Kaktus...and Mexico

We decide to cross the border in Sonoita. This is a popular crossing for those entering from Tucson or Phoenix to vacation in the Gulf of California.

Advantage: the drive through Organ Pipe National Monument. Aha...the observant reader sees "National". And right..no services due to shutdown. But not so important there either. Park open.

Impressive cactus landscape with plant species found exclusively there. All familiar from the Western movies. We take the 30 km trail and then drive the remaining distance to the border.

We purchased the additional car insurance required for Mexico online at 4am with a poor data connection. It took a patient hour to complete.

Exit without any questions, only the number of cameras and scanners is unlike anything else. Checkpoint 1 in Mexico, they look at your items and it's quickly done, Checkpoint 2 they check IDs, Checkpoint 3 involves a search of the vehicle by the military. But everything in a relaxed atmosphere. Meanwhile, one can complete the immigration formalities, get the tourist card (paperwork, stamp, fee) and already you are in Mexico. Curious to see how the return goes.