Puerto Arista to Tapachula

It was hard to leave such a beautiful place as Puerto Arista but we had miles to make. There was a military check point before the main highway and these guys were not fooling around. They checked everything, even felt under the seat, tapped side panels and looked in every nook and cranny. Kind of makes you wonder about Pto. Arista. We continued on through beautiful countryside.

The border crossing in Tapachula is not very well marked. We actually rode right past the customs office. It is on the other side of the highway. Turning in our Mexican visa and permit was no problem.

Found a hotel/motel on the city ring road. Doug, who we met in Barra De Navidad told us about these hotels. He stays in them all the time because of the security for his bike. Very large, nice rooms with garages and they rent by the hour. We decided to check it out. $250 pesos ($25) for 8 hours. We got the night for $500 pesos. Don and Wayne's room was cheaper because they didn't have a garage. King size bed, swinging hammock in the room and a special communications system to order food, drink and whatever you want. There is a special window where these items are delivered. We watched a car pull right into the garage, the door was closed immediately and they communicated through intercom. No one would even know who was in there. We didn't know the system and kept walking to the office for cervezas. The girls in the office didn't like that and would bring the beer to our window and told us to use the telephone. Place was really quiet and we actually felt like we should be whispering. We have seen these hotels on the outskirts of all cities in Mexico.