Paco Facullo
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Border crossing Tecate...or Mexicalli ? Also hotel Rec.
Ola all,
I'm finding meself needing to stay overnight in Tecate or Mexicalli soon and am in need of a hotel.
I like budget but not too bad. with secure parking.
Also if'n ya know of a good restaurant please add that.
I could stay in either Mexicalli or Tacate depending of what is best recommended. ( shortest and easiest )
Will be crossing weekday morning, most likely
Thoughts ???
.
Thanks much, Paco
[Edited on 11-17-2017 by Paco Facullo]
[Edited on 11-17-2017 by Paco Facullo]
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David K
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"I could stay in either Mexicalli or Tacate depending of what is best recommended. ( shortest and easiest )
Will be crossing weekday morning, most likely
Thoughts ???"
MEXICALI
TECATE
A: Mexicali is a big city, but getting across it for San Felipe (Hwy. 5) is very simple... one street, railroad tracks in the center for the first 2+
miles, well signed. Get your FMM in the first building on the left immediately after the inspection area where you enter Mexico.
B: Tecate is a mellow crossing with very light southbound traffic any day. It is a smaller city, so finding your way out of town is not as traumatic
for many. There still are many 4-way stop you must come to a complete stop at (count to three). You cross the border, get your FMM (in the building on
the right, after you find parking) then continue south a couple of blocks to the city park/ cross street. This is Hwy. 2, left for Mexicali and right
for Tijuana. To get to Ensenada, go left to the next street (east side of park) and turn right. You are now on Hwy. 3 to Ensenada.
That's about all the advice I have, as I am not much of a city person.
I have never stayed overnight in either city, so I have no advice on that.
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Paco Facullo
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Thanks David as always you are a great help.
Although I guess I didn't make myself clear as I am traveling North into the U.S.
I also have a Waze app on my phone that has worked well in the past.
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David K
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Quote: Originally posted by Paco Facullo  | Thanks David as always you are a great help.
Although I guess I didn't make myself clear as I am traveling North into the U.S.
I also have a Waze app on my phone that has worked well in the past. |
Oh, well yes... northbound is a very different story!!
I personally avoid Mexicali northbound... if coming up Hwy. 5 from San Felipe, take the Libramiente de Mexicali (Hwy. 2-D, toll road) west to avoid
the city, totally. It is at Km. 8 and is a bridge over Hwy. 5. You go a kilometer north of the bridge to make a U-Turn and get on 2-D from the
southbound Hwy. 5 lanes.
It is 80 miles to Tecate (3 tolls totaling around $10 US). Exit for Tecate (signed) on the east side of town, near the factory area. A big sign
directs you, a couple miles ahead, where to turn right to get to the border (Garita).
[Edited on 11-17-2017 by David K]
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Paco Facullo
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After doing more research I came across this thread which answers most of my questions.
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=83240
So Tecate it is. Also found a good hotel and restaurant.
El Lugar de Nos
and
Motel La Hacienda...
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David K
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Great!
Remember, Tecate is not a 24-hour border... Closes from 11 pm to 5 am.
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freediverbrian
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One trip north bound at Tecate took me 2 hours another took 10 minutes. Same story at Mexicali , it is a crap shoot . When I think I figured it out ,
It's a long wait .
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David K
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| Quote: Originally posted by freediverbrian | | One trip north bound at Tecate took me 2 hours another took 10 minutes. Same story at Mexicali , it is a crap shoot . When I think I figured it out ,
It's a long wait . |
Indeed, if you can do it Tue.-Thu. that would be the best. That it is just two lanes instead of dozens makes it a calmer experience. The times I drove
right up to the gate or there are less than 6 cars ahead of me help outweigh the few times it was longer than an hour. 5 hours was the worst, one time
in 2012.
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