greybeard

I am planning a road trip from San Diego to Big Bend NP and back, for next spring. Somewhere along the way I would like to set a day aside for a side trip into Mexico, but I’m not sure where to cross. We would like to visit a walkable small town that still has some “charm” to it; we are not interested in a Tijuana style experience.

Looking at the map it would seem to be a choice between crossing from Douglas, AZ. to Agua Prieta, or from Presidio, TX. to Manuel Ojinaga. Does anyone have any experience of these towns, or have any other suggestions?

In particular is the crossing straightforward and hassle free? (We will be travelling on UK passports.) Also any recommended sights to see, restaurant lunch stops, etc?

Thanks for your help, Greybeard

CaribbeanChick

I would be hesitant to do this if I were you.. so much unrest in that area with Mexico... Recently they kidnapped a bunch of foreigners at a Holiday Inn my husband and I stayed at.. scary.. but if you must, good luck to you! But that's just me!

Orlando_Vic

I wouldn't even consider it. There is way too much violence. Take a look: http://projects.latimes.com/mexico-drug-war/#/its-a-war

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

DebitNM

No border town has "charm" just the chance to put yourself in harms way - they don't ask to see your passport first to know you are UK nor USA citizens.

Seriously, don't do this.

tom42

I would have to agree that if you are looking for some charming colonial-type Mexican town, you aren't likely to find it in a border town. I could be mistaken and hopefully someone will correct me if I am but you would have to go deeper into Mexico to find what you are looking for.

SOCALOC

FYI

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...w/tw_4755.html

Shanti

I never understood the allure of border towns when I lived 60 miles from Mexico. The border was about the least charming section of Mexico. But, back then, at least it was safe, if a waste of time and money.

But now, with all the drug violence, it isn't even safe. There are lots of nice places to visit on the US side of the border. Enjoy those places, but please don't risk your safety by entering a border town.

P.S. If you like the outdoors/hiking, I recommend visiting the Chiricahuas in southeastern Arizona.

Ryan

The list of Mexican states listed by the UK government as having an increase in violent crimes includes all 5 states that border the US and Mexican states adjacent to those 5.

We have been to tourist areas of Mexico frequently in the last two years. However, it would be a serious mistake I believe to head into Northern Mexico at this point.


Here's the UK government travel warnings:

"Serious Violence

Drug-related violence in Mexico is on the increase and is a particular problem in the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Sonora, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Durango, Baja California (Norte), Michoacán, Morelos and Guerrero. There has been a recent increase in the number of crimes, murders, firefights and roadblocks linked to drug turf wars, including in areas away from the US border. The security situation is fluid and armed clashes between security forces and drug groups are commonplace in certain areas, and can occur at any time without warning. Travellers could get caught up in incidents."


http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-...merica/mexico1

janisj

It is unanimous -- not a good idea. In fact, a really REALLY REALLY bad idea . . . .

LoveItaly

Another vote, greybread, that it is a really really bad idea. And may I say I have a very close friend from Mexico City whom I talk to every couple of weeks. Our last conversation included her wondering why anyone would cross the boarder from the US into a Mexican boarder town. Please enjoy the US and eliminate the idea of crossing the boarder from any of our states. Wishing you a lovely and safe trip!

ksucat

Listen to Love and all the other great posters and don't do it!
If you are adamant about going, I would suggest Tecate, MX which is near San Diego..quaint border town with the Tecate brewery, lovely restaurants, bakeries and a town square.
They have one of the best spas in the world..Rancho la Puerto and you might be able to have lunch there.

Placename

Border towns, by definition the world over, are NOT charming.

greybeard

As usual this forum is the place to go for quick accurate info! Thank you guys, I had no idea that the situation had got so bad. Looks like we will be taking a raincheck on that one.

Greybeard

Bill_H

I'll swim against the tide here and recommend Puerto Penasco (aka 'Rocky Point') in Sonora, reached by crossing at Lukeville, Arizona (south of Gila Bend, locate 'Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument' to find it) and driving about 100 km south to the Sea of Cortez.

While it's not exactly a 'border town' like Nogales it's not San Miguel de Allende either. It's a popular beach spot for (mostly) Arizona tourists (especially college kids on spring break), and doesn't suffer from the abject poverty or mindless violence that hounds the towns right on the border or the ones with heavy drug trafficking.

We will be travelling on UK passports

No problem entering Mexico but I'd check carefully into the regulations about re-entering the USA. Seem to recall some multiple-entry issues ...

Google 'Puerto Penasco' for more info.

HappyTrvlr

Puerto Penasco is a safe area, one of the few.

Shanti

I'm glad to hear that Puerto Penasco is still safe. But greybeard is traveling in spring and, depending on when in spring, it might be 100 degrees with no shade. Of course, it might be 100 degrees in parts of the US, depending on when he's traveling.

And as much as I used to enjoy visiting there, I wouldn't describe it as being charming - more of a beach getaway for Arizonans.

Bill_H

"But greybeard is traveling in spring and, depending on when in spring, it might be 100 degrees with no shade"

In the spring it's more likely to be in the 70's than in the 100's ... the forecast for the next few days is 69F - 89 F, for example. The sea of Cortez keeps temps milder than in the deserts.

And every restaurant I've eaten at down there had plenty of shade 8-)

bigfootbill

I travel those areas a lot and would not suggest it. BUT i would highly reccomend Puerto Penaco. You enter in Lukevill, Arizona. and you get there from Gila Bend, Arizona. As for more information as to things to do, see and stay etc. drop me a note.
Bill
[email protected]

SOCALOC

You enter in Lukevill, Arizona. and you get there from Gila Bend, Arizona.
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greybeard-just so you know, there is a huge controversy within the states over Arizona passing an anti-illegal immigration bill due to the border violence. I personally would not go to Mexico and I would definitely not do it from Arizona. It is not worth the risk at this time.

Shanti

69F-89F in June? In Puerto Penasco? That's amazing. It was always hotter than hell when I'd go there during the summer.

Don't get me wrong. I've really enjoyed staying in Puerto Penasco. And, yep, the restaurants have plenty of shade. But I was thinking about the beach. And while there are ramadas, everywhere else on the beach and in the water it's going to be very, very sunny. A lot warmer and sunnier than anywhere in the UK.

Now if greybeard is traveling in April, then both the water and air temperature should be lovely.