14 Boquillas Crossing
Reported to be a good place to go for lunch. Every time I've been to the gate, the gate has been closed! This trip is on my bucket list.
Winter Schedule
(November 2 - April 30)
5 days a week: Wednesdays through Sundays
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Park at the Boquillas Crossing parking lot near Boquillas Canyon. After passing through the port of entry visitors are ferried across the Rio Grande on a small rowboat for a modest fee ($5 round-trip). Walking across the river is permitted only at the Boquillas Crossing, but is not recommended if the river level is high.
Once across the river visitors have the option of walking to the village (1/2 mile) or paying an additional fee to ride on a burro, horse, or in a vehicle. Local guides are available. Visitors are required to check in with Mexican immigration officials upon arrival in Boquillas, and pay a small entrance fee ($3) to the Mexican Protected Area that Boquillas is situated in. A small wrist bracelet is your receipt for the entrance fee. Visitors planning to stay overnight in Mexico will need to apply for a temporary visa. Secure overnight parking at the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry may be available.
Documentation
The Boquillas Port of Entry is operated cooperatively by the National Park Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The facility is staffed by National Park Rangers who can assist travelers with information about visiting the area. Proper documentation is required to cross. U.S. and Canadian citizens can present a valid Passport or Passport Card to cross at this Class B Port of Entry. Travelers from other countries may need additional documentation in addition to their valid passport. To cross at the Port of Entry, travelers will interact with a customs officer through a virtual kiosk and document scanner.
Boquillas Border Crossing: The International Ferry
To cross the Rio Grande, swim (if you dare) or take the ferry that costs $5 US per person round trip each.
The “international ferry” is a rowboat that will ferry you across to a stable of awaiting donkeys.
The donkeys and a guide will shuttle you round trip into town, also for $5 each or a horse for $8 each. You can also pay a bit more for a ride up in a truck (for $10), or choose to walk into town for free.
It’s only a mile walk and very doable, but… donkeys!
Obviously, we chose donkeys. Gata and Canela were our trusted steeds and they served us well.
Bring cash
Cash is king in Boquillas, so come prepared. Boquillas del Carmen restaurants and vendors accept US dollars (and prefer it), so don’t worry about exchanging your money to pesos.
Try to bring small change, aside from the restaurants not everyone may have the change you need.
Read MoreWinter Schedule
(November 2 - April 30)
5 days a week: Wednesdays through Sundays
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Park at the Boquillas Crossing parking lot near Boquillas Canyon. After passing through the port of entry visitors are ferried across the Rio Grande on a small rowboat for a modest fee ($5 round-trip). Walking across the river is permitted only at the Boquillas Crossing, but is not recommended if the river level is high.
Once across the river visitors have the option of walking to the village (1/2 mile) or paying an additional fee to ride on a burro, horse, or in a vehicle. Local guides are available. Visitors are required to check in with Mexican immigration officials upon arrival in Boquillas, and pay a small entrance fee ($3) to the Mexican Protected Area that Boquillas is situated in. A small wrist bracelet is your receipt for the entrance fee. Visitors planning to stay overnight in Mexico will need to apply for a temporary visa. Secure overnight parking at the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry may be available.
Documentation
The Boquillas Port of Entry is operated cooperatively by the National Park Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The facility is staffed by National Park Rangers who can assist travelers with information about visiting the area. Proper documentation is required to cross. U.S. and Canadian citizens can present a valid Passport or Passport Card to cross at this Class B Port of Entry. Travelers from other countries may need additional documentation in addition to their valid passport. To cross at the Port of Entry, travelers will interact with a customs officer through a virtual kiosk and document scanner.
Boquillas Border Crossing: The International Ferry
To cross the Rio Grande, swim (if you dare) or take the ferry that costs $5 US per person round trip each.
The “international ferry” is a rowboat that will ferry you across to a stable of awaiting donkeys.
The donkeys and a guide will shuttle you round trip into town, also for $5 each or a horse for $8 each. You can also pay a bit more for a ride up in a truck (for $10), or choose to walk into town for free.
It’s only a mile walk and very doable, but… donkeys!
Obviously, we chose donkeys. Gata and Canela were our trusted steeds and they served us well.
Bring cash
Cash is king in Boquillas, so come prepared. Boquillas del Carmen restaurants and vendors accept US dollars (and prefer it), so don’t worry about exchanging your money to pesos.
Try to bring small change, aside from the restaurants not everyone may have the change you need.
