Friday, February 9 – It's another beautiful day here in Big Bend National Park. We headed to Boquillas, Mexico, today to visit this small border town. Upon arriving at the US/Mexico border, a US Customs official briefly explains the crossing procedure and what we were permitted to bring back from Mexico. We then proceed out the back door of the office. We are officially in Mexico.
But not quite. We had to cross the Rio Grande River and walked a short distance to the border. It costs $5 round trip to cross the river in a small row boat. There is a little bit of a current on this part of the river, so the official international boat man had a little work getting us across the fifty foot river to the bank on the Mexican side. We then crawl up the river bed where we are met by a group of male guides offering their services. We could ride a mule or horse into town or walk the one mile road into Boquillas. We choose to walk and didn't want the services of a guide.
Our ride awaits.
Friendly guy.
Walk into town.
These guys were having a ball riding into town.
Upon arrival in town we were required to report to the Mexican Customs Office. An official stamped our passport and had us fill out an immigration form. It was interesting that Paul had to fill out the form, but the officer did all the writing for Marsha…how nice. We have never been required to do this during our many previous crossings into Mexico.
The town is a dusty old Mexican town that seems to be suffering from poverty. Most of the trinkets and souvenirs that are being sold aren't of very high quality. Most of the items are the same from one booth to the next.
Our first look at Boquillas, Mexico.
This guy escorted us in.
That is the gal’s house in the background.
The main street.
There are three restaurants in town and one curio shop.
We asked several people here at the campground which restaurant we should visit. Falcon’s was the only one anyone recommended, so we stopped in, and it turned out to be quite nice. The margaritas were delicious, although a little pricey compared to what we normally pay in border towns. The salsa and avocado dip were reasonably priced and the atmosphere with a mariachi singer was delightful. We recommended this restaurant for travelers crossing to Boquillas.
They have indoor and outdoor dining.
The only curio shop is located in this restaurant.
This restaurant must really being good. They are adding on to the patio area.
Paul was a little amazed with this construction. Seemed a little “shaky.”
After having our margaritas and chips, we then decided that was about it for Boquillas and headed back to the river to ride the boat back to the USA. There were large groups of people waiting to cross the river into Mexico. We figured at least 50 or so people were heading to Boquillas. Maybe the town isn't as poor as it appears.
Upon arriving at the US Customs office, we were met by a customs officer that had us insert our passports into a document reader. We then were instructed to pick up a nearby phone where an off-site officer asks us the normal bordering crossing questions. No one welcomed us back home...:<( but that isn't unusual. We were not permitted to bring any alcohol or cigarettes back into the USA. This is due to the absence of a Texas tax office necessary to collect state tax dollars. There are other restrictions against unfinished wood products, food, rocks, animal bones, and numerous other items. This was explained to us prior to crossing into Mexico.
Not a highly rated Mexican experience, but one you should probably do if in the area if for no other reason than the international boat crossing, and the donkey rides into town.
We had anther gorgeous sunset here at Big Bend.
Thanks for stopping back. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day.
