Visiting Boquillas, Mexico

Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico seen from the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail.

NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou

Port of Entry Hours and Passport Requirements

Visiting Mexico through the park's Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is an option for visitors possessing a valid passport. The Port of Entry is open Friday through Monday, 9:00 am-6:00 pm (summer), and Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm (winter - effective November 1st). Learn more about visiting a border area.

U.S. currency is accepted in Boquillas though visitors are advised to bring smaller bills or rely on Boquillas vendors to provide change for their purchases. The Rio Grande Village Store and the Rio Grande Visitor Center cannot make change for visitors travelling to Boquillas.

For more information about restaurants; camping; lodging; local handicrafts; activities, and history visit Boquillas.org.

 

How do I get there?

Park at the Boquillas Crossing parking lot near Boquillas Canyon. After passing through the port of entry visitors are ferried across the Rio Grande on a small rowboat for a modest fee ($5 round-trip). Walking across the river is permitted only at the Boquillas Crossing, but is not recommended if the river level is high.

Once across the river visitors have the option of walking to the village (1/2 mile) or paying an additional fee to ride on a burro, horse, or in a vehicle. Local guides are available. Visitors are required to check in with Mexican immigration officials upon arrival in Boquillas. Visitors planning to stay overnight in Mexico will need to apply for a temporary visa. Secure overnight parking at the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry may be available.

 

Documentation

U.S. and Canadian citizens can also present a valid: U.S. Passport; Passport Card; Enhanced Driver’s License; Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST); U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or Form I-872 American Indian Card, or (when available) Enhanced Tribal Card. For complete information on travel documents visit the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative webpage.

U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.

 

It is a short rowboat ride to Mexico

NPS / T. VandenBerg