We have been going down to Mexico for a very long time, over 20 years, and never had any trouble. Maybe we've been lucky or maybe it's not as dangerous as some people say. We drove down the length of baja california, back in 1985, and that was really fun. But we're hesitant to return because it is paved all the way now, and it is probably a lot more touristy now. The first time we went to Copper Canyon was about 10 years ago, and I am looking forward to going back.