Laredo
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The twin cities of Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, which celebrated their 250th anniversary in 2005, are situated on the banks of the Rio Grande. Laredo, which has a population of 207,787, has been governed under seven national flags. Nuevo Laredo has a burgeoning population of 355,827. The twin cities are collectively referred to as Los Dos Laredos. The weather is moderate in winter months around 68°F (20°C) but sizzling in mid-summer around 100°F (39°C).
This city is the commercial hub of the South Texas Plains, which is primarily an agricultural region. It offers entertainment, education, and cultural resources that fit well with its Hispanic heritage. Laredo is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.
Non-U.S. citizens are recommended to carry their immigration documents with them even if they do not plan on crossing the border into Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. There are check points on your way back from Laredo where they might be asked to show your immigration documents.
Non-U.S. citizens having a valid U.S. visa who decide to cross the border and enter Mexico should be prepared for a long wait at the CBP detention center/check post to get back into U.S., even with all the necessary documentation. It might not be a pleasant one, but can be minimized by crossing at off hours or by using alternative crossings, such as the Colombia bridge.
Get in
By car
Laredo is accessible by car via Interstate 35, and US Highways 59 and 83. I-35 is the U.S. portion of the Pan American Highway that stretches from Central America to Canada.By plane
Laredo International Airporthas scheduled direct flights to Dallas/Fort Worth (80 minutes), Houston (80 minutes), and Las Vegas (165 minutes) via American Eagle, Continental Express, and Allegiant Air.
By bus
Bus travel to Laredo is convenient, as it's a major stop on several routes between the US and Mexico. Greyhound has daily services from Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Brownsville and more, direct services are also available from Monterrey. More options for bus travel from Mexican cities can be found by crossing the border into Nuevo Laredo.
Get around
El Metro is the city's municipal bus service, offering scheduled routes as well as paratransit services. Laredo is quite spread out, so car rental is an attractive local transportation alternative.
See
Plaza San AugustinWhere various dance, music and crafts festivals take place throughout the year.
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Republic of the Rio Grande Museum
phone: +1 956-727-3480address: 1005 Zaragoza StThe Republic of the Rio Grande Museum is dedicated to the year 1840, when Laredo was the capital city of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande. An unreocgnized state that declared independence from Mexico in January of that year, the republic would quickly be reintegrated into Mexico. The museum is the nation's former capital building and features preserved rooms and historic displays, plus a small gift shop. -
Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum
phone: +1 956 718-2727address: 810 Zaragoza Street El MercadoThe old city hall.
Do
Wildlife game abound in south Texas, so Laredo is a popular destination for hunters and fishermen. Birders can spot the Great Kiskadee, White-tipped Dove, Green Jay, Scrub Jay, Red-billed Pigeon, Audubon's Oriole and possibly the White-Collared Seedeater in the region.
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Lake Casa Blanca International Park
address: 5102 Bob Bullock LoopActivities include picnic areas, fishing, and camping (nightly site fees $15+).
Buy
Mexican souvenirs and crafts are plentiful in local marts, especially the myriad importers along San Bernardo.
Marti'sFor antiques, furnishings, folk art, jewelry, ceramics.
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Thomas Grocery
phone: +1 956 729-7379address: 206 Juarez Ave
Eat
Southwestern and Mexican cuisine restaurants abound in Laredo. Also, beef is a popular item on any menu in this area.
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phone: +1 956 722-1701address: 1000 Zaragoza StFamous for its Sunday brunch.
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phone: +1 956-725-8207address: 207 Shiloh DrSpecializes in Mexican seafood. Second location at 3919 San Dario, Tel: +1 956-724-8958.
Drink
The drinking age in Texas, as in the rest of the US, is 21, but the drinking age in the state of Tamaulipas, as in the rest of Mexico, is 18. Many Texan high school seniors and college students from San Antonio and Austin make their way to Nuevo Laredo to drink.
Sleep
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phone: +1 956 725-5555address: 2410 Santa Ursula Ave
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phone: +1 956 722-4533address: 700 W. Hillside Rd
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phone: +1 956 722-8133address: 5920 San Bernardo Ave
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phone: +1 956 725-8187address: 5310 San Bernardo Ave
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phone: +1 956 753-9700address: 310 Lost Oaks Blvd
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phone: +1 956 717-0800address: 5940 San Bernardo Ave.
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phone: +1 956 722-1701address: 1000 Zaragoza St.Historic downtown hotel built in 1916. Spanish colonial style.
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phone: +1 956-722-0444address: 7010 Bob Bullock LoopAll Suite hotel
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phone: +1 956-712-0733address: 1006 W. Calton Road
Stay safe
As in all other border towns, always be aware of your surroundings.
Go next
Day trips by car can take you to Zapata TX (less than 1 hour to the south) for hunting, fishing and nature observation/birding; and to Kingsville (less than two hours to the east) a ranching heritage town, and home of the King Ranch Museum . Cross over the bridge to Nuevo Laredo and visit nearby San Ygnacio, Camargo City, Ciudad Mier, Ciudad Miguel Aleman and Ciudad Diaz Ordaz for a taste of Mexican history, environment and lifestyles.