Gringos Guide To Driving Mexico, Central America & Costa Rica
  • Nogales, Mexican - Guaymas & San Carlos
    Mexico

    Nogales, Mexico – Guaymas & San Carlos

    DRIVING TIME: 4.41 hoursKILOMETERS: 423MILES: 263 Guaymas is a good stopping point for the first night. There are camping facilities in San Carlos and plenty of hotels in Guaymas. San Carlos is much smaller than Guaymas and more aesthetically appealing. It is located about 5 km before Guaymas. As you enter San Carlos, there are several campsites and trailer parks on both sides of the road with shower facilities and hookups for RVs. Don’t forget your bug juice, the mosquitoes in San Carlos are the size of hummingbirds. In the previous section, daytime driving only is recommended. The following is a description of my nighttime escapade, and I provide it…

  • Nogales Arizona - Mexican Border
    Mexico

    Nogales Arizona – Mexican Border

    DRIVING TIME: 16 minsKILOMETERS: 5.1MILES: 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…