DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS AND DIRECTIONS
If you are driving, you need to get to Calexico, California. You can get there via San Diego on Interstate 8 East or from Yuma, AZ take Interstate 8 West to Hwy. 111 exit. Take Hwy. 111 South to Calexico and the Mexican border. There are two crossing points into Mexico from here. See the following instructions. Drive time from border to El Dorado Ranch is approximately 2 hours. 

Border Crossing at Calexico:
From El Centro: Go east on Interstate 8 to Highway 111 exit. Go South on Highway 111 to the border. Go through the border, and bear right. After approximately 500 feet turn right for San Felipe. Go straight on this road through Mexicali (major intersections will have signs for San Felipe.) This turns into Highway 5.

Eastern Border Crossing:
From El Centro: Go East on Interstate 8 to Highway 111 exit. Go South on Highway 111 to the third light (Hwy. 98 or Truck Route 7). Go East on Highway 98 for about 7 miles where the sign shows the border crossing. Make a right and proceed up and over the cloverleaf and into the border crossing (this is clearly marked). RV's are to follow the signs for passenger cars.

From Yuma: Take Highway 8 West and exit at Highway 98. Go West on Highway 98 for about 16 miles. At the traffic light, make a left and proceed up and over the cloverleaf and into the border crossing (this is clearly marked).

Once through the new border crossing you will come to a "T" crossing. Make a right and proceed West along the border boundary to the first stop sign where you will make a left onto Calzado Manuel Gomez Morin (MORIN BLVD). Continue South on MORIN through 7 traffic lights, passing the Sony plant. Turn left onto Highway 5 going South. El Dorado Ranch is at Kilometer marker 176 and are about 2 - 2 1/2 hours driving time from the border.

Those who live farther away may want to fly.

 

1. Fly into San Diego and drive rental car. Drive time is approximately 5 hours.

2. Fly into Yuma, AZ and drive rental car. Drive time is approximately 3.5 hours. 3. Fly into Los Angeles and then fly into El Centro, CA and drive rental car. Drive time is approximately 2.5 hours.

NOTE: When renting a car you must tell them you are driving into Mexico. Some agencies will not allow rentals into Mexico. In San Diego Red & Blue is the most economical and allows their vehicles into Mexico with the appropriate insurance. In Yuma and El Centro, Avis rents cars that can go into Mexico. (El Centro Avis counter closes at 5:00 on weekdays, Noon on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays.)

We have had some members chose another option and that is by bus. It can be a long tedious trip but can be done. Greyhound Bus has a station in Calexico, CA, right at the border. You can then walk or take a taxi into Mexicali Bus Station and get a bus to San Felipe. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT—SAN FELIPE DOES NOT HAVE ANY RENTAL CARS AT THIS TIME. A taxi ride to El Dorado Ranch is about $15 from the bus station.

BORDER CROSSING REQUIREMENTS

Crossing the border is virtually effortless. Typically, North Americans entering Mexico at Mexicali are simply waved through. During the return trip, U.S. Customs performs a standard inspection on every car, so be prepared to wait in line for re-entry into the U.S. on weekends and holidays.

AIR TRAVEL - ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry are required to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), most commonly a U.S. passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST, or an enhanced driver's license. See the complete list of WHTI-compliant documents.

Updated information is available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

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AUTO INSURANCE

Mexican auto insurance is a must. Mexico does not recognize U.S. auto insurance policies. Proof of automobile ownership is required. Insurance is easy and affordable to purchase whether on a daily or annual basis. Insurance rates vary and depend on length of stay, type and value of vehicle. Easy, fast, and affordable insurance is available online from Baja Bound Insurance Service (www.bajabound.com)

Accidents must be reported to your Mexican insurance carrier BEFORE returning to the United States.

Driving direction provied by El Dorado Ranch.