Nogales Arizona – Mexican Border

DRIVING TIME: 16 mins
KILOMETERS: 5.1
MILES: 3.2

Initially, you need to cross the border between the United States and Mexico. The officials at the border point will most likely look through your vehicle nonchalantly and then send you down the road to the main inspection area, which is located outside of town.

The customs building is located about 14 miles past the main town on the outskirts of Nogales. Drive directly out of town and follow the main road towards Guaymas City. It’s hot in these parts. Plan to enter the border and do this drive earlier in the morning, and you might be blessed with cooler temperatures. 

Learned Lessons

The regulation that the officer claimed I had unlawfully broken was that I had more than two forms of recreational equipment. I was carrying my mountain bike, surfboard, and weights. The provision on the holy wall stated that travelers might only carry two forms of recreational equipment. Travelers that feel threatened by this provision are advised to contact the Mexican embassy before departing the US for further information or request to pay the extra fees directly to the customs officer.

Hotels and Eats

At the border, some restaurants promote a lovely and unique blend of the flavors of American and Mexican cuisines. Some say burgers and tacos are must-tries as they contain a fusion of tastes.

Various accommodations like the Holiday Inn are available in this area which is only a distance from the border. Around these are shopping plazas, as well as historical landmarks.

Special Directions

Process your Mexican Tourist Card at the immigration office first and then proceed to the customs office. The two offices are located next to each other, but the officials operate separately. The border checkpoint is not the place to process your documents. You must continue past the town of Nogales—follow the signs to Guaymas, about 24 kilometers.

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