Prince George
Chilliwack, BC
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Joined: 06/12/2005
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We are really excited as we have just booked Celestino RV for our first rving visit to Mexico. Now we have the insurance piece to work through and I will keep reading everything I can get my hands on. We will spend Nov in California so should we plan on crossing at Nogales or ??? Any info that anyone might want to share with us will be appreciated. Our plan is to travel the toll roads for this trip. As this is our first time we are both excited and a little nervous.
Thanks Patsy
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Edwardo
COURTENAY B.C.
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Joined: 05/09/2004
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Hi Patsy
we stayed at Celestino good plae for a month its on the beach but not much there. I would cross over ay Lukeville and take hwy #2 and that way you miss Nogalas,and the hwy is good. spent 4 months down there and are going back again this year.
Have fun.........
Edwardo
Edwardo
Ford 2004, F250 Lariat SC 4X4 6.0L Diesel SB SRW
2002, 29E34 Titanium 5TH WHEEL
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daveB110
British Columbia, Canada
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Joined: 04/19/2004
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I agree Lukeville/ Sonoyta would be a good crossing, because everything is very straightforward going that route. Nogales is busier and there are decisions to make to get you through to the right gate, otherwise it is fine to take as well, and perhaps easier than Lukeville once you reach the importation area about 20 km into the country. The two highways converge at Santa Anna.
Construction south of Lukeville/Sonoyta was underway as we came north in March and was easy for northbound traffic, but very dusty and rough for southbound. However, I would expect that stretch of road to be completed well before December.
We remember being a bit nervous on our first of six consecutive trips, and we did it alone. But there is always someone who RV's going your way at that time of the year and seeing them again at the next stop and sharing your adventure is the best! During that first trip we relied a lot on emailed directions to get us through some cities, but having the right maps and books is enough and the signage is very good now.
You'll have fun!
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almcc
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 01/15/2006
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La Cruz is just up the road (about 15 km.) from Celestino, there is good shopping there and propane and banking (with ATM) is available, it's a busy agricultural town/city.
You are also close enough to Mazatlan to drop down and tour around for a short day trip.
We stayed in Celestino (at Punta San Miguel RV park)on our way south and on the return last winter, it's a lot easier to stop there than in Mazatlan
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The Texan
Summer: A Cool Climate Winter: A Warm Climate
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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Another vote for Lukeville/Sonoyta, for the ease of crossing and from CA, a more direct route. You can start using the less expensive Mexican fuel much quicker this way also. We avoid Nogales like the plaque for the traffic and hassle of a large crossing. Have a good trip and enjoy Mexico as much as we do. Next year we are doing the circumnavigation of Mexico.
Just down the road 14km from Celestino's, is the town of Dimas and the best seafood at a very reasonable price, in the area.
Bob & Betsy - USN Ret'd '78 & FL LEO Ret'd '03 
FMCA #F203528
'05 HR Endeavor, 40PRQ w/400 Cummins - With -'05 GMC Sierra SLT, CC Z-71, the pusher
'07 Arctic Cat 500A & Wilderness Kayak, riding in the pusher -
Our Current Location
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crandle
Campbell River, BC, Canada
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I, like most Mexico RVers, would recommend Lukeville / Sonoita as well. Hassle free and no crowds. There was some bridge construction going on between Sonoita and Santa Anna but that should be completed. If you run out of daylight near Santa Anna, stop for the night at Punta Vista RV Park. It is run by Edgar and Anna, a very nice couple who speak English (she is American). They are a wealth of information and free WIFI is available although I think I might have connected through a nearby hotel.
If you go to the first entries on my Blog, it has some information on that area.
My 2008 / 2009 Mexico Blog
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almcc
Ontario, Canada
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When we stayed at Edgar and Anna's on the way north, we thought that we would donate a case of empty beer bottles, it turns out they can't redeem them, so they store them for returning RVers! We will pick them up next winter and turn them in further south for full ones.
They also take food donations (stuff that you can't take across the border)and pass the food on to needy local families.
Edgar and Anna are great hosts.
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jimlouisesophie
Ladysmith, BC, Canada
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Joined: 07/30/2004
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It seems a lot more RV'ers are now going to stay at Celestino. We have reservations for Nov. 15 and are looking forward to our return. Chris is a very helpful owner at Celestino RV Resort and he will make sure you enjoy your visit. Good shopping, as previously reported in La Cruz, and the sites at the park are very wide and deep, with shrubs separating the sites. A bonus is that it is right on the water. There are usually a lot of BC'ers there and everyone is very friendly. We will be taking the Lukeville crossing as well. Arrange for your insurance ahead of time and you will save money. Some companies have a 6 month policy which will save you money. Xavier insurance in Nogales is the one we use, and they are very helpful and you can buy a policy on line. Also, for BC'ers, you can claim from ICBC as well as your private company a rebate for insurance for the time you are away. Looking forward to seeing our old and new friends there. Safe Travels
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Prince George
Chilliwack, BC
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Joined: 06/12/2005
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Thanks to everyone for their great advise. We will be using the recommended crossing. Hopefully we will be bumping into many of you along the way, especially those going to Celestine RV. I am sure we will have more questions along the way.
Thanks again Patsy
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crandle
Campbell River, BC, Canada
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You will have many questions Patsy and do not hesitate to ask them. One thing we all like to do is to help each other out. There will come a time in the not too distant future when you find that you are answering more questions than you are asking. That is the turning point! Have fun in Mexico, do not be afraid to try out any Spanish you pick up on the Locals and make an effort to meet and talk to the Mexican people. They are very friendly, love their Country and enjoy finding out our impressions of it. See you down the road!
Croft & Norma Randle
Campbell River, BC
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