|
rastafarout
Sep 7, 2008, 10:07 PM
Post #1 of 13
(3618 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 24, 2005
Posts: 76
|
We are(3 of us),heading to El portrero chico in november.We are not sure how the things going at the border.Should we go for the mexican embassy,to get visa?Or they just gonna give it to us at the border?
Also like to know if is any climbing store down there?(In case if the airline loose our baggage,so we gonna stuck in mexico without gear.
Any helpful advise,are welcome!Not only in this matters,but anything what is coming to your mind,what you think it's could be important,please let us know!
THX in advance!
I know my english is sucks 
|
|
|
|
|
budman
Sep 7, 2008, 11:10 PM
Post #2 of 13
(3597 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 10, 2004
Posts: 170
|
Depends what country your are a citizen of whether you need a visa or not. Always bring your passport to get back into the states. If you need a visa allow plenty of time or pay the price. If your from the states you don't a visa but will be required to fill out the tourista forms.
|
|
|
|
|
grantjk
Sep 7, 2008, 11:23 PM
Post #3 of 13
(3593 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 76
|
Have a great time--EPC is lots of fun.
If you're a US citizen, you need either a passport or this other card, also issued by the State Dept, that is good for Canada and Mexico only. No Visa required.
The office at the Posada sells some gear, and when I was there last winter there was someone selling a pretty wide array of gear from a van near the campground. I avoided the whole issue by carrying on my rope, draws, shoes and harness--I had to explain it to the security person, but it was no problem getting it on the plane.
|
|
|
|
|
rastafarout
Sep 7, 2008, 11:28 PM
Post #4 of 13
(3589 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 24, 2005
Posts: 76
|
Well,i'm hungarian,with green card.I think i'm gonna contact my embassy in D.C.
Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
budman
Sep 7, 2008, 11:37 PM
Post #5 of 13
(3581 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 10, 2004
Posts: 170
|
Sounds like the best thing to do and do it soon as the fees to expedite the process are steep.
|
|
|
|
|
8flood8
Sep 8, 2008, 1:04 AM
Post #6 of 13
(3546 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 10, 2004
Posts: 1436
|
if you are driving you need your
CAR TITLE IN YOUR NAME
MEXICO CAR INSURANCE (google it)
CAR STICKER from the Mexican Embassy
TOURISTA from the mexican embassy.
if you get all of these things, when you get to the border you will get a green light and pass through the border with NO PROBLEMS.
|
|
|
|
|
gblauer
Moderator
Sep 8, 2008, 1:52 AM
Post #7 of 13
(3537 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 4, 2002
Posts: 2824
|
rastafarout wrote: Also like to know if is any climbing store down there?(In case if the airline loose our baggage,so we gonna stuck in mexico without gear. THX in advance!
If you are flying, carry your gear on the plane and check your clothing. This way you will not lose your climbing gear. It's all bolted, so you can leave your trad gear behind (although some people climb trad at EPC).
The water is safe and totally drinkable, you will not need bottled water. Bring things like gatorade powder, power bars etc, there is very limited shopping for that type of stuff in Hidalgo. That said, there is a 2x weekly farmers market with great produce and cooked meals.
The weather in November can be cool, plan for warm days and cool (cold) nights. A light weight down jacket is advised.
There are a few guide books available for EPC; Potrero Select by Magic Ed, The whole Enchilada by Dane Bass and a small, desktop published book by Magic Ed. All books are available at Tammy's cafe or at the climbing shop at La Posada.
Early November can be a tough time for the restaurant scene. We have been there before the season started (early November) and the restaurants were mostly closed.
There is a lifetime of climbing...have fun!
|
|
|
|
|
rastafarout
Sep 8, 2008, 3:06 AM
Post #8 of 13
(3517 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 24, 2005
Posts: 76
|
In reply to: TOURISTA from the mexican embassy.
What's that?By the way we gonna fly.
(This post was edited by rastafarout on Sep 8, 2008, 3:09 AM)
|
|
|
|
|
dlintz
Sep 8, 2008, 4:46 AM
Post #9 of 13
(3492 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 9, 2002
Posts: 1982
|
Should be okay if flying.
I second Gail's recommendation about the Tuesday markets in town. You'll find plenty of fresh produce, eggs, and meat for preparing your own meals. We stayed at La Posada which has a communal kitchen (refrigerators, stoves, pots, pans, eating utensils, etc.)
Hopefully you know at least a little Spanish. It's not mandatory but it really does help a lot. Have fun.
d.
|
|
|
|
|
rastafarout
Sep 8, 2008, 11:01 AM
Post #11 of 13
(3461 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 24, 2005
Posts: 76
|
Thanks guys!
|
|
|
|
|
8flood8
Sep 8, 2008, 12:52 PM
Post #12 of 13
(3445 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 10, 2004
Posts: 1436
|
That is what the Mexicans call a "tourist visa"
it is FREE from the consulate, but you must wait in line to get it.
You can have the tourista free for up to 20 days, i believe, after that you must pay a small fee.
|
|
|
|
|
jaydenn
Sep 8, 2008, 1:43 PM
Post #13 of 13
(3431 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Feb 6, 2006
Posts: 27
|
Can't stress enough that it will be cold at night.
Like really cold. Really, really cold.
Many times I would wear a thermal shirt PLUS down jacket PLUS sleeping bag when I slept.
And during the day, I would wear shorts. 
Honestly, just be prepared for major temperature swings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
