Arizona/Mexico border towns... anyone visit any of them in Mexico?

[Thystle]

Has anyone been to any of them in Mexico with kids? Pros/cons?

Any to avoid?



Thanks!

[Dar]

I used to go to Nogales all the time when I was a kid, with my family, but I've heard that it's no longer safe to do so. We still go to Puerto Penasco, though, which is about 60 miles south of the border (at Sonoita/Lukeville), and it's lovely and safe.

[Thystle]

Thanks!


I am hearing/reading conflicting reports on safety. It's confusing.

[sarahtdubb]

I was in Agua Prieta recently and had no safety problems-- I don't think they're having much of the drug violence there. We went to see the roasting facility of a Fair Trade coffee company-- Just Coffee. They showed us how they roast coffee, talked to us about Fair Trade, etc.,.. it was really cool. Might be an interesting way to see a part of Mexico.

Nogales is definitely set up more for border tourism... streets of shops and stands, etc. But it can be pretty depressing, the poverty is unavoidable, and people will work really hard to convince you to buy something.

[desertgirl01]

Honestly, I wouldn't visit any of the border towns right now. We do still go to Puerto Penasco somewhat often...last visit was Thanksgiving and it was great! Waiting 4 hours to cross the border with a 6 month old was not too fun though!!

[Knitting Mama]

I don't think I'd do any of the border towns now either. We don't go anywhere in Mexico anymore except where we own some land, which is down on the Baja peninsula outside of a little town called San Felipe (it's basically just opposite Puerto Penasco on the Sea of Cortez). It's pretty safe down there, especially since we're already known there, but I would be more worried about visiting the border.

[Thystle]

OK thank you! THat was the kind of info I was wanting!