Last minute Mexico road trip (crossing in Nogales)

Question

We'll have some time off around the holidays and are considering going south of the border for a last minute 10-day road trip.

We live in Phoenix so the Nogales crossing isn't too far. We have traveled through Mexico and Central America by RV before (for 5 months straight) but have never been to the area south of Nogales (Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, Guaymas/San Carlos, ...), with the exception of Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco).
We have a truck camper and will be staying at campgrounds (relying on the Church's book to find them).

However, since we know virtually nothing about that area and time is very short before we would leave (tomorrow = Friday evening, and crossing into Mexico on Saturday morning), I am hoping to get some last minute advice on this forum. Any interesting things to see in this area? E.g. stay a few days in Bahia de Kino, a few in Guaymas, ...

We prefer quietness, beaches, ... and we'll have our dog with us who loves to run. Any wildlife photography options are also highly desired.

Thanks!

briansue · Answer

Hi Jorn - haven't heard from you for awhile.

A few things you might like in the San Carlos/Guaymas area - there is a beach up past San Carlos if you go through San Carlos but I forget the name - there are wind/parasail surfers there and a bar called the Soggy Peso - winds come up in the afternoon around 2pm - as I recall there could be some loose horses in the area as well. There was a dolphin place on the back road between San Carlos and Guaymas but I have not been in that area for a few years so do not know if it is still there. Also over by Guaymas there a a pearl farm where they make some sort of silvery colored pearls and they have tours and can tell you some of how they make them - some of the how is a secret - we thought it was very interesting and educational.

https://mexican-pearls.myshopify.com/ click around the site to find out about the pearls and the tour

grenadiers · Answer

We did the same route, MX 15D sorta sucks, watch out for the topes around towns, getting through Hermosillo is interesting. Lots of road construction on 15D. We stayed in San Carlos here, nice restaurant next to property too. http://totonakarv.com/E/

jornvango · Answer

Thanks! We are planning on leaving tonight after work and sleep at the Home Depot in Nogales or the casino south of Tucson.  Crossing the border tomorrow morning and hoping to make it to San Carlos by afternoon.

briansue · Answer

San Carlos by afternoon should be doable if you cross the border early enough. Problem could be at the permit stop if many people get there before you. It being Christmas time there could still be "paisanos" (Mexican returning home for the holidays) crossing droves with truckloads of toys for boys and girls as well as all kinds of other stuff - refrigerators to kitchen sinks and everything else loaded to the gills. Maybe they have already passed by now. But if they are still streaming down there they can really jamb things up at check points. As I recall the border at Mariposa does not open early but not sure when. Try to check online - Border Wait Times - so you can be among the first to cross. Chances are the paisanos are already home with their families as we see them start crossing right after Thanksgiving. But if they are still out on the road it may take a while longer to get to San Carlos.

https://bwt.cbp.gov/index.html?com=1&pas=1&ped=1&plist=2604

talleyho69 · Answer

Fortunately there are options if it gets too late to go to San Carlos.

The little RV park in Santa Ana, Edgar's place is right on the highway.

There are a couple of Pemex we have used both north and south of Hermosillo that are just fine and seem secure too.

Safe travels.

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Last minute Mexico road trip (crossing in Nogales)

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