Chapter Two: Taking the Roads to Guaymas/San Carlos
Bus Travel
When
traveling by bus you have a couple of bus companies to choose from.
The best and easiest way is to schedule your trip with Tufesa. It’s
a very good bus service to Guaymas from Phoenix and Tucson, The
phone number in Guaymas is (622) 222-5453 and their web site is
www.tufesa.com.mx. Tufesa has a (Directo) Express bus that leaves
Guaymas at approximately 11:00 PM and arrives in Tucson early the
following morning. This is a very comfortable bus ride that only
stops in Hermosillo and at the border stations. Check the Tufesa web
site for their full schedules for trips to and from Guaymas.
Be sure you schedule an express bus. If available they are called
(Directo) in Spanish. Other buses often stop at many smaller
stations along the way, making the trip a lot longer. If you decide
to take a bus, you can ride a Greyhound to Phoenix, Tucson or
Nogales then transfer from there to another bus that goes to
Guaymas. One of the buses making the Phoenix-Tucson-Guaymas trip is
the TBC (Transportes Baldomero Corra). The cost is low and buses
from Nogales to Guaymas run about every hour.
TBC station in Phoenix is located at 1306 Van Buren St. Phone (602)
258-5852.
TBC station in Tucson is located at 1428 South 6 Th Avenue, Phone
(520) 903-2801.
Car Rental
You
can rent a car in Tucson, Arizona from Enterprise or Dollar car
rental agencies located at the Tucson International Airport. You can
drive across the Mexico border, when you purchase Mexico auto
insurance for an additional charge of $25.00 per day. However, the
car must be returned to Tucson. You can also rent cars in Hermosillo
and in Guaymas Mexico, if you are arriving by airline or by bus and
need to rent a car. Watch out at the petrol (gas) stations; make
sure the pump is zeroed out before the attendant begins pumping your
gas so that you don't end up paying more than you should. There is
only one brand of gas station (Pemex) and prices are generally the
same regardless of location, so don't bother shopping around.
Mexican Insurance
American car and most boat insurance policies are not valid in
Mexico! Remember your boat must have $50,000 liability insurance
coverage before you put it into the water at the Marinas in San
Carlos/Guaymas. It is much less expensive to buy Mexican insurance
in advance from one of these reputable insurance companies listed
below. If you have not bought Mexican car and boat insurance in
advance, you can buy it at the border.
Check out these companies:
Sanborn's Mexico Auto Insurance
Mapfre/Tepeyac Mexico
Located in San Carlos, behind the Pemex gas station in the Plaza Arrecifes Suite #2. Mapfre is a bilingual agency and the largest insurance company in Latin America. Offering auto insurance at the most competitive rates; also homeowners, boat liability and health coverage. Ask for Guillermo Iberri 622-226-2020 www.mapfretepeyac.com
Allen Walker Insurance
233 W. Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 Phone (520)
452-0055. Al Walker is a frequent visitor to San Carlos and has a
thorough knowledge of Mexican auto insurance requirements. They
represent five different Mexican insurance carriers and can provide
coverage from 1 day to 1 year. Now you can obtain Mexican auto
insurance quotes online and print your policy on your computer. They
provide online quotes and policies for RVs, motorcycles, watercraft
and for homeowners, condo and renters insurance.
www.sancarlosmexico.com/insure.html
Mexico Homeowner Insurance
Lewis & Lewis Insurance
California Surplus Line Insurance Broker License #0645420
2950 31st Street, Suite 140
Santa Monica, CA 90405-3093
Phone (310) 399-0800 or (800) 966-6830 - Fax (310) 450-0700
mexicanautoinsurance.com
Lewis and Lewis Insurance Agency provides great Mexican insurance
for your Car, Truck, SUV, Van, Motor home, Motorcycle, Home,
Condominium, Boat, Yacht and more. Get quotes and print your
policies with their online services.
Maps and Driving Instructions
The usual point of entry to Mexico for travelers driving to San
Carlos is at the Arizona-Mexico border in Nogales. Declare your
items here before proceeding into Mexico. Leaving early in the
morning is a good idea, because it is a lot safer to drive during
daylight hours. Although the roads are good, the curves and roads
under construction are difficult to navigate after dark; livestock
may wander onto the highway and can be very hard to see at night.
Arizona Road Trip
The trip from Arizona is very direct and the roads are good.
Travel Highway 10 from Phoenix to Tucson, and then Highway 19 from
Tucson to Nogales. Cross the US-Mexico border at Nogales, Arizona
and take either Exit 4, the Mariposa Road border crossing, (it's
much faster) or stay on highway 19 until the freeway ends, to take
the scenic route through the city of Nogales. Stop at the second
checkpoint, Kilometer 21, twelve miles from the border, visitors
obtain their Tourist Visa cards here and vehicle permits (See
Vehicle Permits for details) It is a 250 mile drive from Nogales to
San Carlos on a good four-lane toll highway. You will be charged a
toll when you enter the highway to Mexico. After that, there are two
more tollbooths between Nogales and Hermosillo. (So bring at least
600 pesos
or $50.00 along with you, because Mexican tollbooths will no longer accept US
dollars.)WATCH OUT for speed bumps (usually marked by yellow signs.) "TOPES" mostly located just before the tollbooths and some are right before you enter the small towns.
As you reach Hermosillo, stay in the left lane as much as possible and follow the signs to Guaymas. You will be making two left hand turns at main intersections. You will drive about 75 miles before you get to the San Carlos Exit just before the Guaymas city limits. Keep to the right you will see the landmark mountain with San Carlos written with stones panted in white. Straight ahead follow the scenic road (Manlio Fabio Beltrones Boulevard) into “town”. Look for the ocean to the left. You now have arrived in one if the most beautiful places in all of Mexico!
New Mexico Road Trip
The road trip from Albuquerque to Nogales takes 7 or 8 hours. The
second leg of the trip from Nogales to San Carlos takes about 5
hours, a total travel time of 12 to 13 hours. Allow an additional
hour for crossing the border, passing through customs, and obtaining
a visitor’s visa. Border crossing is quicker and easier early in the
morning and in the middle of the week. It takes longer during the
period from Christmas through New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, and
Labor Day. If you hit a busy holiday, be patient.
To take the shortest route from Albuquerque to Nogales, follow these
“Fool Proof Instructions” below, and don’t miss the turn-offs at
Hatch, Deming, Benson, and before Sierra Vista.
1. From Albuquerque go south on I-25 (aim towards Mexico) ‘til you
reach the exit to Hatch, New Mexico which is about 20 miles south of
Truth or Consequences, NM. Turn off and go to Hatch.
2. Drive through Hatch (always an adventure) and take State Hwy 26
from Hatch to Deming. Going directly from Hatch to Deming, rather
than by way of Las Cruces will save you an hour driving time. In the
fall months look for the red chili wreaths and wall hangings, great
for gifts or decorations.
3. At Deming take I-10 West all the way to Benson, Arizona. On the
way to Benson, pause at the rest stop to look at the wonderful rock
formations in Texas Canyon.
4. At Benson, do not drive on to Tucson because this adds 1 ½ hours
to the driving time. Instead, take the Benson to Sierra
Vista/Patagonia route.
5. Two miles past Benson, at Interchange #302, get off I-10 and go
south on Arizona State Highway 90. This exit is easy to miss. Look
for the McDonald’s sign.
6. Take Arizona State Highway 90 towards Sierra Vista. Before you
reach Sierra Vista, you will come to an intersection with Arizona
State Hwy 82. Turn right at this intersection.
7. Then, take Arizona State Hwy 82 towards Sonoita and Patagonia and
follow this road all the way to Nogales. The “Benson to Patagonia
route” to Nogales not only saves considerable time compared with
going by way of Tucson, but this road goes through some magnificent
mountain country as well. We highly recommend the big park in the
middle of Patagonia for a picnic rest stop. If you are taking the
trip in two stages, Patagonia is a nice quiet place to spend the
night in your RV. It is permissible to park RV’s on the street. They
also have an inexpensive RV park in Patagonia.
8. Cross the USA-Mexico border at Nogales, Arizona and take either
Exit 4, or the Mariposa Road border crossing. Stop at the second
checkpoint, Kilometer 21, twelve miles from the border, obtain your
Tourist Visa Cards and Vehicle Permits (if needed) here.
9. As you reach Hermosillo, stay in the left lane as much as
possible and follow the signs to Guaymas. You will be making two
left hand turns at main intersections.
10. Take the San Carlos Exit just before the Guaymas city limits. To
the right you will see the landmark mountain with San Carlos written
in white stones on the side of the mountain. Straight ahead follow
the scenic road (Manlio Fabio Beltrones Boulevard) into “town”. Look
for the ocean to the left.
Border Crossing
For the most direct road to Guaymas-San Carlos, cross the USA-Mexico
border at Nogales, Arizona and take the Mariposa Road border
crossing. There is also a route for cars through town. Motor homes
and trailers must use the Mariposa Road crossing. The downtown
streets are congested and unsuitable for towing a boat. The Mariposa
crossing (Exit 4 off I 19) is the better way to go.
Right before you enter the Mexican border the USA border patrol
is now stopping all incoming traffic. They ask you what you are
bringing out of the country. If they choose to inspect your vehicle
they can, they x-ray your vehicle while you stand by on the road,
this takes about 15 minutes depending on the amount of cars they
pull over.
At both Mexican Checkpoints, whether or not you catch a red light
for a customs inspection, is by random selection. If you do, a
Mexican official will direct you to drive into one of the inspection
bays and inspect your vehicle to see what you are bringing into the
country.
Border Crossing Regulations
Proof of Citizenship
If you are entering Mexico from the USA by land, you must bring
your US passport or US Passport Card to return back into the USA.
Travelers are required to present documents proving both citizenship
and identity when entering the U.S. through a land or sea border. (A
passport is also required for all international air travel.) A birth
certificate and driver's license, used by many travelers, is no
longer sufficient for adults crossing land or sea borders.
For Americans who drive to Canada or Mexico or cruise regularly to
the Caribbean, but who do not expect to fly abroad, the passport
card is a cheaper, smaller, more portable alternative to a
conventional passport. The passport card is especially popular with
Americans who live in Border States with Mexico or Canada, including
Washington. The passport card is the size of a credit card or
driver's license, and has a photo and identification information
printed on it, like a driver's license. It also contains a chip with
a unique number that allows border officials to instantly retrieve
your data from a government database. It's not valid for
international air travel. Passport cards are good for 10 years and
cost $45 ($35 for children under 16). Applications can be made at
any passport-processing site. If you already have a passport but
want the card anyway because of the convenient size or quick
scanning, it's only $20 and can be ordered by mail
Mexican Customs
Dec. 5, 2013: SAT/Aduana
has issued new Duty Free limits for people entering
For further information go to this site:
http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/MX-Mexico-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm
Vehicle Permits
The Sonora Free Zone program for vehicles has expanded!! This means that those who plan to travel with vehicles in the state of Sonora north of Empalme /Guaymas no longer have to register and obtain a vehicle permit. If you plan to travel to the San Carlos/Guaymas area and no further into Mexico, this area is considered the Free Zone! The free zone also applies to trailers, boats, motorcycles, etc.
If you are towing a trailer with an ATV it may be confusing. It all
depends on how the wind is blowing that day. Just make sure that all
registration documents are in order and that serial numbers match.
Sometimes they allow everything in without a hassle, other times
they will make you import the trailer, or ATV – or both.
If you want to travel to the eastern part of Sonora, which includes
the Route of the Rio Sonora, the lakes at Angostura and Novillo, and
Moctezuma or to the southern part of Sonora including Obregon,
Novojoa or Tobalabampo, you must have an Only Sonora (free) or the
All Mexico (fee) vehicle permit. The catch is you can only get an
Only Sonora permit at KM 21 south of Nogales or at KM 98, south of
Empalme. There are no other issue points for the Only Sonora permit
at this time.
Be prepared to show the registration or title for any vehicles you
are bringing into Mexico and the owner must be present. You will
need a credit card to post a bond of about $20 to guarantee you will
not sell the car in Mexico. Note: If you use cash, the bond is over
$200. So have your credit card ready! Only one car is allowed per
person when obtaining a vehicle permit. That means, if you already
have a car in Mexico, you cannot import another one. If you are
driving an RV and pulling a car behind, you cannot register as owner
of both. For example, if one person owns the RV, then the spouse can
own the car. At the time your permit expires (usually 6 months), you
must exit the country and turn in your vehicle permit. Any trailer,
boat, etc. noted on the vehicle permit must be taken out of Mexico
at the same time. It is acceptable for a person who is not the owner
to do the actual driving, but the owner must be in the vehicle and
have the proper documents. A boat, however, can be bonded into
Mexico for as long as 10 years. You can receive this bond in most of
the larger ocean front cities.
Check Point #2 Tourist Visas and Vehicle Permits
At the second checkpoint, Kilometer 21, twelve miles from the
border, visitors obtain their Tourist Cards (FMM) here and vehicle
permits (only if you are traveling out of the Free Zone area!)
Park in the parking lot, then you can walk to the appropriate
building. If you failed to declare your imported goods at the first
checkpoint, declare them here at the “Voluntary Declaration”
building.
Step
1: The first building you come to is the Migración (Immigration)
Building. In the Migración building you will obtain your Tourist
Card paperwork. The proper name is Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM. You must show your proof of
citizenship, you should use your passport or passport card and an
official (government issued) photo ID (adults). For children, see:
(Documents for passengers under 18 years old, section for more
information). The officer will ask you to sign your Tourist Visa and
send you to the bank to pay the fees, if you are receiving a tourist
Visa card for over 7 days. Visas are granted for a period up to 180
days, but if you tell the official you will be in Mexico for a
shorter period, say 60 days, the visa will only be good for that
amount of time and you will be charged the same amount as for 180
days visa.
Step 2: Proceed to the bank located behind the Migración
(Immigration) building to pay your fees. Wait in line for the next
available teller then hand them your immigration paperwork. The
teller will give you a receipt which you will need to take back to
the Migración (Immigration) building. Give all the documents to the
official and they will give you your completed Tourist Visa Card.
As you leave the parking lot, go slowly. You will have to pass the second Mexican customs inspection station. Yes, they do it twice. If you get a green light, just drive on through. If you get a red light, the official will direct you to an inspection bay. Once they are finished, you are, at last on your way to San Carlos!
Speed Limits
Speed
limits are posted in kilometers. To convert kilometers to miles
multiply kilometers by .6 (or to be precise, .62). Unless you
are experienced at driving in
Police and Highway Inspection Stations
There are several highway checkpoints on the road to Guaymas-San
Carlos. The police there are authorized to stop and search any
vehicle for guns, drugs, or other contraband. These checkpoints may
also be staffed by Mexican Army soldiers. Usually they do not search
American or Canadian cars. (Hassle free zone signs are posted on the
toll roads!)
There are several types of law enforcement officers in Mexico:
Federal Police, Federal Highway Police, Municipal Police, Federal
Judicial Police and Mexican Army soldiers.
Federal Police (Policía Federal de Justicia): In Mexico, the federal
police have more authority then the local city cops. They do carry
guns and look intimidating, but they are only looking for federal
violations such as smuggling drugs, guns, and ammunition and car
theft. If you are stopped, be cooperative. Generally they don’t mean
you any harm, but you don’t want to talk back to these guys!
Municipal Police (Policía Preventa): Local police can stop your car
for speeding or other traffic law violations. The office of the
Police Chief is marked “Comisario Municipal,” and is located on
Caracol Touristico across the boulevard from the Marina Terra Hotel
above the parking lot. Police Telephone: 226 - 1400 or 226-0004.
Federal Protective Police (Policía Federal Preventa, or PFP): The
PFP can also stop you for speeding or other traffic law violations.
There are numerous radar "zones" along Mexico highway 15 between
Nogales and San Carlos. They are marked with signs that say "Radar
en operación." As in the U.S., there may or may not be anyone
manning a radar gun along the highway when you drive through, but if
there is, they are very serious about it. The PFP are usually the
first responders at the scene of an accident on México 15.
Soldiers in Uniform: Do not be afraid of the young men serving their
one year of military obligation. They wear dark khaki fatigues.
Their rifles are not loaded, and they are just carrying out training
maneuvers.
If any law enforcement agent stops you, he is entitled to see your
driver’s license and your vehicle registration. He may also ask to
see your vehicle’s Temporary Import Permit if you are out of the
Free Zone area.
Where is the Free Zone?
The Free Zone includes the area west of Mexico Highway 15 to the coast or the border with Baja. It also includes the area from Douglas-Agua Prieta via Mexico Highway 2 west though Cananea to Imuris and everything north of that highway to the US-Mexico border. The southern end of the free zone is at KM 98 on Mexico 15, just south of Empalme. Communities in the free zone include Agua Prieta, Naco, Cananea, Nogales, Puerto Penasco, Sonoyta, San Luis Colorado, Caborca, Imuris, Magdalena, Santa Ana, Hermosillo, Kino Bay, San Carlos, Guaymas and Empalme. See the map below the free zone is in beige.
Green Angels (Ángeles Verdes)
ATENCION AL TURISTA 078 - Call 078 from any cell phone or TELEMEX
phone booth to ask for assistance from the Green Angels Patrol.
Radio dispatch will send a truck with bilingual mechanics to assist
you. There is no charge for their service, just for parts, gas and
oil if necessary. Tips, however, are appreciated. If you need assistance during the day and don’t have a phone, pull
over to the side of the road and raise the hood of your vehicle. The
Green Angels patrol the highways from dawn to dusk and will stop if
they see that you need assistance.
Green Angels Patrol:
• Provides maps and information about state and regional tourist
attractions and services.
• Provides first aid and CPR assistance in case of an accident.
• Provides emergency mechanical and radio support.
• Provides emergency disaster assistance to the general public.
Federally funded initiatives like the Green Angels show the
government’s commitment to tourist safety, security and well being
and provide peace of mind to motorists driving on Mexico’s toll
roads.
Importing Household Furnishings
Individuals who are moving their residence to Mexico can import
their furniture without paying customs fees. This exception is made
only during the first three months in which a foreign resident
obtains his FM-3 visa. Make arrangements in advance with the Mexican
Consulate in Arizona and the Aduana in Nogales. To make an
appointment with the Nogales Customs Coordinator telephone from San
Carlos: 01-631-311-0301.
US Customs
US officials now stop you before you cross the Mexico border.
Mostly they want to know how much money you are taking out of the
country. You are only allowed $10,000 in cash per person. If you
have more than that amount with you, you will be in violation of the
law and subject to a fine. Your vehicle may be pulled over and
x-rayed and searched for guns, drugs or other contraband and cash.
You may also be searched on your way back through the US border by
customs and/or Dept. of Agriculture officials when returning to the
USA.
Returning to the USA, citizens can bring back any amount of Mexican
arts and crafts, and up to $700 worth of other types of Mexican
goods duty free, but no more than $10,000 cash and no more than one
liter of alcohol, or more than 200 cigarettes (one carton) and 100
cigars per person.
Restricted Items
Agricultural products, prescription drugs, Cuban cigars. If you are carrying prescription drugs into the USA, you must have a prescription for them. No more than a three-month’s supply is allowed on prescription medicine. You cannot take back Cuban cigars or any other items originating from Cuba. Many agricultural products are restricted. You cannot take plants or any item made from an endangered species or any items made from straw.
Declaration of Agricultural Products
You cannot take certain foods (meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables) out of Mexico. If you have uncooked food in your ice chest, it will probably be confiscated. Your car may be searched at the USA border when you re-enter the States to determine if you are carrying foods that may carry cholera, hepatitis, and other health threats, as specified by the USA Dept. of Agriculture. Dept. of Agriculture will inspect agricultural items. Agricultural items are prohibited if they can carry plant pests or animal diseases. Declare all agricultural items you bring from Mexico. Failure to do so may result in delays and fines.
Permitted Agricultural Items
Fruits: Bananas, blackberries, dates, dewberries, grapes, lemons,
small limes (sour), lynches, melons, papayas, pineapples, and
strawberries
Vegetables: avocados without seeds; other vegetables are permitted
except for white potatoes, and yams
Fish: Fish is permitted.
Prohibited Agricultural Items
Fruits and Vegetables: All fruits not on the permitted list are
prohibited. Sugarcane is prohibited. Potatoes are prohibited,
including Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams. (Exceptions:
Cooked potatoes are permitted. Avocados are not permitted unless the
seeds have been removed -except in California, where they are
completely prohibited).
Plants and Seeds: Plants and seeds require special permits. Soil and
some plants are prohibited. Check in advance with agricultural
inspectors. (Exception: Some dried plant parts, such as for
medicinal purposes, are permitted.)
Meat: Pork- raw and cooked, including sausages, cold cuts, skins,
and pork tacos, is prohibited. (Exceptions: Shelf-stable, canned
pork and hard cooked pork skins (cracklings) are permitted.)
Poultry: Raw meat from both domesticated and game fowl is
prohibited. (Exception: thoroughly cooked poultry is permitted.)
Game: Check with agricultural inspectors in advance. Other
restrictions may apply; check in advance with agricultural
inspectors.
Eggs: Prohibited. (Exceptions: boiled and cooked eggs are
permitted.)
Live birds: Wild and domesticated birds, including poultry, are
prohibited. To import personally owned pet birds, contact
agricultural inspectors in advance.
Straw: Prohibited. This includes wheat straw, animal feed, and all
articles made from straw.
Dog Food: Dry dog food is limited to one day's ration per animal.