Everything You Need to Know When Visiting Boquillas, Mexico
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Updated July 2024
Visiting Boquillas, Mexico
A few years ago, we took a trip to Texas and decided to make a trip to walk across the border into Boquillas, Mexico. This is a small little town right across the border in Mexico that is home to around 275 people. The town sustains itself from visitors coming to their town and financially supporting them by purchasing their homemade goods or eating at one of their restaurants. Most of the residents also make items to sell to visitors. Prices are minimal and it helps to sustain their economy.
What you need to know before you go
A passport book or passport card is required to cross the border from Texas into Mexico. Plan ahead as passports take a couple months to obtain if you don’t already have one.
You cross into Mexico from the Boquillas Border Crossing located within Big Bend National Park across the Rio Grande.
Parking is available at the Boquillas Crossing parking lot.
US currency is accepted although it is recommended you take smaller bills
In the summer months this area is very hot since it is in a desert region. Dress accordingly.
Hours: The border is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm from November to April and Friday to Monday from 9am to 4pm from May to October.
You will need to be back to the border crossing before 4pm or you will not be able to reenter the US.
You may cross the border by foot through the Rio Grande or by boat provided by their towns people. Do not cross the river by foot if the river is high.
Occasionally Mexican’s leave items for sale across the border on US land. Purchasing these items could cause those individuals to cross the border illegally causing them to be arrested and deported. If you want to purchase Mexican ware legally, purchase them on Mexican land or in camp stores within Big Bend National Park.
Cost: They charge $5 per person round trip for the ferry (small rowboat). Ages 7 and under $1 each. You pay once you get off the boat in Mexico.
What to expect once in Mexico
Once you enter onto their land you are greeted by several towns people offering to guide you to their town. You can walk the 3/4 mile or ride a horse * ($8 per person) or a burro * ($5 per person) or sit in the back of a pickup truck for $10 per person.
You are not required to have a guide through their town, and you actually do not need one since the town is so small, but my kids rode the burro and that is an experience they still talk about today. They loved it! **there were two different prices online. It also mentioned $15 for horse and $10 per burro.
Although tips are not required they are recommended and you might feel pressured to provide tips. They do deserve a tip as they work hard to support their community with limited resources. If you use of a town guide, you will need to tip them and if you stop for a meal it doesn’t hurt to buy them a drink.
Pay Fees for environmental projects
Once you make the walk into their town you are required to enter their small building to the right and pay $3 per person (if they are open) to the Mexican immigration which helps sustain environmental projects that fund Natural Protected Areas in over 180 areas in Mexico.
After you pay this fee, you are free to walk around the town. Again, you don’t need a guide as the town is so small, but they are there if needed. If you use a guide don’t forget to tip them.
Restaurants in Boquillas
There are two restaurants in Boquillas. Jose Falcon’s and Boquillas Restaurant Bar. We ate at Jose Falcon’s while we were there. The food was good, and the atmosphere was relaxing! They also had a store attached to their restaurant for your souvenirs needs. Everything is reasonably priced, and they sold clothing, homemade wares, pottery, and more.
Reminder: You cannot take raw food, tobacco, alcohol, rocks or minerals back across the border into the US.
Other tour options
There are other tour options available for the adventurer for an additional fee. Check out Boquillas Adventures for more details.
morning canoeing trips
horseback riding
overnight trips to Casa Piedra
Boquillas day hikes
Cuatro Cienegas - 5 day/4-night trip
Reserva El Carmen
Boat ride back across the Rio Grande
Once you are finished visiting their town you will head back to the Rio Grande where you first entered into Boquillas and take the rowboat back into Texas and into US customs. This is an easy process to cross both borders and such a fun cultural experience.
Your visit to Boquillas, Mexico, via the border crossing in Big Bend National Park, will leave you with some lasting memories and an extraordinary cultural experience. You will cross over the Rio Grande and experience local traditions, warm hospitality, and a beautiful desert landscape.
Whether you choose to experience authentic Mexican dishes, explore the stunning views of the surrounding area, immerse yourself in the sparse local hospitality, or buy a local Mexican ware, Boquillas will provide a rare and enriching adventure.
I am so glad we were able to experience this border crossing into Mexico where this very small town provided us with some excellent local food and a cultural atmosphere that we will remember forever. You only need a few hours to visit this town as it is so small. I hope you can help support this town by visiting the next time you are near Big Bend National Park. You will be glad you took the time to do so.
Enjoy your journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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