Funk highly recommends to all of our Rocky Point players:
Spend the few bucks to get yourself the very inexpensive Mexican auto policy for the 3 day trip.
It's super easy and super cheap with our official sponsor Baja Bound.
Spend the few bucks to get yourself the very inexpensive Mexican auto policy for the 3 day trip.
It's super easy and super cheap with our official sponsor Baja Bound.
Why do I need Mexico car insurance for this little trip?
(aka: Isn't my policy enough?)
Answer = because Mexico law requires it.
(No, your U.S. policy is not kosher for Mexican authorities.)
You do NOT want to be in a fender bender in Mexico without Mexico car liability insurance
DO NOT RISK IT
Click the icon below to get the full picture.
It's easy and very affordable:
(aka: Isn't my policy enough?)
Answer = because Mexico law requires it.
(No, your U.S. policy is not kosher for Mexican authorities.)
You do NOT want to be in a fender bender in Mexico without Mexico car liability insurance
DO NOT RISK IT
Click the icon below to get the full picture.
It's easy and very affordable:
Driving directions to the doors of Las Palomas resort:
- Take I-10 south to 347 (for 3.7 miles)
- Take exit 164 to AZ-347 south towards Maricopa (for 14.7 miles)
- Take a RIGHT at AZ-238 (Smith Enke Rd) west towards Gila Bend (20.2 miles)
- Through Gila Bend, look for the McDonald's on the RIGHT and the sign to Rocky Point,
HWY 85 south.
- Follow Hwy 85 south to Ajo (at 43 miles)
- Keep on Hwy 85 through Why (at 54 miles)
- Hwy 85 ends at the international border in Lukeville (at 81 miles)
There's a gas station right at the border if you want to top off.
That white tunnel in the distance is where the border cross starts from the U.S. side.
- Take I-10 south to 347 (for 3.7 miles)
- Take exit 164 to AZ-347 south towards Maricopa (for 14.7 miles)
- Take a RIGHT at AZ-238 (Smith Enke Rd) west towards Gila Bend (20.2 miles)
- Through Gila Bend, look for the McDonald's on the RIGHT and the sign to Rocky Point,
HWY 85 south.
- Follow Hwy 85 south to Ajo (at 43 miles)
- Keep on Hwy 85 through Why (at 54 miles)
- Hwy 85 ends at the international border in Lukeville (at 81 miles)
There's a gas station right at the border if you want to top off.
That white tunnel in the distance is where the border cross starts from the U.S. side.
At the Mexico border cross:
Evert third car gets pulled to the left for random inspection. Totally routine, don't waste any energy on stress.
Be polite and cooperative, you'll be on your way.
NEVER BRING FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION INTO MEXICO.
Super serious offense, hooo-boy.
Realize that cannabis is not yet legal in Mexico.
Proceed with your own prudence and caution even with vapes and edibles.
ALCOHOL: Honestly this is aggravating to try to pin down, but our research seems to indicate that you are permitted to bring 1 liter of hard alcohol per person or a case of beer per person.
Know that there are tons of places to buy cerveza and booze there, and prices are sometimes cheaper than in the U.S.
Usually there are military personnel making a second check point stop a few yards past the regular border.
We're not used to seeing this in the U.S., but it is again, routine and random.
Should you be stopped, realize these guys sometimes are more thorough - they're looking for guns.
Keep your cash and purses on you - don't leave them in the vehicle. Just trust us.
Sometimes there is yet a third checkpoint by state police a few miles out of the border town of Sonoyta you're about to pass through. Again, standard stuff. Again, be polite and cooperative and keep your purse and cash on you.
PASSING THROUGH the TOWN OF SONOYTA
This is my personal guidance on traveling through the border town of Sonoyta, based on my 13 years of experience going through. I have been pulled over 5 times. One time was legitimate, barely. Lol.
You will probably not be pulled over at all - the odds say you won't. So don't be stressed.
The following is just in case your luck is bad.
There is unfortunately a problem with some corrupt Sonoyta cops who prey upon the gringo American fear of a Mexico cop's lights in their rear view mirror.
They used to simply run a couple bullshit speed traps where the limit is 25 or even 15 mph and they'd get you for going 1-2 mph over.
That has unfortunately graduated to outright lying sometimes.
The cops that engage in this practice leverage our fear; it is alarming to us because come from a country where this is unthinkable.
But just stay calm - trust me - and you'll be good one way or another.
First - make sure that you do NOT speed - at all.
From the moment you emerge from the border stop you are in a 40 kilometer per hour zone = 25 mph.
1. Do not go faster than 24 mph. Don't - no matter how painful that turtle crawl is to maintain.
2. Be vigilant about seeing the sometimes subtle stop signs and make a full on 3 second halt (yes - a 1-2-3 full count, and then go).
3. There is a "school zone" in the middle of the treck, mid town. Watch for this change carefully and maintain 15 mph until you see that you are well out of it, and then STILL not above 25 mph.
**4. Have a passenger conspicuously holding a phone up in the windshield, obviously filming the drive, all the way through town, including all stops and occasionally at your speedometer.
IF... despite all of this caution you get cop lights in your rearview - take a deep breath and stay calm.
You're going to be just fine.
Here is my advice:
- Be VERY polite and respectful. No matter that you do not speak Spanish - they don't expect you to.
- They will ask for your drivers license and may seem to confiscate it - do not be alarmed - this is tactic number one.
- The officer, probably a pair, are going to tell you that you were speeding or that you did not make a complete stop.
POLITELY respond that you are sorry but you are very sure that you did obey the law and when pressed, make note of your passenger filming it.
- They will tell you that you need to follow them to the police station to pay the fine. Do not freak out - this is actually the proper procedure - the station is a couple blocks away and paying there immediately, as odd as it sounds, is actually the legitimate action.
They may tell you that the fine is $110. This is true.
- What may happen, if you have encountered a corrupt cop, is that they may inflate that fine and they will give you the option to "pay the fine right there".
This is called "La Mordida". Translates to - "The Bite".
They are counting on you freaking out and paying them whatever they ask in your panic, to just be free.
They understand very well the psychology of the situation for you.
- If you are unsuccessful in convincing the cop that you did not in fact violate the law, you have a couple scenarios that can play out.
A. The cop really does intend to take you to pay a fine.
If this is your cop, your only hope is to repeat to “the judge” (it’s a person behind a plexiglass booth like the MVD office) your innocence and to show the footage you shot as proof. Maybe this will do it, maybe not.
The irony is that a corrupt cop is not interested in your paying of a legitimate fine - so if they know their stop is bullshit, this is unlikely you'll find yourself following the cop to the station.
Which leads to likely these tries:
B. The cop inflates the fine past $110.
Do NOT, ever, pay an inflated fine out of fear.
He is bluffing. DON'T DO THIS. You're being bullied.
Call his bluff.
Refuse and say thank you but I will follow you to the station.
This cop may very well give it up and let you go because he is not catching the fish he’s after- you're too much trouble. You’re no longer an easy lunch money ripoff.
C. The cop offers you a lower sum to "pay the fine here" - $80, maybe $60.
You now have a choice to ponder.
Ethics dictate this.
Some say to never pay La Mordida because it perpetuates the problem. They aren't wrong. They also are not you in this moment, and if paying $40 gets you on your way with the least resistance, there is an argument to be made that this is a decent option.
option a. Paying the cop a lower amount?
Okay here's how - I always keep the bulk of my cash in a hidden place - suitcase, laptop bag and a stunt "show" amount of no more than $40 in my pocket to pull out and show a cop that this is all I have.
NEVER let a cop pressure you as a group take up a "collection" and pay an inflated amount - never succumb to that bullshit. Never. $40 is the limit.
option b. Hold your ground and refuse to "pay here" at all.
You're playing the odds that this cop just wants a fast, corrupt buck and he has no interest in actually going to the trouble of trudging to the station. He also can get into very real trouble if he is reported.
You won't know which cop you have until you make this call.
Again, the most you will pay at the station is $110.
Whatever you decide to do, stay calm and know you will be out of there as long as you stay cool and remain respectful.
The cop may threaten to keep your license.
This is BS. He will keep it only until and if you follow him to the station.
He can't and won't just take it.
If you are asked to exit the vehicle, keep your purse or fanny pack on you - do not leave money in a glove compartment or in a conspicuous, obvious spot. Stash your cash.
Again, the odds are ever in your favor, especially if you drive as I have advised, that you will emerge out of Sonoyta utterly unmolested.
But the odds are not 1000-1 in that favor.
They are more like 20-1. It does happen.
Also - do not be alarmed at either military personnel searches or the standard border agent car searches. They are mainly looking for guns. Totally routine stuff.
Guys with M-16s is alarming for us white hueras, but it's standard stuff in Mexico, and ironically they are there to make things safer.
For the love of god do NOT be daft and bring a gun into Mexico. I’ve witnessed an entire SUV full of dumbasses being handcuffed and taken away by the local authorities for being freedom loving dipsticks who don’t comprehend that their “right to bear arms” doesn’t cross into another country.
Also realize that marijuana is not yet legal there, and if you vape or do edibles, hide that stuff well - inside of shoes, in a coffee can, deep inside of toiletries.
Ajo can also be a speed trap, but cops don't roll people there - you just a a fat $200 fine and a mark for your insurance rates to go up.
PM me if you have more questions and happy travels!
LEAVING SONOYTA - THE LAST STRETCH TO THE BEACH!
As you leave Sonoyta the speed limit increases to 90 kph = 55 mph.
We've never been pulled over and we admittedly speed up to 80 mph, but you should always over the posted speed limits, kids.
It's about 60 miles from here the resort. It's a clean, well maintained stretch of two lane highway, should take you from 50-80 minutes to get to Las Palomas.
We've never broken down on the Mexico side thank goodness, but if you do, there are Green Angel trucks that operate daylight hours that scout for cars in need.
Been told you can dial 078 to summon them. Never tried it.
Also been given this number for a tow in Mexico:
Luis Enrique Cedillo 638-112-8158
*Extra info: to call a Mexico number from your cell phone, which is originating from the US:
Evert third car gets pulled to the left for random inspection. Totally routine, don't waste any energy on stress.
Be polite and cooperative, you'll be on your way.
NEVER BRING FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION INTO MEXICO.
Super serious offense, hooo-boy.
Realize that cannabis is not yet legal in Mexico.
Proceed with your own prudence and caution even with vapes and edibles.
ALCOHOL: Honestly this is aggravating to try to pin down, but our research seems to indicate that you are permitted to bring 1 liter of hard alcohol per person or a case of beer per person.
Know that there are tons of places to buy cerveza and booze there, and prices are sometimes cheaper than in the U.S.
Usually there are military personnel making a second check point stop a few yards past the regular border.
We're not used to seeing this in the U.S., but it is again, routine and random.
Should you be stopped, realize these guys sometimes are more thorough - they're looking for guns.
Keep your cash and purses on you - don't leave them in the vehicle. Just trust us.
Sometimes there is yet a third checkpoint by state police a few miles out of the border town of Sonoyta you're about to pass through. Again, standard stuff. Again, be polite and cooperative and keep your purse and cash on you.
PASSING THROUGH the TOWN OF SONOYTA
This is my personal guidance on traveling through the border town of Sonoyta, based on my 13 years of experience going through. I have been pulled over 5 times. One time was legitimate, barely. Lol.
You will probably not be pulled over at all - the odds say you won't. So don't be stressed.
The following is just in case your luck is bad.
There is unfortunately a problem with some corrupt Sonoyta cops who prey upon the gringo American fear of a Mexico cop's lights in their rear view mirror.
They used to simply run a couple bullshit speed traps where the limit is 25 or even 15 mph and they'd get you for going 1-2 mph over.
That has unfortunately graduated to outright lying sometimes.
The cops that engage in this practice leverage our fear; it is alarming to us because come from a country where this is unthinkable.
But just stay calm - trust me - and you'll be good one way or another.
First - make sure that you do NOT speed - at all.
From the moment you emerge from the border stop you are in a 40 kilometer per hour zone = 25 mph.
1. Do not go faster than 24 mph. Don't - no matter how painful that turtle crawl is to maintain.
2. Be vigilant about seeing the sometimes subtle stop signs and make a full on 3 second halt (yes - a 1-2-3 full count, and then go).
3. There is a "school zone" in the middle of the treck, mid town. Watch for this change carefully and maintain 15 mph until you see that you are well out of it, and then STILL not above 25 mph.
**4. Have a passenger conspicuously holding a phone up in the windshield, obviously filming the drive, all the way through town, including all stops and occasionally at your speedometer.
IF... despite all of this caution you get cop lights in your rearview - take a deep breath and stay calm.
You're going to be just fine.
Here is my advice:
- Be VERY polite and respectful. No matter that you do not speak Spanish - they don't expect you to.
- They will ask for your drivers license and may seem to confiscate it - do not be alarmed - this is tactic number one.
- The officer, probably a pair, are going to tell you that you were speeding or that you did not make a complete stop.
POLITELY respond that you are sorry but you are very sure that you did obey the law and when pressed, make note of your passenger filming it.
- They will tell you that you need to follow them to the police station to pay the fine. Do not freak out - this is actually the proper procedure - the station is a couple blocks away and paying there immediately, as odd as it sounds, is actually the legitimate action.
They may tell you that the fine is $110. This is true.
- What may happen, if you have encountered a corrupt cop, is that they may inflate that fine and they will give you the option to "pay the fine right there".
This is called "La Mordida". Translates to - "The Bite".
They are counting on you freaking out and paying them whatever they ask in your panic, to just be free.
They understand very well the psychology of the situation for you.
- If you are unsuccessful in convincing the cop that you did not in fact violate the law, you have a couple scenarios that can play out.
A. The cop really does intend to take you to pay a fine.
If this is your cop, your only hope is to repeat to “the judge” (it’s a person behind a plexiglass booth like the MVD office) your innocence and to show the footage you shot as proof. Maybe this will do it, maybe not.
The irony is that a corrupt cop is not interested in your paying of a legitimate fine - so if they know their stop is bullshit, this is unlikely you'll find yourself following the cop to the station.
Which leads to likely these tries:
B. The cop inflates the fine past $110.
Do NOT, ever, pay an inflated fine out of fear.
He is bluffing. DON'T DO THIS. You're being bullied.
Call his bluff.
Refuse and say thank you but I will follow you to the station.
This cop may very well give it up and let you go because he is not catching the fish he’s after- you're too much trouble. You’re no longer an easy lunch money ripoff.
C. The cop offers you a lower sum to "pay the fine here" - $80, maybe $60.
You now have a choice to ponder.
Ethics dictate this.
Some say to never pay La Mordida because it perpetuates the problem. They aren't wrong. They also are not you in this moment, and if paying $40 gets you on your way with the least resistance, there is an argument to be made that this is a decent option.
option a. Paying the cop a lower amount?
Okay here's how - I always keep the bulk of my cash in a hidden place - suitcase, laptop bag and a stunt "show" amount of no more than $40 in my pocket to pull out and show a cop that this is all I have.
NEVER let a cop pressure you as a group take up a "collection" and pay an inflated amount - never succumb to that bullshit. Never. $40 is the limit.
option b. Hold your ground and refuse to "pay here" at all.
You're playing the odds that this cop just wants a fast, corrupt buck and he has no interest in actually going to the trouble of trudging to the station. He also can get into very real trouble if he is reported.
You won't know which cop you have until you make this call.
Again, the most you will pay at the station is $110.
Whatever you decide to do, stay calm and know you will be out of there as long as you stay cool and remain respectful.
The cop may threaten to keep your license.
This is BS. He will keep it only until and if you follow him to the station.
He can't and won't just take it.
If you are asked to exit the vehicle, keep your purse or fanny pack on you - do not leave money in a glove compartment or in a conspicuous, obvious spot. Stash your cash.
Again, the odds are ever in your favor, especially if you drive as I have advised, that you will emerge out of Sonoyta utterly unmolested.
But the odds are not 1000-1 in that favor.
They are more like 20-1. It does happen.
Also - do not be alarmed at either military personnel searches or the standard border agent car searches. They are mainly looking for guns. Totally routine stuff.
Guys with M-16s is alarming for us white hueras, but it's standard stuff in Mexico, and ironically they are there to make things safer.
For the love of god do NOT be daft and bring a gun into Mexico. I’ve witnessed an entire SUV full of dumbasses being handcuffed and taken away by the local authorities for being freedom loving dipsticks who don’t comprehend that their “right to bear arms” doesn’t cross into another country.
Also realize that marijuana is not yet legal there, and if you vape or do edibles, hide that stuff well - inside of shoes, in a coffee can, deep inside of toiletries.
Ajo can also be a speed trap, but cops don't roll people there - you just a a fat $200 fine and a mark for your insurance rates to go up.
PM me if you have more questions and happy travels!
LEAVING SONOYTA - THE LAST STRETCH TO THE BEACH!
As you leave Sonoyta the speed limit increases to 90 kph = 55 mph.
We've never been pulled over and we admittedly speed up to 80 mph, but you should always over the posted speed limits, kids.
It's about 60 miles from here the resort. It's a clean, well maintained stretch of two lane highway, should take you from 50-80 minutes to get to Las Palomas.
We've never broken down on the Mexico side thank goodness, but if you do, there are Green Angel trucks that operate daylight hours that scout for cars in need.
Been told you can dial 078 to summon them. Never tried it.
Also been given this number for a tow in Mexico:
Luis Enrique Cedillo 638-112-8158
*Extra info: to call a Mexico number from your cell phone, which is originating from the US:
- Enter 011.
- Add on the Mexico country code, 52
Highway 8 in Mexico from Sonoyta to Penasco
