Nuevo Laredo, Mexico

Visitors can cross the border from Laredo, Texas into Mexico by car or on foot (the more popular choice). There's no problem driving across at either International Bridge No. 1, also known as the Old Bridge, or International Bridge No. 2, the I-35 bridge.

Nuevo Laredo is far larger than its American sister. The city engages in an enormous import-export business and holds the title as the largest port of entry on the Mexico-U.S. border. A seemingly endless procession of trucks crosses the I-35 bridge all day and night.

Before leaving Laredo, drivers should invest in short-term Mexican auto insurance. Two companies carrying this coverage are Sanborn's U.S.-Mexico Insurance Service at 2212 Santa Ursula (210-722-0931) and Camper Center Mexican Insurance Agency at 2319 San Bernardo (210-722-0141).

Most vacationers make the five-minute walk across International Bridge No. 1 to get a better view of the Rio Grande below. You can park your car at the Riverdrive Mall (1600 Water Street) and walk to the Old Bridge. After paying a toll at the entrance to the bridge, then you can walk into Mexico. In the middle of the bridge is a plaque that marks the border between the two countries.

Cross over the bridge to the shopping district and Avenida Guerrero, where street vendors hawk everything from chewing gum and paper flowers to tablecloths and strands of garlic. In the downtown area, every road parallel to Guerrero is an avenue or avenida, one running perpendicular to the avenues (and parallel to the river) is a street or calle.

Shopping in Nuevo Laredo

Our Favorite Picks

Nuevo Laredo Restaurants

Restaurants and Watering Holes

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