Is an inusual little border town. What’s so inusual about Algodones? We heard that within a four block radius there are more pharmacies, doctors, dentists and opticians than a similar four block area anywhere else in the world! And, this “border medical land” attracts thousands of Canadians and Americans weekly. What’s the big attraction? You can find heavily discounted prescriptions, eye-glasses, and medical and dental care. And, if you listen to your friends in the snowbird RV parks, they can tell you that the care from their Algodones doctor or dentist is as good as anywhere back home.
Algodones is located 7 miles south of Yuma, Arizona off Interstate 8. You will be in California when you take the exit to the border. You will travel down Route 186. The border crossing is officially Andrade, California. Algodones is located in the Mexican state of Baja California.
We recommend that you park in the lot on the U.S. side and walk over. Most people do. Entering Mexico is effortless. No one checks your ID or inquires about what you are bringing in. Just stroll across and voila’ you are in another country.
What you will notice first are the pharmacies and medical offices. Some simple and very “south of the border looking” and some new and not unlike what you will see in any American town. The pharmacies have hand written signs touting their prescription prices. Staff eagerly beg on you to enter the store. Everyone speaks English and during the day the town is filled with older Canadians and Americans. It’s best to look around before you attempt to purchase anything. That goes for pharmaceuticals, vanilla, souvenirs or liquor. The Algodones shopping area is only four blocks square, remember.
You will also notice that Algodones is a Mexican border town. Don’t expect even sidewalks, chain stores or austere white buildings. Algodones is dusty, colorful and fun!
