Have essential travel mid March 2021 into San Jose del Cabo south out of Mexicali. Planning on going south thru Colexico East onto Highway 5 to
southern connection into Highway 1. Have travelled all of Highway 1 many times.
Any insights, advice for Highway 5 - gas, stops/stays, military/federal stops, road conditions. Driving a regular SUV regular tires.
BDavid K - 3-8-2021 at 09:08 AM
You will have at least two military checks: Hwy. 3 jcn, about 90 miles south of Mexicali, and Gonzaga Bay (about 90 miles south of San Felipe).
Top off Gas at San Felipe and if open a top off at Gonzaga Bay Pemex wouldn't hurt. Otherwise you will get to Villa Jesus María or Guerrero Negro
easily from San Felipe.
Road conditions have been reported as excellent. All paved. South of Puertecitos (which is 52 miles south of San Felipe), the highway cuts through
some volcanic rock and rockfall onto the pavement is common, so keep an eye out.
Some nice photo opps along the drive...
Km. 99 south of Puertecitos
Alfonsina's Hotel, Gonzaga Bay.
[Edited on 3-8-2021 by David K]AKgringo - 3-8-2021 at 09:35 AM
I have only crossed southbound at the east port of entry once, about five yeas ago. I was probably at the correct place to get an FMM, but got waved
off, and a secondary entrance was blocked off.
By the time I realized I missed it, there was no option to get back to the immigration building, short of crossing back into the US and starting over!
Maybe it is different now, or at least there might be a sign or two, but I doubt it! I think what happened is I got in an inspection line instead of
a parking area, and nobody there wanted to talk to me.
Crossing the border
John M - 3-8-2021 at 10:20 AM
I believe this photo is still accurate.
At the white square with "FMM Here" is shown is where you encounter the border personnel in both the Declare and No Declare lanes. They stop you and
may have a question or two. If they let you, it is easiest to just park on the left in one of the marked stalls and go directly right into the
building to get your FMM - they may tell you to circle around into the parking lot, also shown by red arrows then walk back to get your FMM.
Leaving where is shows EXIT you'll come to a main boulevard and there are (were) signs for San Felipe directing you to turn right. After a couple of
miles there are more signs showing the route to San Felipe by making a left turn. After that it's pretty well signed as well.
John MHeyMulegeScott - 3-9-2021 at 07:45 AM
The above photo is still accurate as of last November. Secondary inspection is in the right lane as you enter so it might be crowded and not the best
place to park. You definitely have to tell them you need an FMM and let them tell you where to park. RFClark - 3-10-2021 at 05:14 AM
The East Crossing is currently closing at 14:00! The FMM office at the West Crossing is the building immediately to the left as you cross the border.
You park in the secondary inspection area. Exact change is a good idea! PaulW - 3-10-2021 at 10:26 AM
True and for use of the west crossing after the east one closes expect very big traffic jams along with considerable wait.
BummerHeyMulegeScott - 3-10-2021 at 10:37 AM
The East Crossing is currently closing at 14:00! The FMM office at the West Crossing is the building immediately to the left as you cross the border.
You park in the secondary inspection area. Exact change is a good idea!
It's on the left of the above photo but will be on your right when you cross. Easy to buy the FMM online and just get it stamped.scotinexcile - 3-22-2021 at 11:25 AM
Where do you get the FMM online? RFClark - 3-22-2021 at 11:35 AM
There is a website but they don't use it in Mexicali. They fill it out and stamp your passport there. Be sure and take the exact amount in pesos with
you. Also your passport that is still valid for at least 6 monthsscotinexcile - 3-22-2021 at 12:05 PM
There is a website but they don't use it in Mexicali. They fill it out and stamp your passport there. Be sure and take the exact amount in pesos with
you. Also your passport that is still valid for at least 6 months
Do you happen to know how much it is in pesos? RFClark - 3-22-2021 at 12:14 PM
Km. 99 south of Puertecitos
Alfonsina's Hotel, Gonzaga Bay.
