Tourist Information
Compliment of Rocky Point Times
Travel Information
Rocky Point, also known as Puerto Penasco, is located in the “Free Zone” approx. 66 miles from the U.S Border.
DRIVING TO ROCKY POINT
AZ. Hwy. 85, Organ Pipe cactus, National Monument.
COMING FROM PHOENIX
Take either 1-10 (west side) or the Marticopa Hwy. (east side). Take the Gila Bend/Mexico exit off at 1-10 and head toward Gila Bend. Once you pass through Gila Bend you will exit onto Hwy. 85 (south) toward Ajo/Mexico. Hwy. 85 will take you all the way to the U.S/Mexico border at Lukeville, AZ and Sonoyta, MX. The Maricopa Hwy. will lead you right into Gila Bend, exit left once you come to the stop sign and follow the above directions.
COMING FROM TUCSON
You will take the old Ajo Hwy. (Hwy. 86), which will lead you through Sells and end at Why, AZ. At the stop sign take a left onto Hwy. 85 (at Why) and head to the border (see above).
Gas, Restrooms, ATM machines and convenience stores are located in Gila Bend, Ajo, Why and Lukeville.
ENTERING MEXICO
The Highway (Hwy 8) from the Lukeville border to Rocky Point is a good 2-lane road with plenty of emergency parking and places to pass. It is an open range (watch out for wildlife) and is patrolled by the highway police. Please se Crossing the Border in this section for more info.
YOU MUST HAVE MEXICAN VEHICLE INSURANCE... ITS THE LAW.
A Minimum of liability is required.
ACCIDENTS
If you are involved in a (non-death) accident in Mexico, you are considered at fault until proven otherwise. All parties are taken to the police station where you and your vehicle may be detained until restitution is made. If a minor is involved in an accident, the parents are responsible for the child. Parents must pay fines and/or restitution. Minors are usually detained but not jailed in non-death accidents or traffic violations. You need to file a police report and phone your Mexican insurance adjustor immediately in the event of an accident. You (most likely) will be held in jail if you are in an accident in which a death occurs.
AIRLINE SERVICE & AIRPORTS
AIRLINE SERVICE
AeroMexico (Aeroliteral)
Service to Hermosillo, MX
Morgan Jet
Charter Flights from Phoenix
1-888-869-0866
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (south)
Currently under construction south of Rocky Point ear the Mayan Palace. The completion date is slated for 2009. The airport will be able to accommodate large jets and commercial airliners. For more info. You can phone the Puerto Penasco Airport at (011-52-638) 383-6097. The airport located north of town will not close once the new airport is finished.
PUERTO PENASCO AIRPORT (north)
Phone: (011-52-638) 383-6097
Airport Admin.: Alonso Dominguez Ruiz
Comandante: Alejandro Rangel Ocegueda
Located on Hwy. 8 just north of town.
Car Parking $5/Day
Rental Cars available
Personal Aircraft
To fly your own plane, you must have: pilots licence & medical certificate, Registration, air worthiness certificate, and Mexican airplane Insurance.
General Airport Information
Airport Id: MMPE
August 5, 1994 declared port of entry.
Coordinates: 31 21 08 LN, 113 32 08 LW
Location: 3 miles north of town
Runways: 11-29 5000 feet paved
03-21 3000 feet dirt
Radio Frequency: 122.80
VOR-DME Frequency: 112.10
Landing Free: $50 pesos single engine,
$100 pesos twin engine,
Federal Fee: $567 pesos
Tie down and Overnight Available
Fuel Available
International Airport currently under
construction, Located by the Mayan resort.
Completion 2009.
U.S airports (closest)
Phoenix, Tucsion & Nogales, AZ
BUS STATIONS (MEXICO)
From the U.S - See Shuttle Services
ABC- Auto Transportes de la Baja California
383-2019, Constiticuion, just N of the signal at Blvd. Benito Juarez
Albatros 388-0888, E side of Benito Juarez, N of the stadium
Norte De Sonora 383-3640, E side of Blvd. Benito Juarez, S of No. Releccion
(Calle 26) and N or Pemex
TAP - Transportes y Autobuses del Pacifico 383-6761, W side of Blvd. Benito Juarez,
N of the signal at Constitution
CAR RENTALS
Some Major rental companies do permit their vehicles to be driven into Mexico. You will have better luck if you call their Arizona offices directly instead of going through their national office. You may be required to carry their Mexican insurance. Mexico requires that you must carry a minimum of liability insurance.
Arizona
Enterprise, Advantage, Dollar Sabans -McDowell Rd. Phoenix
2934 E. McDowell, (602)-273-7351
Puerto Penasco
(from the U.S dial 011-52-638)
Alamo Rent A Car 102-0277
(at the airport and in town)
M.G Rentals 383-3814
Rio Car Rental 383-8181
The Point Rent-A-Car 388-5823
COSTAL HIGHWAY
Carretera Costera
Open for Driving
500 km (approx. 300 miles) from San Luis
Rio Colorado (Bja) to Guaymas (Sonora)
CONSULATES
MEXICAN CONSULATES
Tucson:
553 S. Stone Ave. 85701
(520)-882-5595 Mon-Fri. 8 AM -2 PM
Phoenix:
1990 W. Camelback Rd. 85015
(602-433-2294
Nogales:
480 Grand Ave. 89562
(520)-287-3175
Douglas:
541 10th St. 85607
(520)-364-3107
U.S CONSULATES
Nogales, Mexico
from Mexico (01-631)-311-8150
Fax: (01-631)-313-4652
From the U.S. (011-52-631)-311-8150
Fax. (011-52-631)-313-4652
Email: NogalesASC@state.gov
What the Consulate CAN DO
if you are arrested in Mexico
Visit you in jail after your arrest
Provide you a list of local attorneys
Inform you of judicial procedures
Notify family and friends
Relay requests for aid or monetary support
Protest abuse or mistreatment to authorities
What the Consulate CANNOT DO
If you are arrested in Mexico
Demand your immediate release
Get you out of jail or out of the country
Pay legal fees with U.S. Government Money
Pay fines with U.S. Government money
CROSSING THE BORDER
ARIZONA/MEXICO BORDER
At Lukeville/Sonoyta
CLOSED MIDNIGHT - 6:00 AM
As soon as you pass the chain link fence, you are entering into Mexico. Wait for the vehicle ahead of you to pass all the way the the lane before proceeding.
INSPECTION:
There are two means of inspection:
Fiscal Traffic Light
Intregral Inspection
As you cross the Mexican Border you will go through a narrow lane and there will be a (traffic) light up ahead on your left at the end of a the lane. As you proceed through the lane, the light will either flash red (alto - stop) or green (pase -go).
FISCAL TRAFFIC LIGHT
Red Light: STOP (alto)
If the light is red you will pull off to the left where an officer will ask you some questions such as where you are going, how long you are staying, and what you are bringing into Mexico. The officer will most likely look through your vehicle and belongings. Do not leave your vehicle unattended and accompany the officer during his search. If you incur any problems be sure to get the name and badge number of the Officer.
Green Light: GO (pase)
If you get the green light you can pass through without any inspection. Please note that you still may be pulled over and inspected even if you get the green light.
INTEGRAL INSPECTION
This is the voluntary request for the examination of your articles, if you have items to declare which exceed your allowed limits. Before you pass through the light you will pull off to your left and park in the assigned spaces against the chain link fence. You will need to go to the small building, which sits in the middle of the two lanes, and tell the officer what items you have to declare and the value of each item. When you are finished filling out the form, the import tax (impuestos) will be assessed and you will be handed two forms to take to the bank and pay. (The bank is at the side of the brick building, past the fountain.) An agent may want to come and inspect your load. The taxes you pay are in pesos (they will accept dollars) and are to be paid directly to the bank and you will be issued a receipt. You will need that receipt to cross the border. (If you are pulled over by Aduana after leaving the border, you will need the receipt as proof of payment.)
After you have paid the bank you will need to cross the border and go through the Fiscal Traffic Light. If you get the red light you will need to pull over and show your receipt to the officer.
If you come through the fiscal traffic light, and merchandise is found which was not declared, you could have to pay a fine of 4x the commercial value of the articles plus your vehicle and belongings may be seized. If you choose the Integral Inspection the fine will be 1 1/2x the value. In both cases you forfeit the right to the tax exemption.
Your vehicle and personal belongings can be confiscated if you do not stop and declare merchandise over your limit allowed by Mexican Law.
DUTY FREE ITEMS
You are allowed $50 USD tax free in new merchandise per person. Merchandise must be in the same vehicle as person(s) declaring.
FM3’S DO NOT ALLOW YOU OVER $50.
The following is a list of items which you may bring into Mexico tax free.
Items for personal use such as clothing, shoes and toiletries according to the length of your stay.
1 photographic or motion video camera, including a power source and rolls of film or video cassettes. (No professional equipment.)
Books and Magazines.
1 used sports article or piece of equipment for individual use.
2 cartons of cigarettes or 50 cigars.
3 liters (approx. 3 quarts) of wine, alcohol, beer, etc. If the passenger is an adult. You may import an additional 2 liters and pay the corresponding tax.
Medicine for personal use (with your prescription).
Suitcases to transport your items.
If you are legally a resident of another country, in addition to the items listed, you may also bring the following items:
VCR
Bicycle with or without a motor
House hold linens
Kitchen utensils
Living room & bedroom furniture
You may import additional merchandise valued up to $1,000 per vehicle by paying the corresponding tax without the intervention of a customs broker.
Over $1,000 USD requires a broker, which are located just across the border.
FIREARMS & DRUGS
Firearms, illegal drugs and ammunition are NOT allowed into Mexico. Hunters may bring their firearm with the proper paperwork/clearance. Possession carries a penalty of 5 to 30 years.
IMPORTING
You are allowed to bring in $50.00 USD per person worth of new merchandise - this does not include your personal items such as clothing, toiletries, etc. If you have new merchandise in excess of $50 per person you will need to declare your items and pay the impuestos (taxes) before crossing into Mexico. You may import up to $1,000 USD in new merchandise per vehicle without the assistance of a customs broker.
To declare items you are bringing into Mexico, turn left as you cross the border, just beyond the chain link fence. Park in the designated spot and go into the Aduana building in the middle of the two lanes. See crossing the Border for more information on declaring merchandise.
If your merchandise totals more than $1,000 USD per vehicle, you will need the assistance of a custom broker. Customs brokers are located on the Mexican side of the border. Park on the U.S side and walk across to one of their offices.
Customs Brokers in Sonoyta, Mex.
Agencia Ibarrola (011-52-651)-512-1878
Aserco Imp. (011-52-651-512-0009
MultiServicios Sinaloa (011-52-651)- 512-1593 or 1599
INSURANCE
Medical Insurance
Family or personal trip/vacation medical insurance can be purchased by some providers in the U.S. Check your existing policy to see what coverage is offered while visiting Mexico.
Most clinics in Rocky Point do not accept U.S. insurance as payment with the exception being One Stop Medical Clinic. One Stop also offers heath care policies for long and short-term visitors and residents.
Vehicle Insurance
Mexican Law states that you MUST HAVE MEXICAN INSURANCE while driving in Mexico. A minimum of liability is required though full coverage is recommended.
You can insure your driver’s license if driving a buggy, quad, rail, etc., but the vehicle cannot be insured for theft.
If your vehicle is stolen, you must immediately file a local, federal (state) and U.S. police report. The insurance companies usually pay low blue book and extras such as rims, tires, stereo, etc. are not covered.
Most U.S. policies ARE NOT recognized in Mexico.
You may purchase insurance over the internet, phone, mail or stop at a number of places on your way to Rocky Point. Look in this issue for Mexican Insurance.
MILEAGE FROM ROCKY POINT TO
Agua Prieta, Mexico --- 345 miles
Ajo, Arizona --- 90 miles
Caborca, Mexico --- 100 miles
Ciudad Obregon, Mexico --- 418 miles
Guaymas, Mexico --- 340 miles
Hermosillo, Mexico --- 260 miles
Kino Bay, Mexico --- 330 miles
Las Vegas, Nevada --- 501 miles
Los Angeles, California --- 540 miles
Lukeville, Arizona --- 66 miles
Nogales, Mexico --- 287 miles
Phoenix, Arizona --- 212 miles
San Diego, California --- 439 miles
Santa Ana, Mexico --- 160 miles
Sonoyta, Mexico --- 62 miles
Tucson, Arizona --- 212 miles
Yuma, Arizona --- 260 miles
New Coastal Highway
This highway will run from Baja, California through Rocky Point and places beyond. The highway, up to Rocky Point, should be completed by next summer and will cut our drive to Mexicali by approx. 2 hours.
Southern California visitors will be able to get to Penasco in 4 hours! It is a nice, wide, 2-lane highway with rest stops, plenty of passing and wide shoulders for emergencies.
PETS
Only domestic animals (dogs and cats) are allowed into Mexico. You need to carry a copy of your pet’s current rabies vaccination certificate in case you are asked for it as you cross into Mexico. Mexico has many stray animals roaming the streets so please keep an eye on your pet. Many pets are lost in Rocky Point each year due to unfamiliar surroundings and firework noise. If you animal is lost while visiting Rocky Point, we have found the best thing to do is scour the area where he/she was last seen. You can also pass out flyers to taxi drivers and water truck delivery men and post them all over town. Putting an announcement on the local AM and FM radio stations are also a good idea. Be sure you have a collar and tag on our animal as well as a current photo.
Contrary to popular belief, your pet is not welcome at most establishments, especially where food is served. Please check with the staff before bringing your pet inside as the business can be fined for health violations.
RE-ENTERING THE UNITED STATES
CLOSED MIDNIGHT - 6:00 AM
Have your I.D or Passport ready
Bureau of Customs
and Border Protection
PO Box C, Lukeville, AZ 85341
(520)-387-5671, Fax: (520)-387-5309
Passports
U.S. Citizens re-entering the United States (via vehicle) from Mexico are now required to provide their Passport or 2 forms of ID, one being your birth certificate (copies accepted), and the other being a government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license. Parents bringing their official birth certificate, may bring the temporary one issued by the hospital. You may also apply for Passport Card. NEXXUS and Sentri cards are also accepted as forms of ID (same as a Passport). As early as Summer 2009, all U.S citizens returning to the U.S. may be required to show their passport.
Wait Times
Traffic is greatly increased during holiday and busy weekends. Please plan your trip accordingly. A good idea is to arrive a day early, and stay a day later.
You can check border wait times on the internet at http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt.
Permitted Items
100 cigars, 200 cigarettes
1 liter (39.8 fl. oz.) per person 21 or older.
Fruits and Vegetables: bananas, blackberries, cactus fruits, dates, dewberries, grapes, lemons, limes (sour), lychees, melons, papayas, pineapples, and strawberries. Vegetables are permitted, except for those on the prohibited list above. Okra, however is subject to certain restrictions.
Nuts: acorns, almonds, cocoa beans, chestnuts, coconuts (without husks or milk), peanuts, pecans, pinons (pinenuts), tamarind beans, walnuts and waternuts. Seafood: 50 Ibs. of fish or shrimp per vehicle.
Avoid customs penalties by declaring all articles acquired in Mexico and in your possession at the time of your re-entry into the United States. If in doubt whether an article should be declared, always declare it first and then direct your question to the Customs Officer. If you understate the value of an article you declare, you may have to pay a penalty in addition to the payment of duty. If you fail to declare an article acquired in Mexico, not only is the item subject to seizure, but you will be liable for a personal penalty.
You are entitled to a $800 exemption in a 30 day period. Articles totaling $800 may be entered free of duty, subject to the limitations on liquor, cigarettes and cigars.
Prohibited Items
Agricultural items are prohibited if they can carry plants pests or animal diseases. Cuban Cigars. Medicine requires a prescription, carry a copy of your U.S. prescription with you. Fruits and Vegetables: sugercane, potatoes, Irish potatoes, sweet, potatoes, and yams. (Exceptions: Cooked potatoes and avocados without seeds, except in California.)
Plants, Seeds and Soil: plants and seeds require special permits. Soil and some plants are prohibited. Check in advance with agricultural inspectors. (Exception: some dried plant parts for medicinal purposes are permitted.)
Meat and Game: pork, raw and cooked, including sausages, cold cuts, skins, and pork tacos is prohibited. (Exceptions: shelf-stable, canned pork and hard cooked pork skins (cracklings) are permitted.)
Poultry: raw meat from both domesticated and game fowl is prohibited. (Exception: thoroughly cooked poultry is permitted.)
Game: check with agricultural inspectors in advance.
Eggs: prohibited. (Exceptions: boiled and cooked eggs are permitted.)
Live birds: wild and domesticated birds, including poultry are prohibited. To import personally owned pet birds, contact agricultural inspectors in advance.
Straw: generally prohibited. This includes wheat straw, seeds, animal feed, and all articles made from this material.
In addition to the excepted items listed above, many agricultural items are permitted if they pass inspection to be sure they are free of pests, soil and sand.
SHUTTLE SERVICES
Daily shuttle service is available from the Phoenix and Tucson areas to Rocky Point and cities in-between. Please contact the companies directly for their schedules and rates. If you need door to door service, clarify that they offer that service and if you need to be picked up at the airport make sure that the shuttle has a permit to pick up passengers at the airport.
Head Out to Rocky Point
(602)-971-0166, Toll Free 866-443-2368
Mercedes Shuttle
(602)-956-5696
Nena’s Transportation
(602)-442-6802
Sea Side Shuttle Service
Toll Free: 877-276-5745
13636 N Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ
Transportes Superior
4420 S 6th Ave., Tucson
(520)-746-4066
TRAVEL BEYOND THE FREE ZONE
Puerto Penasco is located in the Free Zone, where you do not need vehicle/tourist isas to visit. If you plan to travel beyond the Free Zone you will need the following: FMT (personal tourist visa) and your vehicle permit if you plan to drive.
Personal Visa (FMT)
Available at the Immigration Office in Sonoyta, on your right as you cross the border. They are open from 8:00 AM until Midnight. You will need to bring your birth certificate and/or valid driver’s license. You can either park on the U.S. side and walk across or you can go through the border and park. You will need to show your ID and fill out the necessary paperwork (it is in English and Spanish). Once you have filled out the paperwork you will take it over to Banca Serfin, pay approx. $195 pesos (per person) and return to the office to give them a copy.
At this time you cannot obtain your FMT in Penasco, but they can stamp your FM3 or FM2 for travel beyond the free zone. If you are flying into the airport you can obtain your FMT when you arrive at the Penasco airport. By law, anyone in Mexico for more than 72 hours needs to have an FMT whether they are in the Free Zone or not.
Automobile Visa
If you plan to drive beyond the State of Sonora, you will need to obtain a permit for your vehicle. The cost for this permit is approx. $290 pesos. This can be done in Sonoyta or at the checkpoint outside of Guaymas.
You will need the original and 3 copies of:
Registration, Title & valid driver’s license
Credit Card in the vehicle owners name
FMT, FM3, FM2, Passport or birth certificate
Leasing contract (if your vehicle is rented or lease), which must be in the name of the person importing the vehicle. If the vehicle belongs to a company, the papers certifying the employee works for the company.
If you do not have a credit card you can post a bond payable to the Federal Treasury issued by an authorized bonding company in Mexico. As an alternative to posting bond you may make a cash deposit at Banco del Ejercito in an amount equal to the value according to the “Table of Vehicle Values for Bonding Companies”.
At Banco del Ejercito your credit card will be charged approx. $30 USD. A cash deposit will also be accepted if you do not have a credit card. Your deposit plus any interest will be returned to you when you leave Mexico. You may choose to obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bonding company located at the border crossings. The bonding company also assess taxes and processing costs for this service. The vehicle permit is good for 6 months and for any type of vehicle weighing under 3 tons.
When departing Mexico, and if you are not planning to drive the vehicle back into Mexico, the permit must be canceled with Customs. If your car is found in Mexico beyond the Free Zone and beyond the authorized time or without the appropriate papers, it will be confiscated.
Always carry the importation permit with you when driving your vehicle into Mexico. Take it with you when you exit the vehicle - do not leave this document in your car.
The sale of abandonment of use of the vehicle for financial gain will result in this confiscation.
The vehicle may be driven by the spouse or adult children as long as they have the same immigration status. It is a good idea to get a notarized document if you are driving a vehicle beyond the Free Zone that is not in your name and the owner is not in the vehicle with you. It should simply state that the owner has given permission to drive the vehicle, you may want to include the make, model, year, color and VIN number.
Contact Us if you have any questions about Puerto Penasco.
(602)-476-1939
If you notice any errors on our information pages, please notify us immediately so that we may verify the information and get it updated.
Thank you for using Peñasco Portal