Mexico question

[k_jensen6]

We are in the Willcox, AZ area and going to be going to Benson, AZ after here.

Which is the biggest, safest Mexico town we can park and walk across? Through Douglas into Agua Prieta or at Nogales?

We head north from Benson so will not be in the Yuma area to go to Algodones.

Thanks in advance.

[rocmoc]

darbone85737 wrote:
There's a parking lot on the US side just before the Nogales POE. Usually someone with a flag waving you in. It's like $5 for the day. Park there and walk across the bridge to Nogales, SON.

Nogales has really been cleaned up in the last year or so.

This is correct but there is no bridge. Just follow the sidewalk along the road. The guy with the flag will direct you, EASY!

I live less than 30 miles North of Nogales and day trips are fine & safe if you are not doing something stupid. Some of the stores on main street are closed and the alley has about half the vendors as it use to have. There is still great food to be had as will as dental & eye wear. The biggest neg is the wait time to return is ridiculous, worst case is nearly two hours standing in line. Best to return mid to late afternoon after the Mexicans have crossed for their day trip into USA. Best choice you have from what you offered! Enjoy!

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

[wolfe10]

Actually true of border towns ANYWHERE. Historically they pander to the "desires" that are not met on the other side of the border.

I have yet to visit a border town (outside of a few of the smaller countries in Europe) where a border town was an accurate reflection of the country's culture.

[navegator]

Most border towns have a tourist area with bars, restaurants and curio shops, catering to the turista, not worth much as representative of what the country and culture are really like.

Yes you can have a good time and enjoy the day, most of this areas have suffered a big drop in customers and some of the shops have closed, I am familiar with the Tijuana area, 65% of the shops and restaurants are closed, even on a Saturday evening the place is deserted.

The same happens with some of the border towns in the US nothing much to see, definitely not the US culture, you need to go further inland away from the border towns.

navegator

[Almot]

Tequila wrote:
Begs the question, why? Most border towns are not that pleasant. If you just want to visit, then head a bit further south.

x2.

Tourist trip to a border town will give you nothing. This is not the way to learn about the country. IMO, most border towns are not safe, except for (maybe) very small ones. The border is exactly where trafficking is being done, duh.

[Kidoo]

I went to Mexicali a few years ago, just walked in, no problem. There are thousands that cross the border everyday, don't forget, there are many Mexicans on both side of the border!

[darbone85737]

There's a parking lot on the US side just before the Nogales POE. Usually someone with a flag waving you in. It's like $5 for the day. Park there and walk across the bridge to Nogales, SON.

Nogales has really been cleaned up in the last year or so.

[butchfuzion]

Have been across at Nogales many times and no problems but parking on US side is a bear even in a car. No experience with the others mentioned. Never ceases to amaze me why all the haters of Mexico lurk on this site.

[Tequila]

Begs the question, why? Most border towns are not that pleasant. If you just want to visit, then head a bit further south.

[Gooding__R]

Love Poncho Villa State Park in Columbus, NM and really enjoyed the unique Museum.

[k_jensen6]

Thanks Dennis. I'll see if I can figure out how to do that.

[Executive45]

You most likely would get a better response if you moved this to RVing in Mexico....just sayin....Dennis

[k_jensen6]

OP: Just thought we would ask, we love Mexico. But of course, want to be safe. Just have never been in this area and didn't know the situation down here now. We did go to Palomas last week. I used to go to Juarez in the 70's with my dad. It's too bad the way things have changed.

Thanks everyone for your input.

[FIRE_UP]

hanko wrote:
None

NONE! I LIKE IT!
Scott

[imgoin4it]

Don't know why you want you want to go to Mexico and while certainly not a large town you could go to Paloma Mexico just south of Deming NM. Small town but only a very short walk from parking. Also a great visitors center and small museum at the state park at Columbus NM.