I know, 2 different topics, but we are headed down next week mid week. From our end, it usually takes us a full day to get from Arcata into the Calif
desert, camping the night and crossing the border the next day. Last January, we went down the Puertecitos-Gonzaga Bay road and vowed never again (we
have done it many times in the past). The condition was horrid. We usually get our visa in Mexicalli on that route. Anyone have a better report on
the road from the construction point to Gonzaga Bay?
If we don't go that route we will cross at Tecate, but have never gotten a visa there. Where is immigration and the bank relative to the crossing?
We plan on our usual Bahia de Los Angeles stop for a few days and then on to San Francisquita, out to Guerrero Negro and hopefully our first visit to
Bahia de Asuncion and that area for a few days. Any info about the above questions will be recognized with me drinking cold beer in your honor!
Thanks!!Diver - 10-14-2009 at 06:47 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Humboldt Chris and Robin
If we don't go that route we will cross at Tecate, but have never gotten a visa there. Where is immigration and the bank relative to the crossing?
The Visa office is on the right about 1 block across the border.
The bank office is directly across the street.
Easiest to park on the US side and walk across for your visas.redhilltown - 10-15-2009 at 12:25 AM
Howdy. There is a current posting about this on the board. The Tecate crossing is usually sweet and fast. The office is on your right as you
enter...you'll see some "guards" sitting or checking cars but you turn right just past them and park on the street...should be some cones. I was
there in April and the bank across the street is closed...you have to walk a few blocks down the hill into town to pay and then back up. While I LOVE
Tecate for crossing the border North, it sounds like it may be a bit out of your way heading South? If you cross there, you'll still have to come
into Gonzaga via Highway 1 and that is ALL dirt/washboard (and tire poppin rocks). Going through Mexicali I "think" will really shorten your drive.
Air down, slow down, and make peace with the dirt road to Gonzaga...it will be gone soon.
Tecate FMT
Pompano - 10-15-2009 at 04:51 AM
I helped a hired hand get his tourist visa at Tecate..FMT..right after Jimena, first week of September. It was very easy..very fast. Like Diver
said, you can walk across on the pedestrian access. The Immagracion office is right there, you apply for the visa, walk about 75 yards further down
the street and there's the bank window where you pay your fee..then back to Immagracion and you are done. It took us about 15-20 minutes total.
The hardest part is the long walk back to where you left your vehicle. Hope that helps with your question...have a good trip.
[Edited on 10-15-2009 by Pompano]David K - 10-15-2009 at 07:47 AM
Pavement has now reached 10 miles south of Puertecitos, but the remaining 35 miles is still the same bad rocks except any new grading just past the
pavement.
The 36 miles in from Hwy. 1 is MUCH better road, maintained and smoother.
But, as was said, once that road to Gonzaga is paved... poof, all is changed. Enjoy it while you can!
