Chris, give us some more details about your trips please!!!!!What else did you see,any trouble with the "local police", etc..It must feel like I did in the late 60's going to FL and the South...Seeing and catching snakes I had only dreamed about!!..
I posted a more complete trip report on another website that I can't mention here. I will eventually get these last 3 trips onto our travel website (www.intrepidtraveler.net).
Actually we didn't see very much at all as it was cold and we didn't get much herping done. The cribo was probably the best snake of the trip, although any boa constrictor, dead or alive, is pretty cool.
The rest of this rant wasn't what you were asking, but, I feel like getting on this soapbox....
As for the trip and travelling, I have been going down to Mexico for 20 years now. I try to go at least once per year and try to visit new areas as often as possible. Generally we are birding, sometimes doing the tourist thing, but herping is never far from my thoughts.
In general, in the tropical types of habitat we all see in our dreams, finding snakes is tough. If you see a snake per day, you feel a sense of accomplishment. Yes, there are some habitats and species that are predictable, but generally the lack of snakes is frustrating. Actually, DOR cribos are a pretty common find (as are DOR boa constrictors). Desert and coastal areas area easier (you can roadhunt at least).
In general, we just pick a target area to go to, get in the car and drive. We know how to get across the border now (getting vehicle permits is a little confusing but not that hard - particularly now that you can register online), so we head down with impunity whenever we have a chance.
Most of Mexico is safe, there has been a huge crackdown on bribery within all government agencies and police and so this isn't a problem anymore (actually, it wasn't a problem before, you just had to understand the system and leave any cynical preconceptions at home!). The only times I have ever been "hassled" by police, I was doing something wrong (speeding, running a light, etc)!
The only areas of Mexico that are considered a little dangerous are areas where there is civil unrest due to oppression of indigenous peoples (highlands and rainforest areas of Chiapas) or montane areas where they grow marijuana to sell here to idiot Americans (Sierra Madre in certain areas of the West Coast).
Just for reference, I speak almost NO spanish. The people are patient and accepting of travellers, as long as you don't bring gringo misconceptions with you. (I hate to hear ignorant Americans complaining about the "corruption" or other myths about Mexico. Go with your eyes and ears open, appreciate the differences, and you will enjoy yourself.)
Mexico is easy to travel in (the new toll roads are amazing - as good as the US interstates most of the time). Gas is a little high (about $2.17 a gallon right now) and food and lodging has increased in price significantly over the last 20 years (it is now almost the same as travelling in the US). Hotels that I used to be able to stay in for $5-10 a night are now $30 a night. Fortunately, there are more hotels available now. Some of the new "Auto-hotels" which rent rooms by the hour (wink, wink) or for the whole night are actually quite nice and unlike many other hotels, have hot water!
It used to be that no land was fenced and noone cared if you pulled off the road and herped in a suitable patch. There are more fences now, but you can still go over them and herp in most areas without being bothered (notice - I said herp, as in look, admire, photograph, NOT collect!).
Last tip. If you are one of those people who can't sleep at night unless they have your trusty 9mm under your pillow, don't go to Mexico. The penalties for being in possession of a firearm are extremely serious and your US passport and all the bribe money Bill Gates could round up won't keep you out of a lengthy jail sentence in a rather unpleasant Mexican prison!
Anyway, off my soapbox now. My advice to anyone wanting to explore Mexico is go, go, go!
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Chris Harrison
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