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expatsinmexico

Mar 25, 2012, 6:04 AM

Post #1 of 9 (3236 views)

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Crossing At Nogales

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I would like to hear from anyone that recently made the trip down through Nogales. Would like to hear about your experience. Also is anyone headed down to Chapala thru Nogales in the near future?

chicois8

Mar 25, 2012, 6:43 AM

Post #2 of 9 (3225 views)

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Re: [bound4ajijic] Crossing At Nogales

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I made the trip recently,here is what I do:

Stay in Nogales the night before crossing, about 5:45 AM drive to the Mariposa crossing ( truck crossing) which opens at 6AM, answer the $10,000,drug and gun questions from UC Border Officer, drive to Mexican
Customs, drive to toll booth ( about 40 pesos) continue to the 21 KM mark
to pick up FMM and TIP ( tourist permit & auto permit) hit the green light and am usually
on the highway South by 7AM and stay in Navojoa that afternoon at the El
Rancho Hotel....I usually cross with a pretty empty gas tank with Pemex being less than $3.00 USD a gallon.....suerte y paz

HarryinNM

Mar 25, 2012, 9:49 AM

Post #3 of 9 (3188 views)

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Re: [chicois8] Crossing At Nogales

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Not sure what "truck crossing" means but assuming that is the newer one which we have not used southbound. We have crossed at Nogales twice with no hassles whatever. Staying in Nogales, AZ and crossing early morning is our preference... then on to San Carlos for our first overnight stay.

Will be returning early May and plan to use the same port. (assuming we can figure out how to access) The larger entry point which you get to directly from the toll road was VERY slow and backed up on our only crossing there several years ago. No difficulty whatever... just a long delay.

RickS

Mar 25, 2012, 10:23 AM

Post #4 of 9 (3183 views)

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Re: [HarryinNM] Crossing At Nogales

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"Not sure what "truck crossing" means..."

This is a reference to the newer crossing just to the west side of Nogales.... the Mariposa Crossing. This is the crossing point that chicois8 was suggesting that he uses. The last time I used it northbound about 3 years ago, it was truly a long wait due to trucks lined up to get into the US. Easy, just a bit long. But I would use it again as opposed to the crossing 'right in town'.

(This post was edited by RickS on Mar 25, 2012, 10:26 AM)

chicois8

Mar 25, 2012, 10:49 AM

Post #5 of 9 (3174 views)

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Re: [RickS] Crossing At Nogales

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In Reply To

Going north bound mariposa truck crossing is faster because the trucks are diverted into the right lane while cars travel in the left lane right to the border....I never travel through the town of Nogales.....day or night

Teo

Mar 25, 2012, 11:44 AM

Post #6 of 9 (3158 views)

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Re: [chicois8] Crossing At Nogales

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Chicois8 is correct on every count. I've made this drive many times on our way to PV.

Use the Mariposa crossing which is Exit 4 off I-19 going south. Turn right (heading west) and Mariposa Rd ends at the border crossing. Answer some questions, drive past some barricades and cross over. Stop at KM 21 to complete paperwork and get vehicle permit.

I would also suggest staying in Navojoa overnight as it's only about a 4 hour drive to San Carlos and another 3 hours to Navojoa. Navojoa has many nice motels to choose from.

One other tip: follow the truck route when traveling through Hermosillo to circumvent the downtown area.

expatsinmexico

Mar 26, 2012, 11:40 AM

Post #7 of 9 (3077 views)

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Re: [Teo] Crossing At Nogales

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Thanks everyone for the information. It confirms our plans to cross at Mariposa (Nogales). We are not in a hurry so we are going to San Carlos and then will spend a couple of nights in Mazatlan. Looking for travel buddies if anyone is crossing in about a week. I am dealing with family who have never been to Mexico telling us we are crazy and seem to think they need to intervene since we won't make it down without something bad happening. Everyone knows someone who knows someone that knows someone who had something horrible happen after crossing the border. Love reading accounts of your recent experiences so I can share them with those that are misinformed. We have been travelling in Mexico for many years but, this is our first road trip down. We really appreciate hearing from you, thank you.

esperanza

Mar 26, 2012, 3:52 PM

Post #8 of 9 (3044 views)

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Re: [bound4ajijic] Crossing At Nogales

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Remember that one of Mexico's two annual vacation times begins on or about Palm Sunday--which falls this year on April 1. Between Palm Sunday and the Sunday following Easter, anyone in Mexico who can go to the beach, does go to the beach. If you don't already have reservations in Mazatlán, you may end up sleeping in the car. If people don't go to the beach, they go to visit Mamá, or Tía Fulana, or some other relative. Mexicans living in the USA travel back to Mexico. Traffic all over Mexico is horrendous at this time of year.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

expatsinmexico

Mar 26, 2012, 5:47 PM

Post #9 of 9 (3026 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Crossing At Nogales

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Yes, we have reservations in San Carlos and Mazatlan (2 nights).