Los Algadones Report: Prepare for Long Lines
Your roving reporters returned yesterday night (late) from a Mexi-Trip to Los Algadones, the favorite Mexico stopping spot for Quartzsite visitors. If there was a question as to whether the seeming low-turnout of snowbirds would have an impact on Mexico visitation, here's the short answer: Nope!A couple of days after Christmas and Los Algadones crawls with touristas and gringo dollars. And getting back out has become a bit of a nightmare. We're used to the little frontier town looking like a ghost town at 4:30 in the afternoon. When we walked up to the border crossing at a 5:00, the pedestrian crossing line was would around the corner and out of sight. We took refuge in a nearby cantina to "wait it out," and finally gave in at about 6:00. Our crossing took nearly an hour and a half.
To say this was uncomfortable is high comedy. Norte Americanos wearing shorts a t-shirts stood shivering like huddled masses yearning to be free. Mexican blanket vendors did a bang-up business with folks in the long line until the tourist police came and ran them all back to the town center--apparently it's illegal to "vend" too close to the frontier.
At the end of January it could get worse. At that time, U.S. Homeland Security reminds border crossers that returnees will need to show proof of citizenship. That is, bring a passport, or a birth certificate and government issued photo ID. If the border guards scrutinize birth certs, you can bet the wait will get much longer. Bring your long-johns, folding chairs, maybe a pillow would be in order.
Oh, and by the way, when President Bush signed the budget bill earlier this week, he also signed off on yet another extension of passport (or passcard) requirements for Mexico/Canada/Caribbean travel. It appears you'll have until the summer of 2009 before you'll need the latter to make crossings back into the US from these areas.
Labels: Los Algadones, Mexico, passcards, passports
posted by Russ and Tiña De Maris at
3:06 PM
4 Comments:
For those that don't know, Algodones is a "walk in" border crossing or at least it was the last time I went there. No cars. It is also one of the least expensive places to go to and the least amount of problems. They like our money there and treat most touristas very well. Much easier to pop over there, buy what you want and pop on back with no vehicle searches to slow you down. I love their blankets at Algodones, they seem to be a better quality and are willing to haggle for the price.
By
~desertratdan, at January 8, 2008 2:01 PM
Actually, Los Algadones is both a walk in and a drive in port of entry. Just remember, your American car insurance is of no value to you if you get in an accident in Mexico.
By
Russ and Tiña De Maris, at January 8, 2008 6:36 PM
Correction on Los Algodones entry & exit. Go in early and exit early. Don't wait to leave at the last minute. If you missed something, guess what? You can return the next day! Also, most U.S. insurances cover your car 20 miles into Mexico. Check with your company. Then you can buy day coverage for small amount if you are going in futher. Ex: San Felipe. Enjoy!!!
By
gram&grampsx7x3, at January 13, 2008 6:16 PM
With regard to US car insurance: Your car insurance may cover you going into Mexico, this doesn't cover LIABILITY in Mexico. ONLY insurance issued by a Mexican insurance company covers your liability. And here's the hitch: Under Mexican law, you are GUILTY until proven innocent. If you don't have Mex liability insurance, no matter how close to the border you are, if you're in an accident your car can go "bye bye!"
By
Russ and Tiña De Maris, at January 21, 2008 7:12 AM
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