Having been in Yuma almost 3 months now, we felt it was
time to check out the frequently talked about Los Algodones.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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parking lot at border |
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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.
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ramp walkways |
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nice concrete walkways |
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extra wide walkways |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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