BajaNomad - Directions: Poptola to Tecate Border

Directions: Poptola to Tecate Border

seagar - 3-15-2011 at 05:55 PM

Apologies in advance, As I am sure this has been covered before but I can't find it. I am looking for detailed (idiot proof) directions from Poptola to the Tecate border crossing.

Also is this a recommended crossing when towing a boat going back north.

Since 1992 I have crossed the border from San Ysidro exclusively and in order to keep my sanity I would like to go through the Tecate Border when going back north.

Thanks in Advance.

redhilltown - 3-15-2011 at 11:46 PM

Seagar: Sanity is not a requirement for this board!

There are many threads to this route but hopefully David K will direct you home...he has many great maps and directions.

David K - 3-16-2011 at 07:38 AM

This is from part 2 of my Las Pintas Trip Report from last Sept. on the Nomad Baja Trip Reports Forum:

We took the free road north for Ensenada, and as before, it was in great shape and very little traffic. At Popotla, we hopped onto the Corredor 2000 for 18 miles to the free Tecate highway (Mex. 2) which is 4 lanes wide all the way... only a couple of traffic lights until Tecate, as well. Popotla to the Tecate Border was 38 miles.

Mexican Independence day was Sept. 16, and many flags were flying, including this nice display at the Pemex station in El Florido.

The Toyota Tacoma Factory is passed along Highway 2... this is where my truck was made! 'Built in Baja for the Baja!'

No place to pull over, so a bit blurred!

Here are some of the signs as you drive through Tecate showing you the way to the U.S. border:

We were in line for 20 minutes, around 6:30 pm Sunday... easy!

To recap... You need to be on the FREE road not the toll highway, either all the way from Ensenada or exit the toll road at Cantamar or Puerto Nuevo exits... then continue north on the free road to Corredor 2000 (just south of the former Fox Baja Studios where Titanic was filmed).

You exit the Corredor 2000 at the FREE Tecate highway (Mex. 2). It is faster, shorter and cheaper than going on to the Tecate Toll Highway (Mex. 2-D).

There are a couple of signals and Pemex stations in El Florido. Then fast 4 lane road to Tecate... and again you will have several signals as you cross through Tecate. The border access road is on the far east side of town, you will be on the free Mexicali road. There are a couple of parallel, signed ways across Tecate for Mexicali, free road... they all come back together before the U.S. access road.

==============================================================

No matter which way you come into Tecate, the U.S. border access road is on the east side of town off the free Mexicali highway.. well signed:

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Coming north from Ensenada or Hwy. 2-D central Tecate exit... Fork to right, on blvd. along train tracks... big McDonalds is across the blvd. ahead if you went straight.

If you miss this turn, continue ahead to the town plaza/ park and turn right at the far corner (free Mexicali highway)!

Fork left here, driving away from the train tracks (San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railroad, originally):

"Trafic Circle" with trees and stop signs (be sure to make a full stop, police may be watching). Go to right, east from circle:

Turn left a short distance east of traffic circle for U.S. Border:

A look west along the border:

Remember, Tecate border is not open 24 hours! 5am to 11 pm, last I recall.

[Edited on 3-16-2011 by David K]

DENNIS - 3-16-2011 at 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
ou exit the Corredor 2000 at the FREE Tecate highway (Mex. 2). It is faster, shorter and cheaper than going on to the Tecate Toll Highway (Mex. 2-D).

If you want to travel the Toll Road from 2000 to Tecate, you will have to stay on 2000 past the free road off ramp another six miles. It's well marked and a bit pricey....almost 90 Pesos for 16 miles.

If you opt for the Toll Road, pay attention for the off-ramp into Tecate. Although it's well marked, it would be easy to drive right by and end up on your way to Mexicali

Directions

seagar - 3-16-2011 at 02:45 PM

David K and Dennis Thanks for the great directions, truly appreciated.

Do you see any issues with towing a boat up to and through the Border Crossing?

DENNIS - 3-16-2011 at 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by seagar
David K and Dennis Thanks for the great directions, truly appreciated.

Do you see any issues with towing a boat up to and through the Border Crossing?

What size?

seagar - 3-16-2011 at 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by seagar
David K and Dennis Thanks for the great directions, truly appreciated.

Do you see any issues with towing a boat up to and through the Border Crossing?

What size?

22' Deep V with Tandem trailer

DENNIS - 3-16-2011 at 03:03 PM

You won't have a problem. When you get up near the two lanes that lead to the gates, be sure to take the left lane. It gives you much more room to make the sharp right turn.
You'll be fine.

Directions

seagar - 3-16-2011 at 03:09 PM

Thanks Dennis, I have had just about all I can handle going back north through San Ysidro, my stress level/blood pressure goes through the roof every time I try to negotiate my way back through all the cars while towing a boat and waiting 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours every time. This seems and sounds pretty painless compared to San Ysidro.

David K - 3-16-2011 at 03:14 PM

Just a thought... the latest reports (from Dennis's friend I think) say that the highway from Ensenada to Tecate (Mex. 3) is nearly done with just a couple short detours remaining... Cut the drive down a bit, for sure...

If you do elect to come in from Hwy. 3... you enter Tecate and at the bottom of the hill you pass a baseball field on the right, and fork right (before the McDonald's).. all well signed (Garita, San Diego, etc.).

Don't think they allow that

Dave - 3-16-2011 at 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
You won't have a problem. When you get up near the two lanes that lead to the gates, be sure to take the left lane. It gives you much more room to make the sharp right turn.
You'll be fine.

The left lane is for commercial trucks. I've been harassed and threatened with arrest for using the left lane. Serious, hard core, Mexican rules followers at Tecate. It's like a Mexican twilight zone. :rolleyes:

Bajahowodd - 3-16-2011 at 04:35 PM

OK. It's just me. But, assuming that seagar is starting from a point near Popotla, and not farther South, I would quesion the wisdom of hauling a boat/ trailer that size North of the Tecate crossing. There's miles and miles of serpentine hills before you get to anywhere.

On one hand, if he's going to be father South, heading up through the Guadalupe Valley would seem to make more sense.

On the other hand, if he's starting from somewhere near Popotla, if it was me, I'd head over to Otay from 2000.

DENNIS - 3-16-2011 at 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
The left lane is for commercial trucks. I've been harassed and threatened with arrest for using the left lane. Serious, hard core, Mexican rules followers at Tecate. It's like a Mexican twilight zone. :rolleyes:

No No No.......the left lane of the two that feed into the two booths which inspect passenger cars is what I refer to. Not the two lanes approaching the point where trucks and cars cross over each other.....trucks to the right...cars to the left.
Who in the fuuuk designed this crossing anyway? It defies childish common sense.

David K - 3-16-2011 at 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
OK. It's just me. But, assuming that seagar is starting from a point near Popotla, and not farther South, I would quesion the wisdom of hauling a boat/ trailer that size North of the Tecate crossing. There's miles and miles of serpentine hills before you get to anywhere.

On one hand, if he's going to be father South, heading up through the Guadalupe Valley would seem to make more sense.

On the other hand, if he's starting from somewhere near Popotla, if it was me, I'd head over to Otay from 2000.

Semis use it all day long... it is 2 lanes, but American lanes... big enough and there are a couple of passing lanes along the way also. Much better than Hwy. 1 south of Santo Tomas and specially south of El Rosario!

[Edited on 3-17-2011 by David K]

seagar - 3-16-2011 at 05:57 PM

Thanks to all, for the insight and good information. I will be heading back north from Loreto.

Dave - 3-17-2011 at 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Semis use it all day long... it is 2 lanes, but American lanes...

From the stoplight at Popotla to the Tecate border lineup is 4 lane, whether you go toll or free road.

David K - 3-17-2011 at 02:06 PM

"I would quesion the wisdom of hauling a boat/ trailer that size North of the Tecate crossing. There's miles and miles of serpentine hills before you get to anywhere."

BajaHowOdd was talking about NORTH of the Tecate border...

Bajahowodd - 3-17-2011 at 02:44 PM

Correct, sir.

turtleandtoad - 3-17-2011 at 02:51 PM

North of the Tecate border is California 94, which is a little twisty, but nothing that would bother someone pulling a boat. I've done it a couple of times in a 37' RV towing a pickup truck with zero problems.

Now the Interstates, that's the problems area!!! :fire:

David K - 10-3-2011 at 07:42 PM

Bump for Gypsy Jan