Did you know you can cross into Mexico at Big Bend National Park? I didn’t until my friend Gary told me about it! I was a bit nervous at first, but that quickly faded once I experienced the charm of Boquillas del Carmen.
After a quick stop at the Port of Entry Office, where they give you a briefing on things like not bringing fruits or vegetables back across the border, you have two options for crossing the Rio Grande: you can wade across or take a boat for $5 each way.
Once across, you have several options to get to the village center—walk, catch a ride, or even ride a burro or horse. We opted for the ride since we were on a time crunch. As we journeyed through the village, we were greeted by friendly locals who were happy to share their stories.
Boquillas is a small, tight-knit community, and it’s evident that the town thrives off tourism. The area was once a busy mining town during the late 1800s, known for silver, lead, and zinc. The Puerto Rico mine, located high above the town, was the heart of the community until it closed after World War I. Today, the population hovers around 250-300 people. The town is simple yet beautiful, with sandy-colored homes, solar panels, and lots of homemade art for sale, especially from the kids.
During our visit, we dined at one of the two restaurants in town—Jose Falcon’s. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was made even better by live music. Afterward, we explored more of Boquillas with our guide Daniel, who shared fascinating details about the area’s history. He took us to the Visitor Center, where we learned more about Boquillas’ past as a mining hub and its transition after the floods of the 1970s and 80s.
One of the unique attractions in the area is the Candelilla plant, which thrives in the region. This plant, with its waxy coating, was used during World War II for various industrial purposes, including waterproofing tents and preserving airplane parts.
For those staying longer, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, like canoe trips or exploring the nearby Boquillas Canyon, Crystal Cave, or Casa de Piedra (the Stone House). If you’re looking for a true adventure, you’ll find it in the serene landscape of Boquillas.
Before we left, Gary and I learned about something else unique to the area—Sotol, a traditional Mexican spirit. While I don’t drink, I learned that Sotol is not made from the agave plant (like tequila), but rather from wild-harvested Sotol plants. The drink, often compared to moonshine, has an interesting history, having been illegal for over 50 years before being legalized in 1994.
As our visit came to an end, we rode back on a burro (a bit feisty, but we warmed up to each other) to catch the boat back to the U.S. The return process was simple and efficient, and just like that, we were back in America, but with a deep appreciation for this little slice of Mexico.
Boquillas del Carmen offers a peacefu experience that’s a true getaway for the day. It’s a small, quiet town with a rich history, friendly locals, and a sense of simplicity that makes you appreciate the slower pace of life. If you ever find yourself near Big Bend, this is a must-see!
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