Each border town features international crossings between both countries.

Tijuana, Mexico – San Diego, USA

Crossing: San Ysidro Port of Entry, Otay Mesa Port of Entry.

Tijuana is a bustling city located on the Mexico-USA border, just south of San Diego, California. Known for its vibrant culture, Tijuana offers a mix of traditional Mexican charm and modern development.

Visitors can explore Avenida Revolución, a famous street filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The city also has beautiful beaches like Playas de Tijuana and a lively arts scene.

Mexicali, Mexico – Calexico, USA

Crossing: Calexico West Port of Entry, Calexico East Port of Entry.

Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, is a city with a rich agricultural and industrial history. It’s known for its scorching summers and delicious cuisine, including the world-famous Baja California-style fish tacos.

Visitors can explore museums, and parks, and enjoy the local music scene.

Nogales, Mexico – Nogales, USA

Crossing: DeConcini Port of Entry, Mariposa Port of Entry.

Nogales is a unique border town that straddles both Mexico and the USA.

It’s divided by a border fence, but its people share strong cultural ties. The town is famous for its shopping opportunities in Nogales, Sonora, offering everything from traditional Mexican crafts to modern goods.

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico – El Paso, USA

Crossing: Paso del Norte Bridge, Bridge of the Americas, Stanton Street Bridge.

Ciudad Juarez is a city with a vibrant history.

It has seen significant industrial growth over the years and is known for its thriving maquiladora industry. Visitors can explore historical sites like the Benito Juarez Monument and enjoy delicious street tacos.

Ciudad Acuña, Mexico – Del Rio, USA

Crossing: Del Rio-Ciudad Acuña International Bridge.

Located across the border from Del Rio, Texas, Ciudad Acuña is a tranquil town known for its friendly atmosphere. Acuña is an excellent place to enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere.

Piedras Negras, Mexico – Eagle Pass, USA

Crossing: Eagle Pass International Bridge 1 and 2.

Piedras Negras is famous for being the birthplace of the delicious dish, “carne asada.” It’s a city with a rich culinary heritage and offers a blend of Mexican and Texan flavors. You can find excellent food and hospitality here.

Nuevo Laredo, Mexico – Laredo, USA

Crossing: Gateway to the Americas Bridge, Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge, World Trade International Bridge.

Nuevo Laredo is a busy border city adjacent to Laredo, Texas. It’s a crucial trade hub and is known for its international trade and logistics activities. The city is a gateway for goods traveling between Mexico and the USA.

Reynosa, Mexico – McAllen, USA

Crossing: McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge, Anzalduas International Bridge.

Reynosa is another bustling border city, neighboring McAllen, Texas. Reynosa is a significant industrial and commercial center. The city’s culture is a unique fusion of Mexican and Texan influences.

Matamoros, Mexico – Brownsville, USA

Crossing: Gateway International Bridge, Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge, Veterans International Bridge.

Matamoros is a city on the southern border of Texas, across from Brownsville. It boasts a beautiful waterfront and offers a glimpse of Mexico’s Gulf Coast culture. It’s known for its lively music scene, especially the “conjunto” music.

These border towns are fascinating places to visit and explore.

Towns along the Mexico-USA border can be a great travel experience. Many of these areas are thriving hubs of cultural exchange. But they may also face challenges related to immigration, security, and drug trafficking.

Check the specific situation in the city you plan to visit.

Stay informed about travel advisories

Check for travel advisories and updates from reliable sources or local authorities. These resources provide valuable information about safety conditions, potential risks, and any precautions you should take during your visit.

Choose well-traveled areas

Opt for well-populated and tourist-friendly areas when exploring border towns.

Popular spots often have increased security measures and a higher police presence, contributing to a safer environment for visitors. Avoiding isolated or less-frequented areas can reduce the likelihood of encountering safety issues.

Respect local laws and customs

Respecting local laws and customs is essential for a safe and respectful visit. Be aware of and adhere to any regulations, especially those related to border crossings, immigration procedures, and personal safety.

Familiarize yourself with the local culture to ensure you interact respectfully with the community.

Use common-sense safety measures

Apply common-sense safety measures during your visit.

Keep your belongings secure, be cautious in unfamiliar surroundings, and stay vigilant in crowded areas. Traveling with a group or guided tour can enhance your safety by providing local insights and support.

Consult local authorities

Don’t hesitate to consult local authorities or tourism offices. They can provide guidance on current conditions, areas to avoid, and any specific precautions you should take based on the latest information and situation.

Connect with fellow travelers

Talk with other travelers or join group activities to enhance safety. Traveling with others provides mutual support, and sharing experiences with fellow tourists can offer valuable insights into navigating the local environment.

While border towns present unique challenges, they also offer incredible cultural experiences and friendly communities. Take all the necessary precautions, you can enjoy your visit to these crossroads of two nations.

If you plan to explore the US part of these border towns, whether it’s for a brief and casual visit or a more extended stay, it’s important to be aware that you may be required to obtain a US B1/B2 visa.

However, there are exceptions.

If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you can travel to the US for up to 90 days with just an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) instead of a B1/B2 visa.

It’s important to check your specific situation and eligibility for the VWP or other visa exemptions.

Additionally, border regulations can change, so it’s a good idea to consult the official website of the US Department of State or U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

Piedras Negras is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande River, which serves as the natural border between Mexico and the USA. The area is characterized by the riverfront, rolling hills, and arid climate typical of the region.

Climate and Weather

The climate of the region is semi-arid and hot. During summer the temperatures often surpass 45 °C. The hottest months are May through September with a daily average (mean) temperature between 26 °C and 31 °C.

The high temperatures recorded in Piedras Negras have earned it recognition as one of the hottest cities in the country.

The highest precipitation months are May, June, and September with an average monthly downfall in excess of 80 mm but that is highly sporadic lending to frequent drought conditions.

The period of lowest precipitation is between December through March, with a monthly average of 30 mm.

The ideal time to visit Piedras Negras is during the cooler months, generally from November to February.

During this period, the temperatures are more moderate, making outdoor activities and exploration more comfortable. Summers can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 38°C, so visiting during the cooler season is recommended.

The name “Piedras Negras” is Spanish and translates to “Black Stones” in English.

The origin of the name comes from the presence of dark volcanic rocks that can be found in the region surrounding the city. These black stones are a notable geological feature of the area and have contributed to the city’s name.

In 1888, the city was renamed “Ciudad Porfirio Díaz” in honor of the then-President of Mexico, Porfirio Díaz. This renaming was a common practice during that era to pay homage to prominent political figures.

However, after the Mexican Revolution, which spanned from 1910 to 1920 and resulted in significant social and political changes in Mexico, the city reverted to its original name, “Piedras Negras”.

Piedras Negras has a long and significant history, dating back to ancient times when it was inhabited by indigenous groups, including the Coahuiltecan people.

On June 15, 1850, a group of 34 men (commanded by Andrés Zapata, Gaspar Salazar, and Antonio Ramírez) met with Colonel Juan Manuel Maldonado to give the news that they had created a pass point at Piedras Negras, to the right of the Rio Grande, south of Fort Duncan.

They named it Nueva Villa de Herrera, but it later became Villa de Piedras Negras.

In Otto Schober’s “Breve historia de Piedras Negras”, the local historian points out that the 34 men were repatriates (Mexican Americans) who arrived on June 15, 1850, in what was then called “Colonia Militar de Guerrero en Piedras Negras”.

In 1855, the town was looted by a small force of 130 Texans who had been organized by Texas slaveholders for a punitive expedition against a nearby border settlement of fugitive slaves and Indians.

The force was led by a captain of the Texas Rangers and had recently been “repelled by a superior force of Negroes, Indians, and Mexicans who were waiting in ambush” inside Mexico, but they then looted Piedras Negras on the journey back to Texas.

Due to the discovery of huge deposits of coal in the region, in 1881 a railroad track was begun, finishing in 1883.

With this construction, the regional economy flourished and on December 1, 1888, it was granted the status of city; this time with the name of Ciudad Porfirio Díaz. After the fall of Diaz in 1911, the city reverted to being Piedras Negras, Coahuila.

Historic Centre

The Historic Centre of Piedras Negras is the place to admire the most representative buildings in the city.

Among the main buildings of this area are the Antiguo Hotel del Ferrocarril, the Former Municipal Presidency, Zaragoza Market, the House of Culture, the PRONAF building, and the Mail and Customs buildings.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Old yet firm religious precinct, capable of resisting the attacks of the 1927 Cristero movement and an explosion in 1934. Its construction dates back to 1859, being originally made out of cement and wood, even when one year after the explosion a final remodeling took place.

Macroplaza

The Macroplaza contains several tourist attractions for all tastes and ages: from a kids’ playing area to an acoustic area for events.

Among the many places to enjoy you’ll find parks and gardens, a kiosk, sporting areas, a tower with a clock, and the monuments of Los Fundadores and the Discovery of America. To make your time even more pleasant you’ll find snacks selling.

Plaza de Las Tres Culturas

This incredible place blends elements of the Mayan, Aztec, and Olmec cultures, perfectly outfitting it with comfortable spaces for tourism. It’s a great effort to make replicas of some of the main archaeological sites in the country.

Mission of San Bernardo

In the first years of the XVIII century, an order of Franciscans built this temple, nowadays in ruins that enclose the beauty and mystery of an ancient era.

The Mission of San Bernardo was part of the Franciscan Mission Complex of Rio Grande del Norte, headed by Captain Diego Roman, who, at its time, attacked the rebel Indians of the region that now is San Antonio, Texas.

Piedras Negras’ main tourist attractions

• Casa de Cultura
• Plaza de las Culturas
• Mercado Zaragoza
• Museo de la Frontera Norte
• Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
• Piedras Negras-Zaragoza International Bridge

Enjoy outdoor recreational activities along the riverfront, such as picnicking, hiking, and fishing.

International Day of the Nacho

The International Day of the Nacho takes place every October 21.

It was initiated in the 1990s in the United States and Mexico to commemorate the invention of nachos by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in 1943 at El Moderno restaurant in the border town of Piedras Negras, Coahuila.

Bike Fest

For 12 years in a row, the Annual Bike Fest has attracted visitors from 41 different cities in Mexico and the United States. Activities last for 2-3 days and include concerts, food sales, acrobatic shows, a drive-through town, and a drawing with a brand-new bike as the grand prize.

Commercial air service is available via Aeropuerto Internacional de Piedras Negras.