im gonna be in tuscon march 30 at the rialto theater-is it better to goto mexico or back to grand canyon?

Question

i have thursday the the 29th and up to moday april the 2nd-i have never been to mexico or the grand canyon-where do you recommend stayin-at either one-i dont mind drivin-i kinda have my heart set on the new skywalk at the grand canyon but mexico is callin my name

Answer 1

Definitely go to grand canyon...its amazing and is one of the great wonders of the world....getting into mexico is becoming harder as they move towards it being mandatory to have your passport....plus there isn't much in Mexico worth the risks...i know of many terrible stories....also you will already be in Tucson which is basically just as crappy as mexico

Answer 2

Honestly, I think your romantic vision of Mexico would be shot down by a visit to Nogales, the closest border town to Tucson. However, taking a day trip down there to walk across the border and do some shopping can be fun. I wouldn't recommend staying down there overnight.

You could go out to Rocky Point, in Mexico on the Gulf of California. (They call it the Sea of Cortez...as do most Arizonans.) Rocky Point is quite well developed with nice hotels, great beaches, and plenty of typical Mexican shopping. It's a very scenic four hour drive from Tucson.

Further away in Mexico (about 7 hours), going south from Nogales, is the resort town of San Carlos. I've never been there but people say it's great.

But as others note, all things considered, the Grand Canyon is not to be missed. It's possible you could get that taste of Mexico by doing the day trip to Nogales and still do the Grand Canyon too. But, hey, if you're young and sure you will visit Arizona in the future, the canyon will still be here. It's worth the wait.

BTW, I assume you understand it's quite expensive to do the skywalk...like $25 just to walk on it and I think there are other charges along the way (to enter the Hualapai Tribal Park). Still, compared to the cost of the whole trip, it's not going to break you. The skywalk is also in a remote area but you said you didn't mind driving so I wouldn't let that stop you.

Answer 3

Do you have a passport? I am not sure if the law has changed yet for those walking or driving across, but something to look into.

I would suggest personally the grand canyon. It is definitely one of the wonders of the US and there are many activities to do once there. You can take guided mule rides or hikes to the floor, helicopter rides etc. And yes, now the new skywalk is in and I am sure it is something to see.

I have been to Mexico a few times and I can tell you the border cities are not the best in terms of safety. It is kind of on the slummy side unless you go all the way in towards Mexico city or one of the tourist traps. I also wouldn't recommend driving into Mexico as they will give you a hard time if they pick up on you are an American, if you get pulled over, the cops will wipe you clean of your belongings in order to let you go again. I just wouldn't recommend it. If you do decide to go however, park on the American side and walk over. Please be careful though, because you will be a target of crime on the border towns

Answer 4

The skywalk is bound to be crowded since it just opened. Plus, it's $75 to walk a few feet over the canyon. It goes to a good cause, but...

I disagree with the people who say Nogales isn't a good place to visit Mexico. Maybe they're looking for the resorts or the party centers like Rocky Point. Nogales is real - the people there make a living selling their wares to tourists, so it's fun to walk the mercados and haggle prices over colorful hand-woven blankets and baskets.

Plus, this is the last year you can cross the border without a passport, even walking or driving. Might as well take advantage of it.

Answer 5

I am partial to Grand Canyon, but I lived there for 3 years. As for the Skywalk, it is at Grand Canyon West between the National Park and Vegas. It would be quite a drive from Tuscon.

Answer 6

I was in Phoenix this past November and we went to both places, but only as day trips. I would recommend the Grand Canyon over Mexico, although I adore Mexico. However, if you do end up going to Mexico instead, go somewhere like Rocky Point (Spanish name is Puerto Peñesco or something like that - terrible of me since I speak Spanish but I'm lazy today). Or you might be able to go to Ensenada (I think that's in NW Mexico if I remember correctly). We only went to Nogales, which is on the border and it wasn't worth it at all to be there even for a day.

Answer 7

if mexico is calling your name you've already answered the question. you might go back home and wish that you had done the other anyway. The grande canyon is beautful and breath taking. I love mexico but well its mexico and never changes. The canyon changes with every season and now would be a great time spring is happening and its warming up.

Answer 8

The Grand Canyon is the better choice There is nothing of any interest it see or do in any of the Mexican towns that border Arizona. Since the INS has stepped up patrolling the California border the criminal element in Mexico has moved much of their activity to cities along the Arizona border, Your safety could be at risk.