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Tucson Sailing Club San Carlos Connection
DRIVING TO SAN CARLOSSan Carlos is approximately
4 hours (250 miles) south of the border at Nogales, AZ. The route is Mexico
Federal Highway 15, which is a four-lane road. This route will take you through
Imuris, Magdalena, Santa Anna and Hermosillo. There are three toll booths
enroute at Nogales, Magdalena and Hermosillo. The toll for an automobile is from
$2-$6 at each booth, depending on currency rates. Current tolls are: There are two border crossing points in Nogales. The original point is downtown and can be reached by following 1-19 from Tucson to it's end or by going south on Business 19 if coming from the east on AZ Hwy 82. This crossing is open 24 hours per day. It is usually very busy and is not suitable if you are towing a boat. There is no toll charge using this entry port. We prefer and recommend the newer Mariposa crossing on Hwy 189. If coming from Tucson, exit I-19 at Hwy 189 and go west. If coming from the east on Hwy 82, take North Business 19 and turn left at the second traffic light. The crossing is open daily from 6AM to 10PM, but is much less constricted. It is the way to go if towing anything bigger than a jet-ski or ATV.
Do I need Mexican Insurance? Yes, your U.S. insurance will probably not cover you in Mexico. Insurance is available at several outlets in Tucson, as well as in Nogales and other border towns on the U.S. side. Examples: Sanborns, RAMA, and some independents. RAMA has merged with Sanborn's and is now located at 2900 E. Broadway, Suite 108, just east of El Parador(in the place called 'The Village', where Laff's comedy club is located); other insurance companies offering Mexico insurance are within a couple of blocks on Broadway. Documentation? You need your driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership: registration, title, or notarized bill of sale. If you have a lein holder listed on your registration or title, you will need a letter from the lein holder giving you permission to take the vehicle to Mexico. The same applies for leased vehicles; you will need a letter of authorization from the lessor to allow you to drive the vehicle into Mexico. You'll also need all this documentation to get a car permit to drive beyond the 21 kilometer checkpoint (see below). If you are towing a boat, you will need the trailer title and boat registration documents. You'll also need proof of citizenship for you and all passengers, either a valid passport or Birth Certificate. Person's under 18, if not traveling with both parents, must have a notarized letter from the other parent authorizing the minor to travel (or signed by both parents if traveling with a non-parent). AT THE BORDER Our usual route into Mexico is through the Mariposa Road and truck route. This eliminates the main crossing in downtown Nogales, which can be busy and slow at times. The truck route stays open until 10:00PM for the return on Sunday night; if you arrive later than that, you will have no choice but through downtown Nogales. Travel Advisory: A vehicle height restriction has been imposed on the Mariposa crossing. Vehicles over 2.49 meters or 8.5 feet high may only cross the border going into Mexico between 8 AM and 10PM, Monday through Saturday. Vehicles over 8.5 feet high cannot use this crossing on Sunday. Plan accordingly if you are driving an RV or towing a large boat or trailer. What about customs/immigration? Don't take any plants or flowers into Mexico. You can bring up to $300.00 worth of retail goods back to the U.S. and that may include one liter of alcohol. On the Mexican side of the border, you may or may not be asked to stop; if you are required to stop, the officers will probably want to check over the items you are taking in. Assure them that it is sailing gear, personal clothing, food, etc. and there is not usually a problem. You will also have to stop at 21 kilometers from the border, to obtain a permit to drive your vehicle into Mexico. You have two choices:
Traveling with pets. If your pet is going on the trip with you, visit your veterinarian and get the animal a checkup and health certificate before you go. Take the rabies certificate for the animal with you as well. Be very conscious of temperature conditions and insure your animal has sufficient water and protection from heat, especially during the summer months. If you are flying, be aware that America West Airlines does not transport animals in the baggage compartment on their aircraft. Weapons: We'll say this more than once, but DO NOT take any type of firearm or ammunition into Mexico. If you hunt or shoot sporting clays or carry firearms or ammunition in your vehicle for any reason, check it carefully to make sure you did not leave these items in the vehicle. If caught in Mexico with these items in your possession the Mexican authorities will toss you in jail and forget where the key is! They won't care if it was accidental or otherwise-so check the vehicle. Services: Fuel including unleaded or diesel is available at numerous service stations along the route. You can buy any brand you like as long as it's PEMEX, the Mexican National Oil Company. These are full service so don't pump your own. They take pesos or dollars. There is usually a youngster around to clean your windshield and a small gratuity of 25-50 cents is in order. Restrooms (banos) are normally available and can also be found at the toll booths. Another neat feature about this route are the Green Angel trucks. These are mobile motorist aid units who will stop and assist if you do have a breakdown. Their mission is to perform minor repairs to get you back on the road. The best way not to meet them is to have the vehicle serviced before you cross the border. But it's nice to know they are there. Speed Limits: Observe the speed limit signs, which are in kilometers per hour. Pay particular attention in built up areas as it is not uncommon to have pedestrians or animals along the right of way. Driving at night is generally not recommended as domestic animals may wander off the open range and onto the highway. El Toro (the bull) is neat, until you wrap a ton of steer around your front end. Stick to the daylight hours for highway travel. And as in the US, please don't drink and drive. And please don't litter. Some common signs and their meanings:
How are the roads? Highway 15 south from Nogales to Guaymas is a fairly new four-lane highway, divided for much of its length, except through some of the villages, towns, and the city of Hermosillo. Even so, there are numerous places where one side may be closed for repair work, which diverts traffic to two-way on the side that is open. In the hills and low mountains, be aware of potholes and rocks which may be in the road, especially through cuts in the hills. Just be alert. It is still not a good idea to be traveling the open road in Mexico after dark - horses, cattle, and yes, even people, can wander onto the roadway and be hazards to driving. The roads in Mexico do not have much in the way of a shoulder to pull off on and the drop-off from pavement to what little shoulder there is can be up to a foot. Consequently, be alert for traffic stopped in the travel lanes for any number of reasons - breakdowns, flat tires, or just taking a rest (another reason not to drive after dark!). OTHER GOOD INFO Can I drink the water? In most of Sonora, the water comes from deep wells and the water should be safe to drink. In San Carlos, the same is true. But, to be safe, take drinking water with you. You may also purchase bottled water in the markets in San Carlos or along the way. You will also want water to help keep you hydrated while diving, so it's always a good idea to take several bottles or a gallon or two of drinking water from the U.S. It is also a good idea to have water in your vehicle, since you will be traveling through the northern Sonora desert for most of the trip and IF you should have a breakdown, you will need water for you and your passengers. If you freeze a bottle of water (after taking a small amount out of the jug to allow for expansion when frozen), you can keep your cooler cooler on the way down without adding extra ice and the water will be cold to drink! How are the hotels/motels? Tourist accommodations range from Mexican style Motel 6 to lavish resorts, with prices according. We most often stay at Motel Creston or La Posada. Both are relatively inexpensive ($40 - $45 per night) but are just marginally adequate for sailors, who spend little time in their rooms except to sleep. The Hotel Tetakawi, a Best Western affiliate, is a notch above and costs approximately $58 to $85 per night. The Tetakawi is located east of most of the town of San Carlos but is next door to the Paradise restaurant. Farther up the scale is the Plaza las Gloria, located at the old marina, at a cost of $80 - $100. and up per night, and Plaza San Carlos (formerly the Howard Johnson), located on Catch 22 beach northwest of San Carlos, but near the newer Marina Real. Plaza San Carlos runs about $100. a night and up. There are also condominiums available at Pilar, east of San Carlos, Loma Bonita at the entrance to San Carlos Country Club, and a few others. All the accommodations have air conditioning, which works most of the time (contrary to instructions sometimes posted, DON'T turn it off when you leave the room in the morning to go diving - you'll roast when you return!). Some items you may want to bring for the hotels/motels:
How's the food? Excellent. Yes, you can get Mexican food in San Carlos. You can also get seafood, including fish, shellfish, etc. (in season), as well as beef, goat, and chicken dishes. San Carlos has some great restaurants and some adequate. Rosa's Cantina is the only place that opens early enough for breakfast before boarding the boat and there is usually a large crowd in line for breakfast after 6:30AM. For dinner, Rosa has a good menu of local fare (enchiladas, tacos, etc.) and there are a number of other good restaurants. We usually get a group consensus on what type restaurant to visit on Friday and Saturday evening. For burgers, pizza, and other snacks and ice-cream, JaxSnax is located across the street from Motel Creston and there is also an ice cream shop next door to the Paradise Restaurant. HAVE A GOOD TRIP ! Places to Stay in San CarlosJust In Loma bonita condos available (4)
San Carlos Links
New Site, check it out
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