, but it is reputed to be a nasty, boring road. I am considering driving down the west coast or through the Central Highlands and on to Chiapas, but have been somewhat intimidated by the cost of the toll roads. Ironically, gas is now cheaper in Mex than the US which would somewhat mitigate the toll cost, but I can't seem to get clear info on what the costs will actually be. So, can someone tell me approximately how much I might expect to pay for tolls? I am driving a Nissan pickup - no trailer. Are there sections where the free roads are an acceptable alternative to the tolls? Any help offerred will be greatly appreciated. Rick randj@warmatlast.com

[sparks]

If you go down highway 15 from Nogales to Tepic it's about two days and $50-60 in tolls. After that along the coast it's all 2 lane libre to Acapulco except for a toll section in Colima that can avoided. I haven't been south of Acapulco but assume free road most of the way.

Don't forget auto insurance and auto registration in Mexico