You
are more than welcome to call us at 1-877-787-2624 for further assistance
if you are planning to travel to La Ventana del Mar. We can send you
detailed maps and instructions to help you plan your trip in addition
to what is provided in our web site. Or simply e-mail
us now.
Driving
Instructions and Directions
Mileages and travel time from USA Cities
Map of San Felipe
Border Crossing Requirements
Traveling in Mexico
Firearms
Required Auto Insurance
Road Signs
Food/Fuel/Restroom Facilities
El Centro Area Overnight RV Facilities
DRIVING
INSTRUCTIONS AND DIRECTIONS
If you are driving, you need to get to Calexico, California. You can
get there via San Diego on Interstate 8 East or from Yuma, AZ take
Interstate 8 West to Hwy. 111 exit. Take Hwy. 111 South to Calexico
and the Mexican border. There are two crossing points into Mexico
from here. See the following instructions. Drive time from border
to La Ventana del Mar is approximately 2 hours.
Border
Crossing at Calexico:
From
El Centro: Go east on Interstate 8 to Highway 111 exit.
Go South on Highway 111 to the border. Go through the border, and
bear right. After approximately 500 feet turn right for San Felipe.
Go straight on this road through Mexicali (major intersections will
have signs for San Felipe.) This turns into Highway 5. El Dorado
Ranch are at Kilometer marker 176 and you will use this entrance
for La Ventana del Mar as well. Click for map
Eastern
Border Crossing:
From El Centro: Go East on Interstate 8 to Highway
111 exit. Go South on Highway 111 to the third light (Hwy. 98 or
Truck Route 7). Go East on Highway 98 for about 7 miles where the
sign shows the border crossing. Make a right and proceed up and
over the cloverleaf and into the border crossing (this is clearly
marked). RV's are to follow the signs for passenger cars.
From
Yuma: Take Highway 8 West and exit at Highway 98. Go West
on Highway 98 for about 16 miles. At the traffic light, make a left
and proceed up and over the cloverleaf and into the border crossing
(this is clearly marked).
Once
through the new border crossing you will come to a "T"
crossing. Make a right and proceed West along the border boundary
to the first stop sign where you will make a left onto Calzado Manuel
Gomez Morin (MORIN BLVD). Continue South on MORIN through 7 traffic
lights, passing the Sony plant. Turn left onto Highway 5 going South.
La Ventana del Mar and El Dorado Ranch are at Kilometer marker 176
and are about 2 - 2 1/2 hours driving time from the border. Click
for map.
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Those
who live farther away may want to fly.
1.
Fly into San Diego and drive rental car. Drive time is approximately
5 hours.
2.
Fly into Yuma, AZ and drive rental car. Drive time is approximately
3.5 hours. 3. Fly into Los Angeles and then fly into El Centro, CA
and drive rental car. Drive time is approximately 2.5 hours.
NOTE:
When renting a car you must tell them you are driving into Mexico.
Some agencies will not allow rentals into Mexico. In San Diego Red
& Blue is the most economical and allows their vehicles into Mexico
with the appropriate insurance. In Yuma and El Centro, Avis rents
cars that can go into Mexico. (El Centro Avis counter closes at 5:00
on weekdays, Noon on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays.)
We
have had some members chose another option and that is by bus. It
can be a long tedious trip but can be done. Greyhound Bus has a station
in Calexico, CA, right at the border. You can then walk or take a
taxi into Mexicali Bus Station and get a bus to San Felipe. SOMETHING
TO THINK ABOUT—SAN FELIPE DOES NOT HAVE ANY RENTAL CARS AT THIS
TIME. A taxi ride to El Dorado Ranch and El Dorado Ranch is about
$15 from the bus station.
INFORMATION SHEET
The
following information will assist you in making your trip to our beautiful
seaside resort - La Ventana del Mar. If you have a question that is
not answered in this information packet, please contact our Customer
Service Department at 1-877-787-2624, email@eldoradoranch.com,
or 2260 S. Xanadu Way, #340, Aurora, Colorado 80014.
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MILEAGES/TIMES
FROM MAJOR SOUTH WESTERN USA CITIES TO SAN FELIPE
| Mileage
from San Felipe to other major cities: (in USA) |
| City |
Miles |
Estimated
Time |
| El
Centro, California |
137
miles |
2:15
hours |
| San
Diego, California |
236
miles |
4:30
hours |
| Palm
Springs, Califonia |
244 miles |
4:00
hours |
| Los
Angeles, California |
350
miles |
6:30
hours |
| San
Francisco, California |
725
miles |
12:30
hours |
| Yuma,
Arizona |
184
miles |
2:45
hours |
| Phoenix,
Arizona |
374
miles |
6:00
hours |
| Tucson,
Arizona |
446
miles |
7:15
hours |
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BORDER
CROSSING REQUIREMENTS
Crossing the border is virtually effortless. Typically, North Americans entering Mexico at Mexicali are simply waved through. During the return trip, U.S. Customs performs a standard inspection on every car, so be prepared to wait in line for re-entry into the U.S. on weekends and holidays. When crossing the border, always carry two forms of identification including your driver’s license, a certified copy of your birth certificate, your passport, your voter registration card or your social security card (bring a birth certificate for any minor child). U.S. passports will be required of foreigners to enter Mexico by air or sea beginning December 31, 2006. Passports will be required for all land border crossings effective December 31, 2007.
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Mexico will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Mexico by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
For up-to-date information regarding travel requirements you may click here to visit the U.S. Department of State web site.
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TRAVELING
IN MEXICO
It
is suggested that you do your driving into Mexico during the daylight
hours. The danger is not from persons with questionable intent but
from the narrow roads. Roads are not lighted and unexpected road hazards
may not be marked. Highways are generally maintained in good condition.
As a precaution, travelers should carry a gallon of water. The Green
Angel organization was created by the Secretary of Tourism for the
assistance and protection of highway travelers. This is a free service
and federally funded. The Green Angels patrol Mexican highways looking
for motorists in distress. They will help with minor repairs, supplying
gasoline, etc. No charge is rendered except for gas or parts provided.
Travel in Mexico is easy, safe and enjoyable. It is also educational
and provides an opportunity to broaden our understanding and appreciation
of our Mexican neighbors.
Pemex
is the only gasoline producer in Mexico and most stations are locally
owned and operated. While prices are standard, there is much competition
to provide the best service. The quality of Mexican gasoline is not
a problem. Magna Sin is the equivalent to unleaded. Some stations
also sell diesel fuel. It is wise to buy your gas at busy stations
to assure frequent inventory turnover and fresh fuel.
Under
a joint agreement between the U.S. and Mexican governments, floating
checkpoints manned by the Mexican Army have been established to control
contraband movement. These guards are courteous and will explain why
they are stopping you. Signage is also posted in English and Spanish.
The rule is to be polite and cooperative and in the absence of any
contraband (guns/drugs), they pass you through very quickly. There
is no need to be alarmed. It is also advisable to let them know you
are going to La Ventana del Mar/El Dorado Ranch.
Mexican
highways are policed by the Highway Patrol in black and white sedans.
If you need emergency assistance, don't hesitate to flag them down.
Large
supplies of alcohol, i.e. cases, will be taxed upon entry. U.S. Customs
does not allow reentry of fresh fruit and vegetables or uncooked eggs
and pork products.
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FIREARMS
One
thing you should definitely not bring with you into Mexico is any
type of firearms or explosives. THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED.
AUTO
INSURANCE
Mexican
auto insurance is a must. Mexico does not recognize U.S. auto insurance
policies. Proof of automobile ownership is required. Insurance is
easy and affordable to purchase whether on a daily or annual basis.
Insurance rates vary and depend on length of stay, type and value
of vehicle. La Ventana del Mar visitors and El Dorado Ranch visitors
have access to Mexican insurance by calling Adventure @ 1-800-485-4075,
or purchase Mexican Insurance
online and you can print your Mexican auto insurance policy in
just minutes from your own computer. You can purchase your insurance
policy well in advance of your trip to Mexico - 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. By purchasing your Mexico auto insurance online, you
will save money and time, and you will never have to wait in line
at the border again!
Accidents
must be reported to your Mexican insurance carrier BEFORE returning
to the United States.
ROAD
SIGNS
Click on Image to Enlarge
FOOD/FUEL/RESTROOM
FACILITIES
For
those needing to make convenience stops along the way, try to plan
you trip to stop at La Ventana which is approximately 45 miles from
La Ventana del Mar at Kilometer marker 110. La Ventana has both cold drinks
and light food as well as gas (not diesel) for those who may want
to top off. The restroom facilities are of the outhouse variety so
you might want to use your own rig or travel a few miles farther.
The next stop could be at the formal rest stop at the Junction of
Highway 5 and Highway 3 (the Ensenada Highway). The rest stop is approximately
23 miles from La Ventana del Mar, is large, lighted
and has indoor bathroom facilities that are kept relatively clean.
There is a fee of $.50 charged by the attendant for use of the restroom
facilities. There is no food or fuel available at this location.
EL
CENTRO AREA OVERNIGHT RV FACILITIES
If
you wish to stay in the El Centro area before or after your trip to
La Ventana del Mar, the following facilities are available;
Desert
Trails RV Resort 225 Wake Ave. (Southeast of I-8 @ 4th St.) 760-352-7275
- Rio
Bend RV Resort 1589 Drew Road (South of I-8) 760-352-7061
- Sunbeam
Lake RV Resort 1716 W. Sunbeam Lake Rd. (Drew Rd. exit N. of I-8)
800-900-7154
- Highway
Rest Stop On I-8 near Drew Rd., approx. 7 miles west of 4th St. (has
dump station)
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