BajaNomad

Yet again, another request for opinions; Algodones

zoesterone - 10-15-2011 at 07:59 AM

Sorry to make this site yet another "how to" but y'all seem to know the answers, so here goes. We will have to make a few trips coming up to Arizona, and having done the Tecate and Otay crossing, but it would seem Algodones would be an ideal place. Stop and see a relative (7 miles away) in Yuma, and then hit the I-8. It is small and probably not much of a wait. Is it easy to locate and has anyone used that crossing lately? Thanks.

Pompano - 10-15-2011 at 09:46 AM

It was quick and easy last December. Not a long wait at all for us. We drove in 3 times in a motorhomewithout a hitch. We also parked on the US side and walked across 4 different times. Nary a problem. Good luck.

p.s. We were there to see a dentist. The town has many.

bajalou - 10-15-2011 at 09:59 AM

There can be a pretty long wait in the afternoons in the winter months. All the people returning after dental, optical, doctor apts. and getting prescriptions. In the mornings it's not as long or late in the evening.

meme - 10-15-2011 at 01:03 PM

The walking line is much longer than driving line tho--soooo?Lotsa Dentist, Dr glasses teeth hearing aids shoppers only go across the border on foot leaving vehicles on the U.S. side.But yes, Im sure late afternoon is better.

zoesterone - 10-15-2011 at 01:08 PM

Okay, but how does one get TO it? Is there a well marked exit somewhere past Tecate or what? Does it say Algodones or Border Crossing..what? I basically just wondered where one would exit the highway (either Mx 1 or 2, can't remember at the moment) and what the signage would be. Thanks again.

[Edited on 10-15-2011 by zoesterone]

bajalou - 10-15-2011 at 01:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by zoesterone
Okay, but how does one get TO it? Is there a well marked exit somewhere past Tecate or what? Does it say Algodones or Border Crossing..what? I basically just wondered where one would exit hwy 2000 and what the signage would be. Thanks again.


Coming from the Tecate area, you would get on Mex 2 and head east, past Mexicali, past Mex 5. There are signs marked "Los Algodones" and "Garita" as well as sings of a Hat with a bill like some police wear - this is the symbol for Customs.

Leaving Yuma heading west, you enter Calif when you cross the river right in Yuma. About 7 miles west is the offramp "Andrade" which is the name for the US side of the border with Los Algodones. It is also marked "Mexico". This is probably 140 miles from Tecate. (before if you're coming from AZ).

zoesterone - 10-15-2011 at 01:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
Quote:
Originally posted by zoesterone
Okay, but how does one get TO it? Is there a well marked exit somewhere past Tecate or what? Does it say Algodones or Border Crossing..what? I basically just wondered where one would exit hwy 2000 and what the signage would be. Thanks again.


Coming from the Tecate area, you would get on Mex 2 and head east, past Mexicali, past Mex 5. There are signs marked "Los Algodones" and "Garita" as well as sings of a Hat with a bill like some police wear - this is the symbol for Customs.

Leaving Yuma heading west, you enter Calif when you cross the river right in Yuma. About 7 miles west is the offramp "Andrade" which is the name for the US side of the border with Los Algodones. It is also marked "Mexico". This is probably 140 miles from Tecate. (before if you're coming from AZ).


Perfect. Thanks. We will be going from Rosarito and from Arizona coming back.

bajaguy - 10-15-2011 at 02:37 PM

Methinks it would be quicker and cheaper (eliminate the tolls on Mex 2 ) to cross at Otay or Tecate, and hit the 8 east.

zoesterone - 10-15-2011 at 02:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Methinks it would be quicker and cheaper (eliminate the tolls on Mex 2 ) to cross at Otay or Tecate, and hit the 8 east.


Maybe so...just trying all of them to see which suits out purpose. Tecate is sorta hinky, Otay is boring. I know, I know..picky women. You've certainly been helpful in the past. Guess we'd just have that one toll where 2000 ends. Have a week to decide. Thanks.

Tolls to Mexicali

bajaguy - 10-15-2011 at 04:35 PM

I think DavidK posted a while back that the total toll was about $7.......one way

durrelllrobert - 10-15-2011 at 04:52 PM

The road from Mexicali to Algodones is hard to follow and takes forever. Better to take the MX 2 toll road from 2000 past Rumorosa down the mountain.Take the first exit heading south off MX 2 (marked Libramiento or MX 2D?) after you get to bottom of mountains and start across the desert. This is a new 4 lane divided highway (that bypasses all of the Mexicali traffic. After about 5 miles it connects to another toll road (MX 2 again heading east and is clearly marked "San Luis Rio Colorado". After you get into San Luis just head north into Yuma via US95.

CortezBlue - 10-15-2011 at 05:28 PM

Another option is going to San Luis and use the new SR195 north to I8

However, I always use Calexico east only due to the number of lanes available to cross

Also, Algodones can be packed with winter snow birds getting drugs.

bajalou - 10-15-2011 at 08:55 PM

After waiting 2 1/2 hrs at San Luis, the US customs agent said there are longer delays there than any other entry from Mexico. (this was about 1 1/2 years ago) and I haven't tested it since.

David K - 10-15-2011 at 08:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
I think DavidK posted a while back that the total toll was about $7.......one way


I have only been on Hwy. 2-D west of Hwy. 5... never east towards San Luis/ Algodones...

Toll at Hwy. 5 (about $4 US), toll at La Rumorosa (about $1.25), toll at El Hongo (about $4)... One more toll is near the end of 2-D were Corredor 2000 junctions... It was over $5, I believe... used it only twice in my life! The free road from Tecate to Tijuana is all 4 lanes and fine.

Pescador - 10-16-2011 at 08:12 AM

Entering Mexico at Algodones is great. They get almost no traffic coming into Mexico and the entry is easy and quick. If you go to second intersection turn left, go to the top of the hill, turn right at the stop sign and follow that road south to the toll road. Then you have the beautiful Rumarosa grade which has a lot of pull outs and scenic areas. It is much prettier than Hwy 8. You can take the toll road all the way to Avenida 2000 and then straight into Puerto Nuevo.

Coming in to the United States is a bit more of a problem and you can see some real waiting lines by auto with everyone who has come over to shop, see the dentist, or the doctor. In the afternoon it can stretch for 1 -2 hours. In the morning, it is usually very easy and fast.

I love to enter at Algodones and when I lived in Colorado, it was my choice of entry but for going out, I think you will consistently find Tecate a little easier and quicker.