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. View San Felipe on the Map

If you are driving from San Diego or Southern California, another option is to cross the border at Tijuana, take Mexico Highway 1 south to Ensenada, then take Mexico Highway 3 east to San Felipe. You may want to consult AAA or other travel agencies on specifics for crossing the border at Tijuana and more specific directions.

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. El Dorado Ranch is at Kilometer marker 176. There is a Costco and a Wal-Mart in downtown Mexicali. They are great places to stock up with familiar items. Your US Costco card does work at this location. You will find the best deals in Mexico on name brand tequila and wine at Costco.

Border Crossing at Yuma

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 is about 2 - 2 1/2 hours driving time from the border.

FOOD/FUEL/RESTROOM FACILITIES

Plan ahead and be sure to fill up your gas tank before, or in, Mexicali. After leaving Mexicali, there is no gas available until you reach San Felipe. At Kilometer Marker 110 (approximately 45 miles from El Dorado Ranch), La Ventana offers cold drinks to travelers needing a rest stop en route. The next formal rest stop is at the Junction of Highway 5 and Highway 3 (Ensenada Hwy). The rest stop, approximately 23 miles from the Ranch, is large, lighted and has indoor bath facilities that are kept relatively clean. However, there is no food or fuel at this location, and you will be charged a nominal fee by the attendant for use of the restroom facilities. Once you reach San Felipe, you can fill up your tank at any one of the four 24-hour stations with diesel.

TRAVELING IN MEXICO

Plan to drive into Mexico during daylight hours (narrow roads pose the challenge, not threats of violence). Generally, highways are well maintained, but the roads are not illuminated and drivers may have difficulty seeing unmarked road hazards at night. As a precaution, travelers should carry a gallon of water. The Secretary of Tourism has created the Green Angel organization for the assistance and the protection of highway travelers. This free, federally funded group patrols Mexican highways looking for motorists in distress. They will help with minor repairs, supply gasoline and generally assist drivers at no charge except for the gas or parts provided. Mexican highways are policed by the Highway Patrol in black and white sedans. If you need emergency assistance, do not hesitate to flag down one of these vehicles.

Pemex is the only gasoline producer in Mexico, but most gas stations are locally owned and operated. The prices are standard, and heavy competition means good customer service. The quality of Mexican gasoline meets the standards of traveler’s vehicles. Magna Sin provides the equivalent of unleaded, and some stations also sell diesel fuel. It is wise to buy your gas at busy stations where frequent inventory turnover ensures fresh fuel. Be sure to fill the tank before leaving Mexicali; you will not have another opportunity until you reach San Felipe.

Under a joint agreement between the U.S. and Mexican governments, floating checkpoints that are manned by the Mexican Army have been established to control contraband movement. There is no need to be alarmed. The guards are courteous (most speak some English) and will explain why they are stopping you. Signage is posted in Spanish and English. The rule is to be polite and cooperative, and so long as you are not transporting any contraband (guns/drugs), they pass you through very quickly. It is also advisable to let them know you are going to El Dorado Ranch.

You 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). In any case, YOU MUST have Mexican Car Insurance. Two familiar companies are AAA (American Automobile Association) and Sanborn's (ask for Barbara) @ 1.800.570.6006. They can FAX you your policy within an hour of calling. Keep the policy in your car at all times. An automatic online quote is also available at: http://www.adventuremex.net/?id=eld

Private Planes

San Felipe has it's own International airport that handles private planes with future plans for adding commercial flights. Private planes are welcome and it is a short and interesting flight from most U.S. cities. The Mexican Government has approved and funded $1.2M of improvements to the San Felipe International airport that are planned to be completed by December 2008.

Rental Cars in San Felipe

There is only one rental car agency in San Felipe that has a very llimited amount of cars. If you are flying your private plane into San Felipe International Airport, be sure to call far in advance to reserve your car and get a confirmation number. The friendly staff at Thrifty (Cindy @ 011.52.686.577.1277) will pick you up at the airport and take you to the Thrifty office in San Felipe.

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. Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by land, air, or sea between the United States and Mexico are required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

For up-to-date information regarding travel requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State web site.

Prohibited Items

Guns, Ammuntion, and Drugs are prohibited in Mexico and the rules are STRICTLY ENFORCED!! DO NOT TAKE THE RISK of landing in a Mexican jail. Do not attempt to enter Mexico with any of these items. There is a Federale checkpoint station just outside of San Felipe on the main road into town. It is manned by young soliders carrying automatic weapons who are very polite and courteous and appreciate tourists visiting San Felipe, but they will stop your car, ask you where you are going and may ask you to get out of the car and check your luggage, coolers, etc for contraband. Do not be scared. This is routine.