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Sunday, February 18, 2018

LOS ALGODONES, MEXICO


Having been in Yuma almost 3 months now, we felt it was time to  check out the frequently talked about Los Algodones.  
Entrance sign to Los Algodones, Mexico
We are presently staying on the far east side of Yuma on Avenue 9E and our drive to Quechen Casino on Algodones Road took us 14 minutes using I-8.  It was close to noon so we opted to stop at the casino to donate some money to the machines and grab a bite to eat before heading to the border. 
Quechan Casino
The distance from Quechen Casino to the border is only 2.8 miles.  Several people we have talked with drive their vehicle over the border but we opted to park on the U.S. side and walk across. 
Border crossing at Los Algodones
As the border comes into view you will be able to see a very large (“muy grande” ) parking lot on the right hand side.  It is fenced with plenty of good lighting and carries a cost of $6.  It is the only parking lot available if you plan to walk across the border. 
parking lot at border
parking lot at the border

The rows in the parking lot are labeled alphabetically.  If you have trouble remembering where you put your car just take a photo of your row sign before you leave the lot. Unfortunately, I lose my car ALL THE TIME so this is a must for me unless someone else is with me. 

The path from the parking lot is concrete and handicap accessible with nice wide ramps and sidewalks. 
ramp walkways
nice concrete walkways
extra wide walkways
Los Algodones, Baja California, is a small Mexican town.  Its official name is Vicente Guerrero and in the 2010 Mexican census it reported a population of 5,474 and is the northernmost town in Mexico.



During our time in Yuma we have been hearing claims that Los Algodones is a mecca for pharmacies, opticians and dental offices.  

They have largely displaced many of the open-air shops and restaurants and have effectively shifted the town's focus from tourism to medicine.  On the first street alone I counted 6 dental offices in the same block.    
Six dental offices in one block
There are over 350 dentists practicing in Los Algodones today, and all within a ten minute walk from the border.  Most are trained in the U.S. and speak excellent English. 



It is really hard to comprehend how many pharmacies, opticians and dental offices there are in Los Angodones.  Suffice it to say there are plenty for you to choose from at a fantastic cost.  Neither Mike or I take any prescription drugs but a couple we met told us that she had just come from the dentist and her root canal, crown and a cleaning cost $154USD.  They also bought an entire years supply of inhalers for their son.  They can purchase 3 for $5USD with no prescription.



We stopped at Rancho La Tetilla for a drink.  Brightly colored yellow tablecloths accompanied by yellow chairs, we found it to be very friendly, bright and inviting. 
Rancho La Tetilla
 
Decor inside the restaurant

We had just finished lunch at the casino so we opted for 2 Dos Equis beers.  It was brought promptly along with a chips and salsa.   Total cost of $4USD.
Beers with chips and salsa

The pedestrian line for entering back into the U.S. consisted of about 50 people but the line moved quite quickly.  The waiting line is covered and has several seats along the way. 


When it came my turn to go through security it was simple, quick and easy.  I presented my passport, it was scanned, the agent looked at me and asked “Are you bringing anything back in with you?”  A simple “No” and I was waved through. 



The concrete walk leading away from the security area was fenced, covered and took us right to the street directly across from the parking lot.  Once we located our car and drove out of the lot, the total drive time back to the house was under 20 minutes.  

#Simply Dental#Dr Lopez#crown






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